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Shares in Pets at Home fell sharply yesterday (Wednesday) after the company's first-quarter sales growth missed expectations.
Total revenue rose 6.4% to £224.2m in the 16-week period from 27 March to 16,July with like-for-like revenue growth of 1.7%, falling short of analysts' expectations for around 3%.
Pets at Home said sales were driven by Advanced Nutrition, VIP club, Services and Omnichannel, although this was partially offset by a poor season for Health & Hygiene products and very hot weather in July.
During the quarter, the company, which said its full-year outlook remains in line with market expectations, opened three stores, six veterinary practices and four Groom Room salons.
Chief executive officer Nick Wood (above) said: "Our core strengths in Advanced Nutrition, vet and grooming services have continued to deliver in the first quarter, underpinned by our VIP loyalty club. We have been particularly pleased with such strong VIP membership signup and swipe rate of the card at tills.
"Following strong Health & Hygiene product performance in the prior year, we experienced a particularly challenging season this quarter, which alongside a short period of very hot weather in July, created a significant impact on group revenue performance."
At one point yesterday the company's shares were down 5.5% at 272.10p.
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Oldbury Pet Hospital has opened in the West Midlands after a huge effort to raise £1.8 million.
Demand for the veterinary treatment rose by 79% between 2006 and 2014.
The old Pet Hospital in Quinton, which had been open since 1961, could not cope with the number of pets needing care in the area.
The new hospital on St Matthews Road, is called The Marian and Christina Ionescu Centre of Surgical Excellence and has state-of-the-art operating theatres, a critical care ward and the latest diagnostic and surgical equipment.
The new Pet Hospital has been built thanks to the generous donations of supporters and members of the public.
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A Shih Tzu had his life saved by vet charity PDSA after swallowing a whole kitchen sponge, complete with scouring pad.
Alfie, who is 20 months old, was keeping his owner Maria Bird company as she cleaned the bathroom when he swiped a clean sponge from the packet and swallowed it whole.
Little Alfie seemed fine following his foamy snack, but owner Maria knew his naughty nibbling could cause him some serious harm.
Maria (53) from Jarrow, said: “Alfie has always been a mischief-maker but I was astounded when he wolfed down the sponge in one go! He seemed absolutely fine but I knew he could be in deep trouble. I rushed him straight to PDSA where vets checked him over.”
Vet Nurse Caroline Watson was on duty at PDSA’s Gateshead Pet Hospital when Alfie was brought in. She said:
 “We gave Alfie an injection to make him sick and thankfully, the medicine worked its magic quickly. Thanks to the speedy actions of Maria, Alfie avoided a far worse fate, as when pets swallow foreign bodies, they can cause tears or fatal blockages in the digestive system.
“We were amazed that such a small dog managed to swallow a sponge of that size – it can’t have been very pleasant going down or coming back up again!”
Alfie returned home shortly after his ordeal and returned to his usual self. Maria concluded: “I am so grateful to PDSA for their fast action and help with Alfie. We are keeping a close eye on him to make sure he doesn’t snaffle any other spongy treats again!”
PDSA advises owners to contact their vet for advice straight away if they suspect their pets have eaten something they shouldn’t.
For more pet health advice visit www.pdsa.org.uk/pethealth
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In response to consumer need, 8in1 has extended the popular Minis range, introducing six innovative new flavours.
The majority of dog owners love to treat and reward their pets however over recent years, over-feeding has led to an increase in health problems and overall dog obesity. As such, owners are becoming more aware of the treats they are feeding their dogs and are actively searching for products with a clear nutritional value and benefit for their beloved pets.
In response to this trend, 8in1 have extended the 8in1 Minis offering, providing an extensive range of healthy and beneficial treats to satisfy this health and indulgence need.8in1 Minis are bite-size treats which are a healthy supplement to every dog’s diet. They are enriched with vitamins, low in fat and contain no added sugar or gluten, and are therefore also suitable for sensitive dogs. These bite size dog treats are now available in six new and unique flavours: Fish and Tomato; Lamb and Spinach; Turkey and Pumpkin; Duck and Plum; Beef and Fennel, and Venison and Blueberry. The attractive, two-colour design – available in flower or ring shapes – and the meal-like composition of the products will also appeal to consumers in store. Dog owners can be sure that by offering their pets the new 8in1 Minis, they are giving them a healthy reward that not only tastes great, but also provides them with many essential nutrients. With one product size for all dogs, this is also the perfect product for multi-dog households.
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Tastybone reports huge success in Spain
In just under 12 months of distributing in Spain, TastyBone has already exceeded its first year sales target by 80%. "We have been impressed by the excellent sales result of Tastybone in all our stores," said one major retailer...
 In just under 12 months of distributing in Spain, TastyBone has already exceeded its first year sales target by 80%...
Last September the company appointed Marcos Benitez as master distributor for all of Spain, and he now deals with 13 regional distributors throughout the country.
Jose Miguel Gonzalez, owner of Tumascota, the most profitable chain of big pet shops in Spain, said: "We have been impressed by the excellent sales result of Tastybone in all our stores.
"Normally the introduction of a new brand needs some time to consolidate and achieve satisfactory sales but for Tastybone success has come from first day, said Jose (pictured).
Meanwhile, September will see the launch of TastyBone's first ever free standing Nylon point of sale stan, which is already set to be a success with pre-orders from distributors worldwide.
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 Lily’s Kitchen is looking to give something back to dog owners through an innovative sponsorship of Houndsounds, the world’s first downloadable ‘dogcasts’ for hound-friendly humans.
Designed to appeal to the 25% of UK households which now own a dog, the free-to-download podcasts bring together personal, first hand tales of dogs and people from around the world; some great, some small, and some medium sized.
Houndsounds is for dog lovers, dog owners, and anyone fascinated by the incredible nature of dogs and our relationship with them. But rather than the usual fare of training advice and tricks, diet tips and breeding, each podcast takes on the world of dogs in a completely different way, delving into dog culture, history, science and more.
Created by independent radio producers Cast Iron, www.houndsounds.co.uk is supported by Lily’s Kitchen, the award winning British producer of naturally nutritious pet food. Always pushing the boundaries, the innovative pet food company aims to use its involvement in Houndsounds to communicate the fact Lily’s Kitchen is more than a pet food brand, rather a lifestyle brand for pet owners who want a sense of community and belonging. The founders of Lily’s Kitchen recognise that pets affect all aspects of our lives, not just at feeding time.
Lily’s Kitchen founder Henrietta Morrison said: “As dog lovers ourselves, we wanted to do something for dog owners which was not just about selling them our food, but rather embracing peoples’ passion for their four-legged friends. Houndsounds is the ideal opportunity for us to do this and offers something unique and in a very modern format to dog lovers everywhere who enjoy listening to fascinating stories about our special relationship with our beloved pets, and seeing how much they make a difference to our lives.”
The podcasts, which have already received rave reviews in The Guardian and The Observer newspapers, take their inspiration from the incredible and long history of our faithful companions that stretches back thousands of years. Dogs continue to be our guards, hunters and guides as well as our best friends and the Houndsounds podcasts reflect this diversity.
The series launches with 7 episodes, and subscribers will receive new, regular stories. This first collection includes an insight into the incredible world of dogs’ noses with leading Rhinologist Simon Gane and dog owners at Ham House. We hear from Tony Brown Griffin on her remarkable seizure alert and guide dog Hetty, and delve into the world of truffle hunting on the Sussex Downs.
James and Gillian, both homeless, describe the deep importance of their relationship with their dogs, and Irish artist Dorothy Cross tells the moving tale of putting her dog Louis 'up' rather than 'down'.
Chris Edwards remembers the final heartbreaking weeks with huskies in Antarctica, and finally, Henrietta Morrison, founder of Lily’s Kitchen, tells of her mission to create decent dog food.
People with an interesting story to tell about dogs can put forward suggestions via the Hound Sounds website for future podcasts: http://houndsounds.co.uk/share-a-story/
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Vitalin recently filmed a new video about how their super premium dog food is made.
Lincoln-based dog rescue, Four-Legged Friends, receives regular donations from Vitalin and brought along three very special dogs to take part in filming. Collie Sam and Poodle cross Maggy have already been rehomed but Socks, a beautiful two-year-old German Shepherd cross, is still looking for her forever home after spending a year in kennels and sadly being over-looked. Claire Smith of Four-Legged Friends said: “Socks arrived at the centre through no fault of her own. She is such a gentle and loving dog, we just can’t understand why she still hasn’t found a home.” If you are interested in meeting Socks please contact the rescue centre on the number below. The Vitalin video will be available to watch online so you can find out exactly how the food is made and see Socks and her friends in action. Four-Legged Friends Animal Rescue can be contacted on 01522 693392 or you can find them on Facebook – ‘fourleggedfriendsrescue’. For further information about Vitalin please call +44 (0) 844 800 3347 or visit www.vitalinpetfood.co.uk.
Pictured: Claire Smith (left) pictured with Sam, Maggy and Clare Stainton with Socks (far right).
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A cat had a close shave when a pet shop worker cut off nearly all his fur during a grooming session.
His owner Natalie Thompson, 25, was left distraught when she sent long-haired Ollie for his regular spruce up at a Pets at Home store only for him to be returned shaved virtually "from head to foot".
Only the cat's head, legs and the end of his tail escaped the worker's pet shaver, much to Natalie's horror. Staff at the pet retail chain in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear later claimed the four-year-old animal was shaved extensively to get rid of 'knots' in its fur. Planning engineer Natalie, 25, from Newcastle said: ''When I saw they had done to Ollie I just cried my eyes out. He looked distraught and a mess. "He is usually an outgoing cat but that has all changed since the incident and he seems traumatised. We have two dogs as well and they don't recognise him at all. They were pawing him around so I had to get him out of the way. A spokesman for Pets At Home said: "Cats have a very delicate skin which can be easily torn or damaged. So when a cat has a matted coat like Ollie's it is sometimes necessary to clip the coat very close, using clippers designed specifically for use with cats, to avoid causing any damage to its skin. "Although our terms and conditions highlight that a close clip may be necessary for the welfare of the pet when it's coat is matted, we appreciate that this can be quite upsetting for an owner, particularly if it isn't what they were expecting. "We have apologised to Ollie's owner for not explaining exactly what would be involved in clipping his matted coat and have offered to refund the cost of the groom in full, together with a gesture of goodwill for the upset caused."
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A new campaign by Jersey's Environment Department is aiming to reduce dog mess across the island. 'Proud of you for picking up my poo' is targeting 10 hot spots with posters and poo bags to encourage dog owners to clean up after their pets. The worst areas were recently revealed in a survey which included: Havre des Pas, Jardin d'Olivet, La Pouquelaye, Noirmont Point, Portelet Common, Ouaisne Common, Queen's Valley Reservoir, Rue des Près footpath, St Ouen's sand dunes and St Catherine's Woods. Campaign posters, badges and free emergency biodegradable poo bags are all available in pet shops, garden centres, the JSPCA animal shelter, parish halls and veterinary surgeries. Jane Burns, from the Jersey Environment Department, said: "Identifying the worst affected parts of the Island will help us to focus our efforts.
"Obviously, we want the message to get out across the whole of Jersey but now we understand the areas where some extra targeted work is needed.
"We hope that by drawing attention to this issue, the public will help persuade people to be responsible and help reduce the amount of dog poo across Jersey." The department is reminding dog owners that they face fines for failing to pick up after their animal. It also states it's a public health risk as dog faeces contain diseases and parasites which can infect other animals and humans. It also pollutes water because it contains high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus.
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An upmarket pet shop aiming to be 'the best shop for dogs ever' is set to move into the former Russell and Bromley building on Sevenoaks High Street.
Barkers, a high end offshoot of Pets At Home, opened its first store in Cheshire last year and offers pooches everything from gluten-free organic food to Reiki massage. The Sevenoaks opening comes as the company looks to expand into the South East following the opening of a shop in Marlow, Bucks, earlier this year. Speaking last year Peter Pritchard, from Barkers, said: "Our objective was to create the best dog shop in the world and I think we've done it. "This is different from any store we have created before, with an environment which is for discerning dogs and the people who love them." The proposed premises at 98 High Street has been empty since Russell and Bromley closed in December. The shoe shop was one of Sevenoaks' longest standing stores, having traded in the town for more than a century. Planning applications for signs and the shop front are currently in the hands of the district council.
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Rosewood Pet Products has added a number of new items to its popular range of Chillax Cool products.
The medium sized Chillax Cool pad has been so successful the product team have had many requests for a larger sized one. They have, therefore, launched a large pad which is 60 x 90cm so is great for keeping larger dogs cool. Activated by the dog's weight or pressure, the pad will maintain a temperature slightly lower than the ambient for up to three to four hours of constant use. It requires no electricity and will re-charge itself as the pet moves! This product is supplied in a full colour box with lifestyle image and a full description of the pad and how to use it.
Also launched is the Options Cooling Harness, another essential item to add to your range of seasonal summer/cooling products! The harness includes removable pouches (which work in the same way as the Chillax Cool Pad) to keep pets cool and comfortable in warm weather. Available in one size, with a zip fastening, the harness can also be machine washed at 30°C (but only once the gel pouches have been removed). This item is packaged in a PVC hanging bag with a full colour insert.
Rosewood’s final introduction to the Chillax Cool range this summer is two Chillax Cool Bones! These toys can simply be soaked in, or filled with water and then left in the freezer overnight! Not only do they help to keep dogs cool they also help to relieve sore gums and teeth too!
Don’t forget the medium Chillax Cool Pad, the Cooling Bowl and the Climate Control Coat too! These products, together with the new introductions, make a great seasonal range. It may not be typical, beautiful, warm summer weather in the UK at the moment but with lots of people off on holiday or travelling with their dogs there is still a demand for these products.
Retailers can contact Rosewood Pet Products on 01952 883408 for more details, go online at www.rosewoodpet.com
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A woman has been jailed for four months after strangling her pet dog with its lead and wrapping duct tape round her muzzle.
Hayley Cowan had only just been handed back Staffordshire Bull Terrier Beau after the RSPCA removed her following reports she had been kicked.
The 22-year-old promised the dog would not be harmed but a few hours later Beau was dead.
Cowan then buried the body in her garden and told the RSPCA the dog had run off.
But a court heard witnesses confronted her that night after noticing the freshly dug area.
RSPCA Inspector Vicki McDonald said: "They confronted her the next day but were told it was just toys that had been buried. The next night they went back and discovered the body, and called us."
A post-mortem found Beau died of strangulation by means of the duct tape and tightened collar.
Bruising to her limbs and internal bruising to her neck and lungs suggested she had been held down.
Inspector McDonald added: "It's difficult to imagine what this poor dog went through at the hands of someone she trusted.
"It was a heartbreaking case to investigate and mainly made possible by witnesses coming forward."
Cowan, of Lynton Road, Tyldesley in Wigan, was also fined £500 and banned from keeping animals for life.
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