Innovative pet product set for Dragons' Den
Pet product inventor John Nichols stars in the Dragons’ Den this Sunday when he attempts to secure investment for his innovative HandiScoop. The programme is being screened on BBC2 at 8pm...
Pet product inventor John Nichols stars in the Dragons’ Den this Sunday when he attempts to secure investment for his innovative HandiScoop.
John will be shown asking the Dragons for a sizeable investment in return for 15% of his company.
In the episode, the Dragons ponder the potential of the canine poop-scooping device. Will the Dragons find the product barking, or will dog-lover Deborah Meaden be tempted to take a punt? Tune in to BBC2 at 8pm to find out.
John told Pet Trade Xtra that he found the whole experience of entering the Dragons’ Den “extremely daunting but in a strange way enjoyable,” although he couldn’t say whether his bid for investment was successful or not.
John invented the HandiScoop five years ago and has sold over 50,000 units. The product has already appeared on television, featuring on ITV’s ‘This Morning’.
He has just gone into partnership with Steve Driver, of Pet Trade Innovations, who will be using his knowledge of the pet industry to drive sales of the product even higher.
Over the next few months the partners will be relaunching the product in new improved packaging with a new video.
To discover more about the product visit www.handiscoop.com
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A pet shop boss says he has been forced to close after controversial changes to part of Stirling city centre led to a sharp downturn in business.
Gavin Kirkwood shut up shop at Gavin’s Pet Centre after eight years of trading in Barnton Street and he says the decision came about as a direct consequence of a new one-way system.
He is so disappointed with the way the local authority has dealt with the issue, he left them a parting gift on his shop window – a note ironically thanking them for introducing the new measures which some say have been driving down trade in the area.
Works costing around £750,000 have been ongoing for months to widen the pavements and make them more pedestrian-friendly, alter bus and taxi stances, remove roadside barriers and implement the one-way system.
Mr Kirkwood, who now works as manager at Pet Needs and Feeds, Stirling Street, Tillicoultry, told the Stirling Observer he feels for the traders who remain on Barnton Street, and is still friends with many still in business there.
He said: “I’m lucky in the sense that I had this job opportunity coming about anyway. I initially planned to work between the two shops but the minute the works started I could see things were going to go downhill.
“I just feel sorry for the businesses who are left in the area, whose livelihoods are being put at risk.
“I speak to them often and hear about how much their trade is dropping by – it’s heartbreaking."
Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford and Castle ward councillor Jim Thomson last week met with a group of traders concerned about the negative impact the new measures have had on business in the area.
Some say that they have seen a loss in business of up to 50%. In the aftermath Mr Crawford wrote to Stirling Council Chief Executive Stewart Carruth to request an urgent review into the city centre roads layout.
He said: “The traders contend this area of the city is very much less convenient for access for both car users and those using the bus.
“As a result, the traders tell me the footfall of potential customers has reduced dramatically.”
A spokesperson for the local authority said: “We are trying to make improvements to the city centre to benefit businesses, shoppers, tourists and residents whether they are pedestrians, cyclists, public transport passengers or car drivers.
“We understand that the business owner in question has moved on to take up a new role elsewhere which may indicate that the introduction of a one way system might not have been the principle factor here.
“The majority of the scheme has only recently been completed and we have already committed to reviewing the scheme in the New Year when further data can be collected and analysed, and the impact of the system be considered.”
Picture: Stirling Observer
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Research reveals average UK dog is 22% overweight
A study of over a million dogs by Pets at Home has revealed the UK towns where canine pets are most likely to be overweight, as well as finding that the average UK dog weighs a whopping 22% more than its ideal weight...
- A study of half a million UK dogs by Pets at Home finds that the average UK dog is 22 per cent overweight
- Research reveals the areas where dogs are most overweight
- Many of the top ten towns’ canine populations are almost 50 per cent over their guideline weight
A study of over a million dogs by Pets at Home has revealed the UK towns where canine pets are most likely to be overweight, as well as finding that the average UK dog weighs a whopping 22% more than its ideal weight.
The pet retailer analysed the weights of 508,909 dogs across the country and found that Swinton in Yorkshire had the heaviest canines, with the average dog weighing 48% more than it ought to. Similar results were found in Edgeware, Dundee and Beckton, where dogs were found to be 47% over their guideline weight.
These results mean that dogs in these areas are more than twice as likely to have an issue with their weight, as the national average is a still startling 22%.
Dr. Maeve Moorcroft, Veterinary Advisor for Pets at Home, said: “It’s interesting to see that on average the nation’s dogs are struggling to maintain their ideal weight. One of the things many pet owners struggle with is not spoiling their beloved dog with too many treats and snacks, for example cheese and chocolate, which can be harmful to their health.
“However, just as in humans, eating too many treats and carrying extra pounds can have consequences for canines, including damage to joints, bones and ligaments, problems with breathing and digestion and even quality and length of life in extreme cases.
“That’s why it’s important for pet owners to feed a balanced, nutritious diet to their dog.”
The towns where dogs are most overweight are: - Swinton (Yorkshire) – 48% (over their guideline weight*)
- Edgware, Dundee and Beckton – 47%
- Ferndale,Hounslow and Greenock – 46%
- Faringdon, Dovercourt, Cliftonville – 45%
- Blackwood, Hainault and Bidford on Avon- 44%
- Bletchley, Penarth, Chinnor, Caddington, Seaford – 43%
- Barton upon HUmber, Branksome and Brentford – 43%
- Cheshunt, Kilwinning – 42%
- Welshpool, Biddenden, Livingston and Swaffham – 41%
- Droylesden, Todmorden, Radlet - 40.5%
However, not all areas in the UK matched this trend. On average dogs in County Durham’s Consett are closest to their ideal weight, at just 0.99% overweight. Meanwhile dogs in Bridport and Atherton were actually found to be ever so slightly underweight.
The towns where dogs are most likely on average to be nearest to their ideal weight are:
- Consett
- Barnard Castle
- Berkley
- Balerno
- Chobham
- Ballymoney
- Stanley
- Newbridge
- Buckfastleigh
- Maybole
*Guideline weight according to Kennel Club breed standards and veterinary data
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Premium pet food sector is attractive to small firms
There has never been a better time for smaller businesses to compete in the premium pet food sector, historically dominated by the heavily backed ‘big boys'. That's the view of Chris Brierley, co-founder of Cotswold RAW...
There has never been a better time for smaller businesses to compete in the premium pet food sector, historically dominated by the heavily backed ‘big boys'. That's the view of Chris Brierley, co-founder of Cotswold RAW.
"Cotswold RAW is the perfect example of a young, rural operator that, having tested its proposition among an engaged regional audience, now finds itself perfectly placed to take to the national stage courtesy of a New Year crowdfund - 10th Jan (www.cotswoldraw.com/crowdfunding).
"Countryside offerings with their inbuilt commitment to preserving the local environment and supporting local suppliers are ideally suited to challenging the Home Counties monopoly of premium pet food suppliers.
"Brands like ours are ideally equipped to help any independent store, garden centre or pet store looking to differentiate its pet offer from that of the predictable supermarkets, who all champion the same usual suspects.
"Raw feeding provides the perfect vehicle for any pet owner looking to enhance his pet’s happiness and health. Pet obesity and spiralling veterinary bills have now reached the point that families need to dig a little deeper to fully grasp the long-term wellness needs of their pets."
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A wannabe businessman risked spreading a lethal disease by illegally operating a pet shop, a court has heard.
Michal Bednarczyk narrowly avoided jail after selling English bulldogs across the country without a licence.
Portsmouth Crown Court heard how the Polish national was illegally running a pet shop while ‘flouting’ stringent animal import rules designed to prevent the spread of rabies.
Bednarczyk’s firm, the Green Bulldog Club, operated from an address in Waverley Grove, Southsea, and later his home in Leigh Road, Havant, and was responsible for bringing at least a dozen dogs into the UK from Poland.
On two of these occasions, Bednarczyk sold bulldogs to owners, providing false pet passports and without following critical inoculation treatments to prevent the spread of rabies and other diseases.
Prosecutor Darren Bartlett, representing Portsmouth City Council, said the 37-year-old’s actions could have created a serious public health risk.
Speaking at Bednarczyk’s sentencing, Mr Bartlett said: “Rabies is a killer disease and this defendant has dishonestly and deliberately flouted these stringent rules to prevent the spread of rabies. ‘It’s a disease with no known cure and can ultimately cause death to animals and humans.”
The court heard how the two pups were transported into Britain on December 2 and 4, in 2015.
Both were about nine weeks old – which Mr Bartlett said was seven weeks too young for any rabies inoculation to be effective. Bednarczyk, who is studying business management at the University of Chichester, said he was ‘unaware’ of the age.
Speaking through an interpreter, he said he was "not responsible" for the documentation provided, instead blaming the animal providers in Poland, saying this was their responsibility.
However, Judge Roger Hetherington was ‘not impressed’ by the 37-year-old’s arguments. He said Bednarczyk lied to city council officers about his role in selling and advertising the animals.
The judge said: “You were responsible for putting into the market at least two dogs which carried a risk because they did not have the proper inoculation to rabies and maybe other serious illnesses as well.
“Your case was made worse by the fact that you told lies when you were questioned by the Portsmouth City Council officers and that the whole investigation of this matter and the costs associated with it have been exacerbated by your uncooperative attitude.”
Bednarczyk pleaded guilty to one count of operating a pet shop without a licence and four breaches of animal importation rules. He was fined £2,400 and ordered to pay £1,500 in costs as well as a further £1,466.50 in compensation to his two victims.
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AQUA 2017 shaping up to be a bumper show
Visitors to AQUA 2017 in October can expect a busy and exciting show as the exhibition hall at Telford International Centre will be packed with companies showcasing new products...
Visitors to AQUA 2017 in October can expect a busy and exciting show as the exhibition hall at Telford International Centre will be packed with companies showcasing new products.
Show organiser Annie Foord said: “I’m happy to report that the UK’s major exhibitors are again heading for Telford and we will be welcoming an impressive number of overseas companies, who regard AQUA as their major platform to showcase products to UK buyers.”
Visitors can expect a warm welcome from companies like Aquadip, Aqua One, Cloverleaf, Eheim, Evolution Aqua, Gordon Low, Hertford Shelving, Interpet, JMC Aquatics, Lotus-Atlantis, Mars Fishcare, OASE, Tetra, TMC, Tropical Marine, Tunze UK and Velda. A full list is available on the AQUA website www.aquatelford.co.uk.
Gordon Low Products are a regular exhibitor to AQUA, as director Ruth Low explained: “We are looking forward to next year’s show. As it gets closer you can feel a real buzz within the trade. From our point of view being able to showcase our products at such a prestigious and industry focused event is key to our business.”
It’s a similar story for OASE UK, whose Managing Director Chris Wright says: “We are really excited about attending AQUA 2017. The show has been a huge success for us over the past few years. We can't wait to show our valued customers our innovations and new business segments for the first time at next year’s show.”
As well as meeting up with a long list of AQUA regulars, visitors will be greeted by a host of new faces when the show takes place on October 18-19.
The New Product Showcase is one of the most popular features at the event as visiting buyers welcome the chance to view all the latest launches in one dedicated area.
More than 100 new products were showcased in 2015 when AQUA was last staged, and a higher number is expected this year. All the items will be entered into the New Product Awards, which will be judged by a team of independent retailers on the opening morning of the show.
The 10 categories that make up the Showcase and Awards are:- POS/Merchandising Support
- Reptile
- Pond Construction/Decoration
- Pond Pumps
- Pond Filters
- Pond Food, Care and Accessories
- Aquaria, Furniture and Decor
- Freshwater Equipment
- Aquarium Food, Care and Accessories
- Marine Equipment
As well as getting to see all the new products to be launched on to the market, visitors will be well looked-after during their stay, including free parking, a free catalogue and a free deli bag lunch. And retailers and buyers will also be invited to join exhibitors at the AQUA dinner, which takes place on the first evening of the exhibition.
The AQUA 2017 website can be found at www.aquatelford.co.uk and the AQUA hotline is +44 (0) 1892 862848.
Date for the diary
AQUA 2017, October 18-19, Telford International Centre
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Darcy named PDSA Pet Survivor 2016 after 60ft fall
A Cocker Spaniel who survived a terrifying fall down a 60-foot dam has won a national vote to be crowned PDSA Pet Survivor of the Year, an annual competition run by the UK’s largest veterinary charity...
A Cocker Spaniel who survived a terrifying fall down a 60-foot dam has won a national vote to be crowned PDSA Pet Survivor of the Year, an annual competition run by the UK’s largest veterinary charity.
Two-year-old Darcy was on a Highland walk with her owners, Gordon and Wendy Lyon, at Glascarnoch Dam in July this year. She suddenly jumped a five-foot wall, only to plunge down the concrete slipway. It was a miracle she was alive, say vets, having suffered multiple life-threatening injuries. These included a ruptured spleen, damaged liver, air leaking into her chest, fractured pelvis, a fractured and dislocated front leg and a complex open fracture to her back leg and hip joint.
After emergency surgery at a local vet to save her life, brave Darcy endured lengthy hospitalisation at Parkside Vets in Dundee for three more operations, then needed months of further treatment and rehab. At first it wasn’t clear if Darcy would ever be able to walk again, but her recovery has been described as ‘miraculous’ by her vets and she has now been awarded the coveted title of PDSA Pet Survivor of the Year 2016.
The competition, run in association with PDSA Petsurance, recognises pets’ incredible survival spirit, the love and devotion of their owners and the skill and dedication of the veterinary teams who helped save their lives. Darcy, whose family is from Kellas, near Dundee, was up against five other pets – two dogs, a cat, a rabbit and a ferret. Their full stories can be watched on the charity’s website – www.pdsa.org.uk/petsurvivor.
Reaction to Darcy’s win
Darcy’s owner Gordon Lyon said: “Darcy has come through such a traumatic experience, and our huge thanks go to all the people, too numerous to mention, who have helped her along the way. We’re beyond delighted that she has now won such a prestigious award, particularly against such worthy competition. Thanks to all who voted for Darcy to be named PDSA Pet Survivor 2016!”
Vet Hal Drummond, who conducted Darcy’s emergency surgery at Conanvet in Dingwall, was recently reunited with Darcy when he moved to Parkside Vets. “When we first saw Darcy after her accident I was uncertain she would survive, and even then it wasn’t guaranteed that she would ever walk again,” he said. “To see her running around now is nothing short of miraculous. She is an incredibly brave, sweet-natured dog, and everyone who has helped in Darcy’s recovery is delighted that she’s won PDSA Pet Survivor.”
Watch a video of Darcy's story on YouTube https://youtu.be/7VQOby5g9f8
Other finalists
Entries for the annual award were received from all over the UK and a celebrity judging panel, which included actress Pam St Clement, helped to select the finalists. The five other pets who made it into the finals of PDSA Pet Survivor 2016 were:
Arthur the cat – dragged himself home with an illegal animal trap clamped to his leg, which had to be amputated.
Bodie the Labrador – was left with horrendous wounds after a vicious dog attack, requiring several major operations.
Buddy the Jack Russell – suffered extensive burns after pulling a boiling casserole onto himself.
Dobby the ferret – nearly died after sustaining terrible internal injuries when shaken by a large dog.
Hans the rabbit – abandoned with a severely infected head injury caused by a dog or fox attack.
Animal lover and PDSA supporter Pam St Clement said: “It was so difficult to choose one near-tragedy over another; they are all deserving of the PDSA Pet Survivor title. These pets are truly brave survivors with loving two-legged owners and skilled veterinary teams for support.”
PDSA Pet Survivor is run in association with PDSA Petsurance, which offers five star* cover from the vet experts. It can cover up to £8,000 of vets fees** that can be paid directly to your vet (subject to availability), plus every policy contributes to the charity’s vital work helping pets in need. PDSA Petsurance is currently offering up to 5% discount on policies taken out online, visit www.pdsa.org.uk/petsurance. Quotes are also available by calling 0800 980 6000.
 Darcy’s story
Wendy Lyon said: “We’ve walked at Glascarnoch Dam many times and she’s never done anything like that before. We have no idea why she suddenly decided to jump. We heard her ‘scream’ and then silence; we expected the worst and ran to look over the wall. Miraculously, she survived the fall and was looking up at us. But we could see she was badly injured.
“We were absolutely distraught as we couldn’t reach her. It took a while for the fire brigade to arrive as we were in the middle of nowhere. When the fireman carried her up the ladder, hypothermia was setting in and she was slipping in and out of consciousness, but she still managed to nuzzle his cheek.”
However, Darcy’s ordeal was still far from over; she was rushed to the nearest veterinary practice in Conon Bridge for emergency surgery to stop internal bleeding – traced to her damaged spleen which was removed. Despite her critical condition, she survived the night and was transported on a drip to Parkside Veterinary Group in Dundee for intensive care and specialist surgery.
Poor Darcy had a devastating list of injuries – air was leaking into her chest, her liver was damaged, her pelvis was fractured, her front leg was fractured and dislocated, and her back leg and hip joint had a complex, open fracture. It seemed a miracle that she was alive at all.
Vets were worried that they may not be able to save Darcy’s leg, but they could see she was a little dog with immense determination. They conducted complex orthopaedic surgery using plates and pins to hold her shattered bones into place while they healed. Just 48 hours after the operation she was standing up, wagging her tail and persuading staff to handfeed her favourite meal of fish and potatoes!
Darcy stayed at the vets for nine days recovering. Gordon and Wendy visited her twice a day and her tail was always wagging – she never once gave up.
Darcy had a further two operations – one to fix her front leg, which had to be fused at the wrist to stabilise it, and another to remove the pin from her back leg once it was sufficiently healed. At home Darcy required months of nursing and rehabilitation, but nothing was too much trouble for the miracle dog’s family. She received hydrotherapy, physiotherapy and acupuncture, and is now able to run around and enjoy herself on walks again.
Wendy continued: “Darcy’s vets were extraordinary, they really went above and beyond for her. The treatment has cost thousands of pounds, thankfully her insurance has covered a lot of that although we have still had to pay for some parts of her rehab. The costs do mount up, but when we see her happy and running again it’s totally worth it. We’re blown away that she’s now won PDSA Pet Survivor – it’s a wonderful end to what has been a very difficult year.”
* Applies to Plus and Premier policies only. Defaqto’s Star Ratings provide an independent assessment of the quality of financial products.
** Veterinary fees cover up to £8,000 on Petsurance Premier products only. Your Pet’s treatment, for both illnesses and injuries, will be covered up to a single policy limit, for each policy year, as long as your policy remains in force, your premiums paid up to date and the insurer invites renewal. There is no limit on how long you can claim for each illness or injury. Upon renewal, the policy limit is reset and available to claim again. Policy excesses will apply per condition, per year.
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SureFlap, the award-winning microchip pet product specialist, has launched a handy, pocket-sized microchip reader – the SureSense Microchip Reader.
The affordable new reader is compatible with all ISO 15-digit (FDX-B) identification microchips and is ideal for use by veterinary and pet care professionals.
It is lightweight and ergonomically designed,fits easily into the hand and is easy to operate with just the push of a button. Its small size also ensures that it is not as intimidating for pets.
 The reader features an integrated LCD screen that displays microchip numbers in a large, easy-to-read format and it also reports the temperature of temperature-sensing microchips, if they are present.
“The SureSense Microchip Reader was developed following feedback from veterinary and shelter staff that they often had to share microchip readers,” comments Dr Nick Hill, managing director of SureFlap.
“The reader is our first professional product, developed exclusively for veterinary professionals, shelters, breeders and pet care professionals. Its affordability and size will ensure that it is possible to have multiple readers in each veterinary practice and shelter.”
For further information, contact your wholesaler or the SureFlap team on 0800 9127 114 or via email vet@sureflap.com.
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Arden Grange will again be an official sponsor for the world’s biggest dog show, Crufts, which is being held at the NEC in Birmingham from the March 9-12.
This year also marks 20 years since Arden Grange started producing their award winning pet foods and 2017 will see the exciting competitions for both retailers and end customers, as well as product line extensions across the range.
Wendy Stephens, co-founder and director at Arden Grange, says: “We are delighted to be continuing our sponsorship of Crufts. We have so much coming up in the next 12 months and it’s an exciting time for us.
“It’s a great event where all of our staff gets to meet the general public, breeders and exhibitors at the show. We’re looking forward meeting as many people as we can in 2017.”
All Arden Grange products are naturally hypoallergenic and free from wheat gluten, beef, soya and dairy products as well as artificial colours, flavours and preservatives.
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The slump retailers experienced in footfall during the opening weekend of the New Year is due to a failure to create an inspirational customer experience and a poor allocation of staff resources, according to a leading retail expert at Aston University.
Professor Heiner Evanschitzky, Director of the Aston Centre for Retail Insights (ACRI) at Aston Business School, said: “It does not come as a surprise that footfall was disappointing over the holiday period. Our research shows that 78% of Brits opt for online shopping rather than going to the High Street or department stores to buy gifts.1 This is because they find shopping stressful and only a minority find the experience of actually visiting a shop inspiring.
“Traditional retailers are attempting to compete with the rise of online shopping platforms on price – and are missing a trick in the process. What they need to focus on is something that online providers cannot easily replicate: an inspirational shopping experience. People browsing in stores should be met with an environment that is entertaining and informative, with a focus on showcasing products in unexpected combinations or contexts. Our research shows this can improve customer satisfaction and lead to an increase in sales per customer.”
According to Professor Evanschitzky, there are a number of strategies retailers can adopt to inspire the customer and combat declining footfall.
He says: “There are two key factors that come into play when you try to inspire customers. First, retailers must improve their store design, and display products by use rather than by category. Second, they should ensure sales staff spend their time interacting with customers, inspiring and advising them – not focusing on re-stocking shelves, which can be done when there are few or no customers in the store.
“Online is an important distribution channel and traditional retailers must embrace it. But it is vital they also invest in improving their stores and equipping staff to help make shopping an enjoyable experience. For instance, they can use digital technology like QR codes to make it easier for customers to purchase a product they interacted with in-store whenever and wherever is most convenient.
“There is still an important role for the physical store to play, and we can already see online retailers such as Amazon approaching this from the other side. By moving offline and creating a physical presence, they are acknowledging that physical interaction with customers is a golden opportunity to inspire them and ensure they find the right products.”
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Scorpion halts high-speed train
A scorpion, which escaped a rail passengers bag bringing a London to Edinburgh train to a halt at Peterborough, has given birth its rescuers have revealed...
A scorpion, which escaped a rail passengers bag bringing a London to Edinburgh train to a halt at Peterborough, has given birth its rescuers have revealed.
The Guatemalan scorpion shocked passengers when it made a surprise appearance on New Year’s Day.
The creature was tempted into a food container before it was taken to The Exotic Pet Refuge in Deeping St James.
Staff at the centre said the scorpion had two or three babies overnight.
The female passenger was travelling back from a holiday in Guatemala with her son when she reached into her bag for her glasses - and discovered the surprise guest attached to the case.
It probably took refuge in the rucksack as it was “looking for somewhere dark and dry” to give birth, Darren Mansfield, from The Exotic Pet Refuge told the BBC.
“She dropped the case and the scorpion disappeared from sight. “A passenger tried to catch it in an ice cream tub, but scorpions don’t like sticky, wet places so it wasn’t interested.
“Luckily, the woman’s son was eating a chicken dinner so she made him wolf that down and it was lured into that container.”
The black Guatemalan bark scorpion - which has a sting “equivalent to about three wasp stings” and is not lethal to humans - had “two or three babies last night”, Mr Mansfield said.
He said the scorpion and her babies would stay at the Lincolnshire rescue centre.
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 In a nail-biting final, first shown on Boxing Day on www.csjk9.com, Hefin Jones won the coveted 'A Way With Dogs' trophy with his Border Collie Cassie. Nine handlers had competed in the first three programmes of these new sheepdog trials developed by CSJ Specialist Canine Feeds, then the winning handler and dog from each programme battled it out in the final. Hefin is a farmer living in Dolgellau, Wales, and at four years old this is Casi’s first season for trialling. She is a great great granddaughter to Hefin’s first dog Meg. “Her temperament is spot on. Very natural with good balance and she’s kind to her sheep," says Hefin.
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Cat nearly croaks after ‘poaching’ salmon from the cooker
A curious cat named Clive, from Glasgow, left his owners flabbergasted after he managed to open the oven door and feast on their salmon dinner. And despite cats’ famous love of fish, this time Clive’s life was in danger due to the accompanying onions and garlic he also devoured...
A curious cat named Clive, from Glasgow, left his owners flabbergasted after he managed to open the oven door and feast on their salmon dinner. And despite cats’ famous love of fish, this time Clive’s life was in danger due to the accompanying onions and garlic he also devoured.
Clive’s owner, Imogen Craven-Mallett (21) from Glasgow, was horrified when she found he’d pulled out the remains of their salmon dinner - which he was polishing off on the kitchen floor as she walked in.
“I couldn’t believe it when I found him eating the salmon because it had been cooked in garlic and onions and I know they are poisonous to cats.”
Imogen immediately rang her local PDSA Pet Hospital, and vets advised her to bring Clive straight in for examination. He was kept in overnight for close monitoring and given treatment to help reduce absorption of the potentially-deadly toxins.
PDSA vet, Emily Ronald, said: “Sadly, we see plenty of poisoning cases, especially at Christmas, but we’ve never seen a case like this before. It’s very unusual for a cat to be able to open an oven! Clive is a real character and incredibly lucky. The garlic and onion could have been fatal but, thanks to his owner’s quick reaction and our treatment, he’s recovered and all his tests came back clear.”
Emily added: “With the festive season here, many of us will have lots of sweet treats and chocolates in the house. But while Christmas is a time for indulgence, it’s important to remember that some foods can be very harmful to our pets. Foods including chocolate, onions, raisins, some nuts, sage-and-onion stuffing, mince pies and Christmas cake can all be harmful and should be kept out of paws’ reach.
“Instead of treating pets to extra food, and to distract them from potentially harmful foods, encourage playtime for cats with suitable toys or take your dog for extra walks.”
A very relieved Imogen wants to share Clive’s story to support PDSA’s ‘Save a Star’ campaign which is raising funds to support the emergency vet care the charity provides. This Christmas, PDSA will treat more than 50,000 sick and injured pets, many in need of emergency, life-saving surgery.
She added: “I hope that Clive’s story helps raise awareness of life-saving work PDSA do – I’m incredibly grateful for all they have done. I certainly couldn't afford to pay for the treatment he needed and I would have been heartbroken if something had happened to him. If I didn't have PDSA I don't think Clive would be here now.”
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The list of top dog names of 2016 has been revealed, and it seems like the classic names are still the most popular.
It looks like owners are giving their dogs much more human names, while the site rover.com has noted many people this year have been inspired by popular culture in deciding the name of their new dog. According to the site, 53% of owners named their dogs after TV, film, or book characters or a celebrity.
One of the new additions to the list is 'Luna', meaning the Harry Potter-themed names are still popular, while it's also the name of the This Morning puppy.
On the boy's side, Max remains the most popular name for a second year in a row.
Powerful women also influenced pet names this year, with dog names inspired by well-known women climbing 13 per cent. Coco Chanel, Betty White and Eleanor Roosevelt all rose in the rankings this year.
Food names are still a favourite for pet owners, with junk food themes like Taffy and Twix increasing in popularity.
Check out the list below from rover.com...
Top 10 male dog names of 2016 - Max
- Charlie
- Buddy
- Cooper
- Jack
- Rocky
- Bear
- Duke
- Toby
- Tucker
Top 10 female dog names of 2016 - Bella
- Lucy
- Daisy
- Lola
- Luna
- Molly
- Sadie
- Sophie
- Bailey
- Maggie
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