Father and son, Peter and Chris Maxted, from Horsham will enter the Dragons’ Den this evening (BBC One, 8.00 pm) seeking investment for their company which manufactures retractable, portable dog safety gates.

The Dog-G8 gate was the inspiration of Peter, the founder of the company, who has been a pet sitter for over 20 years.

Peter was very aware of the risks associated with dogs at front doors – escapes, attacks and thefts – and although there were other gates on the market, he felt they were inadequate and ineffective enough to work for all breeds. 

He decided to design and sell his own version so he could keep his and client’s dogs safer at the front door. 

Peter’s son Chris is also a director in the business and has been working alongside Merseyside Dog Safety Partnership and the University of Liverpool to raise awareness of dog attacks and their impact on delivery workers.

The Dog-G8 product is British made and features a modular, retractable, and portable design. The product is incredibly versatile and can be used on multiple configurations ranging from the front door to stairways, hallways, motorhomes, caravans and more. The gates modular design enables it to be spanned to any width, allowing the gate to be fitted to the widest of configurations such as patio doors or extra-wide openings where standard, conventional gates cannot fit.

The gate is made from mild steel, coated in chrome or white powder coat, bolted together with bespoke, customised clips which give the gate strength and durability.

When the gate is not in use it sits flat and compact to one side it’s neat, unobtrusive, and out of the way. Finally, it is removable, enabling it to be easily stored away or docked to other configurations (if extra brackets are purchased).

Since launch the company has seen massive growth and now sells directly to customer in the UK, Canada, United States, and Europe. The product went viral on TikTok & Facebook attracting over 80 million organic views across all videos and they attended Crufts last year for the first time where the product was well received. The Dog-G8 Company were the Theo Paphitis' Small Business Sunday Winner in March 2021.

The Dog-G8 Company is working on bringing out new variants of the current products. The business will launch a taller version of the gate within the next few months, ready for Crufts 2023, alongside offering customers a range of new colours. Now only two colours are available, Chrome and White in one height.

The business is looking to widen its distribution network by targeting the trade and wholesalers in the next year and is looking for investment to fulfil their ambitious plans for the future. Tune in to see if they can find a Dragon to invest in their business.

The gates are available to buy directly from www.dog-g8.com. Prices start from £62.95 for a standard gate and come with a range of accessories, extensions and brackets.

A UK-based dog bakery has moved closer towards being carbon neutral with the installation of a 30KW solar system, an electric car charger and planting trees at its factory unit in Shropshire.

Life Of Riley Bakery Ltd, a manufacturer of natural healthy pet treats, relocated and upscaled to new commercial units in March 2022, and since then has been striving to reduce its carbon footprint.

The move towards a greener future started in November when the company installed a large solar panel system spanning the entire roof of their units 

“This was a huge investment for us,” said Sarah Meredith, owner of Life Of Riley based in Market Drayton, Shropshire. “But we feel strongly about being as kind to planet as we can with our business operations. 

“As we scale the business up, we do not want it to be at the cost of the environment. We will always make business decisions with this factor at the forefront of our minds. It means we are more in control of our costs too, with the volatile energy prices effecting manufacturing businesses significantly.”

The company has also invested in a fast charge car charger onsite and an electric car which the team uses for all business travel.

Already offering plastic free and compostable packaging options to customers and stockists, Life Of Riley is in deep discussions with its packaging suppliers to remove single-use plastic completely from its range.

“Over 85% of our customer base are trade stockists, for which many of them take advantage of our loose biscuit options, meaning they can display our products in the most flexible and economical way possible. Customers are becoming more aware of plastic waste every day and we want to make sure we are not letting the side down,” added Sarah.

Life Of Riley is also planting its way to having a forest – in return for honest customer reviews the company plants a tree. “It’s great to see how our customers are excited by the fact they have a tree planted on their behalf. We hope to plant as many trees as we possibly can and soon we will be planting one for every order we receive.”

Leading raw food dog food manufacturer Benyfit Natural has partnered with Prevented Ocean Plastics (POP) to ensure that all of its raw food plastic tubs are now made from plastics collected from coastal towns and cities across the globe.

Greg Van Praagh, Head of UK & Europe at RPFC, comments: “We’re committed to making the necessary changes as a business to ensure that we’re doing all we can to support a circular economy. 

“We know the impact that pet food production has on our environment so we will make the all the changes we can to ensure our impact is as minimal as it can be.

“Switching to using POP (Prevented Ocean Plastics) for our raw food tubs is just the first step of many to come from Benyfit Natural. Our new Benyfit Bites treat range packaging is 100% recyclable and all our carboard boxes and sleeves are too. We know we’re not perfect yet, but we plan on getting as close as possible over the next few years.”

The Prevented Ocean Plastic programme is the largest of its kind, collecting plastic across coastlines that are at risk from ocean plastic pollution. They provide ongoing supply of recycled plastic at industry scale that is premium quality whilst supporting and providing work for local communities.

For more information visit

www.benyfitnatural.co.uk

www.preventedoceanplastic.com

Global pet insurer, Petcover Group, has acquired Brooks Braithwaite (Sussex) Limited from ManyPets Ltd (formally Bought by Many).

Operating in the UK under the British Pet Insurance brand, the acquisition will see Petcover increase its already extensive exotic and pet business insurance offering in the UK.

Brooks Braithwaite (Sussex) Limited is the leading exotic pet insurer in the UK, having pioneered its products some 30 years ago and leading the UK market with its comprehensive speciality designed business policies for the pet industry.

Petcover operates in Continental Europe, Australia and New Zealand, providing comprehensive pet, equine, exotic and pet business insurance offerings to clients. The company will bring years of knowledge and experience as Brooks Braithwaite merges into the group.

Petcover Group CEO Andy Pearce said: “It is an exciting time for Petcover as we expand our offering in the UK Pet Insurance sector. Acquiring Brooks Braithwaite (Sussex) Limited means that we are able to offer the pet lovers of the UK an even bigger selection of insurance products to ensure that their well-loved pets are protected, whether they are at home, with a dog walker, getting a haircut or are on holiday with a boarder.

“All of our customers deserve the very best customer service; our award-winning team is ready to ensure that the transition for all is smooth and focuses first and foremost on the pets and on the service we provide, and that our customers deserve.”

Petcover Group was founded by Doug and Gwen Ford, who have 40 years’ experience as dog show judges, breed experts and pet insurance specialists, with both still firmly at the helm.

Managing director Doug Ford said: “Our aim has always been to take our many years of experience and success in the pet insurance market as far as possible, and to ensure we protect as many pet owners and their special pet friends as we can.

“Looking at the business and the amazing growth we are experiencing; with award after award recognising our hard work and professionalism, we look forward to welcoming all Brooks Braithwaite customers into the Petcover family.”

Steven Mendel, CEO and co-founder of ManyPets Group, commented: “As administrators of Brooks Braithwaite’s brands, we were not in control of the end-to-end product design and experience. Saying farewell to both Exotic Direct and Pet Plan Sanctuary allows us to focus our attention on the ManyPets brand and products.”

Winning a New Product Award at PATS Sandown, the UK’s Spring pet industry exhibition, can have a tremendous impact on the fortunes of an exhibitor. It can help turn a new launch into a bestselling item in pet stores around the country and clinch that all-important export deal.

One of the main reasons why the Award is held in such high esteem is the fact it is decided by a panel of independent retailers, who know what it takes for a product to fly off the shelves.

Entries for the New Product Showcase and Awards at PATS Sandown, which takes place on 26-27 March 2023 are starting to flood in as exhibitors get ready to showcase their latest launches to retailers and buyers from the UK and abroad.

The New Product Showcase and Awards are sponsored by pbwnews.

Here two companies who triumphed in the New Product Awards at PATS Sandown in 2022 reveal what the accolade has done for their business.

Case Study No 1

Mealberry GmbH – Winner of Small Animal and Bird Product Award with Little One Starter Set

How did you react to winning a New Product Award at PATS Sandown?

I think everyone who enters products in the contest secretly hopes to win, but when your name is called and your product has actually convinced the experts and judges it is a very rewarding feeling. It gives you the confidence and confirmation that your knowledge and product development are right for the market.

Has the award helped your business?

Yes, it has created brand awareness – a lot of people who had not heard of Mealberry know us now. It is also an independent confirmation that it is a great product, which is reassuring to the customers and helps them to make the purchase decision.

How did you use the win to promote the product?

We used it in our marketing and event communication. It is also handy in all other markets we operate in. Everyone knows the UK has a strong market when it comes to the pet industry and this makes the impact even greater. We are very grateful to have won and it motivates us to continue to innovate and develop.

Case Study No 2

Sharples Pet – Winner of Dog Accessories and Toys Award with LickiMat UFO

How did you react to winning a New Product Award at PATS Sandown?

We were delighted to win the New Product Award. The whole team were really excited about it.

Has the award helped your business?

Yes, as it is a well recognised and respected award in the pet trade, so winning the award is a big stamp of approval. It has certainly helped raise the profile of the UFO.

How did you use the win to promote the product?

We used the award-winning logo on advertising, email sign off and media.

New Product Awards at PATS Sandown 2023

The New Product Showcase and Awards will again be main features at this year’s PATS Sandown. All entries to the Showcase will be judged by a panel of independent retailers and retail specialists on the first morning of the show (26 March), and winners of the Awards will be announced at 1pm on the same day.

For all the latest information on PATS Sandown visit www.patshow.co.uk, where you can also register for free entry to the show.

The increasingly available evidence of cruel practices involving pets has prompted the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee to launch an inquiry into ‘pet welfare and abuse’.

Reports about activities such as back-yard ‘puppy mills’, sometimes breeding ‘designer dogs’, and the importation of heavily pregnant bitches are of great concern to the Committee. 

The evidence suggests these practices increased during the Covid-19 pandemic to meet increased demand as pet buyers had more time at home and obtained animals for company and exercise. 

But as the pandemic has receded, new worries have also grown. People who acquired pets are finding they have less time to look after them. Meanwhile, the cost of living has increased, meaning some people can no longer afford to care for their pets and are giving them away, or abandoning them, to pet sanctuaries. 

All of this has led to increased pressures on vets and pet charities. The inquiry will look what steps can be taken to support their vital work, and will ask how government can end cruel practices and improve pet welfare.

Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee Chair, Sir Robert Goodwill MP (pictured), said: “Having previously called Defra to account on the issue of pet smuggling, we already have evidence that abuse of animals for the pet trade is taking place. 

“The Committee intends to get to the root of what is going on and hear how best to improve pet welfare and stamp out bad practice. 

“Unregulated back-yard breeding of ‘designer dogs’, not to mention cruel practices such as the declawing of cats for cosmetic purposes, should not take place anywhere - let alone in our country, which is known as a nation of animal lovers.”  

People with experience in the areas covered by the inquiry are invited to submit written evidence to the inquiry. For advice on how to submit this and how we use the information, CLICK HERE.

The deadline for written submissions is Friday 31 March 2023.

To mark Pet Dental Health Awareness Month, Jollyes’ 85 stores across the UK are inviting people to come in every ‘chews’ day (Tuesday) throughout the month to collect a free McIntyres dental stick.

Customers will also take away some vital information on dental hygiene so all pets across the country will be smiling brightly.

And Jollyes’ is planning ask customers on its social media channels for appropriate dental-related songs at 2.30pm (tooth-hurty) each afternoon.

Initial playlist suggestions include ‘You’ve Flossed that Loving Feeling’, ‘Plaques the way, uh huh, I like it’ ‘Do You Come From a Land Crown Under’ and anything by Fleetwood Plaque.

Dental care is an important aspect of pet healthcare, yet it is often overlooked. Just like humans, pets can suffer from dental problems, for example, 80 per cent of dogs are affected by gum disease and between 50-90 per cent of cats older four years suffer dental diseases.[1]

Plaque, tartar, and gum inflammation are all very common in pets and among the most frequent concerns seen by vets. By the age of three, over three quarters of all pets have developed some form of periodontal disease.[2]

As paw-rents, it’s the responsibility of owners to make sure that their pets receive proper dental care to keep their teeth and gums healthy.

Jollyes’ Phil Turner-Naylor said: “teeth and gum issues are one of the most common reasons people bring their dogs and cats to the vets.

“As the pet people, it is extremely important that we raise awareness to our customers about brushing their pet’s teeth.

“Our staff members are equipped with information and advice on taking care of dental hygiene, so we encourage everyone to pop in on a Tuesday for a free treat and a chat.”

To find out more information about Jollyes and its ‘chews’ day campaign, visit www.jollyes.co.uk

Petpals’ franchisee Peter Lea, was announced as a winner of the Great British Franchisee Awards this week in recognition of his ongoing success with his two businesses: Petpals Bracknell and Petpals Wokingham and Sandhurst.

The prestigious national awards consider areas such as business experience, business growth, staff retention, customer satisfaction, community involvement, and inspired leadership to determine worthy winners across the UK.

Petpals are delighted to recognise the success of their franchisees, with Kevin Thackrah, Director of Petpals, telling us, “We are proud to have such committed and talented franchises in our network. Peter is part of the Petpals Focus Group, a small team comprised of franchisees and head office staff, and his contribution and recommendations are a great asset to our network. Seeing Peter’s two Petpals locations flourish is so inspiring, and testament to Peter’s hard work. He deserves this award in recognition of his dedication to providing the highest possible standards of excellence regarding the care of pets, but also to the community and his staff team.”

With over 150 locations nationwide and their network set to expand in 2023, Petpals is the UK’s longest established multi-service pet-care franchise and founding member of the Pet Care Franchise Association, with over 20 years’ experience helping franchisees build successful businesses in the pet-care sector. Petpals offers a full range of pet-care services, including pet and cat sitting, small pet boarding, dog walking, dog home boarding, puppy care, elderly dog care and pet transportation.

Peter said, “Being recognised for this award is a huge honour. Our work at Petpals is focused on providing premium pet care, and being part of a brand with such a strong commitment to such an important initiative is an inspiration. I’m so proud of my team, who are instrumental in providing a friendly, trusted service to pet owners and supporting the wellbeing of pets.”

The judges of the Great British Franchisee Awards praised Peter for his community and franchise involvement, along with his excellent focus on staff development. Kevin Thackrah believes Peter is a great ambassador to Petpals’ franchise network, as well as his own team and the wider communities in which he operates: “Supporting key workers and those shielding during the pandemic, Peter and his team assisted customers with deliveries, posting letters and other chores, as well as pet care. 

Now, Peter supports a local mental health team, caring for pets of any of their patients if they get taken into hospital unexpectedly. Sending regular reports to the owners so that they have peace of mind that their pets are well, in addition to attending to other things in their home that have resulted from them leaving in a hurry, is yet another example of how genuine, kind and trusted Peter and his team are. We are so proud of what he’s achieved and can’t wait to support him as he continues his journey with us.”

To find out more about Petpals’ range of pet-care services visit: https://www.petpals.com/

Raw dog food brand, Paleo Ridge has engaged in a multi-store launch with Jollyes, which will culminate in seven stores stocking the award-winning premium range this month.

Paleo Ridge products are currently available in six Jollyes stores including Hermiston, Llanelli, Stirling, Waterlooville, Gosport and Totton. Each store stocks products from the Essentials, Classic and Paleo Plus ranges, to ensure there is something for every customer. As demand for raw dog food grows, Paleo Ridge may be stocked in further Jollyes stores.

Paleo Ridge has been growing their number of stockists over recent years.  Jollyes and Paleo Ridge first began working together in November 2022, and it is hoped by both firms that the partnership will go from strength to strength.

Gill Synnuck, Trade Account Manager for Paleo Ridge, based in Waterlooville, Hampshire, said: "We are delighted Jollyes have expanded their raw offering and now feature complete meals from our Classic, Paleo Plus and Essentials Paleo Ridge ranges.”

"It’s a huge step for us, and a sign of things to come as more people begin to understand the huge benefits of feeding a species appropriate diet.”

"As a well-known and trusted brand, we are looking forward to working with Jollyes and encouraging more customers to switch to raw, and for their dogs to reap the benefits."

Ben Carter, Buyer for Jollyes – The Pet People said: “Pets come first for Jollyes, we want our customers to have happy pets for less and we see the benefits and demand for raw as a way of helping our customers and their pets. Therefore, we want to partner with key brands to make raw widely accessible and available nationwide through our stores.”

It's National Apprenticeship Week, and iPET Network is continuing in its commitment to supporting apprentices by offering high quality end point assessments.

In 2022 the Ofqual regulated awarding organisation celebrated becoming an End Point Assessment Organisation for five animal care apprenticeships.

The apprenticeship standards, Animal Care and Welfare Assistant, Dog Groomer, Equine Groom and Senior Equine Groom, Keeper and Aquarist can now be assessed by iPET Network.

This development marked a massive step for the emerging Awarding Organisation, which was also granted an expansion of scope by Ofqual to offer qualifications across the whole Animal and Veterinary Science Sector.

Using iPET Network for end point assessments helps providers be sure that their apprentices are being assessed by experts in the industries that they will soon be qualified to work in.

Unlike other awarding organisations, iPET Network is run by animal experts, and has a deep knowledge of the sectors that it creates qualifications in.

Sarah Mackay and Fern Gresty, co-founders of iPET Network, said: "As an organisation, iPET Network's core priorities have always been to enhance our animal care industries with high quality training and qualifications, drive up standards and ensure that animal welfare is at the heart of all we do.

"All iPET Network assessors are experts in their field, and we are so proud of this fact, as it demonstrates a difference and competence, and a commitment to driving up standards of animal welfare in the UK."

 National Apprenticeship Week will be celebrated from 6th – 12th of February 2023. The theme for this year is ‘Skills for Life’.

National Apprenticeship Week brings together the entire apprenticeship community to celebrate everything that is amazing about apprenticeships.

To find out more about National Apprenticeship Week go to www.amazingapprenticeships.com

To find out more about the iPET Network go to www.ipetnetwork.co.uk

In response to the increased demand for canine enrichment chew toys, Nylabone has expanded its UK product offering with three new products for Spring. 

The first new products are additions to the Strong Chew Max range.  Made from rubber this range is designed for dogs with a more determined style of chewing.

The new products include a beef flavoured medium stuffable Cone that’s perfect for hiding treats, and a Braided Ring that doubles up for a game of roll and fetch. Alongside promoting good chewing habits, the new products feature raised dental nubs to help to keep teeth clean whilst preventing the build-up of tartar.  

The final Spring addition is a cheese beef burger flavoured Extreme Ring Chew. Available in a large size, the Ring Chew is made from Nylabone’s classic durable nylon that is suitable for even the strongest of chewers. The ring shape works perfectly for tug play games whilst being easy for your dog to hold and chew.

The new products are available to order now from Interpet’s trade website https://trade.interpet.co.uk/

direct to your e-mail inbox...

The best news service every week.

Subscribe for free by clicking here

The British Independent Retailers Association has commented on January's Retail Sales Monitor (RSM) results as being 'better than expected'.

BIRA, which works with over 6,000 independent businesses of all sizes across the UK, also said that comparisons with last years were difficult due to the impact of Covid.

The BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor for January 2023, revealed:

• UK Total retail sales increased by 4.2% in January, against an increase of 11.9% in January 2022. This is below the 3-month average growth of 5.2% and above the 12-month average growth of 2.5%.
• UK Like-for-like retail sales increased 3.9% on a  basis from January 2022, when they had increased by 8.1%. This was below the 3-month average growth of 4.9% and above the 12-month average growth of 1.5%.
• Food sales increased 8.0% on a Total basis and 7.9% on a Like-for-like basis over the three months to January. This is above the 12-month Total average growth of 3.5%. For the month of January, Food was in growth year-on-year.
• Non-Food sales increased 2.9% on a Total basis and 2.5% on a like-for-like basis over the three-months to January. This is above the 12-month Total average growth of 1.6%. For the month of January, Non-Food was in growth year-on-year.

BIRA CEO Andrew Goodacre (pictured) said: "At first sight it looks as if January has been better than expected. Comparisons with last year are difficult due to the impact of Covid last year.

"However, sales growth is below inflation, and retailers margins are being squeezed as they strive to offer even better value to entice customers. We have a Spring Budget in March and that must be the platform for improving consumer confidence and economic growth."

Pets at Home has appointed Gudrun Ravetz, to the newly-created role of Veterinary Officer.

Gurdun is currently Head of Workplace Engagement of the Vets Group (Vets4Pets) at Pets at Home, and has over twenty years’ experience as a veterinary surgeon with strong expertise from across the industry.

During her career, Gudrun has held a range of roles including President of the Society of Veterinary Surgeons, Officer of the British Veterinary Association and President 2016-2017, and Chair and Director of Vet Sustain. Gudrun is also Chair of the Vet Record Editorial Advisory Group and Chair of the Veterinary Medicines Directorate Better Antibiotic Data by Farming System working group.

She continues to engage with the veterinary profession at senior levels with a strong focus on workplace engagement, in addition to culture and animal welfare.

This new role will be pivotal in delivering the Pets at Home pet care strategy, which puts clinical expertise and pet welfare at the very heart of the business.

In her new role, Gudrun will also become Chair of the Pet Welfare Committee, which operates as the guardian of the Pets at Home’s number one value - to put pets first. This includes oversight of products and services, risk management, pet welfare messaging and consumer engagement, in addition to ownership of clinical and pet related research funds.

Louise Stonier, COO of Vets4Pets, commented: “I’m delighted to announce Gudrun’s new role today. She has an impressive track record of supporting and advocating for the UK’s vet community and brings her strong network and proven expertise to the role. Today’s announcement is a critical step in the strengthening of our central clinical team, reinforcing our laser focus on delivering the best pet care across the UK.”

Commenting on her appointment, Gudrun said: “Pets at Home has a critical role in the UK’s pet care ecosystem. I’m excited to have the opportunity to take a leading role in shaping the future of clinical expertise and pet welfare within the business, and to also join the Pet Welfare Committee, which will help to showcase our progress and identify how we can best share our knowledge on some of the most important issues affecting pets and vets. Pets at Home has an unwavering priority of ‘putting pets first’ and I’m looking forward to helping with this mission.”

A leading qualification creator is joining the fight for regulation around dog ownership, after recent shocking incidents hit the headlines.

Following the tragic deaths of Milton Keynes four-year-old Alice Stones, and Caterham dog walker Natasha Johnston, iPET Network is highlighting their existing responsible dog ownership qualification course, and looking to join the campaign for more legislation around the issue.

Speaking to the Sunday Telegraph, lawyer Trevor Cooper, who specialises in laws surrounding dog ownership, suggested that dog keepers with aggressive pets should be forced to complete a course in responsible dog ownership.

And this week iPET Network co-founders Sarah Mackay and Fern Gresty highlighted that such a course already exists, and is ready to go if such a law should come into force.

The pair, who are at the forefront of the drive to enhance skills in UK pet industries through a wide range of qualifications regulated by Ofqual, said: "These incidents are tragic, and while we would not want to comment on the specifics of each case, they have brought this debate into the public consciousness again.

"With more dogs than ever living in homes in the UK following the pandemic puppy boom, many in homes which have never owned a dog before, we believe that it is vital that owners are aware of the potential dangers that arise from not training a puppy properly or caring for them responsibly.

"Many of these so-called pandemic puppies were not able to socialise adequately because of lockdowns, so we have a ticking time bomb of issues if proper training and awareness is not raised as soon as possible.

"We already have a responsible dog ownership course in place, which anyone can sign up for, and we would love to work with the authorities if more wider reaching rules come into force."

In his Sunday Telegraph interview, Mr Cooper said that high-profile attacks should be a reminder to authorities that current legislation around dog ownership is not appropriate.

Sarah and Fern added: "This is not about punishing dogs or their owners, this is about making positive changes, and giving people the skills and knowledge to make the correct decisions about their beloved pets."

To find out more about the iPET Network go to www.ipetnetwork.co.uk

Affectionate, sweet and loyal are just a few of the reasons why the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (CKCS) is so well loved in the UK. Yet this breed of popular family dog is plagued with heart disease which will affect 98% of the breed.

A new survey of over 1,000 dog owners in the UK carried out by Vita Animal Health shows that shockingly, only 41% of dog lovers identified the CKCS as being very prone to heart disease with only 39% feeling confident they would know the signs.

A whopping 95% of people agree that a dog breed’s popularity is influenced by celebrities and current affairs and with the coronation of King Charles III looming, vets urge the British public to educate themselves when buying this breed.

Cardiology specialist vet, Dr Rachel James, explains “Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are in high demand and sell very quickly. They are a wonderful breed but sadly up to 50% of CKCS have evidence of heart disease by the time they are five, and if they live as long as ten years, nearly all dogs are affected. Unfortunately, not all new buyers know what to ask breeders when they choose their puppy.”

 “The good news is, that there is a heart Doppler test that can be performed on the parents which helps breeders identify affected dogs early on so they can be taken out of the breeding programmes.  Only dogs who have GREEN Doppler results should be used for breeding, and prospective buyers should be asking breeders for proof of these tests – even better if the grandparents of the puppies have good results too.”

The survey revealed that 78% of dog owners believed heart disease in dogs to be common, but 61% were either unsure of or don’t know the signs of heart disease. While over 90% correctly identified breathlessness and slowing down on walks as common signs for heart disease, the respondents were unsure of further indicators. 

Dr James continues “We still have lots of work to do in educating our pet owners around heart disease. Subtle changes such as weight loss can let us know something is wrong, as well as more obvious signs such as coughing, exercise intolerance and fainting. Annual health checks of dogs are so important as vets can pick up on early subtle signs, especially for those prone to heart disease such as the CKCS.”

The survey was led by pet nutraceutical company, Vita Animal Health, to raise awareness of the condition and to remind owners to use their vet’s expertise. Vita’s vet nurse, Tara Evans, explains “The CKCS is a very popular breed of dog, perhaps set to be more so now King Charles III is reigning monarch. This survey has shown that awareness of mitral valve disease – which is very common in this breed – is not as good as it could be. The mitral valve sits between the left upper chamber (atrium) and left lower chamber (ventricle) of the heart. It ensures blood flows one way round the heart but when it doesn’t close properly, less oxygenated blood travels around the body to meet its needs.”

The survey revealed that 65% of owners had owned a dog with a heart murmur, and 90% of these people had felt comfortable and supported in managing the murmur.  Interestingly 48% of owners would be reluctant to own a breed that was prone to heart disease yet only 21% of responders consult their vet when choosing which breed would be suitable for them. 

Dr James continues “Veterinary professionals are always happy to speak to prospective owners - education empowers people. Helping people know what kind of issues they may encounter with certain breeds enables them to fully prepare, which ultimately improves dog welfare and reduces owner worry.”

Vita Animal Health urges dog owners to talk to their vet if they have any question or concerns regarding heart disease in dogs. A helpful guide on the common signs of heart disease can be found here: www.vitaanimalhealth.com/common-signs-of-heart-disease/

More information can be found at www.vitaanimalhealth.com

A charity which rescues dogs from the meat trade is appealing to pet businesses to help them fund their stand at Crufts.

NoToDogMeat is currently working hard to raise a 'fighting fund' which will help them to rescue more dogs, and care for the hundreds they support at the charity's shelters in China and Cambodia.

The London-founded charity has secured a stand at Crufts, which takes place in March at the NEC in Birmingham, and is appealing to the pet trade to help them fund the stand through sponsorship.

Julia de Cadenet, who founded the NoToDogMeat charity in 2009, said: "Every penny that we raise we want to spend on the dogs we support, so we are hoping that firms from the pet trade will come forward and sponsor our stand.

"Their branding would appear on the stand as our way of saying thank you, and their donation will help to ensure that we have a presence at this important event, but also that more money is available to do our vital work."

The NoToDogMeat charity holds United Nations Special Consultative status, advising on ending the global dog meat trade at the highest level.

Ahead of last year's Yulin Dog Meat Festival in China, the charity was key in staging daring rescues, flagging down trucks full of dogs being transported to Yulin, and using a loophole in the law to have the dogs transferred to the safety of rescuers.

This year is the first year since the pandemic that NoToDogMeat hopes that they will be able to transport dogs to the UK, to become pampered pets following their escape from the cruel meat trade.

Julia added: "We are a grassroots charity, so every penny really matters, and this year is a huge year in terms of continued work, and hopefully ensuring that some of the rescues get their forever homes in the UK.

"If any business would like to help us in our mission, we would love to hear from you."

To register an interest or find out more email notodogmeat1@gmail.com

To find out more about the charity go to www.notodogmeat.com

Leading veterinary care provider IVC Evidensia has launched its pioneering GP Vet Futures Award Programme. 

It’s a key part of the industry leader’s mission to create the world’s best primary care network.

In a European first, IVC Evidensia vets will be recognised for the skills they already have, as well as supported to achieve new skills within the GP framework.

The programme is intended to increase their status within the profession, boost confidence and ability, and provide a clear, individualised pathway to career progression.

It aims to shine a spotlight on the GP vets who are the first point of contact for owners, ensuring their hard work and unrivalled range of talents and skills are showcased as never before. 

“The GP vet underpins the profession,” said Edward Davies BVSc MRCVS, who has just taken up the newly created role of Aspirational GP Lead after stepping down as chair of the IVC Evidensia Small Animal Clinical Board.

“The plethora of skills a GP vet has is unparalleled when you look at other professions.

“This programme is about recognising the core and expansive knowledge sets we as GP vets possess, not just at an individual level, but an organisational and professional level.”

An initial two cohorts of up to 20-30 vets from across the business will take part over the next 12 months, and the expectation is it will take around two years for every cohort to complete. 

It’s a portfolio-based assessment by peers which documents how the vet has approached many of the important aspects of general practice. Not only are support resources available through a blend of media to suit individuals learning needs and styles, the same is true for assessment, with submissions being accepted in writing, verbally or even by video evidence.

It will provide a tailor-made structure to further build their career. There will be six core and three elective categories, broken down into achievable bite-sized chunks and with success points that can rapidly be reached.  

The core section includes the elements seen as fundamental to being a successful GP vet, complimented by the individual vet’s selection of three elective modules which best fit their clinical interests. 

“Some people will already simply be able to demonstrate their skill within an area,” said Dr Gayle Hallowell, IVC Evidensia Director of Professional Development. 

“Others will be signposted to material to help bring them up to date or enable them to think differently about an area to then demonstrate their ability. 

“So, it will be a combination of learning and demonstrating what they already know. But it will very much be at the individual’s own pace, and it is being structured so as not to add to pressures in an already-stressful world. 

“It’s really about just showcasing how great they are.” 

As well as both additional skills and a resultant confidence boost, the GP Vet Futures Award is also intended to be externally accredited. 

“We want all GP vets to value their ability to perform their jobs, appreciate their abilities and have an appetite to confidently take cases forward, so they can enjoy the fulfilling career of being a GP vet to the max,” added Mr Davies.

CSJ says its herbs range is a big hit with retailers and people feeding dogs on RAW diets.

CSJ’s founder Ceri Rundle, the International sheepdog trialist, renowned judge and breeder of the acclaimed Moel working Border Collies, says: “Many retailers are now selling our herbs and treats alongside RAW diets.

“Our CP Xtra complete food is also often stocked as a perfect natural balancer and natural wheat gluten free mixer for RAW diets.”

So why are CSJ’s products the ideal choice?  Ceri says, “After over 20 years there’s something for every dog …

From herbs Billy No Mates (which fleas and pesky insects hate!) to Turn Back Thyme with older dogs in mind and from the treats range Fish’n Hips semi-moist, natural fish treats containing 70% white fish and low in fat, to Training Tips, the delicious semi-moist 80% meat treats with cranberry and blackcurrant, our natural ranges are extensive.

RAW diets have become popular and we have complementary natural herbs and treats that owners are increasingly finding offer that special something extra.”

For more on CSJ products visit www.csjk9.com or call 01745710470

Paramount Retail Group (PRG), the owners of Pet Brands and Vital Pet Group, has today announced the acquisition of four major online retailers – Fetch, Medic Animal, Pet Supermarket and Pet Meds alongside two petfood brands; Bob & Lush and K9 Choice from Paws Group. With a combined turnover of over £50m in 2021 alone, the retailers and brands will join a strong stable of pet and lifestyle companies already owned by PRG. 

With over 250,000 regular subscribers, Fetch, Medic Animal, Pet Supermarket and Pet Meds are already well-established online retailers with strong brand heritage and a loyal customer base. The deal will ensure that customers continue to receive their orders in a timely fashion with the benefit of the group’s unique distribution infrastructure and existing networks. 

Ravi Sharma, Director at Paramount Retail Group, comments: “PRG are delighted to have completed the acquisition of these fantastic online retailers and brands from Paws Group. We believe to succeed in the current environment, expertise, scale, and strong partnerships are essential.”

“This is a very natural move for the company because of our existing resources and capabilities within the pet sector. The acquisitions will not only complement our portfolio of existing pet brands, but it will also allow us to scale and drive synergies for the group’s ambitious growth plans.”  

The latest move positions PRG as a major player within the pet industry – a sector that is increasingly attractive because of its relatively recession-proof reputation, humanisation and premiumisation which drives pet product purchases.

PRG owns several core pet sector companies, creating a vertically integrated business model with significant synergies. The portfolio includes Pet Brands – an industry leader in the design and manufacture of accessories and treats for pets and wild birds and leading pet product wholesaler - Vital Pet Group.

About Paramount Retail Group

Paramount Retail Group is owned by the Sharma family and owns several diverse companies, including Pet Brands, Vital Pet Group, Dibor and Bristows of Devon. It employs over 350 people across sites in the Midlands and South-west.

The Paramount portfolio includes a majority stake in Pet Brands – an industry leader in the design and manufacture of accessories and treats for pets and wild birds. As well as producing its own brands and licensed  brands, Pet Brands exports to 58 countries around the world. The company has long-standing partnerships with major retailers and is responsible for producing bespoke and innovative own-label ranges. 

In 2017, Paramount expanded after acquiring a majority stake in leading pet product wholesaler Vital Pet Group, adding to its capabilities in operations and logistics, as well as growing partnerships with a wider network of customers and suppliers that extends throughout the industry.

Further acquisitions of two confectionery companies in 2018 added to the company’s stable of British brands and expertise in export. Over the same period, Paramount’s lifestyle brand and online retailer Dibor has grown incrementally. 

About Fetch, Medic Animal & Pet Supermarket

Fetch was acquired by PAWs Holdings in January 2021, joining Pet-Supermarket.co.uk and PetMeds.co.uk in the UK and Medicanimal.com in Continental Europe with the view creating the number one dog and cat wellbeing business. The Group has over half a million customers and turnover in excess of £50 million. As well as retailing several pet products, the PAWs website offers virtual vet consultations and pet insurance. 

Fluffy, a pet care app helping owners to raise healthy and happy pets through training, vet care and insurance, has secured $450k in its pre-seed funding round.

The round was led by QVentures and Techstars, and included participation from several further high-profile Angel investors. This funding will be used by Fluffy to build its team, including hiring key personnel in product development, marketing, and customer service.

Founded to provide a more affordable and less stressful approach to petcare, Fluffy’s membership plans offer dog training from world-leading experts, 24/7 chats with vets and comprehensive insurance coverage for a wide range of medical expenses, including unexpected illnesses and injuries, as well as routine care. The company currently has a community of over 20,000-strong pet parents that continues to grow. 

"We're thrilled to be able to bring our vision of more accessible and comprehensive pet care to life," said Pavel Gertsberg (pictured right), CEO of Fluffy. "Our goal is to give pet owners peace of mind by taking the financial burden off their shoulders in case of any medical emergency their beloved pets may have, while also supporting them with their day-to-day pet parent responsibilities. We believe this funding round will help us achieve that goal, and we’re excited to continue growing our product."

Fluffy took part in Techstars London’s accelerator programme where it was guided with one-to-one mentorship from multiple former startup founders, assigned dedicated growth coaches and had access to capital to grow and scale. 

Harveer Bharaj, Principal at QVentures, said: “Fluffy is aiming to redefine how pet care works, ensuring that not only do the customers save money but that they also become better pet parents in the process. Since meeting Pavel and German, we've been impressed by the rate at which they've progressed Fluffy, and having now led their pre-seed round are even more excited to see what the future holds!”

Saalim Chowdhury, MD at Techstars London, said: “Watching our alumni achieve great things post-programme is always a proud feeling. The funding that Fluffy has secured will allow them to access the next step, and bring pet care to the attention of many pet owners around the UK. Under the guidance of Pavel and German, and as a valued member of Techstars’ 2022 cohort, I am incredibly excited to see the progress of Fluffy in the future, especially with the launch of their fair pet insurance launch in February.”

The pre-seed funding comes ahead of Fluffy’s fair pet insurance launch in February, which will be backed by one of the world’s largest insurers. However, pet parents can already join the app and get help with training and vet advice by downloading the app from Apple and Google Play Stores.

A pet shop has raised a GoFundMe appeal as it struggles to stay in business.

The Reptile Shed in Hamsey Green, Croydon, has appealed for financial help to save the shop from closing.

Owner Tim Ashton says on the GoFundMe page: “We are in severe financial difficulty and we are running out of options to stay here and house our amazing, rescued reptiles. 

“If they lose their home they will have to be rehomed again. Some of our rescues have suffered awful abuse and have found a loving, caring home with us. We also can not engage and work with so many amazing groups, customers of all ages, special needs children and adults and our volunteers if we are not here. We need your help to stay open.

“The Reptile Shed started at home where I started to rescue unwanted reptiles. As my collection of rescues grew, I moved them to our premises in Hamsey Green and they live in lovely, large enclosures and they are cared for with love by myself, our amazing volunteers, youth club members and SEN youth club members. I don't want to see this end, so I need to ask for help.

“I saw another Croydon business use Go Fund Me to help save their business and I am hoping that similar kind people can help us.”

Tim added that he needed funds to help pay for rent, electricity, equipment, supplies and food.

A week after launching, the appeal had raised £645 of the £7,000 target.

The shop’s GoFundMe page can be found here https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-save-the-reptile-shed-hamsey-green

National pet retail chain Jollyes opened its first pet superstore in Cambridgeshire on Maskew Avenue, Peterborough.

The store – Jollyes’ 85th in the UK – is the first to open in 2023 as it accelerates its opening programme.  Its next opening will be at Port Glasgow, Inverclyde at the end of February.

The opening of the new store saw the first-ever Pet Proms with Peterborough-based Gabriella Pineda-Rodrigues and her cockerpoo Scamp performing light opera

Gabriella opened the store with deputy mayor of Peterborough, Councillor Nick Sandford and Deputy Mayoress Alderman Bella Saltmarsh alongside Jollyes’ CEO Joe Wykes.

Mandy Adams, Lyndsey Fearnns and Tracy Shippam with the stilt walkers at the official opening of Jollyes pet store in Peterborough.

Store staff at the official opening of Jollyes pet store in Peterborough. 

More pictures taken by Professional Images/@ProfImages below: