The PetQuip Awards are firmly established as a mark of excellence for companies wishing to highlight their products and services to the world.  

Now in their sixth year, such is the popularity of the awards that several hundred entries were received this year, and following the judges’ deliberations, these have now been whittled down to a list of 39 finalists.

Commenting on the quality of the entries received, PetQuip’s trade association manager, Pat Flynn said; “It has been a mammoth task working with our team of experts to filter through the entries and each and every finalist can be proud of their achievements.  This is particularly true for those companies that have made it into the final line-up in categories where there were a large number of entries. 

“Our final judging panel, made up of independent retailers, a retail chain buyer and a marketing analyst, will have a hard time deciding the ultimate winners."

Speaking about how the industry perceives the value of the awards, the director general of PetQuip, Amanda Sizer Barrett said; “News of the winners is always eagerly anticipated, and the publicity generated for those runners- up, finalists and winners should never be underestimated.

“PetQuip receives worldwide recognition and to gain one of its awards demonstrates that the winning firm is a high achiever in the pet industry.  Using the awards as a form of promotion can add significant credibility to both a company and its products in both home and overseas markets.  We are looking forward to finding out who will be the lucky winners this year.”  

Final judging will take place in August with the winners being announced on Sunday 23^rd September at the PetQuip Awards dinner, which takes place on the first evening of the PATS pet trade exhibition in Telford.

Following the success of last year’s presentations, the PATS New Product prizes will also be presented at the dinner.  Tickets for the event can now be booked by calling 01959 565995 or emailing info@petquip.com

Tickets are £80 plus VAT or £70 plus VAT for PetQuip members and in addition to entry to the event, the price includes a drinks reception, three course meal with wine and entertainment.  As in previous years, the occasion promises to deliver a fun evening of networking, good food and wine.

HOWND, who won two awards in 2017 – Marketing Project of the Year and Pet Product of the Year (Accessories) – are a finalist again, this time in the Pet Product of the Year (Food & Treats) category.

The 2018 finalists are:

Business of the Year

• Broadreach Nature +
• Danish Design
• Group 55
• Loving Pets
• Naturediet
• Natures Menu
• Pedigree Wholesale
• Wild Wash

Exporter of the Year

• Burgess Pet Care
• Chicken Guard
• Group 55
• Loving Pets

Marketing Project of the Year

• Company of Animals
• HayPigs
• Hownd
• Inspired Pet Nutrition/Harringtons
• Just for Pets
• Natures Menu/True Instinct
• Wild Wash

Pet Product of the Year (three categories)

1. Food & Treats:

• Hownd – Hemp Wellness Treats
• Kennelpak – Yakers Dog Chews
• Loving Pets – Ora Bone
• Meatlove – Training Sausage
• Naturediet – Moist Meaty Treats
• Nutriment – Dinner for Cats
• Poppy’s Picnic – Enhanced Pet Food
• Poppy’s Picnic – Complete Meatballs
• Poppy’s Picnic – Follow-on Paste 
• Slurps – Nutritious Dog Drinks

2. Accessories:

• Collarways – Mookiemax grooming and massage tool
• Collarways – WestPaw chew
• Company of Animals – new launch
• Danish Design – Dog Duvet
• K9 Organics – Shampoos/Paw Balm
• Pet Trade Innovations – Doc & Phoebe No Bowl System

3. Health & Technical:

• Catipilla – Climbing Frame
• Chicken Guard – Automatic Chicken Coop Door
• Collarways – Anti-parasite Collar
• Doggy’s Cuppa – Daily Dog Brew
• PetWeighter – Dog Feeding System
• Sure Petcare – Microchip Pet Door Connect
• Sure Petcare – Cat Flap Connect
• WaggleAntics – Tick Defence 

International Pet Retailer/Distributor/ Wholesaler of the Year

• Saint Vincent Group, Dubai
• Samohyl, Czech Republic
• Wanimo.com, online retailer, France
• Whesco, Denmark

UK Pet Retailer of the Year

• Colchester Pet Stores, Colchester, Essex
• Hart Pet Supplies, Benfleet, Essex
• Mutt & Co Pet Boutique, Hartlepool, Teesside
• Pack and Clowder, Hackney, London
• The Wet Nose Dog, online retailer
• WaggleAntics, online retailer

Lifetime Achievement 

To be revealed on 23rd September at the PetQuip Awards dinner.

Winning a New Product Award at the UK’s number one pet trade show can have a tremendous impact on the fortunes of a PATS 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 be a panel of independent retailers, who know what it takes for a product to fly on the shelves.

Entries for the New Product Showcase and Awards, sponsored by pbwnews at PATS Telford, which takes place on September 23-24, are still flooding in as exhibitors get ready to showcase their latest launches to retailers and buyers from the UK and abroad.

Here Rik Cridland, from the innovative HayPigs company, who triumphed in the New Product Awards at PATS Telford in 2017, reveals what the accolade has done for his business.

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

We were obviously delighted to scoop the award. To win best new small animal product in our first year of trading was wonderful recognition for all the hard work and effort we'd put in behind the scenes.

Has the award helped your business?

Winning the award announced our arrival to the pet trade and raised the profile of our brand. We got lots of attention and well wishes, which was lovely. It just helps us in our ultimate goal of enriching the lives of small furries (and their owners) every day.

How have you used the win to promote the product?

Absolutely! The awards logo is now on all our marketing material and we are now able to introduce our product as the 'award-winning' HayPigs! Piggy Weightlifter. We certainly saw sales boasted because of it, so it was well worth entering!

To register for free entry to the show and to view the full list of exhibitors visit www.patshow.co.uk

A Lancashire pet shop has been cleared of any wrong doing by its local council after animal welfare concerns were raised on social media. Pictures of mice in a crowded cage, allegedly taken in Diane’s Pet Store, in Thornton, near Blackpool, were shared online.

The images, appearing to show dozens of white mice crammed into the same cage, sparked outrage on Facebook before they were removed.

Wyre Council said the pet shop was found to be operating within the terms of its licence following a visit .

And according to the Blackpool Gazette a person speaking on behalf of Diane’s Pet Store hit back at the online critics, and called the people posting the images on Facebook “morons”.

“We haven’t got any mice running about. They are all running in their cages. There are some very sad people around. We have done nothing wrong,” the newspaper was told.

A Wyre Council spokesman said: “The council carried out an inspection of the pet store and at that time did not find any breaches of their licence.”

The full report can be read by clicking here

Batleys Nottingham played host to a special trade day event for Bestpets Pro-Grooming customers to educate pet care professions in Pro-Grooming best practise.

Customers were invited to attend a free dog-grooming demonstration by Eve Somers LCGI GMG ICMG, founder and owner of the highly successful Abbfabb Academy, based in Cornwall.

In addition to the demonstration, there were special discounts available, opportunities for customers to speak to suppliers and a talk on scissor care & sharpening by Andrew Rattray of The Gay Blade Professional Sharpening.

Eve said of the event “I really enjoyed being at Bestpets in Nottingham. The seminar went extremely well and I think that the event was an excellent first. We were made to feel welcome and all the staff were kind and helpful. We would love to do more of these events with Bestpets.”

Karen Hubbard, Category Manager for Bestpets, thought the event was a great way to show Bestpets commitment to providing the best possible service to the Pro Grooming Community.

“As the headline sponsor of the British Dog Grooming Championships, we wanted to offer our customers the chance to see one of the UK's top professional groomers in action with the opportunity to ask questions and gain insight<" said Karen.

"It's important to us that we show our customers that we are here to support them and help them to grow their business as well as being their wholesale partner of choice. We hope to run similar events at our other depots throughout the country in the future."

For more information on Bestpets, its supplier branded and own-label ranges or to find your local depot, visit best-pets.co.uk

Plans to turn part of a ‘dilapidated’ and currently unoccupied office block into a pet store and veterinary surgery in Christchurch, Dorset, have been submitted to the local council.

In the Christchurch Borough Council planning statement, it states that the application proposes the alteration and change of use of the ground floor of the building to create a retail unit with associated vetinary surgery. The retail unit is intended to be operated as a pet shop.

The site has been chosen for the store because of its prominent location on Somerford Road and because it is large enough to accommodate the store and its associated infrastructure needs.

A total of twelve car parking spaces will be provided for the proposed store, and pedestrian access will be available from Somerford Road.

The store will be similar to other pet shops found in the local area, examples of which can seen at the Wessex Gate Retail Park, Castle Lane West and at Christchurch Retail Park. The site is an ideal location for the proposed store because of the density of residential development nearby, creating a strong potential customer base.

The format and size of the store will mean that it is able to stock a wider range of goods than might be found in smaller and more traditional high street based pet shops. Items sold may include small pets, pet foods, grooming equipment and associated items.

The retailer has not been revealed in the plans, but the applicant listed is Bestminster Ltd, based in New Milton.

British handmade raw pet food company, Poppy’s Picnic, has announced it will showcase three of its products in the New Product Showcase during its first time exhibiting at PATS Telford in September.

The pet food brand has had a breakout year so far having turned down four competing offers from the dragons on Dragons’ Den in January.

Instead, the company went on to launch a crowdfunding campaign, hitting its target of £350,000 in just three days, and going on the overfund to £600,000.

The crowdfunding money is much needed to build a 7,000 sq ft production facility to meet ever-growing demand, expand international sales, and kick start the production of its raw cat food line.

Founder, Dylan Watkins, said: “We are on a mission to help people feed raw more easily. We’re encouraging people to join the Raw Revolution and see the many positives that come from feeding the way nature intended.

"Sales of our products have shot up massively since we started out in late 2016 year and I can’t wait to showcase our fresh, handmade, and innovative products to the trade audience for the first time.”

Poppy’s Picnic’s nutritious food contains fresh ingredients, no chemical flavouring, no grains or fillers and no artificial additives. The natural dog food is simply lovingly prepared by hand by 4^th generation butchers and frozen for convenience.

The products entered into the New Product Awards:

Available in Chicken & Bone, Lamb & Bone and Beef & Bone proteins, Poppy’s Picnic COMPLETE Meatballs can be served individually with minimal interaction, helping people to feed raw more easily. They are ideally portioned, perfect for smaller dogs, eliminating unnecessary waste. Once defrosted, the meatballs maintain their shape and are quick and easy to handle for those with busy lives. Transferring from pack to plate is an easy, clean experience, compared to conventional trays, tubs and chubs. Priced from £1.90 per pack.

Poppy’s Picnic ENHANCED Mince offers the core balanced nutrition of its COMPLETE range, but with added oomph! It is a pet food and herbal supplement all in one that supports immunity, joints, digestion and energy levels. Suitable for all ages, the mince is perfect for poorly pups, those that need an extra boost while on medication, urban dogs needing a detox, as well as agility and show dogs that need to be on top form at all times. Priced from £2.80 per pack. Available in Chicken & Bone, Lamb & Bone and Beef & Bone proteins.

Poppy’s Picnic Puppy EXPERT Follow-On Paste chicken recipe meets the gap in the market for a product between mother’s milk and adult food. It is ground to a fine paste so it’s gentle on puppies’ tummies and easier to digest. Priced from £1.80.

Mr Watkins was motivated to start the company having overhauled his own diet. He realised while digging his hand into a bag of kibble day in and day that it couldn’t possibly be the healthiest option for his Miniature Schnauzer, Poppy.

He explains: “I read piles of books on raw feeding and set about making my own recipe using every utensil in my kitchen. A year later and I’d moved to the country and as people saw how healthy and full of energy Poppy was, my neighbours were soon on my doorstep requesting food and word soon spread. I eventually enlisted the help of the local butcher and Poppy’s Picnic has flown since.”

Poppy’s Picnic’s stockist list is growing quickly, having only started outreach in May 2018. It is now also selling branded freezers to trade to offer a pop of pink to stores.

There are many benefits to feeding Poppy’s Picnic, a Biologically Appropriate Raw Food Diet:

• The locally sourced, 100% natural food, handmade by 4th generation butchers in Wiltshire will provides essential vitamins, minerals and oils pups need to stay in tip-top condition
• Improved digestion: dogs will digest the majority of the food they eat, causing smaller, healthier, firmer, and most importantly less odorous and frequent poos. It’s smaller and easier to pick up!
• Healthier skin and coat: the full complement of nutrients and added natural oils means full, soft, glossy and strong coats
• No added sugar: leading to better weight management, better teeth and gums, and reduced vet bills
• Reduced allergy symptoms: The wheats, grain, chemical and preservative-free food can relieve allergies and lead to calmer, tail wagging dogs

Poppy’s Picnic will be exhibiting at Stand H11 during PATS Telford and looks forward to sharing further detail on feeding the way nature intended.

UK luxury pet brand Oscar & Hooch has launched a new range of contrasting striped collars, leads and bandanas.

Manufactured in a durable cotton fabric, the machine washable range is an exciting addition to the existing signature products.

The range now includes dog bandanas, and all are handmade in Somerset.

Oscar & Hooch engaged with consumers with a dog model competition. The winners selected have been used in the new marketing campaign. They included Jaeger the Pointer and Gus, a fox red Labrador.

Paul Steckler Founder Oscar & Hooch, said: “The new range continues to emphasise the Oscar & Hooch brand ethos of style and function to suit all discerning dogs and owners."

For further information

Oscar & Hooch

Elaine Steckler, Director  

01934 713667

elaine@oscarandhooch.com

One of the UK’s leading pet franchise organisations, The Pets, Homes and Gardens Company, has just hit a whopping 30 franchisees. Recently taking on franchisees in Torbay, Haywards Heath, Lewes, Southampton and Thetford, the pet-sitting organisation is going from strength to strength.

One of the factors to achieving this, and which is appealing to people looking for a pet franchise, is the low cost entry level. To secure a territory costs just £995 + VAT * whereas other competitors charge between £6 and £10K for an area.

Peter Maxted, one of the directors of The Pets, Homes and Gardens Company, says: “We have found people put off by the huge upfront fee. We have taken out this cost and although it needs money for marketing in the first few months of operation, we feel that it is our job to help make the franchisees successful and in turn, the franchise becomes successful.  

“A percentage of turnover is also required as part of the franchisee fee rather than a fixed fee every month too, to help accommodate the eb and flow of any small business."

He continues: “We also don’t insist on a livered car or van to start with. Most franchisees use their existing vehicles as long as they are safe and roadworthy and can put metallic signs on to help promote the business when they are working. Many franchisees do tend to take on a purpose vehicle after several months anyway.”

Sarah Heal, of PHG Torbay, was made redundant earlier this year from a well-known brewery chain and decided to change career completely.

She says: “Becoming a PHG franchisee has been the best decision I have ever made. Having worked in the corporate world for many years, I have seen a vast improvement in my work life balance.

"I have the freedom to run my business the way I wish, with the reassurance that I can ask for help whenever I need it. Peter and Julie’s training and knowledge is second to none and has given me the confidence to set up the business I have always wanted and to make the step into self employment.”

Other franchisees have been with PHG for several years now, including Debbie Brownlow, who runs PHG Bolton. She says: “A big thank you to both you and Julie for all the support and encouragement you have given me. I consider myself to be so lucky looking after all the lovely animals in my care. Running PHG Bolton is the best job I have ever had.”

*plus £2K allowance for initial marketing costs.

Woofs, an exciting new range of veterinary approved dog treats made from wild cod fished from the North Atlantic Sea and dried sprats from the Baltic Sea, is expanding its retail operation with the launch of two new point-of- sale displays for retailers.

This is on the back of securing a growing number of new stockists for the brand, which include Raw Galore in Hampton, The Thoughtful Pet Food Store in Byfleet and Embark on Raw in Billericay.

The company is also currently in final negotiations with two leading national retailers, who are looking to stock the brand later this year.

Woofs is one of the only few UK pet food companies to hold the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certificate which means that all the fish that goes into the manufacture of the treats is from fully traceable and sustainable sources.

The Woofs’ fishery has been independently assessed on its specific impacts to wild fish populations and the ecosystems surrounding the areas where the fish are caught. The treats are manufactured in Cornwall and in the EU and are packed full of Omega 3 and have many health benefits for dogs.

Both Woofs’ founders, Stewart Irvine and David Judd, have been great campaigners for the preservation of our oceans and environment for many years. Stewart has worked in the fishing industry for most of his working life. He started his career in Aberdeen, moved to Sweden and then followed fish around the world.

Seeing the wonderful diversity of ocean life first hand, Stewart brought his values into business, believing that we must protect our seas and oceans. “

That is why Woofs will never compromise on using anything other than fish from sustainable fisheries,” says Stewart.

David has for years has been campaigning for governments and corporations to look after their forests. His similar passion for sustainability resonated with Stewart’s long term vision, which eventually brought the two of them together. Their shared values ensure that Woofs will never compromise on these issues.

“We believe in clear labelling and full transparency when it comes to the manufacture of our treats” says Stewart.

“So many fish-based pet food products are quite simply none species specific and do make it clear from which waters the fish are caught. At Woofs we can even give you the name of the boats that the fish are landed from.

"We think that the consumer should have access to only the very best fish for their pets which is why we also made sure that all our products are veterinary approved and carry the MSC certificate where possible.

"Using Stewart’s domestic and international experience in procurement, Woofs sources all the raw material themselves, which guarantees that we know where it’s come from."

Woofs is offering retailers the choice of two point-of-sale displays. The first is a counter top one which is perfect for shops where this is a lack of shelf space and is ideal for perching on freezers in raw food distributor premises. The dimensions are: 42cm x 22cm. Height 35mm with header. The second is a floor standing display. The dimensions are: 42 x 42 x 1.6m. Internal shelf:  40 x 40cm. Header height above unit:   20cm. Clearance between shelves:  28.5cm. Max weight per shelf: 4.5kgs and holds 32 pouches in total.)

To find out more about Woofs products visit the Woofs website at: www.woofs.co.uk

If you are interested in becoming a stockist fill in the form at: www.woofs.co.uk/pages/stockists or email Steve Nile at s.nile@woofs.co.uk

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Wyevale Garden Centres, the UK’s biggest garden centre operator, yesterday announced the sale of a portfolio of eight garden centres to Blue Diamond.

The centres comprise Bicester, Cadbury, Cardiff, Endsleigh, Melbicks, Percy Throwers, Sanders and Weybridge.

Roger Mclaughlan, Chief Executive of WGC, said: “We are pleased to have agreed the sale of eight of our largest centres to Blue Diamond, one of the UK’s biggest and most experienced garden centre operators. We would like to thank our great colleagues at these centres, who have been central to our turnaround in the past few years, and wish them well for the next stage of their business’s growth and development under Blue Diamond’s ownership.”

Alan Roper, Managing Director of Blue Diamond, said: “We are delighted to be acquiring these fantastic centres. Over the next three years we plan to invest £16million to remodel and transform them into destination centres modelled around our Redfields Garden & Living Centre in Hampshire, and our Blue Diamond Garden and Home store near Nottingham. We look forward to working with our new colleagues across the centres and welcoming them into the Blue Diamond family.”

In separate transactions, WGC has also agreed the sale of two further centres in Alfold and Binfield, to Q Developments and Spitfire Bespoke Homes respectively, as well as the sale of a parcel of excess land adjacent to its Beaconsfield centre to Oakford Homes. All three sites are likely to be redeveloped for residential use.

Anthony Jones, Chief Financial Officer of WGC, said: “These centres were previously identified for potential redevelopment as part of the company’s active portfolio management strategy. We continue to explore all opportunities on non-core centres as part of the ongoing sale process. We are very grateful for the dedication and commitment of the teams at these centres.”

Discussions on the sale to Blue Diamond and the individual centre sales started before the appointment of Christie & Co to explore offers for all or part of the remaining WGC business and that process is continuing. WGC has received a significant number of offers for all or part of the remaining WGC business from national, regional and financial operators as well as local entrepreneurs.

Justin King, Vice Chairman of Terra Firma and Head of Portfolio Businesses and Chairman of Wyevale Garden Centres said: “Terra Firma is delighted that Wyevale Garden Centres has agreed the sale of ten centres including a portfolio of eight to Blue Diamond.”

Following the launch in May of a formal sale process for Wyevale Garden Centres through Christie & Co, Terra Firma has received a significant number of offers for all or part of the remaining Wyevale Garden Centres business from national, regional and financial operators as well as local entrepreneurs. We are currently evaluating these offers.

Continued sales growth has prompted Fish4Dogs to expand its headquarters and warehousing with a £100,000 extension and refurbishment of its offices and the acquisition of a new building.

The work, has been undertaken to house Fish4Dogs’ growing workforce, its dogs (staff can bring their dogs to work) and increase capacity for its operations at its HQ in in Rushock, Worcestershire.

The additional warehousing adjoins its existing Ocean House headquarters, providing an extra 11,000 square feet and creating specific areas for storage, packaging and stock management.

The refurbishment of the existing offices has resulted in the creation of new first floor office space within a previously unconverted area of the building.

With a footprint 130sq ft, it accommodates 21 work areas. A new meeting room has been developed and the communications room and reception area have been refurbished.

Air conditioning has been installed throughout the building and staff facilities have been improved with the addition of additional toilets and a bigger kitchen.

Fish4Dogs has made the investment as part of a five-year growth plan. The company has boosted its sales team, taken on language specialists to assist its customer service and has plans for other new positions over the coming months.

Lian Higgitt, Operations Director for Fish4Dogs said: “Expanding the office has been an exciting and challenging project as the work was done whilst the office was still in operation. It’s with typical Fish4Dogs team spirit that everyone worked around the disruption and kept up the high standards with which we pride ourselves.”

Pictured: CEO Graham Smith leads a staff celebration of the new offices.

Herbal expert Dorwest Herbs has the perfect solution for keeping pets calm this firework season with its ‘Licensed to Chill’ campaign, which will be launched to the trade at PATS Telford.  

Licensed medicine Scullcap & Valerian Tablets and herbal supplement Valerian Compound are the ideal way to manage pet’s anxiety and noise phobias. Both products calm and relax dogs and cats naturally, so owners won’t have to worry about them being shaken or stirred, they’ll just be perfectly chilled!

Herbs are gentle yet effective and Dorwest’s products are formulated by experts to reduce anxiety by lessening activity in the nervous system rather than relaxing muscles.

This means that pets can be relaxed and calm without it sedating or affecting their normal behaviour, resulting in a calm firework period for owners and pets alike.

Jo Boughton-White, Manager Director, commented: “This year we have thought of everything to ensure stores are fully prepared for the firework season. We have a Calming Product Pack containing the most popular sizes of Scullcap & Valerian Tablets and Valerian Compound in a counter size display box. A free support kit is available."

Their new product Turmeric Tablets is also attracting a lot of attention. Dorwest have searched high and low for the highest and purest quality source for their highly anticipated new Turmeric Tablets.

Containing 95% curcuminoids, the active part of the herb, and piperine (Black Pepper) to increase the bioavailability, this superior supplement supports the body’s natural anti-inflammatory processes.

Available in 100 tablets RRP £19.80 and 200 tablets £35.60.

The Calming Product Pack which can normally be purchased for the very special offer price of £65 + vat, and which retails for £138.50 (inc vat), is further discounted at PATS as all orders placed at the show will receive an extra 5% off!  To order yours and find out more about Turmeric Tablets pop along to Stand A40.

For further information email trade@dorwest.com, visit www.dorwest.com or call 01308 897272.

FURminator, the expert in home grooming, is excited to announce a partnership with professional groomer and Director and Founder of The Groomers Spotlight, Stuart Simons.

With research from FURminator revealing that less than one in 10 Brits are aware of their dog’s grooming needs, FURminator will be working with Stuart to educate owners on the importance of regular grooming sessions and the ease of implementing a routine at home to help pets’ coats stay healthy and strong.

Stuart will not only be providing his expertise across PR and social to engage owners on the platforms they use the most, but also working with retailers to train staff on using FURminator’s extensive range of grooming products to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge needed to support their customers and store sales.

Stuart Simons comments: “I’m hugely passionate about educating owners on the importance of regular grooming sessions, whether it’s in the home or through a certified professional, to support pet health and ensure the best for their four-legged friend. I’ve used FURminator for a number of years in my salons, so partnering with the company to help raise awareness of grooming felt like a natural choice for me.”

Gemma Serdet, Brand Manager at FURminator, comments: “At FURminator, we understand the importance of maintaining healthy skin and coat for pets which is why our grooming solutions are tailored to help a range of pets, no matter what their breed or size, to look and feel their best.

"In fact, weekly use of FURminator’s deShedding tools helps to reduce shedding by up to 90%2 by reaching deep into the undercoat to remove loose fur and dirt while working to release natural oils to support the skin.”

For more information please visit www.furminator.net.

Ten per cent of pet owners believe their cat or dog has been suffering from hay fever, with this year’s high pollen count bringing irritation and discomfort for many pets as well as humans.

However, a survey by Pets at Home and Petplan® insurance has revealed that nearly half of pet owners admit they would not feel confident in recognising if their pet has pollen allergies, as the symptoms can be different to those of people.

Pollen allergies in pets are common, although the condition is known as Atopic Dermatitis rather than the typical respiratory symptoms you see in people with hay fever. Common symptoms for dogs and cats include licking or biting paws, excessive scratching, redness of skin, shaking their head and being more tired than usual. Weepy eyes and sneezing can also be seen in pets, but it is fairly rare.

39 per cent of pet owners said their pet has had an upset stomach over the summer, and 17 per cent have been stung by a bee. One in five (19 per cent) say their pet has suffered from overheating during the warmer months, although the majority of owners (84 per cent) are confident in recognising if their pet was too hot.

Pets at Home and Petplan® insurance are warning pet owners to be vigilant whilst enjoying the heatwave with their pet, particularly with the variety of different environments pets may be exposed to.

To help protect pets during the summer, ensure they have access to fresh water, try to avoid taking them on walks during the hottest times of the day, never leave them in a hot car and ensure they have somewhere cool to shade themselves should they need it. Also, make sure you have pet insurance to help cover the cost of treating any unexpected conditions that occur as a result of the warmer weather.  

More than a quarter of owners said their pet will be joining them in a pub or beer garden this summer, with 43 per cent going to the beach and 21 per cent attending a summer BBQ. In 2017, Petplan® saw a higher number of accident claims in July which may be due to the variety of outdoor environments pets were exposed to during the summer months.

Jonny Armstrong, Head of Insurance for Pets at Home, said: “Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy trips out and outdoor time with your pet, but whether you’re hitting the beach or the beer garden it’s worth bearing in mind that pets can be affected by things just like humans – such as allergies, insect stings and over exposure to the sun.

“The symptoms for some of these aren’t always immediately obvious, so keep a close eye on your four-legged friend for any changes in their behaviour. If you suspect your pet has an injury or is showing effects of the summer months then visit your vet immediately.”

The top 10 summer complaints/conditions for pets are:

1. Upset stomach
2. Overheating
3. Bee sting
4. Eaten a cooked meat bone from a BBQ
5. Dehydration
6. Drinking sea water
7. Pollen allergies
8. Burnt paws
9. Sunburn
10. Reaction to a plant/flower

Now that the summer holidays are firmly looming, there’s no doubt that a fun-filled day out at the beach will be at the top of everyone’s agendas.

Whilst this is a great way to enjoy the sunshine and for your beloved pet to get some exercise, it’s important we ensure we don’t commit any beach ‘faux-paws’ and educate ourselves on how to keep our furry friends safe when it comes to the sun, sea and sand!

Here Natures Menu’s veterinary team share their top tips on how to plan the perfect beach day out with all the family, including your four-legged friend:

Do Your Homework: Assuming all beaches allow dogs is an easy mistake to make, however this isn’t always the case! Before you set off for your beach day out make sure you read up on the local rule guides to avoid disappointment.

Tide Times: Once you’ve identified a suitable pet-friendly beach, take note of what the tide times are to ensure that you can make the most of your day and enjoy a low tide for as long as possible!

Sun Protection: Whilst we might want to make the most of the sunshine to top up our tan, we need to ensure that dogs aren’t in the sun for long periods of time. If you don’t have a parasol for protection, try to pick a shaded spot so that your precious pooch has somewhere to avoid the heat!

Hidden Dangers: A sandy open beach is a dog’s idea of heaven and is a great way of exercising your pooch, however there can be some nasty sharp objects hidden amongst the sand that could cause your dog harm, so keep an eye out for where your dog’s playing!

Sea Sick: Most dogs love to frolic around in the sea, and as adorable as that may be we need to be careful to not let them drink too much salt water whilst doing so, as this can lead to an upset stomach. Always make sure that you’ve got a bowl of fresh water nearby, so your dog isn’t tempted to drink from the sea.

Master the Doggy Paddle: Depending on age, breed and personality, dogs can vary dramatically in their swimming skills. To be on the safe side, don’t assume that your dog will be a natural in the water and test their ability before you let them out in the open water and remember, if they don’t like it, don’t force them to swim!

Watch What They Eat: A trip to the seaside wouldn’t be complete without a delicious picnic or a portion of fresh fish and chips. Feeding our adored pets leftovers though can cause serious health problems if we’re not careful. To avoid this, always keep food out of reach of your pets and feed them their usual, nutritional favourites.

Clean Up Your Pawprints: The beach is there for everyone to enjoy, so always leave it as you found it for the next person. Before you head out the door for your day out at the beach, remember to stock up on poo bags, allowing you to clean up after your dog!

With over 19,000 miles of beautiful coastline, the UK is not short of stunning seaside destinations for us to enjoy! Natures Menu has whittled down all the pet friendly beaches to leave its top five:

1. Perranporth, Cornwall: The three miles of stunning sandy beaches make this sea-side resort perfect for walks with your furry friend.
2. Westward Ho, Devon: Shallow waters for paddling in and communal drinking water taps mean that this beach is a safe environment for dogs.
3. Formby, Liverpool: With water bowls and poop bags available to the public, this beach is the ideal destination if you’ve forgotten to pack the essentials.
4. Rhossili Bay Beach, Swansea: A three-mile beach with shallow waters is the perfect combination of sand and sea for a dog friendly beach.
5. Runswich Bay, Yorkshire: Come rain or shine, this beach is open all year round for your beloved pooch to enjoy!

Natures Menu Vet, Claire Miller, said: “Everyone gets excited at the prospect of being able to take their dog along to the beach with them in the summertime, however it’s important to be aware of the health and safety hazards in doing so.

"When visiting one of our suggested pet-friendly beaches, make sure you follow our essential tips to keep your dog happy and go equipped with a supply of Natures Menu’s treats.”

.For more information on feeding raw visit www.naturesmenu.co.uk

Marketed as 'Too Slick for Ticks, this innovative, easy to apply and practical solution safely protects pets from ticks.

The TICKS-OFF formula is unique from other tick products as it’s not designed to kill or chemically repel them with toxins.

Instead the TICKS-OFF spray, which is pesticide free, literally deters ticks from attaching onto a pet’s coat, effectively keeping the animal naturally safe and tick-free.  

TICKS-OFF has no negative side effects and can safely and effectively be used in conjunction with all other pest-prevention products. It works to deflect bot fly eggs too.

Keep pets indoors during peak temperatures, keep dog walks to early morning and late evening and watch out for excessive panting, dry gums that become pale and increased salivation in dogs, Dr. Maeve Moorcroft, Head of Pets, for Pets at Home has warned this week.

Following the Met Office warning for people to stay inside during the hours of 11am and 3pm, Pets at Home is also urging pet owners to follow the same rules for their pets.

The pet retailer is extremely concerned that cases of overheated and dehydrated pets could dramatically increase in the next week as temperatures reach 33 degrees in the UK.

Dr. Maeve Moorcroft, Head of Pets, for Pets at Home, said: “These extreme temperatures can put animals in serious danger and we are urging pet owners to regularly check on their pets during the next week.

“Dog walks must take place during the early morning or late evening and we advise against dogs being outside in direct sunlight between 11am and 3pm. Car journeys must be limited if you don’t have air conditioning, it’s just too hot and too risky and it goes without saying, never leave your dog in a car.”

 “Dogs can overheat in less than 20 minutes and those at most risk include very young, old, obese, ill and thick coated dogs. Brachycephalic breeds such as Pugs, French Bulldogs and Shih Tzus are also at increased risk during this weather so it’s essential owners keep an eye on them.”

Pets at Home has also issued the following ‘watch outs’ for owners. If any of the below symptoms are spotted, it’s vital that you move your pet out of direct sunlight and ensure they hydrate immediately. If the symptoms continue, refer your dog to a vet immediately.

1. Excessive panting

2. Dry gums that become pale

3. Increased salivation

4. Erratic or rapid pulse

5. Confusion

6. Weakness or lack of co-ordination

7. Diarrhoea

8. Vomiting

American pet giant Petco has opened a ‘first-of-its-kind’ store in California that offers a new way for pet owners to provide complete care for their animals. Unlike regular Petco stores, the PetCoach concept has no registers or dedicated cashiers. 

PetCoach offers customers a membership option that includes high-value perks like free vet visits and discounted products and services.

According to the company, PetCoach provides the highest quality suite of personalised pet services, products and experiences – all designed through a veterinary lens – to address total pet health and wellness.

"Pet parents tell us they want expert advice they can trust and easy, seamless access to everything they need to take the best possible care of the pets they love," said Petco CEO Ron Coughlin, who took the helm on June 18.

"With PetCoach, we're reinventing the idea of a traditional 'pet store' by providing complete care experiences – from grooming, training and day care to full-service veterinary care.”

The new model brings Petco's previously online-only, veterinary-led PetCoach platform to life in a retail setting, enhanced by digital and mobile tools, so pet owners have 24/7 access to the support they need – whenever and wherever they need it.

On-site services include grooming, training, veterinary care, nutrition consultations, day care, self-wash, mobile vet house calls and dog walking – all in one place.

The store design highlights the experiences offered, with clear visibility into each service area and casual gathering spaces for personal interactions and educational events.

Digitally, owners can create custom pet profiles; book in-store service appointments and get tailored reminders; access immediate professional pet health advice from licensed veterinarians; order from a vet-vetted selection of pet food and supplies; and search an extensive library of content relevant to their pet, including their own health and vaccination records, service history and more.

Whether online or in store, an integrated team of highly-trained ‘pet coaches’ work together to get to know every pet and help owners make the best choices for theie animals. Every service and product PetCoach offers – including a limited selection of top natural pet nutrition brands – has been hand-selected and approved by licensed veterinarians to make life healthier, happier and easier for pets and their owners.

"The new PetCoach location serves as an innovation lab where we can test and learn more about what pet parents want and need to live their best lives with their pets," said Petco EVP, Strategic Innovation & Digital Experience Brock Weatherup.

"The concept allows us to continue creating new, differentiated and personalised pet care experiences, all backed by our extensive veterinary expertise and support."

IKEA has urged customers to return a water dispenser, after two dogs suffocated when their heads became trapped.

The Swedish retail giant has put out a statement recalling the Lurvig water dispenser for pets, with the warning that it is hazardous to animals, after it was reported that two dogs had died using it.

“At IKEA, the safety and security of our products is our top priority, which is why we have decided to recall the LURVIG water dispenser,” said Petra Axdorff, Business Area Manager at IKEA of Sweden AB.

“We are deeply saddened by these events and know that pets are important and loved family members."

The Lurvig water dispenser features a reservoir designed to keep the water bowl topped up, but it has proved to be a suffocation hazard.

The full IKEA statement can be viewed by clicking here.

Sunny Sharma, Director at Pet Brands and Vital Pet Trade Specialist, has been announced as winner of the SME Company Director of the Year, Yorks and NE, by the Institute of Directors at a gala dinner.

Sunny said he was surprised and delighted to receive the award which was the icing on the cake on a very enjoyable evening.

Simon Walton, Managing Partner at Odger Berndtson/Berwick Partners and Head Judge for the Director of the Year Awards 2018, said: “This was a very hard category to judge as the quality of entries was particularly high but we felt that Sunny Sharma was the standout candidate due to the impressive growth of Pet Brands and the company’s international expansion.”

Sunny Sharma receives his Institute of Directors award from Natalie Allen, Business Development Manager, Enterprise Services, Leeds Beckett University.