Hundreds of customers and special guests attended the grand opening of a much-anticipated pet store as PetPlace unveiled its revamped 25,000 sq ft Llangefni site at the weekend.

There was plenty for curious canines and their two-legged friends to enjoy including an obstacle course, face painting, free ice cream, special offers, micro-chipping clinics, brand discounts and a host of games and activities.

World-renowned animal psychologist Roger Mugford - who trained the late Queen’s corgis – held free behaviour sessions, and the RSPCA and independent businesses and suppliers were on hand to share information and showcase unique products, centred on health, wellbeing, and safety.

PetPlace owners Sion Pritchard and Paul Penketh thanked everyone who came along for being part of the special day, and for supporting a raffle in aid of the company’s chosen charity, Hope House Hospice.

“We were overwhelmed by the response, from the minute the doors opened we were busy all day, it was incredible,” said Paul.

“For us it was about giving the pets and their owners a unique experience, and not just for one day, this was a flavour of the innovative and exciting developments we have in the pipeline for Llangefni and our other stores in the years ahead.”

Sion added: “In addition to the retail side of things we will be launching a new play park and coffee bar for dogs at Llangefni in the summer.

“This is another step forward for PetPlace as we align our sites under the new brand, and we would like to thank everyone who came along to our open day and all of our loyal customers for your continued support.”

As well as Llangefni, the company has stores in Abergele, Ruthin, Mold, Gledrid (Oswestry) and a headquarters in Kinmel Bay.

Among the representatives from independent firms celebrating the opening on Saturday were Gill Thomas-Jones from sustainable health and beauty range Mountain Garden Botanics, based in New Brighton, Wrexham, and Jo Parr, owner of Merseyside-based The Dog Bowl Deli.

“We are a fun way of getting healthy treats into dogs, with a human twist as the treats are modelled on cakes, cookies, donuts and more while being completely natural, full of vegetables and fresh ingredients,” said Jo.

“We are already in the Abergele play park and look forward to being part of the new park here at Llangefni as we love working in partnership with PetPlace and congratulate them on today’s event.”

Gill added: “We have a long-standing relationship with PetPlace and are honoured to be here today at the revamped store.

“The team have always supported us as a local business and to be able to display our selection of handmade shampoos, soaps, deodorant bars, candles and other items – all palm oil, cruelty and plastic free – is huge for us. Well done to everyone here on a brilliant day and good luck for the future.”

Those words were reinforced by Roger, who says the PetPlace model should be followed by other retailers in the sector.

“The staff are friendly and approachable, the variety of stock is mind-boggling and all of it focused on the health and wellbeing of pets,” he said.

“I’ve said before that PetPlace is leading the world in supporting pets and their owners and this store has taken it to a whole new level.”

For more information on PetPlace, including the PetPlace Plus+ loyalty app, follow @petplaceUK on Facebook and Instagram or email sales@farmandpetplace.co.uk. The app is available on platforms including Google Play and The App Store. 

Paleo Ridge raw dog food is now available to purchase in 10 Sainsbury’s stores across the UK. The supermarket chain will stock a selection of the popular Paleo Plus, Classic and Essentials ranges, all available in 500g packs.

The raw dog food producers pride themselves on their high quality, high welfare ingredients as their vision of promoting healthy dogs to a wider audience continues to develop.

The additive-free, species appropriate meals are also available in many independent stores across the UK.

Paleo Ridge says it is committed to supporting its stockists and has created the ‘Paleo Pledge’ which includes guaranteed deals, promotions, and tools to support the business and show commitment and loyalty.

Gill Synnuck, Trade Account Manager (above), said: “Paleo Ridge has come a long way in the last five years and we are delighted with this new opportunity to reach more dog owners across the country and raise awareness of raw feeding. Our stockists are incredibly important to us and we will continue to support them in every way we can alongside the new partnership with Sainsbury’s”.

Will Green, Director of Sales and Marketing at Paleo Ridge, said: ‘We are thrilled by the growing popularity of Paleo Ridge and want to encourage more dog owners to make the switch to raw-feeding. We are incredibly proud to be trialled in Sainsbury’s stores, making our products more widely accessible for dog owners in the UK.’

To find out more about Paleo Ridge go to www.paleoridge.co.uk

Supreme Petfoods, a British company specialising in small pet nutrition, is celebrating its success both at home and internationally, as it doubled in size over the last five years. 

The company’s expansion is fuelled by the growing popularity of rabbits and guinea pigs as pets, and the changing attitudes of pet owners towards these small animals.

During the pandemic, there was a surge in demand for four-legged companions, and while the dog and cat populations have since seen a decrease (figures from UK Pet Food show an eight percent reduction in numbers) the small pet population is continuing its upward trajectory. The new small pet owner is also a completely different breed compared to even five years ago. 

Claire Hamblion, Supreme Marketing Director, said: “Rabbits and guinea pigs are no longer seen as starter pets, or suitable for children. In fact, 83 percent of rabbit and 75 percent of guinea pig owners consider them to be adult or family pets. They are often Generation Z or millennials who have acquired a lot of specialist knowledge to allow them to better care for their pets. Their needs are taken seriously, and pet ownership is viewed as a commitment. Not only are these owners seeking out high quality nutrition for their pet, but they also view their pet as a much-loved family member.”

This ‘humanisation’ trend is having a big effect on the small pet market, with a growing demand for natural, healthy foods. Pet parents are increasingly aware of the benefits of meeting the unique dietary needs of small pets and are willing to invest in high quality nutrition, understanding that it plays a crucial role in their pets’ overall health and wellbeing. They are seeking out no added sugar, high fibre recipes, made with tasty natural ingredients.

Supreme Petfoods has been at the forefront of meeting these changing demands and its Science Selective lifestage diets are particularly strong performers. Science Selective Junior Guinea Pig Food was launched in 2022, expanding the existing range of lifestage diets, which includes Science Selective Junior Rabbit Food, for young rabbits up to 20 weeks of age, and Science Selective Four+ Rabbit for more senior pets.

With a long-standing ethos of providing strong retail support, Supreme now offers free samples of all lifestage diets. With highly palatable diets like Science Selective, these can prove to be very effective in starting owners on a lifelong journey of optimum nutrition. Despite the rise of e-commerce, data* shows that 91 percent of owners still shop in specialist pet stores, with only 10 percent shopping exclusively online. To further support retailers, Supreme provides a comprehensive range of point-of-sale materials to encourage repeat store visits and build customer loyalty. 

Small pet owners truly are ‘pet people’, with the average household owning five pets – 54 percent of rabbit and guinea pig owners also own a dog, while 43 percent also own a cat. Small pet owners are valuable customers. Pet retailers can capitalise on this by providing expert advice and high quality small pet nutrition, including lifestage diets. By catering to the needs of multi-pet households, retailers can not only contribute to the health and wellbeing of all pets in the family, but also foster customer loyalty and ongoing business success.

To find out more, contact Supreme Petfoods on experts@supremepetfoods.com or visit https://supremepetfoods.com/products/

In a recent survey by leading animal healthcare brand Johnson’s Veterinary Products into the purchasing habits of pet owners, 71% of pet owners said they would be willing to pay for a dog licence if they were reintroduced by the Government.

The statistics reveal overwhelming support with a further 38% feeling the reintroduction of licences would deter unsuitable dog owners, and 24% believing it would encourage better standards and training, which would hopefully protect the public from irresponsible owners and unpredictable pets.

The survey, which sought to identify the factors that influence buying decisions when owners seek healthcare products for their pets, comes at an interesting time following calls for greater safeguarding surrounding dog ownership in the aftermath of recent serious dog-related injuries to owners and members of the public.

The decision to reintroduce dog licences would not be without its critics at a time of economic uncertainty, but it will undoubtedly pique the interest of those in both central and local government.

Paul Gwynn, Managing Director of Johnsons Veterinary Products, commented: “This willingness to pay for a dog licence was a surprising response, but perhaps signals that recent high-profile dog attacks have changed the thinking of the majority of responsible dog owners.

 “Whilst serious incidents involving dog attacks remain rare, each one is a tragedy and it feels like more could be done to reduce the risks. Dog owners understand the need to train and socialize their dogs, but a willingness to buy a licence in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, whilst a surprise, readily demonstrates the importance they place on regulation of dog ownership. 

“The findings of the survey make interesting reading for those with their pets’ best interests at heart, as those polled believed the reintroduction of licences would deliver significant safety and regulatory benefits, albeit at a cost of more than £38 per dog, per year.

“Although not an issue discussed at the highest levels, the Government may see this as an opportunity to raise significant funds that can be redistributed to address high-profile issues, not all of which will necessarily be dog related.

“With there being an estimated 13 million pet dogs in the UK as of 2021, given that 71% of those questioned would be willing to pay an average of £38 per animal, the reintroduction of dog licences could raise more than £475M.”

HT Vista, a provider of innovative veterinary solutions, is urging owners of dogs which have a lump the size of a pea or larger, for longer than a month, to have their pet screened for skin cancer with the HT Vista device.

The “pea for a month” message is being used to increase awareness of skin cancer in dogs in a bid for early detection and timely intervention. The HT Vista device is a small hand-held scanner that offers a quick, non-invasive, painless and reliable method to scan lumps on dogs, screening for skin cancer and providing accurate results in minutes. 

Cancer affects up to 1 in 4 dogs during their lifetime, particularly in older dogs. Up to a third of these cancers are thought to be related to the skin.* Identifying potential warning signs is crucial for ensuring a dog's well-being and maximizing their chances of recovery. One common indicator is the presence of a lump the size of a pea or larger, persisting for a month or more. This symptom, often referred to as "pea for a month," necessitates the need for veterinary attention.

Liron Levy-Hirsch, Managing Director at HT Vista, explains “Finding a lump on your dog can be a worrying time for dog owners, which is why we are thrilled to introduce the HT Vista to the UK. The device scans lumps and provides results within minutes. It is quick, painless and non-invasive and provides vets with the information they need to create a plan of action. It has never been easier to screen lumps on dogs, and the HT Vista will be instrumental to early diagnosis of skin cancer in dogs.”

The HT Vista uses Heat Diffusion Imaging technology alongside an artificial intelligence-based algorithm, computer vision and signal analysis to deliver immediate insights into whether a lump is benign or requires further investigation. This ground-breaking solution enables pet owners and veterinary professionals to make informed decisions swiftly, providing peace of mind and improved treatment outcomes.

Liron continues "Our mission is to promote early diagnosis, which is pivotal in fighting cancer. HT Vista offers a streamlined approach to do just this. Remember if you notice a “pea for month” lump on your dog, take them to your vet to be scanned."

HT Vista invites dog owners and veterinary professionals to become advocates for early detection and proactive care. For dogs with a lump the size of a pea or larger for a month or more dog owners are encouraged to consult with their vet. 

For more information about HT Vista and their commitment to improving canine healthcare, visit  https://www.ht-vet.com/product/

OATA has launched a risk assessment tool and new guide to help businesses improve their biosecurity, as part of Invasive Species Week 2023.

The trade association has revamped and improved its guidance document on biosecurity, making it an easier read with information on how to look at ways to stop the spread of disease and invasive species within businesses.

Accompanying the guide is a simple-to-use Risk Assessment Tool that enables businesses to examine their approach to biosecurity and get advice on areas that need improvement, which the new document will then help them to achieve.

“Our industry deals in a wide range of non-native species so we need to play our part in ensuring good biosecurity knowledge among businesses to help them operate to high standards,” explained OATA Chief Executive Dominic Whitmee.

“Invasive Species Week is an excellent time to relaunch our guidance and risk assessment tool to help keep disease and invasive species out of aquatic businesses.”

The guide offers advice on the common elements to consider when looking at the biosecurity risk in a business, including using trusted suppliers with good biosecurity measures, quarantining stock, designing the right systems to support good biosecurity practices and selling responsibly, as well managing disease and invasive species and the relevant laws businesses need to know.

The Risk Assessment tool is a simple-to-use multiple-choice questionnaire covering the main topics in the guide, giving instant feedback on how businesses can make changes to improve their biosecurity practices.

“The guide offers a common-sense approach to get businesses thinking more about their current practices and enables them to improve what they already do. No business can eliminate all risk but small changes prompted by the assessment tool and guidance document will add up.

“Good biosecurity is good for business because it improves animal welfare, means they will lose less livestock and plays an important part in protecting native eco-systems so we hope businesses will find these free tools practical and useful.”

OATA worked with Fish Health Inspectorate and the GB Non-Native Species Secretariat on the guidance and risk assessment tool to ensure the incorporation of best practice.

Find the new Biosecurity and the ornamental aquatics industry guidance document and Risk Assessment Tool on the OATA website. https://ornamentalfish.org/what-we-do/set-standards/biosecurity/

Invasive Species Week runs until Sunday (May 21) and is organised by the GB Non-Native Species Secretariat.

A major referral nursing initiative has been launched by leading veterinary care provider IVC Evidensia.

The new Introduction to Referral Nursing Programme is part of a comprehensive Referral Nursing Strategy being championed by the industry leader. 

The five-part course is designed to open the door to the world of referral nursing and will be followed by IVC Evidensia’s first Referral Nurse Development Programme. 

The ambitious new strategy is being championed by Arlene Connor, who has taken up an appointment as IVC Evidensia’s National Referral Nursing Lead for the UK having held a similar position across the Vets Now Referrals Network. Arlene was supported by Helen Rooney, Clinical and Development Support at IVC Evidensia, who was instrumental in creating the modules. 

IVC Evidensia’s Referral Division now looks after the network of multi-disciplinary, specialist-led referral hospitals. And a major part of the new initiative is to increase awareness of referral nursing within the company and debunk some of the myths and common misconceptions. 

“IVC Evidensia is still relatively unknown within the referrals world,” said Ms Connor. “With our new referrals team in place, we want to change that by highlighting the support and the tremendous career prospects a career in Referral Nursing offers. 

“We often find that people are very anxious about making the move to work in referrals. Perhaps thinking that the work is too advanced, or that they need to have additional post registration qualifications. As such it really can prevent them for applying for a role.

“But there is always a learning path, and this new Introduction to Referral Nursing Programme is designed to help them make an informed decision. 

“We want to break down the barriers people put up in front of themselves.” 

The five-part online module is part of the programme open to those nurses working for IVC Evidensia who, at whichever point in their career are interested in a move to Referrals.  

However, it will also be open to those outside the company too and will be available on the Referral Nursing Website. The next step will be the Referral Nursing Programme, full details of which will shortly be laid out. 

“We want to ensure this resource can be utilised by all. There will be a set of discipline specific modules, which will provide a framework to support our nursing teams whether they are a discipline specific nurse or enjoy a role moving between the Specialist Disciplines. This will be augmented by practical training, as well as additional modules covering things like Collegiality and Quality Improvement,” said Ms Connor. 

“So, it will be tailored to their individual role and will ensure each nurse is utilised to their full potential and feel valued in those roles. 

“We want to make sure they are satisfied with both the training and the progression opportunities available to them.   

“Referral nursing is an exciting, rewarding and challenging career where very few days will be the same. And nurses can come into it with a confidence that they will be fully supported in a comprehensive fashion wherever they are within the IVC Referral network.”  

For more information on the IVC Nursing modules, visit the website at https://www.ivcevidensiareferrals.com/referral-nursing-modules

PetLove has launched Wonky Woolies, a fun new range of eco-conscious doy toys that are made from upcycled woollen clothing.

The range caters for dogs of all types with tough Tuggerz toys for those who like to play rough, and Skinz for those with a more gentle approach.

It is estimated that in the UK £140m of clothing* ends up in the landfill every year so by upcycling existing materials to create Wonky Woolies, PetLove is playing a part in helping to reduce the impact on the planet. 

Made from upcycled wool felt, recycled polyfibre, fur, and r-PET rope the Wonky Woolies Tuggerz collection comprises a  choice of  sheep, goat, donkey, pig, and bull toys. Each features double stitched multi-layered fabric, with a rope handle for extra tugability, and a bio-degradable rubber squeaker for added enjoyment. 

With gentler play in mind the Wonky Woolies Skinz have been created from upcycled wool that has been washed, treated, and shredded before being turned into new yarn.  Their appealing characters which come complete with a bio-degradable rubber squeaker and furry tail or wings, include a choice of racoon, anteater, owl, rabbit and fox. 

As with all PetLove eco-friendly toy ranges the Wonky Woolies feature super safe, non-toxic materials that can be fully recycled. The new toys are supplied with multi-lingual recycled packaging and can be ordered now via Interpet’s trade website https://trade.interpet.co.uk/

Award-winning pet store Natural Cornish Pet has created a number of playlists to promote the positive effects of music on its team, pet owners and their animals.

As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, the store set its team the task of coming up with playlists playlists for its warehouse, dog day care centre and the shop.

A 2017 study conducted by the Scottish SPCA and the University of Glasgow found that while classical music had an initial calming effect on dogs, after a few days they became bored. Instead, reggae and soft rock came out as the best genres for reducing stress, barking and heart rates.  

All the music chosen by Natural Cornish Pet, including a selection of reggae songs, has been loaded up onto a Spotify playlist and will be played throughout Mental Health Awareness month.

Katy Peck, co-founder of Natural Cornish Pet with Jordan Coombe, said: “Music is a great stress reliever and is well known for helping people through difficult times. We have all been there singing at the top of our lungs whilst driving home at the end of day. It helps, doesn’t it?

“It has also been recognised that owning a pets such as dogs are great facilitators; the connection they develop with their owners, coupled with exercise, getting outdoors and socialising with other pet owners, offer great benefit and can be a wonderful supplement to therapeutic interventions. It is also important to relieve your pet’s stress and anxieties which is where playing music to them plays its part.”

Natural Cornish Pet is based in St Erth, Cornwall, and is a winner of the PetQuip Pet Retailer of the Year.

Frozzys, the brand renowned for its nutritious frozen yogurts for dogs, has launched a new limited-edition celebration pack to mark its 10th birthday.

Dog owners choose Frozzys frozen yogurts because they are lactose-free, low-calorie and contain prebiotic fibre to aid digestion and boost immune health.

The celebration pack consists of two new frozen yogurt flavours – Mixed Berry and Banana and Honey. 

Made with the same great recipe as the original Frozzys flavours, the new recipes are loaded with antioxidants and are also lactose free, virtually fat free and natural with no added artificial preservatives.

The new limited-edition celebration pack is available from mid-May.

Find out where to order and download your free online marketing pack at frozzys.com/trade

Humble Grape, in Theberton Street, Islington, London, already welcomes dogs, but now staff are taking a special 'Dogs In Hospitality' course to ensure that visitors and their pets feel as welcome as possible.

Famous for its selection of 400 wines, Humble Grape is also known for its fun events, twice a month the venue hosts tastings and masterclasses, ideal for alternative date nights with your four legged friend.

Humble Grape owner James Dawson, said: "Not only do our team love all things wine – we are also a group of humble dog lovers. And it’s for this reason that in our Islington wine bar dogs of all shapes and sizes are welcome to accompany you as you treat yourself to a glass or two.

"As part of our promise to cater to dogs as well as their humans, we’ll always have dog biscuits and fresh water available for any dog who needs it - guest or not.

"As part of this promise, we think it's so important that our staff have the knowledge and skills that they need to welcome dogs into the hospitality environment, and that is why we are so excited to be one of the first to take iPET Network's Dogs In Hospitality course."

Revving onto the London wine scene just over a decade ago, James juggled his full time city career with a love for hosting pop-up wine tastings and delivering boutique bottles to people’s doorsteps. Humble Grape now boasts six quirky London venues, and the Battersea venue is also taking part in the dog friendly venture.

James added: "Our Islington wine bar is located in the midst of the greenery and park spaces of Islington, whilst our Battersea venue is right on the edge of Clapham Common – a huge open space with dogs galore at any time of the day. Thanks to the Dogs in Hospitality course, we can be knowledgeable and prepared to show your four-legged friends the time of their lives at our wine bars, and we can't wait!"

To find out more about Humble Grape go to www.humblegrape.co.uk

You can book to attend a Humble Grape venue with your dog by visiting www.wagit.uk

‘Just add water and freeze’ is the slogan of aninnovative product developed by Life Of Riley Bakery Ltd – a dairy and grain free, 100% natural and nutritionist approved DIY dog ice cream mix.

Initially launching with three flavours – coconut, blueberry and carob ‘choc’ – the company plans on expanding the range and offering limited edition flavours to the mix, including peanut butter, strawberry and a special birthday cake flavour!

“Our stockists have gone crazy for it,” said Sarah Meredith, from Life Of Riley. “It appeals to everyone as it has been developed for sensitive tummies and dogs with intolerances, it also doesn’t require any freezer space as the mix is stored at room temperature with a 12-month shelf life. 

“Our customers have been so creative, freezing into moulds, kongs and lickmats – it has created so much user-generated content for us, it has been the most fun product launch to date!”

Each mix makes up to 350ml of ice cream, and doesn’t need to be all mixed and used at the same time – they retail at £4.95 so offer great value for a fun interactive treat!

The dog bakery is mainly B2B, with it making up over 85% of their turnover, they are well versed to dealing with the needs of their wholesale market – keeping things fresh and interesting!

“We have just launched a bulk bag mix also,” added Sarah. “So many of our stockists were decanting from the retail packaging, we thought we would offer them a more profitable solution where they could mix and freeze on demand for their customers.

“It is so easy to handle as holds its shape unlike traditional ice cream – meaning it can be portioned and scooped immediately after mixing and then frozen into individual pots which we also provide if required.”

More details can be found at www.lifeofrileyuk.com

As the flea and tick season dawns, The Innocent Hound has launched a new product to help deter biting insects. Their new Flea Repellent product contains neem, lemon balm and fenugreek, all wrapped-up in a delicious air-dried British beef treat. 

Founder, Chloe Heaton said" “We wanted to offer a natural, delicious, and chemical free solution for keeping fleas and ticks away from our hounds.  Adding effective ingredients into our treats, provides dogs with protection from biting insects, and is a great natural alternative to chemical treatments.  Additionally, because we use our bespoke production method to make them, the treats are super-tasty and dogs love them.”

Flea Repellent treats are available in 2 pack sizes, 150g, RRP £7.25 (30 days for a 10kg dog), and 600g, RRP £30 (120 days for a 10kg dog).  For best results the treats should be fed daily throughout the summer months.

For further information email orders@innocentpetcare.co.uk

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A rescue dog who suddenly lost her ability to walk is back to her best after being treated with red light therapy. 

Mione Morrison, founder of Glendrick Roost, rescued RubyLu, a Rottweiler mix in 2017 aged seven, she had already been diagnosed with cancer, meaning that nobody wanted to rehome her. 

As a registered charity, Glendrick Roost is an animal sanctuary that offers a home for life for abused, abandoned and unwanted animals. 

The sanctuary, near Stirling, on the borders of Loch Lomond and Trussocks National Park is the perfect calm haven for animals who have had a tough start in life. 

Five years later in September 2022, RubyLu was living her best life, enjoying the company of other animals, especially going for walks in the stunning National Park until one day she collapsed after jumping off her usual park bench.

Rushing her to a local vet, Doune based, Struthers & Scott Veterinary Practice, they were unable to diagnose this sudden paralysis.  Following further investigation and neurology tests at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh, RubyLu was diagnosed with suspected acute Polyradiculoneuritis. 

She was referred to local Veterinary Animal Physiotherapist, Susan Fotheringham, BSc MSc AdvCertVetPhys, who explained: “Despite RubyLu’s initial presentation being severe her tail never stopped wagging.  

"She was bright eyed, but functionally, whilst her forelegs had some movement, her hind limbs had no active movement. She had significant muscle atrophy over her shoulder blades, down her back (particularly lower back), around her hips and down her back legs. Thankfully RubyLu still had her reflexes to deep pain, indicative of detecting sensation."

And speaking about RubyLu's sudden traumatic deterioration, Mione explained: “I was beyond devastated to see the dog that appeared to have battled her cancer be so compromised, but I was ready to go the extra mile for RubyLu. 

"I could see she wasn’t ready to give up. And I had to give her a chance." 

Mione did everything she could to help RubyLu, which included embracing alternative therapies to help the unlucky pup. 

RubyLu was treated with weekly physiotherapy sessions that included treatments combining electrotherapy; pulsed magnetic field therapy to stimulate nerve function, laser to help to increase energy at a cellular level to her muscles, nerves and joints and ultrasound over her lower back and down her back legs. 

Mione added: "I was given specific exercises to practice every day in-between sessions, including paw tickling movements to heighten nerve signals through her feet, as well as some supported standing and supported walking exercises with a ‘Help ‘Em Up’ Harness, that helped lift, encourage RubyLu to stand and get her balance.

"The first few weeks were very hard. Every day I spent four hours devoted to her exercises, massage and adding Reiki via Alison McKinnon who is a Reiki Practitioner and tutor with SARA (Shelter Animal Reiki Association).

"But progress was slow. On Alison McKinnon’s recommendation, I reached out to Photizo’s UK distributor Danetre Health Products, who sent us a Vetcare, which proved to be the ’game-changer’."

As a non-invasive device, designed for safe and easy home use, the Vetcare offers its LED sourced red and near-infrared light energy delivered in pre-programed 30 second doses. 

Mione targeted specific areas like her paws, shoulders, hips, front, back legs and her acupressure points.  Using the device to warm up RubyLu’s muscles before her daily exercise routine, and help to facilitate deeper healing.

Being so easy to use, with no need for goggles, there was a positive difference in RubyLu’s body posture and tail wagging when using the Vetcare.

"After eight weeks, close to Christmas, RubyLu suddenly took a massive leap forward. Walking RubyLu, albeit slowly and a bit wobbly, into our Physiotherapy session, rather than carrying her! It was the best Christmas present ever!" Said Mione, about RubyLu's transformation. 

She added: "RubyLu’s on-going recovery astounds our Vet.  We continue to work through her exercises, incorporating our Vetcare, ensuring RubyLu enjoys every day - step by step. 

"We’re excited to help all the animals in our care with the Vetcare as it's clearly had an amazing effect helping RubyLu walk again.”

https://glendrickroost.org.uk/ 

https://www.danetrehealthproducts.com/

Veterinary nurses and technicians are on the frontlines of giving care to cats and dogs. The 2023 Vet Symposium was the occasion for Royal Canin and its partners VETgirl and MSD to express the importance of this vital yet sometimes thankless profession, and to support them through conferences and resources, as they give care to pets, vets, and pet owners.

The two-day hybrid conference took place both online and in person. Thousands of people registered to attend remotely from more than a hundred countries, while hundreds of veterinary care professionals and experts gathered in person in Montpellier, south of France.

The symposium was a collective opportunity to ask vet nurses what they need and to offer a holistic range of support on everything from time management to preventing pet obesity. A range of international experts, veterinarians, vet nurses and technicians, and Royal Canin’s voices shared their knowledge and the latest trends on time management in the clinic, growth, and pet nutrition. Today, visiting vetsymposium.royalcanin.com means getting another chance to join the conversation and take part in this community of passionate advocates.

Cécile Coutens, Global Royal Canin President, expressed her gratitude to the vet nurses that made this possible while making sure they felt welcome in this dedicated event. 

“It is hard to work in this profession, and that is what we want to talk about. It is a profession that comes with a high level of stress, burnout, fatigue, and, sometimes, a real lack of acknowledgment and recognition for your work and for the competency and skills that you bring into the practice. We really want, for once, to take care of the caregiver: to take care of your pain points, of your needs, of what you want and in return bring that support.”

From now until July 2023, the entire program is available for free on vetsymposium.royalcanin.com. 

The dedicated website includes:

• The Replay: ten-panel discussions with leading international experts in nutrition and veterinary management on uniting to nurture a healthy ecosystem, with a focus on vet nurses’ and technicians’ specific needs and obstacles, with topics ranging from time management, mentorship, and growth to tackling weight and nutrition.
• Media Gallery - Because the Vet Symposium has even more content to offer, the Media Gallery gives visitors access to:
• Masterclasses: seven lectures on growth and management for vet nurses and technicians, by leaders in the profession such as Addie Reinhard, founder and director of MentorVet and Weight Management Clinic nurse Georgia Woods.
• Masterclasses address “Talking Numbers in Clinic”, “Supporting Pet-Owners During Stressful First Clinic Visits”, “Creating Mentorship Structures for Your Team”, “Practical Applications of Growth Charts”, “#ConnectForPets”, and “Let’s Talk About Leadership”.

In-Clinic Content: eleven riveting masterclasses aimed at vet and vet nurses and technicians, with topics such as developing key communication skills to create a true partnership with clients, weight management and managing obesity, nutrition myth busters, by leading companies such as VETgirl, and experts such as Pr. Alex German.

True to its principles of Mutuality and Responsibility, Royal Canin a global reference in health through nutrition for cats and dogs, has at heart to share access to all insightful information provided by top experts at the 2023 Vet Symposium to all stakeholders, especially vet nurses and technicians, whose wellbeing and subsequent work quality is key to achieve together our Purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS.

Crufts has announced a new and unique partnership with Asda, which will celebrate pets and support pet owners.

The collaboration, which began this week, will help celebrate pets and support all pet owners through an educational hub on the Crufts website, which provides useful resources for owners on looking after their pets. This will be twinned with value pet products available in Asda stores, as well as through a brand new online Asda Crufts Pet Show, with prizes to help celebrate and enhance life with our pets.

Information for pet owners, such as healthcare tips that could help minimise veterinary bills, as well as tips for saving pennies and home-made treats, are just a couple of examples of the resources which will be available to all pet owners on the Crufts online Pet Paw-tal. This material – which will be supported by a fun quiz to help owners see how much they really know about their pets - will also be easily accessed via QR codes in Asda stores around the country.

In the spirit of celebrating what our pets do for us the partnership will also give all pets – from cats to rabbits and guinea pigs – the chance to enter the Asda Crufts Online Pet Show, taking place on the Crufts website and social channels, with prizes ranging from framed photographs to a pet friendly holiday. The first class, ‘Best pet companion’ will go live on 15 May, the winner of which will get a printed framed picture of their pet. Further competitions will be taking place over the next six weeks with a best in show finale on the 23 June, where the winner will get the ultimate Crufts 2024 VIP experience.

Said Helen Fox, Chief Operating Officer at The Kennel Club, organisers of Crufts; “Pets do so much for us and this partnership is all about giving back to our loyal companions, celebrating the joy they bring to their lives and helping to support pet owners. We are excited to be working with Asda, who shares with us our love not just for dogs, but all pets, and our values in promoting responsible pet ownership.”

Said Raj Varma, Senior Buying Manager at Asda, Pet and Paper, said: "Our pets do so much for us, so this collaboration with Crufts is our way of giving back to them, celebrating the nation’s pets and supporting owners with great value on our key brands, in what we know are challenging economic times. We are particularly excited with this partnership, bringing Crufts and Asda together - not just for dogs, but for all pets - as it’s a great chance to get behind the scenes and see what it is that people love so much about their pets, with fantastic prizes on offer, too. Through the information and advice available on the Crufts Paw-tal, and our fantastic range of products in stores and online, we hope to make a real difference in helping our customers with pets throughout the country."

Further partnership collaboration will be included in-store and on the Crufts website.

Happy dog owners have already discovered the benefits of CSJ’s Cani Supps – the new range of high performing, vegan friendly, canine supplements.

Build Up! is certainly helping to beat the competition for Show dog and Working dog owners as a high energy supplement to promote physical well-being and overall appearance of their dogs.

It’s also ideal for older dogs, those in rehabilitation, pre and post-operative and young growing dogs since it supports muscle health and function, promotes physical well-being and overall appearance and is a great source of Gamma Oryzacol and antioxidants.

Build Up! is composed of Refined Rice Bran Oil and the tiny daily dose (e.g. 2ml for medium dogs of 10-25kg) is simply added to the dog’s usual food.

Whether you have a dog competing in hot competition, or just needing a boost, it makes sense to build them up … doesn’t it?

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

A couple worried about their dog putting on a few pounds were stunned when vets removed a mass from its abdomen the same weight as their other dog.

Seven-year-old Labrador Retriever Colin needed surgery at specialists Swift Referrals in Wetherby, West Yorkshire after being repeatedly sick.

And Tom Mayes and partner Tracy Parker, from Hessle, near Hull, were amazed to be told the abdominal mass they discovered was the same size as a football and weighed 7.4kg.

That’s heavier than seven bags of sugar — and the same weight as the couple’s miniature Schnauzer, Alice.

Thankfully, the vast lump was found not to be cancerous, and a now-lightweight Colin is back to full health.

“Colin started having the odd morning off his food and was being sick occasionally,” said Tom. 

“Despite that, he was putting a bit of weight on, and his stomach felt very firm, so we took him to our own vets for a check-up.

“They did an ultrasound scan and said a mass was pressing into his organs, but they couldn’t see what it was attached to.

“And when we then found out it was more than 20cm long, we knew we had to get the best help we could. It was a really worrying time.”

Colin was seen at Swift Referrals, a specialist veterinary referral centre in the My Family Vets network, which is part of IVC Evidensia.

After a CT scan, soft tissue surgeon Jonathan Bell and his resident Vicky Hutchings performed exploratory abdominal surgery.

“We found a large mass coming from the spleen,” said Mr Bell. “We performed a procedure called a splenectomy, which is the removal of the spleen, using a vessel-sealing device and ligatures.

“We also removed an enlarged and suspicious-looking lymph node. When we weighed the mass, it was 7.4kg which was quite a size.

“We kept Colin in to monitor his blood count and manage any post-op pain before discharging him. When we sent sections of the mass and the lymph node to the lab for a biopsy, they thankfully came back with no signs of cancer, and he didn’t need any further treatment.”

Having had an anxious wait during the procedure, Tom and Tracy were thrilled to be able to get newly slimline Colin back home to join Alice.

“When we heard the size of the mass, we could hardly believe it,” said Tom. “Alice is the same weight as that, and she wouldn’t fit inside him, so it must have been so dense and heavy.

“We were thinking back to taking him on walks when he was always lagging behind — no wonder, with the poor lad basically carrying another dog inside him.

“Now he is just fantastic. He’s a couple of steps ahead of us on walks and has a real trot back.

“It was a big relief to find out that it wasn’t cancer, and we are so thankful to everyone in the team at Swifts.”

Moving premises from an industrial estate to a busy high street has paid off for a family-run pet store.

Since the move last month, Frankie and Twinkle’s has witnessed an increase in footfall, leading to improved trading figures.

Owners Ruth and Malcolm Riley had run their business on an industrial estate for 18 months but decided it was time for a move. After an intensive search they found an empty unit in Seahouses, Northumberland.

“We’ve now got the first month in our new premises under our belt and have noticed a significant increase in trade due to being on the high street of a major tourist hotspot with passing trade and greater footfall, rather than being on an industrial estate in an outlying area,” said Malcolm.

“Although our new place is smaller than our old place we still have all the same stock available and if we don't have something we can usually get it in a few days. We try and concentrate our efforts on natural products which seems to be going down well with locals and visitors alike.”

New freeze-dried raw pet food company COYA Pet has launched its innovative products in the established family-run Cookes Pet Supplies business across its three stores in South Yorkshire – Sheffield, Rotherham and Barnsley.

Cookes’ managing director Andrew Cooke (pictured above left with COYA founder Peter Roy) said: “It’s great to be part of a new era for raw feeding.

“We continue to do very well with frozen raw – consumers love feeding it. But it’s not for everyone and I believe that the future for the next stage of growth in raw feeding very much lies with freeze-dried raw. 

“With COYA we have found a brand that understands our market really well. We’ve worked with the team in the past and they have always delivered excellent products, value and service.”

COYA Pet was unveiled to the pet industry at PATS Sandown in March, with the goal of making raw feeding more accessible and convenient for pet owners and retailers. 

The company took its inspiration from the US market and developed a product range, made in the UK, that puts both pet health and pet owner convenience first through freeze-drying technology.

Peter Roy, founder of COYA Pet, said: “When you think of pet speciality, you think of stores like Cookes Pet Supplies. The recent refit of its Sheffield outlet really puts it amongst the top stores in the country, so when we wanted to launch in the independent channel it was the perfect location. 

“It was great fun setting up there and training the Cookes team. Fabulous Andrew let us switch off one of his freezers for the launch, which was great for consumer awareness, and it saved him a few quid in energy costs for a while!”

Pure Pet Food, the entrepreneurial pet nutrition business based in Yorkshire, has appointed Roz Cuschieri to the role of CEO.

Founded by Dan Valder Eha and Mathew Cockroft in 2012, Pure Pet Food manufactures and sells a unique and premium range of dog food and treats.  The business, which is backed by Mercia, aims to 'change dogs’ lives for the better’ and has enjoyed rapid growth in the UK, helped by the significant increase in dog ownership during 2020 – 2022 and a demand from consumers to feed their dogs healthy and nutritious food.

With a background in FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods), Roz spent 12 years with Warburtons as board Commercial Director and five years as CEO of Genius Foods. An experienced non-exec, Roz serves on the boards of MedaHuman Ltd, Babease Ltd and Lightbody Ventures Ltd.

Roz joined the team at Genius when it was an asset light business, employing 9 people and delivering a turnover of £7m. As CEO she led the company through a period of bakery acquisition and international expansion that saw Genius grow to £50 million turnover and the 'free from food' category leader.

To date, Pure Pet Food has shipped over 18 million meals and has grown from a small kitchen in Halifax to a 15,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility, employing over 50 people. Pure is seeking to build on that success by recruiting Roz, a highly experienced executive, to oversee the company's rapid growth and fulfil its ambition of helping millions of dogs improve their overall health.

Mat and Dan commented: “We are delighted to welcome Roz to Pure and are looking forward to working with her as we plot our next phase of growth in the fast-moving pet nutrition sector.”

Roz said: “Dan and Mat are truly inspirational founders with a passion for creating something pet owners are desperately looking for. I am delighted to be joining the business at such an exciting time.”

Pictured, from left to right: Mathew Cockroft, Roz Cuschieri and Daniel Valdur Eha

OATA Impact Exhibitions and OATA have jointly taken the decision to cancel this year’s AQUA 2023 trade show and consumer Water Alive event, planned for the autumn.

The show was due to run from Thursday 12 October to Saturday 14 October at Telford Conference Centre. For the first time in its history, the trade show was due to open its doors to fishkeepers in a joint element, called Water Alive, on the last two days of the show.

“It is regrettable this decision has had to be made but without the prospect that the event would break even then we could not commit to continue the show,” said Matt Stevenson, who sits on the board of OATA Impact Exhibitions, which organises the show. 

“When the show’s organising committee started to look at the 2023 event, we knew we had to look at new ways to fund AQUA so it remained viable. The past few years have been a turbulent trading period for our industry, causing inevitable challenges to the trade and therefore the show’s income. Incorporating a consumer element has long been talked about within the show’s advisory group so OATA Impact Exhibition’s board made the decision to add a consumer element bringing the revenue to support AQUA,” he explained.

OATA Chief Executive Dominic Whitmee says the trade association is extremely disappointed the show will not proceed in 2023 and will take some time to explore options for the future.

“OATA understands the importance of the AQUA show to the industry,” he said. “Nevertheless, there was an undoubted need to change the show to ensure it remained financially viable so we understand why the organising committee decided to try something different with the format. We will now take stock and look at how a successful and profitable show could be organised in the future.”

The Pet Industry Federation has announced the 10 pet business finalists in the inaugural Innovation of the Year Award, taking place as part of its Business of Pets conference. 

This new award was open to all businesses in the pet sector, including product, service or tech and the ten finalists now have the opportunity to present their innovation at the Business of Pets conference on 7-8 June at the Cranfield Management Development Centre, near Bedford, giving them unprecedented access to potential investors. The winner will be chosen on the final day of the conference.

The finalists are:

• Caboodle
• CompanionPass
• Furr Boost
• HayPigs: Pig 'n' Mix™ Treats Range
• Hemp Heros: Super Pet Powder - Joint & movement
• Mr Bug
• Poocher
• Tailor Grace: Huskaloo Coconut Cat Litter
• The Dog G8 Company
• Twiggy Tags: TrailFinder Multi-Way Lead

Nigel Baker, CEO of PIF commented: “We were delighted with the quantity and calibre of the entries we received into our Innovation Award. Our shortlisting panel certainly had their work cut out to score the entries we received. We will look forward to listening to the finalists’ presentations at our conference next month and very much hope that the experience will open new doors for them. The Business of Pets conference has a fantastic roster of speakers who will be able to inspire attendees to grow their business profitably. These two days of learning and networking will prove invaluable for the business owners, directors and decision-makers who attend.”

The Business of Pets conference is open to all pet businesses and has a packed itinerary of inspirational and insightful speakers; from angel investors to key distributors, from IP experts to legal advisors and mentors who have been there and are happy to share the lessons learned on the way. The Cranfield Management Development Centre provides the perfect backdrop for the event with accommodation conveniently located on-site and all the technical equipment needed to enable attendees to work remotely whilst they are away from their businesses. 

Tickets to the conference are currently on sale. For full details, please visit www.petfederation.co.uk

A new concept in pet nutrition for dogs which is designed to tackle pet obesity, Caboodle is one of only 10 companies to make the finals of the Pet Industry Federation’s New Pet Innovation of the Year Award.The finals take place on 7 & 8 June at The Business of Pets Conference at Cranfield Management Development Centre, near Milton Keynes.

As part of the final judging process Caboodle will have the opportunity to present their innovation to an audience of business experts, industry influencers and fellow business owners. The winner will also receive a trophy, PR coverage and the provision of a free year’s Sprintlaw Membership, valued at £400.

Caboodle also recently made the finals of The Best in Show Spotlight at the Pet Innovation Europe Show in Berlin, which showcases the latest innovations across Europe to drive partnerships and investment within petcare. Here Caboodle made some excellent business contacts which will result in new partnerships for them.

Caboodle is the brainchild of the company’s three founders who already have impressive pedigrees in the pet world. They are: Karen Hanton MBE, Founder of Top Table (sold to Open Table), Pets Pyjamasand Positive Luxury, Investor and serial entrepreneur. Gillian Quek, Co-founder of training centre The Dog House Trading Company who with Michelin Starred chef Michel Roux OBE created a range of premium treats and snacks for dogs and Simon Arkwright, an experienced strategist and innovation insight expert, working previously with Purina, Unilever and GSK.  Karen is also the proud owner of a Parson Jack Russell called ‘Wilson’ and Gillian owns a Chocolate Cockapoo, ‘Miso’ 

Caboodle which is based in Gloucestershire and started trading in the summer of 2022, was born from a mutual desire of its founders to combat the disturbing rise in pet obesity and to create effortless feeding solutions for today’s busy dog owners.   Delicious and nutritious dog food, treats and chews delivered in pre-measured daily boxes not only delight smaller dogs every day with great food and flavours, but also delight dog owners with the convenience of properly proportioned meals and daily treats taking the hassle and guesswork out of feeding their dog.

Pet obesity is an ever- increasing problem. In the UK alone, it is estimated that 51% of dogs are overweight or obese, which is only set to get worse. 81% of vets and nurses report seeing an increase in the number of overweight animals and according to a survey conducted by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in 2021, 1 in 14 dogs were recorded by their vets as being overweight each year. The study also found that certain breeds were especially prone to weight gain, including Pugs, Beagles and English Springer Spaniels. Obesity carries severe welfare risks for dogs. Obese dogs have shortened life spans, reduced quality of life and higher frequencies of some important conditions including arthritis, breathing problems, heart disease, diabetes and certain types of cancer. 

There are other reasons as well why pet owners need to tackle the Battle of the Bulge with their dogs as founder Gillian Quek explains,

“In the past 3 years, pet insurance companies are increasingly rejecting claims for sick dogs if they are found to be overweight. Despite all of the shocking facts, our methods of feeding dogs have not changed in decades.

"My experience of over 20 years of running The Dog House, a renowned training centre in the UK, showed me that despite all the guidelines, advice and the best will in the world, most dog owners still can’t get food portioning right. We offered popular weight reduction programmes where we would achieve great results getting dogs back to their optimum weight, only to send them home where the pounds would quickly creep back on again.

"One of the most common issues we saw was owners using human food and treats to demonstrate their love for their dogs, without realising the calorie implications of a piece of bacon, half a sausage or the leftovers from their Sunday lunch. 

"Whilst nobody intentionally wants to over feed their dog, it is so easy to do so without realising and it was from this personal experience that I realised something radical had to change. So in 2022, along with my like-minded partners Karen and Simon, Caboodle was born.” 

Caboodle combines the most nutritious, healthy and varied flavours to create a selection of menus which will keep the fussiest of dogs satisfied and engaged. The varied diet also helps to prevent food allergies and intolerances. Combining wet and dry food and adding low-calorie treats and dental chews ensures that all the guesswork is removed from what to feed each day. Caboodle pre-portion daily meals and treats according to each dog’s weight, age, sex and activity level and deliver in planet-friendly packaging. Caboodle is also perfect for dogs who enjoy being by their human’s side all day long and great for taking away on long walks, trips and holidays with your dog. 

Caboodle only uses the highest grade of ingredients and sources where possible from the UK and EU. Caboodle’s food contains no nasties and also incorporates a number of superfoods to give a dog all the added vitamins and minerals it needs for a happy and active life.

Caboodle has a strong D2C approach with their subscription boxes proving to be very popular but are also activating a number of B2B channels with key industry partnerships, pet-friendly hotels and restaurants, dog-friendly workplaces, convenience retail and the industry professional space. Caboodle has a Trustpilot score of 4.6, and an All About Dog Food top rating of 91%.

The range of products is developing all the time as Gillian concludes,

“We are constantly aiming to create more flexibility and choice for the customer. We are also focused on combating and reducing dog obesity through our products but also by educating the owner to take greater responsibility for their dog’s health and wellbeing. 

We aim to keep improving Caboodle using the development of AI so we can more accurately provide a product that is tailored to a specific dog’s needs. For Caboodle - the sky's the limit, we have a vision to create hassle-free solutions for pet owners in Europe and further afield, making lives easier in today’s increasingly complicated world.“

For further information please visit: www.caboodle.dog