A South London pet shop, threatened with closure because of rising costs and a growth in shoplifting, is to remain open thanks to a last-minute reprieve.

Dabners Pet Shop in Croydon had served generations of pet owners in the area for over 60 years.

But company director Mark Oram wrote on the store Facebook page this week: "We’ve managed to weather the storm, and Dabners as you know will remain open on Surrey street. The same friendly team is here, caring for pets as always. We’re proud and grateful to have found a way to continue our journey. We hope to see you in store soon."

Mark had threatened to close the store for the final time on 16th August, saying: “It gives me great sadness to inform you all that the Dabners website will close immediately and the 60-year-old Dabners pet shop in Surrey Street Croydon will close its doors for the very last time.

“I would like to thank the thousands of customers for their loyalty and support over the last 60 years, you will be very much missed by myself and all the staff, but unfortunately with continuous rises in overheads, which were made particularly bad by the present government, and the significant growth in shoplifting, this family independent pet shop will now sadly have to close for good.

“Once again, many thanks to all our loyal customers for their support and my wonderful members of staff for their hard work and enthusiasm over the last 60 years.”

Judging for the PetQuip Awards took place at Birmingham Dogs Home, with surplus samples from entrants being given to the charity, a donation estimated to be worth thousands of pounds. 

The award ceremony will take place on 29th September at the National Conference Centre in Birmingham following PATS 2025 – the UK’s biggest pet trade event, recognising the best in the pet sector, from individuals working in the industry, to newly launched businesses, and standout pet products. 

PetQuip, the international trade association of pet equipment suppliers, chose to host the judging day at Birmingham Dogs Home’s Solihull centre to support the charity which desperately needs support. PetQuip generously donated over £5000 worth of food, treats, and accessories to the dogs homed at the Birmingham site. 

The judging also included utilising some of Birmingham Dogs Home’s rescue dogs and volunteers’ dogs to test products, a welcomed treat by the vulnerable animals in its care.

The PetQuip awards are sponsored by full service marketing agency Leopard Co, which has over 20 years of multi-award-winning experience working in the pet sector. Headquartered in Birmingham, the agency is the proud headline sponsor of the PetQuip Awards and has supported Birmingham Dogs Home pro bono for over five years, helping pets find their forever homes while helping brands find their voice. 

As PetQuip Awards headline sponsor, Leopard Co is helping to recognise excellence in pet trade business in the UK and internationally. Attended by over 300 pet industry retail, brand and businesses, the awards celebrate the achievements of pioneering pet businesses across 15 categories. 

Rachel Frost, Events & Community Fundraising Manager at Birmingham Dogs Home said: “We were so pleased to welcome PetQuip to host their judging day in our community room, and are so thankful for the support in the donated excess product. This will be such a treat for the dogs in our care, who really do deserve it.”  

Susan Fairley, Trade Federation Manager at PetQuip added: “It’s been a great day of judging at Birmingham Dogs Home – we’re really impressed with the entries this year, and we’re looking forward to announcing the selected winners of the PetQuip awards in September. Every year, our judging day is a true testament to how innovative and original the pet sector is. 

“Once again, a special thank you to all the companies who sent samples for the judging and whose product has been donated to Birmingham Dogs Home.”

Rachel Roberts, CEO of Leopard Co said: “As headline sponsors of the PetQuip Awards and a long-time supporter of Birmingham Dogs Home, it’s great to see the two organisations come together for an important cause. 

“Although we work with clients from across a number of sectors, working with pet clients for over a decade means we are really committed to supporting this industry to continue to thrive. It’s privilege to support the recognition of UK pet businesses that are making an impact in the UK and beyond, through partnering with PetQuip and sponsoring the awards.” 

Excitement is building across the pet industry as the PetQuip Awards 2025 finalists are revealed. The PetQuip trade association has just released the awards shortlist, which features businesses and individuals whose innovation, ingenuity and achievements have set them apart, in an exceptionally competitive year.

Spanning 16 categories, the list reflects the extraordinary diversity and creativity that make the pet sector so dynamic - from ethical, groundbreaking product to outstanding customer service and community impact.

“The calibre of entries this year has been remarkable,” said Joe Denham, Director General, PetQuip. “Our finalists represent the very best of the industry and we can’t wait to celebrate their success.”

The awards were evaluated by a distinguished panel of experts from across the pet care industry, ensuring a transparent and fair judging process. Judging for most categories took place at Birmingham Dogs Home in early August and included some of the rescue and volunteers’ dogs who were delighted to try out some of the entries!

The winners will be crowned at the PetQuip Awards Dinner on Monday 29 September at the National Conference Centre, alongside PATS.

More than just an awards ceremony, the evening is a chance for the pet trade to come together to reconnect with friends and colleagues, applaud the year’s achievements, and enjoy a celebration of the industry’s shared passion.

The evening starts with a drinks reception, followed by a three course table service dinner, charity prize draw, sparkling entertainment and the awards ceremony.

PetQuip Awards 2025 finalists

Supplier of the year

Copdock Mill Wholesale

Law Print & Packaging

NAKED DOG

Pedigree Wholesale

Trinkety Paws Limited

Pet Trade Innovations Ltd

Natures Pet Products Ltd

Buitelaar Group

Landguth

Durham Animal Feeds

We.pet Independent Pet Wholesale

CASCO Pet

Bella+Duke

Bugalugs Pet Care

Business service of the year

K9 Paws Behavior Dog Training

Behavet

Pet Trust UK

iPET Network

Pickles Pet Pantry

Most promising new starter business

Delphi Dog Ltd

It's The Dog's (sub brand of Protein Ball Co)

Pawionic

DotDotPet

PAWD DRINKS

LitPet Supplement

AniVatio

Zesty Paws UK

By Teddy

Sustainability award

Nilaqua Pets

Buitelaar Group

Grub Club

BrewBix

Landguth

Theresa Swann exporter of the year

Buddycare

Landguth

We.pet Independent Pet Wholesale

Bugalugs Pet Care

Product of the year: food & treats

Dougie's Pets - Veggie Superfood Boost  

Baboo Gelato - Doggy Doggy Yum Yum Frozen Treat

Nutriment - Nutriment Gently Steamed

Nutriment - Nutriment Nuggets

Nutriwolds Raw Ltd - Nutriwolds Hearty Herring Complete and Balanced FEDIAF Raw Recipe for Dogs

Zesty Paws UK - Zesty Paws Allergy & Immunity Chews Salmon for Dogs

Wilsons Pet Food - Wilsons Fresh

Durham Animal Feeds - Meaty Bites Range

Canagan - Canagan Raw Freeze Dried Treats

Canagan - Canagan Raw Freeze Dried Toppers

Ruffingtons - Ruffingtons Luxury Dog Eclairs

Frozzys - Frozzys Happy Gut Yogurt Squeeze

Product of the year: healthcare & grooming

Bray Group Ltd - Quick Stop by Bray silver nitrate pencils and applicator sticks

PAWD DRINKS - PAWD DRINKS CALMING

LitPet - LitPet Pawsitive Powder-Stress relief and calming supplement for dogs

Zesty Paws UK - Zesty Paws Probiotic Dog Chews Pumpkin Flavour

Pet Head Health - Pet Head Health Oatmeal Soothing Cream (85ml)  

AniVatio - AniVatio ProGut and Puppy Tummy Tamer

AniVatio - AniVatio ProJoint oral gel

Mountain Paws - Dog First Aid Kit  

Pet Remedy - 200ml Calming and emotional wellbeing spray

Buddycare - Buddycare Paw & Nose Balm

Product of the year: accessories & technical

Delphi Dog Ltd – The Delphi Dog Drying Sock

Hurtta – Hurtta Safeguard Harness ECO

The Muzzle Movement – The Muzzle Movement Size Harry 2.0, welfare-friendly dog muzzle

Tug-E-Nuff – BOB: The 3-in-1 Dog Dummy

Pup & Kit – Lid-it Dog & Cat Bowl with Stay-Fresh Lid

Pet Trust UK - Pet Trust UK – Centralised Platform & Digital DogTag

By Teddy - The Cosy Car Seat   

Woof and Snout - Explorer Dog Collar   

Tavo Pets UK - Tavo Pet Safety Travel Range: Featuring Maeve™, Dupree™, Crispin™, and Hendrick™  

UK retailer of the year: multiple

Winner to be announced on the night

UK Retailer of the year: online

Kavee

The Muzzle Movement

Trinkety Paws

Tug-E-Nuff

The North East Pet Shop

Our Pet Village Ltd

UK retailer of the year: independent

Lockerbie Pet Supplies

Wildwood Pets

Joywyns Pet and Country

Coningsby Pet and Aquatics Ltd

PET STOP

Our Pet Village Ltd

Pickles Pet Pantry

Doodledales

International retailer of the year

Winner to be announced on the night

Best marketing campaign

R & E Bamford Ltd

Tug-E-Nuff

Buddycare

Naturo Natural Pet Food

Frozzys Ltd

Rising star

Grub Club – Jake Foster

Trinkety Paws – Nadine Berger

Tug-E-Nuff – Danny Nelis-Rouse

iPET Network – Claire Kent

Pickles Pet Pantry – Katie Parker

Employee of the year

Pet Trade Innovations Ltd  –  Liane Avery

Fold Hill Foods Ltd – Ann Child

Lifetime achievement award

Winner to be announced on the night

PetQuip Awards are sponsored by:

Leopard Co – headline sponsor

Copdock Mill Wholesale, Pedigree Wholesale, Petface, CIPS (China International Pet Show), Law Pring & Packaging, Noble Futures, Zoomark, Interzoo, PBW, PPM, Buddycare, James & Steel, Pet Sourcing Fair China, China Pet Industry Association, GBH Exhibition Forwarders and Uniexpress.

In association with PATS

More information:

• Finalists’ Booklet
• Ticket booking
• Judging panel

For details of PetQuip membership, please e-mail info@petquip.com or visit www.petquip.com

It’s no surprise that London Pet Show Live, 20-21 September, Olympia is celebrating the capital’s passion for pets offering a chance to explore the pet kingdom with a fun-packed family experience that’s both educational and entertaining.

According to the Office of National Statistics there’s 1.2 million dogs and 1.4 million cats living in London compared to 1.1 million pre-schoolers. Plus 44% of Londoners own a cat compared to only 30 per cent or lower nationwide.

Savvy pet firms are optimising the show as a chance to highlight their brands, and offer a quality retail therapy experience.  Discover choice food firms from Mars Petcare, Burgess Petcare, Butternut Box, Bella & Duke, Katkin, Whimzees , Core Wellness amongst the line-up. 

Ruffingtons are sponsoring the Influencers lounge on the upper floor of Olympia’s National Hall with the likes of My Blue Wolf, The Puggy Smalls, Pop Sausage, Peanut and Pablo, and Dolly Pawton attending. 

In addition, there’s a variety of treat companies from freeze dried options at Waita, Brian Recommends and enrichment options offered by firms including Tug-E-Nuff and Tactile Designs. 

Making its UK debut is Dr Elsey’s innovative cat litter sponsoring the cat talks. Whilst companies including Photizo and Ingenious Probiotics head up apriority for health and wellness. 

Not forgetting charities including Battersea, Dogs Trust and Nowzad, showcasing their work, reminding people that adopting a pet is a well-matched and fulfilling experience. 

ITV This Morning’s Vet, Dr Scott Miller, is hosting the Main Stage offering advice on responsible pet ownership, he’s also introducing displays and expert interactive talks, including ‘Question Time’ panel-like sessions on Pet Behaviour and Pet Wellness.

Channel 5’s Graeme Hall, the Dogfather, Animal Psychologist, Dr Roger Mugford, Animal Behaviourist, Hannah Molloy and Nick Jones MA will be discussing all things Pet behaviour and training. Whilst the Wellness Panel comprises Holistic Vet, Dr Nick Thompson, Pain Specialist, Yaz Porrit, Animal Physiotherapist, Donna Wills and Microbiologist, Dr Carol Hughes who will be talking all things microbiome. 

Meet 40 of Britain’s most popular dogs and cats. Talk to their experts, enjoy dedicated talks on lifestyle, training and nutrition, even discover the perfect pet for your experience, lifestyle and accommodation.

Visit the Guinea Pig village, the Hamsters, Gerbils, Chinchillas and the ‘super smart’ Pooched Rats, discovering why these ‘small-furries’ could be a perfect pocket-sized pet for metropolitan living.

If birds and reptiles take your fancy, meet a variety of feathered friends along with Gekkos and Lizards discovering how to best care for these more exotic pets. 

Entertainment packed, the Dog Activity Arena highlights ‘man’s best friend’ with a host of displays and educational demonstrations. The life-saving charity, Medical Detection Dogs, Gill Radding’s fantastic stunt dogs, Lucy Heath and her dancing dogs, plus training and agility by Cainark Dog Training are amongst this line up! 

The Literary Corner with Paper Cat Books, and award-winning children’s author, Jane Elson hosting celebrity book signings including by Graeme Hall, the DogFather, Pen Farthing from Nowzad on Operation Ark, and Gone Fishing’s Ted the Dog who is signing his books with his own paw-stamp!   

The dedicated Kids Zone offers a chance to take a break with Face Painting alongside reading with Pets as Therapy dogs.  

Oscar the Show Director commented: “We’re committed to delivering the biggest show for pets. By offering a platform that’s curated with utmost welfare standards, for a fun and educational family experience. It’s focussed on promoting conscientious and responsible pet ownership. All pets offer us enrichment, deliver health benefits and give us ‘self-worth’ by offering kindness to a different species. Plus, pets increasingly offer an ’antidote’ to technology overload.” 

ITV’s This Morning Vet Scott Miller added: “It’s no surprise that Londoners are so passionate about pets, science proves how all animals but particularly dogs and cats lower our stress levels, make us smile more, give us purpose and companionship. I’m excited to be hosting the main stage at London Pet Show Live as promoting responsible ownership, choosing the right pet for your accommodation, lifestyle and experience. But also highlighting why considering a rescue pet is highly recommended as re-homing charities like Battersea and Dogs Trust are at bursting point”.

By your tickets today https://londonpetshowlive.com 

Stand Enquiries Contact: John Lord – jl@eliteevents.live

There are just a few days left to enter the Pet Industry Federation (PIF) Awards 2025.

Thanks to headline sponsors, Cliverton, Nutriment and the Animal People Recruitment Company, the Awards take place to celebrate excellence across the pet sector, with exciting new categories this year including Raw Store of the Year and Best Newcomer Award, alongside the return of popular favourites.

Entries remain completely free of charge, as always, and the deadline to submit your entry is Wednesday 3 September.

Winners will be announced at the prestigious Awards ceremony at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel, Stoke on Trent, on Thursday 6 November 2025.

Nigel Baker, PIF CEO, said:
"The PIF Awards are a fantastic opportunity to shine a spotlight on the very best in our industry. Every year, we are inspired by the creativity, resilience and dedication of businesses across the sector, and we’re looking forward to seeing this year’s entries. With entry remaining free, we encourage every business, large or small, to take part in this celebration."

There are also still limited sponsorship opportunities available, offering outstanding promotional and networking benefits. To find out more about sponsorship, please contact Daniel Everett, PIF's Operations Manager, on 01234 224507 or email daniel.everett@petfederation.co.uk. 

To enter your business for a PIF Award, visit www.petfederation.co.uk

Pet owners across the UK can order everything from kibble to catnip in minutes, as Jollyes becomes Uber Eats’ first national pet care partner.

The new tie-up under the new ‘Zoomies’ brand, is offering rapid delivery in 13 locations right across the UK, creating a new level of convenience for pet parents and their four-legged family members.

The UK pet care market is worth over £7 billion annually, and Gen Z and Millennial shoppers have been driving demand for more convenient, on-demand services for the food they eat.

But it’s clear that food revolution is now extending to their pets.

Customers in a five-mile radius of 13 Jollyes stores are now able to order delivery of pet food, raw food and toys in as little as 30 minutes via the Uber Eats app.

Ordering is simple via the Uber Eats app. Just like other Uber Eats partners, customers simply fill their pet’s basket on the Uber app from over 2,000 items, and orders will be picked at their local Jollyes store for instant home delivery via the Uber Eats service.

The new service is aimed at Gen Z and Millennials, who now represent the majority of new pet owners across the UK after they have revolutionised the food delivery market for retailers, taking advantage of the convenience of rapid delivery services.

Jollyes tie-up with Uber Eats will be particularly attractive to the rapidly growing number of customers choosing to feed their pets raw frozen food.

Jollyes’ award-winning Lifestage, Riley’s and Raw & Simple ranges will be available to order via Uber Eats and all stores included in the launch have a dedicated in-shop Raw Store, making Uber Eats ideal for a frozen delivery.

From shinier coats to odourless stools, raw frozen food has numerous health benefits for pets as Gen Z and Millennial pet owners prioritise a premium diet for their pets.

Research shows that the majority of dog and cat owners feed their pets a raw diet at least some of the time - so Jollyes’ new Uber Eats partnership will bring new convenience whether a pet is already a raw food fan or wants to dip its paw in the water.

Even though the service has only recently begun its trial in these locations, it’s already clear Gen Z customers are taking to the service with significant demand for toys and other general merchandise alongside puppy and kitten food.

Jollyes’ chief executive officer Joe Wykes said “We’re so excited to launch our trial with Uber Eats and become their first national pet partner. The new service will allow us to reach more shoppers than ever before, more quickly than we ever have.

Katie Hunter, Head of Grocery & New Verticals at Uber Eats UK, said: “As people increasingly turn to Uber Eats for more than just takeaway, we’re excited to be partnering with Jollyes to bring an even broader range of everyday essentials to the app. From pet food to toys, it’s now easier than ever for owners to get what they need for their pets, delivered at the touch of a button.”

Jollyes was named as one of The Sunday Times’ best big companies to work for last year, and this year won the Retail Week Award for Head Office Heroes following its highly successful raw frozen food roll out.

Inspired Pet Nutrition has entered into an exclusivity agreement with Eurazeo SE for the acquisition of Ultra Premium Direct, France’s leading direct-to-consumer pet food company.

The transaction, which is subject to customary clearances and closing conditions, will mark IPN’s second acquisition in France, having announced the acquisition of Sopral last month.

Ultra Premium Direct (UPD) is France’s leading online pet food brand, renowned for its high-quality ingredients, accessible pricing for premium products, and exceptional customer service. Its distinctive factory-to-consumer model, powered by a data-driven e-commerce platform and widely adopted subscription service, enables direct delivery of grain-free, natural pet food tailored to carnivorous diets. Complementing its digital success, UPD has expanded into a profitable mono-brand store network, accelerating its reach to offline customers and supporting its European growth ambitions.

Arthur van Benthem, CEO of IPN, said: "UPD has delivered impressive growth in both sales and profitability and represents a strong strategic addition to IPN. It brings with it a sophisticated, proven e-commerce platform with significant international growth potential, a rapidly expanding mono-brand store network, and another outstanding brand to our portfolio. The business is highly complementary to both IPN and Sopral. By combining UPD’s direct-to-consumer strengths with Sopral’s extensive manufacturing capabilities and IPN’s broader network and customer base, we unlock powerful opportunities to accelerate our ambitious growth plans across Europe. We look forward to working with our expanding team to realise this potential."

Sophie Wincker, CEO of Ultra Premium Direct, said: “We are delighted to be joining forces with the IPN team. In recent years, we have built a unique platform that successfully combines product finishing and packing operations, logistics and ecommerce capabilities to build a loyal customer base across France. We have a clear roadmap to build on these successes to diversify and grow our business. IPN’s expertise, strength and capabilities, including Sopral’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in France, will allow us all to accelerate these plans.”

UK dog hydration brand Furr Boost has unveiled a bold new look as part of a brand refresh designed to strengthen on-shelf communication, modernise its visual identity, and future-proof the business for international growth.

What began as a design review quickly became a wider opportunity for evolution. The new logo, now free from previous paw print details, presents a more mature and simplified aesthetic that aligns with the brand’s growing reputation. While the exterior has been updated, the formulation inside remains exactly the same, crafted from high-quality, human-grade ingredients, with no compromise on taste, quality, or dog wellbeing.

The redesigned packaging goes beyond cosmetic change. It’s built to better serve customers in real-life settings, offering clearer messaging, improved usability, and a more intuitive layout. While the story of Phoebe the beagle who inspired the creation of Furr Boost remains proudly featured on-pack, the refreshed design places greater emphasis on instantly answering the key questions: who it’s for, how to use it, and what it supports.

At a glance, icons and visual cues now communicate the product’s role in supporting eight pillars of dog health: digestion, gut motility, metabolism, anxiety, appetite, immunity, skin and coat, and hydration. Feedback gathered directly from Furr Boost’s community of dog owners played a central role in refining the new look, ensuring the final result remained practical, user-friendly and true to the brand’s values.

A key innovation in the updated design is the introduction of a 2D barcode, positioning Furr Boost at the forefront of digital packaging in the pet care sector. While the feature ensures compliance with GS1’s Sunrise 2027 standards, it also acts as a digital passport that communicates the full DNA of the product to consumers – both new and returning.

The barcode platform, powered by Buyer Dock, enables users to scan the pack and access content translated into 84 languages, making Furr Boost fully export-ready and more accessible to global audiences. From ingredient origin stories and veterinary insights to feeding tips and recipe inspiration, the interactive platform offers a depth of educational content designed to enhance customer engagement and build long-term trust.

The digital layer also allows the brand to keep content up to date in real time, while gathering insights into which features matter most to customers, ensuring the experience evolves based on real-world usage and interest.

The new designs are being released in phases from now until the end of the year. The first to hit the market will be the Beef, Salmon, and Chicken variants, with the remaining flavours rolling out as existing packaging stocks are depleted.

This rebrand marks an important milestone in the Furr Boost journey, evolving from a home-crafted hydration solution for one unwell dog to a fast-growing, trusted brand found in homes and stores across the UK and increasingly, further afield.

While the look may have changed, the company’s mission remains the same: to support dog wellness through honest, science-led nutrition in a format that fits modern pet lifestyles.

For further information visit www.furrboost.com

Natures Menu has announced the launch of its new Raw Boost product, available in four delicious flavours. 

Dry dog food remains the most popular choice among UK dog owners, and with category growth forecast at +2.5% in 20251, new Natures Menu Raw Boost is designed to meet demand while helping pet owners by providing ultimate convenience without compromising on nutrition. 

With 70% of UK pet owners citing wellbeing as a key driver when purchasing dry pet food – followed by convenience (64%) and gratification (55%)2 – Raw Boost is well-positioned to deliver on all three priorities in one brand-new product.  

Available in 1.5kg and 3kg bags, Raw Boost combines high-protein kibble made with natural ingredients and fresh meat as the first ingredient, with bites of 100% raw freeze-dried animal protein. This innovative mix delivers not only on convenient nutrition but is highly palatable with options of no grain and healthy grain recipes. 

Each recipe is carefully crafted to support your dog’s health, from gut-friendly prebiotics and vitality-boosting spirulina, to omega-6 and zinc for a shiny coat and healthy skin. And of course, it’s free from added colours, preservatives, and sugars.

Richard Franklin, General Manager at Natures Menu said: “We’re committed to making natural, nutritious feeding simple and accessible, without compromising on quality or taste. Raw Boost is the perfect dry food to meet this demand, combining our expertise in freeze dried and natural nutrition with a convenient, no-fuss format that fits into busy lifestyles. 

“Around 70% of a dog’s defences are found in the gut, where microbiota play a key role in nutrient absorption and immune support. Our recipes have been formulated to support nutrition essential to maintaining a healthy digestive system and strong natural defences.” 

Available in four flavours: Fresh Chicken with Grains, Beef with Grains, Trout (Grain-Free), and Pork & Lamb (Grain-Free), each is crafted with high-quality natural ingredients with no added colours, preservatives or sugars. 

Richard Franklin continued: “By pairing crunchy, nutrient-rich kibble with freeze-dried raw meat, we’re offering pet owners a complete and balanced meal that supports wellbeing, digestion and immunity, while delivering on taste and texture. To celebrate the new launch, Natures Menu is offering trade partners a promotion – 20% off a small bundle of four products, or 30% off a large bundle of eight products.” 

For more information about the full Raw Boost portfolio, simply visit the Natures Menu trade portal, contact the team via phone on 0800 018 3770 or email: trade@naturesmenu.co.uk.  

Krka UK has launched Pet Shield, a new umbrella brand that brings together its trusted flea and worming products under one clear, customer-focused identity.

With bold packaging, clear messaging built around pet lifestyle needs and a focus on affordability, the refreshed Pet Shield range makes it easier than ever for owners to choose the right parasite protection for their dogs and cats.

While the formulations remain unchanged, the updated packaging introduces vibrant, colour-coded designs for easy species and size recognition. Simple iconography and lifestyle-led messaging help pet owners confidently choose the right product for their pet. The refreshed design also gives retailers a visually unified range that’s easier to merchandise and more impactful in store.

The range includes Flea Screen Combo spot-on and Worm Screen tablets for both cats and dogs. Flea Screen Combo provides insecticidal activity against adult fleas and inhibits the development of flea eggs, larvae and pupae. It is also licensed for the treatment of ticks and lice. Worm Screen tablets, deliver broad-spectrum worming treatment against roundworm, hookworm, and tapeworm, with easy weight-based dosing.

To support different household needs, the Pet Shield range is available in a variety of pack sizes, offering flexibility and value for both single and multi-pet homes.

Flea Screen Combo for cats is also iCatCare Easy to Give approved - a trusted endorsement that recognises the product’s user-friendly pipette design, specifically developed to simplify application. This ease of use is a key differentiator for pet owners looking for stress-free treatment options. 

“In a competitive retail space, strong design and clear messaging make all the difference,” says Linda Buckle, Animal Health Brand Manager for Krka UK, the parent company for the Pet Shield brand. “This update makes it easier for customers to find what they need, while giving retailers a refreshed range that stands out, supports education and drives trust at the point of purchase.”  

The rebrand is supported by a full suite of point-of-sale materials to help retailers drive awareness and support customer education. These include new shelf displays, in-store product guides and other training resources.

A newly refreshed Pet Shield website also provides accessible product information and practical advice to help pet owners make informed treatment choices based on their pet’s lifestyle.

Retailers interested in learning more about the Pet Shield range can contact Krka UK at animalhealth.uk@krka.biz

Pooch & Mutt has launched at-home gut health testing and science-backed tailored supplement plans for dogs.

Pooch & Mutt is committed to delivering holistic solutions that help dogs of all needs and breeds lead happy, healthy lives. And this unique launch marks a pivotal step in the brand’s evolution from a premium pet food company, to a fully integrated pet health brand. 

With 70% of a dog’s immune system linked to their gut1, mainstream microbiome testing offers a new route to tackle hidden health issues and drive measurable improvements through targeted nutrition.

Paul Dennison, CEO of Pooch & Mutt, comments: “Improving the lives of pets has always been the focus here at Pooch & Mutt, and the launch of our Gut Health Test takes this commitment to the next level.

By combining cutting-edge microbiome science with personalised nutrition, we’re not only enhancing the health of individual dogs, we're redefining what pet care can look like for the mainstream. 

It’s incredibly exciting to step into this new space of personalised pet health, which allows us to push boundaries, innovate, and offer something unique for dogs and the people who care for them. And not only that, but this new offering has given us access to huge amounts of data across various dog breeds that will steer our future product development, meaning we’ll be launching products we know pet owners need and will see results from.” Dennison concludes.

The Pooch & Mutt Gut Health Test - powered by BIOME9, a market-leader in canine microbiome analysis - is available now to consumers across the country. It uses cutting-edge science, research and AI to deep-dive into dogs’ unique microbiomes, to identify gaps or imbalances. The test is available online at https://www.poochandmutt.co.uk/products/gut-health-test-kit with an RRP of £69.99.

The new Pooch & Mutt Gut Health Supplement range includes seven products, with supplements aimed to tackle common symptoms, including Gut Detoxifier, Gut-Joint Matrix, Microbiome Support, Immunity Support, Fibre Support, Vitamin Complex and Gut Skin Support. Personalised product subscriptions and one-off bundles are offered to users following the test, ensuring a smooth purchasing journey that’s accessible to everyone, with incentives in place. The range is available online at https://www.poochandmutt.co.uk/collections/gut-health-supplements with an RRP from £18.99.

Pooch & Mutt acquired BIOME9 back in January of this year, a strategic move that reinforces the brand’s commitment to science-backed, accessible pet health. Since then, the BIOME9 team and operations have integrated seamlessly into Pooch & Mutt, ensuring continued excellence and innovation in pet nutrition.

Karnlea – the natural pet nutrition brand known for its bone broth and wholefood-based supplements – is launching an innovative new range created specifically for cats.

The line-up, developed in response to increased demand for feline-specific nutrition, will be available from August and makes its customer debut at Cat Show Live in September.

The new collection features five functional toppers, each designed to address common feline health concerns in a palatable, easy-to-serve format. The range includes:

• Beauty - a skin and coat supplement packed with Omega-3s from salmon, tuna, white fish and marine algae to support a glossy coat and healthy skin.
• Mobility - a tasty but effective mobility formula with Glucosamine, Chondroitin and MSM to aid flexibility and comfort.
• Chilled - a calming blend featuring L-Tryptophan, passionflower and ashwagandha to support relaxation in stressed or anxious cats.
• Appetite - a high-palatability topper containing proteins such as chicken liver, shrimp and beef to stimulate interest in food, ideal for fussy or unwell cats.
• Hydrate - a rehydration supplement made with goat’s milk, coconut water and electrolytes – ideal for recovery, hot weather or cats on dry diets.

The entire range is packaged in convenient 100g pouches and priced at £12.99 RRP, offering excellent value for functional support with real nutritional benefit. Each product is clearly labelled for ease of use and comes with practical guidance to ensure owners can confidently enhance their cat’s bowl.

Cat-first focus
Although many Karnlea products are suitable for dogs and cats, Karnlea’s new line has been meticulously formulated solely for feline physiology - recognising the unique needs of obligate carnivores. The company has intentionally avoided unnecessary plant matter and prioritised meat-based ingredients that ensure optimal palatability and efficacy.

Market momentum
Lara McCullough, founder of Karnlea, said: “The time is right for a cat-specific range that is natural, effective, and easy to use. The pet industry is shifting - retailers are actively seeking more cat products and investment is pouring into feline health and wellbeing. Our new range fills a clear gap in the market and has been created to meet the needs of modern cat owners who want the best for their pets, without being overwhelmed.”

Retail ready
With listings already secured in Just for Pets’ 22 stores and interest from leading UK chains, the range is set to shake up the supplement sector. Karnlea is offering trade-friendly minimum order quantities, eye-catching shelf-ready packaging, and strong introductory offers to encourage retailers to stock the full range.

The launch will be supported with point-of-sale material, in-store education and promotional campaigns - with future plans for line extensions.

www.karnlea.com

Beaphar has expanded its dental care offering and introduced a fresh new look for the range, with two exciting new products and updated packaging aimed at the eco-conscious pet owner.

The Beaphar Bamboo Toothbrush and Beaphar Peppermint and Parsley Toothpaste extend the range of the most used dental brand in the UK range, helping attract a wider audience and bring new shoppers to the category. 

Dental problems are the number one health issue in dogs in the UK, and by two years of age, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have already developed some form of periodontal disease.

Pet owners are keen to address this, with almost 7 out of 10 shoppers heading into store with the intention of buying dental products6. The pet dental market is projected to grow by 7.5% from 2024 to 20307 and the category presents a great opportunity for retailers for repeat sales and customer loyalty. 

Sustainability is important in shopper decision-making, with nearly 80% of pet owners preferring a natural or biological dental product and almost three quarters looking for a toothbrush made of sustainable materials.8 Beaphar’s new dental products tap into this growing demand for sustainable pet care, and packaging across Beaphar’s Dental Care Range has been updated, making it more sustainable, shelf-efficient and attractive to modern consumers.

The new Beaphar Bamboo Toothbrush is made with a 100% sustainably sourced bamboo handle with water-resistant beeswax coating. It is double-ended with multi-size heads to suit all mouth sizes and deep cleaning bristles to help reach problem areas with ease. 

Beaphar Peppermint & Parsley Toothpaste has been specially formulated with enzymes and is fluoride-free, making it ideal for daily brushing. It targets plaque and tartar while supporting normal gum function and contains peppermint oil and parsley for extra fresh breath. 

These two new products strengthen the already comprehensive Beaphar Dental Care range of toothbrushes, toothpastes, tooth gel and a Puppy Dental Kit, as well as no-brush dental products ideal for use in-between brushing. The range helps pet owners get to grips with their pets’ oral health by providing a variety of formats suitable for cats and dogs of all life stages. 

“We’re proud to be the dental care go-to brand for UK pet owners,” said Claire Edmunds, Beaphar Marketing Manager. “We’ve carefully developed our Dental Care Range to keep the same key ingredients and competitive price point that help make it so popular, so that it’s easy to shop and ship and meets the evolving needs of today’s pet owners.” 

To help showcase the new range, instore support is available, including a shelf display and shelf barkers and wobblers to highlight the new product additions, and online support includes social media posts and web banners.

To brush up on their dental knowledge, retailers can access free, online Dental Training, which provides SQPs with AMTRA, VetPol and VetSkill accredited CPD at the Beaphar Training Academy: https://www.beaphar-training.co.uk/

3p Enterprise, the distributor behind premium pet brands such as Henry Wag, Jolly Pets, Petmate, Lilly and Jake, and Doggy Concepts Outerwear, has launched its new Retailer Portal, designed to make ordering faster, smarter, and easier for trade customers.

Developed with usability and flexibility in mind, the new platform is a one-stop shop for independent retailers and trade partners, offering seamless access to 3p Enterprise’s complete brand portfolio all in one place.

From topping up bestsellers to exploring new customer favourites, the portal delivers an intuitive experience with real-time stock availability and simplified navigation. Retailers will also be first in line to access exclusive trade-only discounts, weekly stock updates, and marketing support designed to drive both in-store and online sales.

“Our new portal reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting our retail partners,” said Grantley Rogers, Managing Director at 3p Enterprise Ltd. “Whether you’re a small pet store or a growing retail chain, this tool empowers you to order what you need, when you need it - with no minimum order and full visibility across all our brands.”

The portal will also feature Popcorn Paws, an exciting new addition to the 3p brand family, launching soon.

Retailers can register for access now by visiting: https://3penterprise.co.uk/register/

Buoyed by the far-reaching appetite for its dog treat It’s The Dog’s offering over an extensive nine-month trial, The Protein Ball company will be showcasing the range at PATS next month.

It’s The Dog’s will be: 

• Unveiling a refreshed brand identity that underpins the manifold brand benefits highlighted by retailers, event attendees and pet parents over the last nine months
• Providing a sneak preview of a second nutrient-dense protein ball (Calm & Peaceful) that will be sold alongside the original gut-health friendly treat from early 2026.

According to Protein Ball co-founder, Matt Hunt: "The last nine months have been a roller coaster of learnings with regards to whether our pioneering reputation within human treats could translate seamlessly within such a highly competitive dog treats fixture.  The feedback was a resounding yes!  

"Besides lauding our fun brand identity and uncompromising brand benefits (100% natural, human-grade ingredients, low carb) there were two recurring positive messages that resonated with our brand triallists, messages that needed greater profiling on our NEW packaging."

Part of the Protein Ball Stable: There was immense positivity that It’s The Dogs was part of the Protein Ball stable, an ‘early doors’ pioneer within protein-rich snacking; a business that has been plying its trade for 10 years both at home and abroad across an array of delis, coffee shops, gyms, garage forecourts supermarkets.

Share Together:  This was the real ‘head-turner’ when it came to conversations with both buyers and pet owners.  Yes, there’s the novelty factor around whilst out on your walk you and your dog can share the same treat with positive health benefits. More importantly it’s the reaffirming that the business uses the same best-in-class ingredients and small batch, human-grade production across both of its brands.

As a business participating in listing conversations with both traditional pet food emporiums and pet-friendly establishments (pubs, hotels, coffee shops…) it was imperative that these two initially overlooked messages were given greater coverage on pack.

Itsthedogsofficial.com

Lily’s Kitchen has given its full wet cat food range a head-to-paw refresh, with updated recipes, new pack sizes, and a stylish design makeover – all crafted to meet the evolving needs of cats and their owners. 

The revamped range features complete and balanced recipes made with natural ingredients, proper meat, offal, and fish – ensuring nutrition as well as taste.

The range now spans four tempting textures, including a brand-new addition: 

• Smooth Paté: irresistibly soft texture cats can lick up 
• Tasty Cuts in Gravy: succulent cuts immersed in an appetising gravy 
• Shredded in Broth: succulent shreds and tender flakes served in a velvety broth 
• NEW - Shredded in Jelly: succulent shreds and tender flakes encased in a glossy jelly 

The expanded offer caters to every life stage – from kitten to adult to mature – giving pet parents more ways to keep their companions happy and healthy. Further responding to shopper demand, Lily’s Kitchen has refreshed its multipack formats to better suit different purchasing habits. A convenient x4 pack now serves as an accessible trial option in grocery, helping pet parents explore the range of recipes, while the new x32 pack caters to stock-up shoppers – particularly when purchasing online and via pet specialty channels. 

The new look cat range is available in Sainsbury’s and Tesco now and will be available via the Lily’s Kitchen website in August, as well as other nationwide retailers including Pets at Home, Amazon and Waitrose in the coming months. 

Charlotte Henderson, Head of Marketing at Lily’s Kitchen, comments: “Here at Lily’s Kitchen, we know how tricky it can sometimes be to please our feline friends when it comes to food. Our new and improved menu of wet recipes takes proper food for cats to a whole new level, with quality natural ingredients, freshly prepared meat, offal and fish and plenty of variety and texture options to keep cats interested.” 

direct to your e-mail inbox...

The best news service every week.

Subscribe for free by clicking here

TV personality Sam Thompson is taking time out from posting selfies to put his cats and their thirst front and centre. Cat food brand Purina ONE is working with Sam and his feline besties to raise awareness of cat hydration with a series of tongue-in-cheek ‘thirsty’ images designed to draw attention for all the right reasons.   

Britain may be a nation of cat lovers, but new research has revealed a surprising concern  – 78% of cat owners worry their cat isn’t drinking enough water, with one in four (25%) admitting to fretting over it at least once a day.

Whilst its most ideal for cats to drink from their water bowl, 76% of cat owners say they’ve witnessed their feline friend drinking from ‘alternative’ water sources, including bathroom taps (36%), puddles (31%) and toilets (6%). A further 78 per cent admit to trying different tactics to get their cats to drink, like placing multiple bowls of water around the house (56%), purchasing a cat water fountain (31%) and flavouring their water (22%). 

Devised to tackle the problem head on, the new ‘thirsty gallery’ features King of the Jungle favourite and his two cats, Albus and Cedric, in a series of three loving scenes. 

In one Sam can be seen with Albus, lying on the floor, surrounded by cat bowls filled with water. Despite Sam’s best efforts, and what with Albus being a cat, he stubbornly refuses to drink water from any of the bowls available. In another, this time designed to show how Hydralife can help support hydration and ‘make it easy’, Sam can be seen quenching his thirst in the garden, while Albus can be seen fervently lapping away at a bowl full of the new product.

In all of the images, the words ‘Make it easy’ are on prominent display – a nod to the Purina ONE Hydralife strapline, and to cats’ enthusiasm for the new gravy-like product. In addition to helping support cats’ hydration, Purina ONE Hydralife helps support their gut microbiome. It has a great taste they’ll enjoy too; available in chicken and salmon flavour. 

Commenting on the image series, Sam said: “Like millions of Brits out there I’m a huge cat lover and I hope these new pictures featuring two much more handsome chaps than me help to highlight the importance of cat hydration.” 

Sam is one of many cat owners who admit to putting their cat’s health above their own, with Purina ONE’s research revealing 19% of cat owners prioritise their cat’s health over their own, and a further 75% compare their cat’s health to that of any other family member. These figures show how important it is that cat owners really understand cat hydration, and the easy steps they can take to help support good hydration.

Nadia Roberts, Senior Brand Manager for Purina ONE said: “We know that lots of owners are concerned their cats aren’t drinking enough, and cats can sometimes ignore water bowls left out for them*. Purina ONE Hydralife makes it easy. Cats love it, it helps support their good hydration and gives owners the reassurance they need. It’s been a joy working with Sam on this campaign – he’s a great sport.”

The images are available to view on Purina ONE and Sam’s social media channels for those looking for an everyday reminder to keep their felines hydrated. 

Purina ONE Hydralife is available now in Tesco, Pets at Home, Sainsbury’s, Ocado and Waitrose. Each box includes 6x50g packs with both Salmon and Chicken flavours available. 

Birmingham Dogs Home has announced TV vet and ‘This Morning’ star Dr Scott Miller will join the charity as its ambassador.

Famed for his endearing ‘Rescue Vet’ channel, which currently has over 114,000 subscribers on YouTube, Scott is supporting the West Midlands-based charity to help raise awareness of the work it does, and importantly, the thousands of dogs it rehomes each year.

Birmingham Dogs Home – despite rescuing more than 2,000 animals each year – receives no government funding and relies solely on the generosity of donators. With it costing the charity £6,000 a day just to keep the doors open, every single penny raised is vital.

Dr Scott Miller will be working with the charity to help promote its events and share the word about the dogs in its care – whilst also supporting the charity’s educational messages around responsible pet ownership.

The ambassadorship comes as Birmingham Dogs Home recently welcomed another famous face to its Birmingham centre in Solihull. Peggy – also known as Marvel Studio’s ‘Dogpool’ and once voted ‘Britain’s ugliest dog’ – along with her owners, dropped off a donation raised for the home during Comic Con Midlands in Birmingham.

Rachel Frost, Events & Community Fundraising Manager at Birmingham Dogs Home said: “We are delighted that Scott has chosen to support our charity. He already does so much for rescue centres up and down the country, we just know he’s the perfect fit for Birmingham Dogs Home too. 

“Most of the dogs in our care are strays, through no fault of their own, facing a future filled with uncertainty. While finding them loving new homes is at the heart of what we do, it’s equally important that we give them the comfort, care, and the support they deserve while they wait. That’s why we’re so grateful to have Dr Scott’s support in raising awareness of Birmingham Dogs Home and the vital work we do across the West Midlands.”

Dr Scott Miller added: “It’s an overwhelming time for rescue centres, with more and more animals being abandoned post-Covid and due to the cost-of-living crisis. They need our help more than ever. Therefore, I’m delighted to be working with Birmingham Dogs Home and am looking forward to helping raise the profile of this superb yet vital charity in any way I can.”

Birmingham Dogs Home is one of the UK’s oldest and best-known animal charities, providing care since 1892. You can find out more about its dogs, sponsor a kennel, or donate to the charity, on the website: https://birminghamdogshome.org.uk/.

The charity is currently running its Big Bed Appeal, hoping to bring much-needed orthopaedic beds into each of its 230 kennels in Solihull and Wolverhampton. You can find out more about the appeal here: https://birminghamdogshome.org.uk/big-bed-appeal/.

A new survey by Petplan reveals the joys and challenges of introducing a new furry friend to the family. The research, conducted among 1,000 UK dog and cat owners, highlights pet owners' motivations, common struggles, and top tips for creating harmony between pets.

Motivations for getting another pet

For many pet owners, the decision to get another pet stems from a desire to improve their current pet’s well-being. While 41% of survey respondents had always wanted a second pet, others hoped that a new furry friend would make their first pet happier. In fact, 28% of pet owners felt that another pet would ease their pet’s loneliness, while 25% believed their pets would enjoy the social interaction with another animal.

Most common issues when introducing new pets

Although adding another pet to the family can bring joy, it’s not without its hurdles. Over one in three (31%) pet owners said their existing pet showed jealousy toward them. Emotional changes in pets, such as withdrawal or territorial behaviour, were also concerns for 29% of owners. Additionally, some pet owners found it difficult to balance their attention between multiple pets, with 22% struggling to give both pets equal care and affection.

Despite these difficulties, 14% of owners said they experienced no major challenges when socialising their pets.

What pet owners wish they knew beforehand
Petplan also asked pet owners what they wish they had known before bringing a new pet into their home. 31% of respondents wished they considered the additional cost of having a new pet– including the added cost of pet insurance, pet food and vet bills etc.

Another 28% said the transition period in socialising their pets took some getting used to. Despite some of these concerns, an encouraging 25% noted how rewarding it was to get another pet and to watch them bond.

Expert tips for introducing new pets

Petplan’s Dog Behaviourist, Nick Jones, MA, says "Introducing a new pet to your family is an exciting journey. Whilst some pets get along easily, for others it can take a little longer. Scent-swapping is a great first step and can help ease initial pet anxieties.

“For dog-to-dog introductions, starting in a neutral space like a park allows for a more relaxed meeting. Let the dogs observe each other from a distance on the lead before allowing direct interaction. Petplan and Dogs Trust also have further advice about the positive and negative signs of dog socialisation to look out for. 

“Cat introductions benefit from initial distance at first to let them see and smell each other safely before meeting. As cats like their own space, it’s important to slowly introduce your cats to each other.

“When introducing a dog and a cat, keeping the dog on a lead and giving the cat the freedom to approach or retreat can prevent stress for both animals. 

“Allow pets to set the pace and socialise in their own time, ensure they have separate feeding and resting spaces, and provide plenty of positive reassurance along the way. By following these steps, pet owners can help their pets bond making the family home a happy environment."

The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has expressed grave concern over the mounting challenges facing the UK high street, as a series of major retailers announce significant restructuring plans, store closures and job cuts.

Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: "It's deeply saddening to see long-standing high street chains announcing significant profit reductions and facing existential threats. These developments provide yet more examples, if they were needed, of the urgent need to support high street businesses across Britain.

"What we're witnessing is further evidence of persistently low consumer demand and reduced discretionary spending. Our recent Heartbeat Survey revealed that 46% of independent retailers reported worse trading in Q2 2025 compared to the same period last year, with stretched household budgets leaving customers unable to afford discretionary purchases. With food inflation set to increase to 6% by the end of the year, we can expect this worrying trend to continue as people see their bills for essential items rise even further.

"The government must act now to reduce business rates and close the low-value import loophole that is devastating our high streets. We cannot afford further delay."

The warning comes as several prominent retailers face severe difficulties:

• River Island is set to cut another 110 roles under its restructuring plan, bringing total redundancies to over 200 this year. The fashion retailer has secured High Court approval for a plan that includes closing 33 UK stores and implementing rent cuts of between 25% and 75% across 71 locations.
• Hobbycraft is closing nine more stores this month and in September, affecting locations in Bromborough, Southport, Stratford-upon-Avon, Wigan, Maidenhead, Chichester, Stafford, Kings Lynn and Crayford. The arts and crafts specialist is restructuring to try to secure the future of at least 99 stores and 1,800 jobs.
• Claire's has collapsed into administration in the UK and Ireland, putting more than 2,150 jobs at risk after failing to find a suitable buyer. The accessories chain, which operates nearly 300 UK stores, had warned staff that bailiffs may attempt to recover debts and stopped accepting gift cards before the administration announcement.

Mr Goodacre highlighted a significant factor contributing to the crisis: "We're also seeing further evidence of the devastating impact of the loophole that allows low-value items to enter the UK duty-free and often VAT-free. These imports, valued at £5.9 billion annually, are direct replacements for products sold by retailers like Claire's and Hobbycraft, representing £5.9 billion taken directly from our high streets and the UK economy."

With high street businesses seeing their models collapse due to ever-increasing costs, consistently low discretionary expenditure, and the industrial-scale growth of low-value imports into the UK, Bira is calling for immediate government action to close the low-value import loophole, reduce business rates rather than increase them, and implement policies that support consumer confidence and discretionary spending.

The urgency of business rates reform was underscored by Bira's recent research, which found that 47% of independent retailers identified this as their top priority for government action.

"The government must act decisively to level the playing field for UK retailers," Mr Goodacre concluded. "Every day of delay means more job losses, more empty shops, and further decline of our vital high streets. The time for action is now."

A leading canine rehabilitation expert is calling on pet professionals to be brave and speak up when they see dogs that are dangerously overweight, even if it means having an awkward conversation with an owner.

Angela Day, a respected UK canine rehabilitation specialist and canine educator, says too many dogs are suffering in silence because professionals are afraid of upsetting clients by telling them the truth about their pet’s weight.

With more than half of Britain’s dogs now overweight or obese, Angela warns that silence is not kindness,  and that obesity is a serious animal welfare issue which could be cutting lives short.

“Having a dog who is clinically obese is a welfare issue,” she said. “It’s a painful, progressive disease that can lead to arthritis, diabetes, breathing problems, and heart strain. But the sad truth is, many owners simply don’t realise their dog is overweight, and it’s up to us to help them see it before it's too late.”

Angela is urging vets, groomers, physiotherapists, behaviourists, and trainers to speak up, not shy away.

She added: “We can’t be afraid to have these conversations. If we don’t tell them, who will? We’re in a privileged position to spot the signs early and guide owners to take action. It’s not about blame,  it’s about care.”

Angela’s three tips for breaking the weight conversation gently:

Be visual and practical: Use body condition score charts and hands-on demonstrations to show what a healthy shape looks and feels like. Visual aids can reduce confrontation and help owners see the issue objectively.

Focus on health, not looks: Reframe the conversation around quality of life, longer walks, less pain, better mobility. Make it about helping the dog feel better, not just look slimmer.

Offer support, not shame: Phrase it as a team effort. “Let’s work together to help Max feel more comfortable” is far more effective than “You’re overfeeding him.” Give owners achievable steps, not guilt.

She adds: “It’s not about judging anyone. Most owners love their dogs dearly, they just need guidance. And the good news is, obesity is preventable. With the right support, we can turn it around.”

Angela also shared four simple steps owners can take at home to help their dog slim down safely and sustainably:

Use a body condition score chart: You should be able to feel your dog’s ribs without pressing hard, and see a visible waist from above.

Weigh food portions accurately: Use digital scales, even small overfeeds add up.

Cut out unhealthy treats: Swap fatty snacks for carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or low-fat options, and tasty home cooked snacks, 

Get moving: Build short, regular walks and play sessions into your daily routine.

“Helping a dog lose weight isn’t about depriving them,” Angela said. “It’s about giving them the best shot at a long, pain-free, happy life. We owe it to them, and as professionals, we owe it to the people who trust us.”

To find out more about Angela go to https://www.thecanineadvocate.co.uk

New research conducted by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC)’s VetCompass programme, exploring the demography, clinical health and longevity of Yorkshire Terriers in the UK, has revealed they are largely healthy and long-lived dogs. Despite this, the breed is increasingly being overlooked by prospective owners when deciding which dog breed to acquire.

The Yorkshire Terrier, fondly known as the ‘Yorkie’, is an old-established breed and was once highly popular among pedigree UK dogs registered with the Kennel Club. However, recent Kennel Club registrations indicate that the pedigree subset of the breed (maximum body weight of 3.20kg) is in significant decline, dropping sharply from 0.93% of all registrations in 2013 to 0.18% of all registrations in 2022. This means the pedigree Yorkie may soon be classified as a ‘vulnerable breed’ that is close to extinction, as more fashionable newly invented breeds such as Cockapoos become popular with the UK public. However, there may be more to the Yorkie story, given that more than two-thirds of UK dogs are not registered with the Kennel Club and to date, there has been very little information published on the popularity and health of the overall UK pet population of Yorkshire Terriers.

This study from the RVC, which is the largest ever of its kind, set out to find out more about the health and demographic trends of the wider UK pet population of Yorkshire Terriers. Researchers analysed anonymised veterinary clinical information of 28,032 Yorkshire Terriers from a VetCompass study population of 905,542 dogs of all breeds under UK veterinary care during 2016.

The findings of the new study revealed that the wider pet population of UK Yorkshire Terriers, which are generally kept as companion dogs, are a very different type of dog to the pedigree version, with a much larger body size, averaging 5.06kg. The overall levels of ownership of pet Yorkies is much higher than for the pedigree subset, and the drop in popularity is much less pronounced, with the general pet population decreasing from 3.54% of all dogs born in 2005 to 2.15% in 2016. This is good news for the long-term future of the Yorkie breed overall and suggests that the larger non-pedigree subset of the breed retains some favour with the UK public.

Average population lifespan is often used as a reliable indicator of overall health in humans and dogs. Further good news for the Yorkshire Terrier was identified in this new study, as the breed has an average lifespan of 13.56 years. This is substantially longer than the average lifespan of 12.00 years for dogs overall and suggests that the Yorkshire Terrier can be considered to have very robust health overall.

However, Yorkshire Terriers were found to be especially prone to dental disease, and other commonly diagnosed disorders were overgrown nails, anal sac impaction, obesity and persistent deciduous teeth, which may not limit the length of life but can reduce the quality of life. The researchers therefore encourage owners of Yorkshire Terriers to be vigilant about their dogs’ dental hygiene and regularly implement preventative home care methods such as tooth brushing and feeding specific dental diets to maintain oral hygiene.

Other key findings from the study included:

• The average body weight of male Yorkshire Terriers at 5.50 kg was heavier than female Yorkshire Terriers at 4.67 kg.
• The overall median age of Yorkshire Terriers during the study was 5.52 years.
• Of the Yorkshire Terriers that died, 85.7% of the deaths involved euthanasia, with the remaining being unassisted deaths.

Dr Dan O’Neill, Associate Professor of Companion Animal Epidemiology at the RVC, and lead author of the paper, said: “There seems to be growing awareness by the general public of the suffering that goes with extreme body shapes, such as extreme miniaturisation in dogs. Therefore, this new study provides good news that the general pet population of Yorkshire Terriers are robust dogs with long lives, whose welfare can benefit further from extra attention to good dental hygiene. Perhaps it is time for us all to reembrace the pet Yorkie as a good choice of breed to acquire.”

This study was supported by an award from the Kennel Club Charitable Trust and Agria Pet Insurance.

Dr Alison Skipper, Veterinary and Research Advisor at the Kennel Club, said: “This research shows that Yorkshire Terriers, a British breed with a long history, are generally healthy dogs with an unusually long lifespan. Their main disorders, such as dental disease and overgrown nails, are common problems across many breeds. This new study confirms that ‘Yorkies’ are a good choice for someone wanting a healthy pet with low levels of breed-related disease.”

The publication of this research also marks a milestone for the RVC’s VetCompass programme, which has now published 175 academic papers on a range of topics aimed at improving companion animal health. You can find out more here: https://www.rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass.

Visitors to PATS 2025 – the Pet & Aquatics Trade Show – can expect a hive of activity with more than 400 exhibitors showcasing a record number of new products during the three show days.

Staging the biggest-ever exhibition in its 16-year history, PATS 2025 will take place at its new home of Hall 1 at the NEC Birmingham from Sunday, 28th September to Tuesday 30th September 2025.

Major companies have taken advantage of the opportunity to increase their stand space following the decision to move to the NEC Birmingham, and as a result they will be showcasing multiple brands.

The Aquatics Zone, a dedicated area for aquatics, watergardening and reptile exhibitors, is returning to PATS after a successful launch in 2024, and it will also host major companies exhibiting multiple brands.

Plus the New Starter Zone, supported by trade association PetQuip and media partner Pet Product Marketing, is again proving to be a popular feature as it provides a dedicated area for new businesses and start-ups.

With just two months to go before PATS 2025, exhibitors are excited to share their plans for the big event. Here’s a selection of what to expect.

Visitors to the Fettle Pets’ stand (B59) will get a behind-the-scenes look at the brand’s unique manufacturing process – from concept to pouch. Alex Taylor-Grout, from Fettle Pets, said: “Retailers can receive a private on-to-one session with the team at GTG Pet Foods to learn how we bring premium pet health products to life, from sourcing to small-batch production.” It will be on a first-come-first-serve basis so it’s best to book a slot by emailing Alex at atg@thegtggroup.com.

Leucillin Antiseptic Skincare will be launching Leucillin and Poorly Paws first aid kits, and these will be available to view throughout the three days of PATS on its stand (H61).

Visitors to the Rockfish Weatherwear stand (K111), will receive a free unique-design poncho or umbrella with an on-site purchase. The offer will run for three days but will be limited to the first 100 people. Rockfish Weatherwear is a supplier of stylish Wellington boots.

Soothe and Settle, a creator of calming gear for anxious dogs, will be holding live demonstrations on stand D101 of its flagship product Hush Muff, a noise-dampening ear cover that helps reduce stress during fireworks, travel, vet visits, and more. CEO Rachel MacDougall said: “Come and see the Hush Muff in action on none other than Lola, our official demo dog and winner of Scrufts 2025! We'll be showcasing just how quick and easy it is to use the Hush Muff, with live demonstrations happening every two hours throughout the day.”

Pet Remedy will be organising product demonstrations each day on its stand (L70/M69) to highlight a re-balanced lighter and more fragrant smell for its range of products.

One of the most popular aspects of PATS is the chance to win great prizes from a wide-range of exhibitors.

Shropshire-based Concord Straw Pellets will be hosting a giveaway to win 30 bags of cat litter on its stand (G10) for the duration of the event.

Botanica will also be holding a competition on its stand (K101) where one lucky visitor will win a £100 voucher for their store.

There will be a ‘Guess How Many Wild Fat Balls in the Basket’ competition on the Bamfords stand (F89). The winner will receive a Box of Fat Balls and Feeder.  

Naturo Natural Pet Food is giving one lucky winner the chance to take home a Naturo Pet Bed Hamper worth over £150 on its stand (C2).

Visitors to the PowAir Nature stand (G17) are being invited to pick up a free tote bag filled with product samples and told to watch out for the golden ticket. On each day of the show, one visitor who discovers the hidden golden ticket in their tote will win a free PowAir display stand, perfect for showcasing the brand’s bestselling, pet-safe odour neutralising products. PowAir Nature will also be running Tag & Win Challenge – a fun social media competition. Visitors simply take a selfie or photo on the stand, tag @powairUK on Instagram, and use the hashtag #PowAirAtPATS to enter.

To keep up-to-date with more activities on exhibitor stand visit https://www.patshow.co.uk/exhibitor-focus. You can also find all the latest show offers at https://www.patshow.co.uk/exhibitor-show-offers.

To register for free entry to PATS 2025 visit www.patshow.co.uk.

Retail group Pets at Home has reported ‘sequential improvement against a subdued market backdrop’ in its latest financial statement.

In the 16-week period to 17 July 2025, the group saw retail consumer revenue drop by 3% while vet group consumer revenue grew by 7.1%.

Lyssa McGowan, Chief Executive Officer, commented: “We are pleased to have seen momentum in our business build through Q1, against a subdued market backdrop and uncertain consumer environment. Progress has been made across all 4 of our strategic metrics in the quarter, including growing our subscription revenues by over 40%, growing Pets Club members, increasing average spend and continuing to grow our Vet talent as we continue building the world’s best pet care platform.

“As ever it is our people, and their unrivalled expertise, that continue to drive our business. I would like to thank our colleagues and vet partners for their ongoing passion and dedication to creating a better world for pets and the people that love them.”

After over 40 successful years in the pet product industry, Danish Design is taking an exciting step forward. 

The company said: "With a refreshed visual identity, we aim to better reflect who we are – a family-owned company with strong values, local production, and a passion for stylish, sustainable products for pets. Founded on the vision of combining thoughtful design with care, our brand has been given a modern look – without losing the essence that has always made us unique.

"Our updated logo, colour palette, and visual expression will now be seen across everything from packaging to digital platforms – a natural evolution to meet today’s needs while staying true to our roots: quality, reliability, and a hands-on approach. Our new look reflects what we truly stand for – care in every detail, and products that both pets and people love. We’re also proud that most of our manufacturing takes place in our own factory in Leeds, England – giving us full control over quality and the ability to deliver quickly and reliably."

The rollout is happening gradually over the coming months, with plans for a full brand unveiling at the upcoming PATS trade show in September.

"We're still the same Danish Design. Just clearer. And even more us," the company added.

A Leicestershire pet shop has closed after nearly six decades of trading. Pet Care in Oadby blamed changes in ‘market forces’ – for its demise.

Owner Shawn Whitehead told LeicestershireLive: “We’ve done 58 years which is a great accomplishment. My dad Paul was 17 when he started it in 1967 and my brother was born upstairs in the flat. We’ve seen recessions come and go and survived them all."

But Shawn added: "Kids today aren’t wanting pets like hamsters and rabbits, they want an iPhone instead and parents are happy to accommodate to that.”

Click here to read the full story on LeicestershireLive

https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/whats-on/leicestershire-pet-shop-close-after-10341846

WHM Pet Group, home of the Marriage’s and Honeyfield’s brands, has announced that Graham Tarrant has joined the team as National Account Manager. 

As National Account Manager, Graham’s role will encompass building strategic relationships with key customers, driving sales growth, negotiating contracts, and managing promotional plans. Graham will also lead joint business planning and performance analysis to ensure mutual account profitability.

With focus on both key branded ranges within the Garden Centre channel and own label opportunities with core pet and retail accounts, Graham will have significant versatility within WHM Pet Group’s diverse customer base. 

Graham’s career began in retail, before he moved into purchasing within the garden centre industry. He went on to work in business-to-business sales with a premium problem-solving product company, swiftly progressing to manage both the sales team and key national accounts. 

Most recently Graham was National Account Manager for Certainly Wood, overseeing both UK and export markets. He holds a BA in Business Management, as well as having completed additional studies in account management and negotiation.

“I am proud to have been selected to join WHM Pet Group,” said Graham. “The team is incredibly knowledgeable, welcoming, and team focused and I’m excited about the opportunities ahead to grow with the business.

“My background in both buying and selling has given me a balanced perspective and a strong focus on delivering results. Throughout my career I’ve developed a keen interest in strategic account development, customer relationship management, and commercial negotiation. I believe that trust-based relationships, active listening, and clear communication are the foundations of success.” Graham has a passion for the pet sector. At home he has a laid back Cavapoo named Rosie, a pond full of fish and regularly feeds the wild birds in the forest beyond his house.

“We are delighted to welcome Graham into the fold,” said Sam Marriage, Managing Director of WHM Pet Group. ”He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the business to enhance our continued journey of growth and development in the small animal, indoor bird and wild bird categories.”

WHM Pet Group supply retailers and farmers with premium quality wild bird, indoor bird, small animal, racing pigeon, pig, poultry and ruminant feeds.  

For further information visit: https://www.marriages.co.uk/