Robert Nicklas is closing his family-run Hull pet store after 71 years but has revealed he's staying in the industry to run his successful VIP Engravers business.

Robert firmly denied reports in his local newspaper that he was calling time on Thearne’s Pet Store to take early retirement, and told Pet Trade Xtra: “I am very successful with VIP Engravers so I'm closing to concentrate on that.”       

But he admitted he would be also spending more time on his music interests, which would mean doing more live performances with his band called The Planks.

Exhibitors to the PATS would have been entertained by Robert and his group during drinks receptions at the trade shows.

“It’s sad to be closing the pet store but I feel the time is right to concentrate on VIP Engravers,” said Robert.

“During the war my Grandma opened a horsemeat-for-human-consumption shop. After the war it switched to selling meat for dogs and then my dad Eric took over from there on finishing his national service in 1946.

“He expanded into being a general pet store and we've been in Hull city centre ever since. My son came into the business, but he left to be a chartered surveyor. We are closing after 71 years."

It is now eight months since Kennelpak launched its YAKERS Himalayan dog chew range, and sales continue to exceed all expectations.

Made in the hills of the Himalayas using a mixture of Yak and Himalayan cow milk, these long-lasting, natural, gluten free, vegetarian chews are a hard cheese, that slowly softens as the dog chews on it.

Using traditional methods, the chews are slowly smoke dried over a 28-day period, to give them a unique flavour that dogs love.

Launched in three sizes – Small, Medium and Extra Large – the demand has been such, that in December three new YAKERS skus will be available – Crunchy Bites, Crunchy Strips and Crunchy Bars.

For more information, please contact your wholesaler, or Kennelpak direct on 01159 399077, email sales@kennelpak.co.uk or visit the website www.yakers.co.uk

Pooch & Mutt has enlisted the help of four models body-painted as dogs, a top music producer and an award-winning film director to highlight some of the problems with the pet food industry.

While naked models body-painted as dogs might not be the obvious way to talk about pet health and nutrition, Pooch & Mutt believes there is a need to do something different when 87% of the £34 million spent on pet food advertising in the UK is controlled by confectionery giants.

Pooch & Mutt claims there are 3 key factors the public should know about:

1. The company’s website provides an infographic to show who owns what.
2. Big pet food companies can change what goes in the food, dependent on what is cheapest at the time, without informing customers or even changing the packaging. A link from Pooch & Mutt’s website shows the potential consequences of this for the health of our pets.
3. Some pet foods that say ‘chicken’ or ‘beef’ on the front of the packs could contain as little as 1% chicken or beef. There have been other campaigns showing how big companies use the regulations to only include 4%, Pooch & Mutt takes this a step further to show how the worst offenders only use 1%.

Pooch & Mutt founder Guy Blaskey said: “For years the independent pet sector has been making and selling higher quality foods, but have only managed to reach a small percentage of the population. The mass market is dominated by large companies. We think that the nation’s dogs deserve better and we have to think creatively to get this message out there.

“With consumers becoming more aware of pet food ingredients, the growth in sales of our ‘Health food for dogs’ has been astronomical. We thought it was a good time to do something different to get the message across.

“I’m pretty sure everyone can agree that’s what we have done. Both the track and the video came out even better than expected. A huge thanks goes to Ben and Nadia from the production company HOUND London, as well as the music producer Billy, the makeup artists and all the models who did an amazing job on what we knew was a weird brief.”

Each of the models spent over one and a half hours in makeup to get the look right.

The film can be seen at facebook.com/poochandmutt and www.poochandmutt.com/nothingtohide

HOWND’s latest innovative product to hit the dog grooming market is its all-natural 4-in-1 Miracle Dry Foam Wash.

The fast-drying pH-balanced waterless foam safely lifts dirt and mud and will leave a dog’s coats clean, conditioned and smelling of aromatherapy oils within minutes.

Made with a vegan alternative to Keratin, it also helps remove static and tangles for a soft, easy to manage coat.

Miracle Dry comes in a sleek 200ml bottle with foam pump, making it perfect for travel; between visits to the groomer; and is proving popular among customers whose dogs are averse to water. It is particularly useful in hot countries where water is often in short supply.

HOWND has just launched Miracle Dry Foam Wash in Cape Town, South Africa, where there is currently a Level 5 restriction on household water consumption (residents are limited to 87 litres per person per day in the Greater Cape Town area) due to a critical rainfall shortage.

“Since we have family in Cape Town, we’ve been visiting this wonderful city for the last 25 years," explains Jo Amit, owner of HOWND.

“The dry season is always a worrying time for locals, especially in the last five years. We developed our first natural dry foam wash for some South African retailers, as dog owners are increasingly worried about bathing their pets and using excess water which can incur hefty fines." 

Made from all-natural ingredients Miracle Dry Foam Wash is also made with Aloe juice, Pro-Vitamin B5 as well as Camomile, Rose and Lemongrass essential oils. It will help protect, repair, strengthen and enhance shine and is free from alcohol, parabens, silicones and sulphates.

It is suitable for all breeds, and is safe to use daily and on puppies from 12 weeks.

Like all HOWND’s products, Miracle Dry Foam Wash is certified by Cruelty Free International, and endorsed by the Nature Watch Foundation and The Ethical Company Organisation.

Miracle Dry Foam Wash (200ml RRP of £13) comes in shelf ready trade cases of 4 units. It is the latest product in HOWND’ Miracle Spa range: Miracle White & Bright Colour Enhancing Conditioning Shampoo (250ml RRP £10); 25:1 Miracle White & Bright Colour Enhancing Conditioning Treatment (5L); and Miracle Face Scrub & Natural Tear Stain Treatment (250ml RRP £12).

www.dogsloveHOWND.com

Following this year’s hugely successful Ceva Animal Welfare Awards, which saw a record-breaking number of quality nominations, Ceva Animal Health has announced that nominations are now open for the 2018 event.

Outstanding vets, vet nurses, animal welfare professionals and animal welfare teams can now be nominated to receive an award by their peers and the general public. Nominees can come from all walks of life, all ages, and from anywhere in the world.

The award categories include:

The Chris Laurence Vet of the Year Award supported by Your Dog and Your Cat magazines

This award is in recognition of a veterinary surgeon working in practice that follows the footsteps of head judge, Chris Laurence, by educating pet owners and consistently demonstrating their commitment to the continued improvement of animal welfare.

Vet Nurse of the Year supported by Agria Pet Insurance

This award is to give recognition to a veterinary nurse working in practice, who has shown real commitment to improving and championing excellent animal welfare within their surgery. 

Charity Team of the Year supported by PDSA

This award is for an awe-inspiring team whose drive, passion and dedication has changed the lives of animals for the better, improving the standard of animal welfare where they can and working tirelessly to promote and champion their cause.

Charitable Contribution of the Year supported by Blue Cross 

This award is for an individual who works within a charity, either in a paid or voluntary role, who is consistently driven to the best of their ability, with a single-minded goal of helping save and improve the lives of animals in need.

Farm Animal Welfare Award supported by R.A.B.I. and NADIS

This award is for an individual or team which have dedicated their careers to the health and welfare of production animals.

International Cat Care Welfare Award supported by International Cat Care

This prestigious award recognises an individual who has made a significant contribution to the development of feline welfare. The recipient of the award is chosen by International Cat Care and therefore the category is not open to nominations.

Since the first Ceva Awards in 2010, hundreds of people and teams have been nominated, with the winners decided by a panel of esteemed judges including Christopher Laurence MBE BVSc and James Yeates, chief veterinarian at RSPCA.  The winners and runners up will be honoured at a glittering ceremony taking place on the eve of BSAVA Congress on 4^th April 2018.

“Over the last eight years we have been consistently humbled by the inspirational nominations that we receive from all over the world and we envisage this year to be no exception,” comments Ceva Animal Health managing director, Cuneyt Seckin.

“The Ceva Animal Welfare Awards champion people involved in animal welfare, but they also raise awareness of this important work to wider audiences.”

If there is a vet, vet nurse, animal welfare professional or animal welfare team that you feel deserves to be recognised for their ongoing commitment to animal welfare, visit www.cevawelfareawards.com to nominate. Entries must be in by Friday 26 January 2018.

The cheeky Creatures are back for Christmas! The best-selling curious cats and ‘Rabble’ dogs now feature on new additions to the award-winning Creaturewares range. The colourful coaster sets and pet feeding bowls make perfect gifts for animal lovers.

Inspired by customer requests, the Creatures star on colourful sets of coasters to bring elevenses to life! These high quality, vibrant coasters have a cork backing to protect furniture, and a glossy finish to the upper that really makes the colours sing out.

Each of the four coasters in the ‘Doris’ cat set and the ‘Rabble’ dog set features a different print, so everyone can pick their favourite. With brilliant shelf appeal, the attractive packaging shows all four designs on the front, with an acetate lid to reveal one of the beautiful coasters inside.

And for the first time in the Creaturewares range, our furry friends get a product, just for them! Another idea developed in response to customer requests, these bright and beautiful feeding bowls are sure to prove popular.

Brilliantly practical, the 15cm diameter ‘Doris’ cat bowl and the 21.5cm diameter ‘Rabble’ dog version are manufactured in sturdy stainless steel with a tough powder coating. There’s also a contrasting silicon ring around the base to keep the bowls firmly in place on the floor - even with the most enthusiastic eater.

 These cheery Creatures are huge customer favourites, and these new products will bring a smile to faces both human – and furry!

The Creaturewares range is produced by Burgon & Ball. Visit www.burgonandball.com

There is now less than a month to go until the annual Pet Industry Forum and Awards. The event hosted by the Pet Industry Federation (PIF) will be held at Whittlebury Hall near Towcester, Northamptonshire on Tuesday 28 November.

The day begins with the Pet Industry Federation Forum, a conference featuring a range of keynote speakers, focusing on a range of topical issues which affect all of us in the pet industry.

This year’s seminars will cover product innovation; the importance of effective packaging and promotion, by UK’s leading packaging company, DS Smith; online security (not to be missed if you have any online presence whatsoever!); how to create ‘retail theatre’, PIF’s keynote session, delivered by TV retail expert Kate Hardcastle; and an insight into the US retail market by Shawn Dooley, MD of SMD Group LLC, a US company specialising in advising pet product companies on exporting to the US.

An afternoon session facilitated by Mark Lumsdon-Taylor, CEO of Hadlow College, will examine the increasingly important dialogue between industry and education; with Professor Peter Neville introducing a ground-breaking new course on cat and dog behaviour developed by COAPE and Hadlow; and Dr Ambrose Tinarwo and Dr Wanda McCormick emphasising the co-operation between Hadlow and the pet industry on a research trial to examine the effects of muesli feeding on rabbits – the results for which will be announced at the Forum.

The Pet Industry Federation Awards (the ‘PIFAs’) then take place in the evening, with pre-dinner drinks, entertainment, a three-course meal and a disco, and the PIFA announcements themselves, all around a birthday theme to celebrate PIF’s 70^th Anniversary.

This year is set to be the best yet with a record number of entries across thirteen categories, plus the presentation of the 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award. PIFA winners will be announced by Professor Tim Morris from the Animal Health and Welfare Board for England.

Tickets are selling fast, and those interested should secure their place by visiting 01234 273933, or by telephoning 01234 273933. There are various packages available, and PIF members receive a discount on each package.

Benyfit Natural, the premium raw dog food firm, has launched a limited edition ‘Turkey Christmas Dinner’.

Using the highest quality fresh free-range turkey crown, this meal is ideal to help dogs develop muscle. It also contains a mix of seasonal vegetables, including parsnips to help boost a dog’s metabolism and Brussel sprouts to build up the strength of the animal’s bones.

These vegetables are complemented by cranberries, bursting with nutrients and antioxidants that help maintain a dog’s immune system.

All ingredients are human grade and sourced within the UK. ‘Turkey Christmas Dinner’ contains 80% meat, bone and offal, 20% vegetables and botanicals.

‘Turkey Christmas Dinner’ is packaged in 500g biodegradable containers.

Retailers can place their orders via orders@benyfitnatural.co.uk

In his latest video for Fish4Dogs, leading animal nutritionist David Southey examines the reasons why dogs may be deemed ‘fussy eaters’ and palatability could be key.

Before considering a change in diet, it’s important to rule out other factors – a recent vaccination or environmental change or a possible illness that may need a vet’s attention. It is also important to differentiate between a picky inclination and a simple lack of hunger.

“The first thing to look at is treats,” he says, “how many treats are you giving them? Do you give them lots of table scraps? if you do overdo these, they may be holding out for more exciting food from your plate. Treats are great but as with all good things, they should be enjoyed in moderation.”

However, if picky eating has become habitual for your dog, it could be time to change the menu.

Although dogs have far fewer taste buds than humans (around 1700 compared to 9,000), they do have a highly developed sense of taste. Whereas cats have a strong preference for fresh clean meat and fish - in the wild they'll normally only feed from prey immediately after the kill – in comparison dogs will often bury bones and return to them later.

“Dogs can tolerate and may even prefer the strong flavours produced from the decay of meat. Dogs really aren't that keen on bland foods and it is possible that their pickiness is, in-part, caused by the blandness of some dry foods.

“Foods made from poorly processed meat and fats or with significant levels of cereal may just be too bland for your dog's taste,” he states.

The sense of smell is also extremely important to dogs. They have a huge number of smell receptors compared to their body size and it plays a major part in determining whether or not the food is attractive enough to eat.

“If you do have a picky eater, try foods with stronger tastes and aromas,” advises David. “Like humans, dogs are omnivores and have developed preferences for a wide range of foods. They can detect the umami taste – a flavour found in foods such as cheese or Marmite.

“It's very common in Asian foods and particularly strong in fish. For centuries Asian chefs have added dried fish powder, fish sauce and fish heads to stocks and soups to enhance the umami flavour. The common ingredient in the Roman and Greek culture was a fermented fish sauce called Garum.

“It's the fermentation fish that enhances the glutamic acid that is responsible for delivering the umami taste and resources the same umami flavours are created in the cooking process used to produce pet food.”

So, if you're worried about your dog being picky – it may be time to ring the changes and try other foods with stronger tastes and smells.

The video can be seen on Fish4Dogs’ YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJhpz2eglfI     

HandiScoop has just finished shooting a new video, which can be used in store and online to market the 'world's best poop-a-scoop’.

The company instructed video-producing experts to produce a video that would be both informative but also stimulate purchases.

HandiScoop plans to send the video out on all its social media platforms and also work in partnership with dog charities to educate people about the best ways to clean up pet mess.

The firm has also produced an internet pack to help customers who wish to market the HandiScoop through their website or social media. This consists of ideas of how to present the range with the best text and images as well as key word searches and video links.

All the marketing tools are available for stores to use and anyone interested in receiving this pack should get in touch with the HandiScoop office on 01531 888308 or visit www.handiscoop.com

The video can be viewed at https://youtu.be/0UUnCWcg5Dk

The annual British Dog Grooming Championship  at the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre saw a record 900 people through the doors to watch dozens of groomers clipping and scissoring their way to success.

Lois Dalton was crowned as Groomer of the Year 2017 and Advanced Group winner; Chelsea Ross was named Newcomer of the Year; and Emma Bull was the Experienced Group winner.

Alongside the competition, 45 trade stands were in attendance at the event organised by the British Dog Groomers’ Association.

Other highlights included the BDGA’s tombola, which raised over £300 for Guide Dogs for the Blind, and the traditional ‘bring and buy’ stand, which encouraged groomers to bring their unwanted items to sell at the event.

The members’ area, a VIP section exclusively for BDGA members and sponsored by insurance brokers, Jelf, was also well attended throughout the day.

The full list of winners can be found on the Pet Industry Federation website at www.petfederation.co.uk.  Official photographs from the event will be available at www.groomersgallery.com

The date for the 2018 British Dog Grooming Championship is Sunday 28 October.

North Wales-based natural pet food manufacturer Pero has announced its first TV marketing campaign.

The campaign kicks off in line with S4C’s November Month of Legends, where the search for Wales’ ‘Superdog’ is on.

The ‘Superdog’ contest, featured on the nightly Heno magazine programme on S4C, will be searching for stories of today’s brave, heroic and loyal canines, which is inspired by the story of the faithful hound Gelert, a well-known Welsh folk tale. Pero will be presenting the winner with a year’s supply of Pero Dog Food.

S4C’s Creative Director Amanda Rees said: “As a dog a lover myself, I’m very excited to announce our competition to find Wales’ ‘Superdog’. To be able to work and partner up with a Welsh company based in Snowdonia is a massive bonus for the show.”

Pero has also announced it will be sponsoring Heno during the Month of Legends. The new campaign is set to target over 100k potential pet owners and will air at prime and day-time, from November 1^st until 30^th November. The collection of stings will feature the stunning and dramatic landscapes within the Snowdonia National Park, where the Pero headquarters are based.

Pero’s Marketing Manager Gareth Roberts said “I’m delighted to launch our first TV marketing campaign in line with such an amazing initiative from S4C.

"The bond between a dog and their owner is special and should be celebrated. We look forward to supporting our many stockists, by promoting our brand, and premium range of dog foods directly to the consumer. Pero has grown from strength to strength in recent years, and all I have left to say is watch this space.”

The show will be aired on weekdays at 7:00pm on S4C.

Online pet supplies store, Monster Pet Supplies, is paving the way to a pet-friendly Christmas, with the launch of its dog-safe wrapping paper, Ruff Wrap.

Known for ‘keeping pets happy from head to tail’, the Leeds based retailer is the first major retailer to market safe wrapping paper for dogs in the UK.

Made from soy based ink and rip and stick technology with self-adhesive tape, Ruff Wrap avoids the use of toxic chemicals such as chlorine and bleach, used to treat traditional wrapping paper, and eliminates choking hazards, ensuring that the opening presents on Christmas morning is a safe and fun experience for all dogs, both big and small.

PR and social media agency, Wolfstar, has been appointed by Monster Pet Supplies to deliver the Ruff Wrap PR campaign this Christmas. Within the three-month campaign, Wolfstar has been tasked with reaching new customers, driving visitors to the website and increasing sales of the Christmas product range.  

Monster Pet Supplies’ marketing manager Emma Gordon, said: “As pet owners ourselves, we would never knowingly let our dogs near such harmful chemicals as those found in normal wrapping paper, but had never considered that the fun of ripping up wrapping paper could expose dogs to these. We’re hoping to provide dog owners with a solution to carry on the festive fun, but with peace of mind their dog is safe this Christmas.” 

Ruff Wrap is £2.99 per 990mm x 660mm sheet, available now in two designs, from the Monster Pet Supplies website

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A woman who illegally imported sick border collie puppies from a puppy farm in Ireland and passed them off as a home breed has been ordered to pay £1,630 for running a 'pet shop' without a licence.

Helen Moorey of Ashbury, near Wantage, Oxfordshire, was fined £600 and told to pay a £30 victim surcharge and £1,000 costs.

The sentence comes after the 55-year-old was found guilty of breaching Section 1 of the Pet Animals Act 1951 at Oxford Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, November 2.

During the trial, six witnesses gave evidence that Moorey had been involved with puppy sales last year and this year.

Given the frequency that puppies were available for sale and the fact Moorey refused to let anyone into her property to meet the puppies’ mother, it was decided this was a commercial operation and required a licence.

Moorey, who is already serving a jail term for fraud relating to the operation, did not give evidence at this trial.

In sentencing, the District Judge took Ms Moorey’s limited means into account, along with other recent convictions for fraud relating to the sale of puppies, for which she was serving a prison sentence.

A full report of the case can be found on the Oxford Mail website – click here to view

Pictured: One of the puppies being sold illegally by Helen Moorey. (Courtesy RSPCA)

Research shows Britain is awash with pet-ty criminals, costing the nation £305million, and in response UK security firm ADT has launched a nationwide search to recruit a “Pet Detective’.

• Over half of pet owners admit their animal regularly nick belongings
• The cost to the nation of pet pilfering is a staggering £305 million
• It’s not all about cat burglars – birds are actually the biggest perpetrators
• Top items stolen include money, post, food and even underwear
• One in 25 owners have fallen out with neighbours as a consequence of their pet’s actions
• ADT has launched a nationwide search to recruit a “Pet Detective’ to help put a stop to pilfering pets 
• Britain is in the grip of a crimewave. Pilferers are breaking into houses and stealing everything from cash to underwear – and it’s costing the UK a staggering £305 million. You might even have a thief in your home right now… but who? Well, look no further than Fido or Fluffy.

 If you’re one of the 12 million British households who own a pet, you could be the next victim. Britain’s furry friends have turned into furry fiends as over half of UK pet owners (52 per cent) admit to harbouring a pet criminal. But the real number of furry and feathered felons could be even higher, as a further 15 per cent say they suspect their beloved animal is thieving but they can’t prove it.

Surprising new data from ADT, the UK’s leading security brand, reveals owners lose £49.34 on average to their light pawed pets, but shockingly, one in 16 (six per cent) owners has been burgled to the tune of over £150. That’s a lot of kibble.

The research also reveals that ‘cat burglars’ is a misnomer as birds are the true scourge of the nation, with a whopping 59 per cent found guilty of filching (perhaps this should be renamed ‘finch-ing’?).

Pooches are also prolific with 58 per cent caught with their paw in the proverbial cookie jar, compared to only 47 per cent of cats.

However, reptiles have the most extravagant tastes, with the items they steal coming to a whopping £209 over their lifetimes.

Top items taken by pets include food (71 per cent), money (seven per cent) and even underwear (21 per cent):

1. Food (71 per cent)

2. Shoes (25 per cent)

3. Other pets’ toys (23 per cent)

4. Children’s toys (22 per cent)

5. Underwear (21 per cent)

6. Post (17 per cent)

7. Blankets (17 per cent)

8. Clothes (14 per cent)

9. Newspapers (nine per cent)

10. Money (seven per cent)

The research also revealed that old pets are even teaching themselves new tricks as they pursue a life of crime – 35 per cent of pilfering pets learnt to undo food packaging, 30 per cent can now open doors and 12 per cent can unlock handbags to get to their loot.

Which could be why one in ten owners (ten per cent) just don’t know how to make the thieving stop.

So to combat this wave of pet pilfering, the security experts at ADT have teamed up with Instagram superdog Pumba the Chow Chow (@thingsonpumba) to create a new role on the product innovation team – the UK’s first ‘Pet Detective’. 

Pumba and ADT are looking for the UK’s most prolific cat, dog, budgie or bunny burglar, to help ADT understand how pilfering pets manage to evade capture, and identify weak spots in Britain’s homes by setting a thief to catch a thief!

The role is a year’s consultancy. The exclusive position will be reimbursed with a new ADT Smart Home system which will be installed by ADT, a year’s free monitoring and a generous welcome bonus of £500 of vouchers for Monster Pet Supplies.

If you have a pet pilferer at home, apply on their behalf on the ADT Facebook page. The application process is simple – owners simply need to upload an image of their pet in action and detail their suitability for the role using the following criteria that Pumba has set out for the applicants:

• Track record of being light-pawed
• Highly intelligent – comes up with ingenious ways to pilfer possessions
• Intrepid explorer – capable of venturing far and wide to find every nook and cranny
• Experienced at evading capture
• Full bag of swag

Pet plundering leads to more than just financial loss, as one in 25 owners have fallen out with someone thanks to pet theft. Six per cent are even too embarrassed to return stolen items.

Not all pet pillagers are getting away with it though. 65 per cent of owners catch their pet in the act – which could be because pets aren’t master criminals. 40 per cent don’t bother to hide their loot at all, and 39 per cent of owners admit to accidentally handling stolen goods as their pet simply gifts them the stolen items.

Technology is also helping owners rout out thieving reptiles and rodents alike; one in 20 (five per cent) pet owners have revealed they caught their pets stealing through their home security systems – as technology in the nation’s homes gets smarter the pets will have fewer places to hide their loot.

Lee Jasper, from ADT said: “We’re a nation of pet lovers but the research has revealed that the nations pets don’t always return the love – they’re thieving our possessions behind our backs. As experts in home security, we wanted to get to the bottom of this. As the best way to catch a thief is to set a thief we’re searching for the UK’s most prolific pet pilferer. We’ll use their insider knowledge to understand and learn more about the security weak spots that the UK’s pets exploit.”

Gabriel, the owner of Pumba said: “We are excited to see the potential candidates coming forward. Pumba has had her moments of thieving so she knows that these pets have a long road ahead to get clean. However, becoming the ADT Pet Detective should help keep them on the straight and narrow.”

 The research also revealed that pet burglars are turning a blind eye to their human counterparts. A shocking 76 per cent of dog owners revealed their dogs didn’t alert them to a burglar being in their home. Eighty-five per cent of cat owners also said that their cat didn’t meow when a burglar came in.

Surprisingly birds make the best burglars and the best pet burglar alarms – with 46 per cent of owners revealing they were made aware of an intruder by their pet bird squawking.

For more information about ADT’s Pet Detective campaign, visit www.adt.co.uk/petedetective.

According to research revealed by Natures Menu, almost two thirds of UK dog owners (61%) have admitted blaming their flatulence on their pets!

Of course, in some instances it actually is the dog and flatulence can be just one side effect of a bad diet, with other key symptoms including an upset tummy and runny stools.

There’s never a good time for your pet to get poorly, but some occasions can be worse than others. More than a quarter of those surveyed (29%) revealed they’ve had an embarrassing moment caused by their furry friends having an accident at a bad time, including during a first date and meeting the in-laws for the first time, so it’s definitely worth keeping an eye out for any sign that your pet is feeling under the weather.

The research aims to make pet owners aware of the signs of digestive discomfort and, in turn, highlight the ‘back-end’ benefits of a complete raw diet for dogs. So there will be a lot less pet parents getting the blame for their pooches untimely wind.

Another key finding from the research is that almost two thirds of pet owners (63%) weren’t aware of what a ‘healthy’ poo should look like, with the same number also not associating poor nutrition with ill health.

Although inspecting your pet’s poo may not sound like the most appealing task, there are some key signs that you should look out for, including:

• Soft/ watery or overly hard faeces
• Excessive flatulence
• Sticky or crumbly poo
• Misshapen faeces (not the traditional log shape)
• Discoloured or foul-smelling poo
• Blood spots
• Black coloured faeces

If you notice that your pet isn’t feeling 100%, or if you’ve spotted any of the above symptoms, it may be worth considering a change of diet for your pet.

Nutritionally balanced, complete raw feeding aims to give dogs a diet as close as possible to what they might have eaten in the wild and can be gentler on their digestive system than other pet food alternatives. It has been shown on countless occasions by experienced vets, nurses and owners to make an extraordinary difference to a pet’s health and wellbeing.

Natures Menu veterinary nurse, Melanie Sainsbury, said “It’s not the most glamourous task but inspecting our pets poo regularly can ensure they don’t have any problems. Of course, they don’t always have perfect poo’s, but if there is a change it can be down to factors including diet, stress or even worms, so it’s worthwhile keeping an eye out for any symptoms.

“What’s ‘normal’ varies from dog to dog and can depend on what diet they are on. Generally, ‘normal’ poo should be a medium brown colour, not too soft or watery but also not hard. They should be of a size relative to their breed, so smaller dogs will have smaller poos and vice versa, and be the traditional log shape. When you pick it up, it should not break apart too easily or stick to grass, and ideally, our pets shouldn’t be going to the bathroom any more than a few times per day.

“Consistency in diet is very important so if you do decide to make a change, pick the highest quality dog food suitable for you and your dog and stick with the same brand. Don’t keep changing brands or adding in human food as this can lead to problems with digestion and cause further harm. Try and stop your dog from rummaging in bins, picking up scraps, eating mushrooms and plants, or anything else they shouldn’t too.

“If you are worried about your dog’s poo, it’s always worth popping to your local veterinary practice and speaking to one of the friendly staff for advice. They are there to help you and ensure your pet is as healthy and happy as they should be.”

For further information about feeding your pet a nutritionally balanced raw diet, visit www.naturesmenu.co.uk

Dogs and cats received 12 times more Christmas cards than those addressed to the more traditional figure, the Mother in Law, according to a report by leading greetings card company Clintons.

Tim Fairs, VP Marketing & eCommerce at Clintons, said: “Pets are considered by many to be a key part of the family, with people choosing to treat their pets with cards and presents at Christmas.

“We’re a bit alarmed at the relative volume of cards sold for Mothers-in-Law, however, and we’re going to be doing our bit to promote the central role that Mothers-in-Law play in our lives as Christmas approaches.”

He added: “There’s no doubt that the Christmas family picture is changing, and it’s fantastic that diversity is being celebrated. It’s a welcome change to have a wider range of cards available.”

Key professions reflected in the range include Doctor, Boss and Carer. There are also Christmas cards ‘from’ pets in the range, including cats, dogs and monkeys.

Sales data compiled by Clintons, the leading national card and gift retailer, paints a picture of the changing shape of Britain’s families.

Christmas cards for same-sex couples, including ‘Mum and Mum’, ‘Daughter and Girlfriend’, Brother and Boyfriend’, ‘Son and Son in law’, ‘Sister and Girlfriend’, ‘Son and Boyfriend’, ‘Daughter and Daughter in law’, ‘Brother and Brother in Law’, ‘Sister and Sister in Law’ and ‘Dad and Dad’, have increased substantially in the last two years. Clintons has many different same-sex cards in stock this year in anticipation of a continuing boom.

Fish4Dogs has appointed a new Technical and Product Co-ordinator, Annabel Battersby, who will help its growing technical team in the development of new products, quality control and regulatory compliance.

Annabel, who has a BSc in Animal Science from University of Nottingham and an MSc in Business Management from the Royal Agricultural University, previously worked as a Technical Assistant for Lily’s Kitchen for more than two years.

Her role at Fish4Dogs will see her involved in product conformance and providing technical advice to suppliers. She will also be involved in special projects involving products and packaging.

Annabel said that she was keen to work for Fish4Dogs because of its reputation as a friendly company with an international presence that has a great focus on training and developing teams.

“It’s an added bonus to be in the midst of the beautiful Worcestershire countryside and in an office with has lots of dogs present every day,” she said.

She is most looking forward to “building strong relationships with suppliers” and “helping bring out lots of exciting new products”.

In her spare time Annabel, enjoys horse riding, hiking, travel and of course, dogs.

She has three canine companions: Captain Nemo a cairn and chihuahua cross, Meli, a Patterdale Terrier and Aury, a vizsla and golden retriever cross.

Said Fish4Dogs CEO Graham Smith: “I am delighted to welcome Annabel to the team. She brings with her experience and understanding of the industry and a great deal of enthusiasm for her work.

"She will be a valuable asset to our team and make a significant contribution to the development of new and existing products.”

Education, information, advice and expertise will be in plentiful supply at BETA International's new Training Tuesday – a day dedicated to learning for retailers and their staff.

Free seminars focusing on topics and top tips for the trade will take place in The Charles Owen Hub, with its large digital screen and comfortable seating, on Tuesday 23 January.

Sessions will cover a range of topics, including:

● Redworms with Green Genes, an AMTRA-approved SQP seminar worth 10 CPD points, hosted by veterinary management consultant Jim Wishart.

● Is the Customer Always Right? A Brief Guide to the Consumer Rights Act 2015, with the Trading Standards Institute’s Sylvia Rook.

● Equestrian Retail – Progress from Novice to Four Star, with David Gaule, of Citrus-Lime.

● Update on Safety Equipment Standards & Rules, with BETA's Claire Williams. This seminar counts towards the CPD face-to-face requirements of BETA-trained City & Guilds fitters and is worth five points.

● Saddle fitting, with Kay Hastilow.

● Visual merchandising, with Kirsty Kean (pictured), of Visual Thinking.

● Customer service, with Visual Thinking.

● Riding hats, with Roy Burek, chairman of Charles Owen and Airowear.

● Bits and Bitting, with Heather Hyde, of Neue Schule.

To ensure that Training Tuesday is as accessible as possible, BETA International will be operating its complimentary return coach service on the day, with collection points en route to the NEC from across Britain.

“Training Tuesday is a really exciting initiative for BETA International,” said show organiser Claire Thomas. “It covers a fantastic array of specialist subjects to help equip those working in today's retail environment with appropriate – and much called for – skills and training.

"Where else could you harness such educational provision in one day and all under one roof? A day at BETA International learning from the very best in the business is priceless."

BETA International is the world's leading trade fair for equestrian, country clothing, outdoor and pet products. The 2018 show takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, UK, from 21 to 23 January. Visitor entry is free on pre-registration at www.beta-int.com

Online typographic art boutique More Than Words has created this fun door mat.

This 15mm internal coir coconut husk mat will not only make a statement but will help to remove dirt and water from boots and shoes.

The natural coir mat, which measures 70cm x 40cm, has a PVC backing and can be easily shaken or brushed down to keep clean. This mat is designed by and exclusive to More Than Words.

Doormat £32 by More Than Words www.morethanwords.uk.com

The judging panel of BETA International 2018's prestigious Innovation Awards – leading industry accolades that reward new products possessing flair, creativity, cutting-edge technology and inspirational invention – has been announced.

Each judge is an expert in his or her own field and selected for their depth of knowledge and expertise. For the 2018 competition, those responsible for selecting winners for each of the award's eight categories are:

● Clare MacLeod – independent consultant equine nutritionist.

● Michelle Miller – master saddler and harness maker, and owner of M Miller Saddlery.

● Tracey Morley Jewkes – managing director of Blacks Vets and natural dog grooming product company Born to Bark.

● Wendy Beal – retail manager at R&R Country's store in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire.

● Wendy Hofstee – vet and owner of equestrian holiday company Unicorn Trails.

● Allister Hood – celebrated show rider and producer, and winner of this year's HOYS Champion Cob on Our Cashel Blue.

“The Innovation Awards are an extremely important part of the show and have been the launch pad for many successful equestrian products,” said BETA International organiser Claire Thomas.

“Our judges play a crucial role in considering all aspects of the entries, including their commercial viability. Winning an award is a massive achievement for companies that have often invested heavily in the production of a product and we always make sure that we have the right people for the job.”

Sponsored by BETA International's official media partner, Equestrian Trade News, the Innovation Awards are designed to reflect the show's diverse range of exhibitors and feature the following categories: Country Clothing & Footwear, Feed & Supplements, General, Horsecare Equipment & (Horse) Clothing, Pet Products, Rider Clothing & Footwear, Saddlery & Tack and Safety & Security.

Judging takes place on Sunday 21 January and the winners are announced on the Fashion Show stage later that day as part of the show's special awards ceremony.

Talking Business, the red-hot industry debate, is set to raise temperatures at BETA International 2018 when its host, ITV newscaster Alastair Stewart, takes to the stage with a specially selected discussion panel of representatives from the equestrian – and commercial – worlds. Joining him this year are:

● Philip Tyler, managing director of TopSpec Equine, a leading producer of feed balancers.

● Roy Burek, chairman of Charles Owen and Airowear.

● Jo Snell, chief executive of Bransby Horses.

● Kathryn James, managing director of NEC Group Conventions & Exhibitions.

● Rhian Gibson, chief executive of the Pony Club.

“We have a fantastic line-up of panellists and we can't wait to see them under the spotlight, wrestling with the latest industry conundrums and topics,” said BETA International organiser Claire Thomas. “Each will bring their own experiences and views to the table, which is certain to make for another highly entertaining and thought-provoking instalment of Talking Business, back by popular demand for a third year.”

Talking Business will take place in The Charles Owen Hub on Sunday 21 January – the first day of the show.

BETA International is the world's leading trade fair for equestrian, country clothing, outdoor and pet products. The 2018 show takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, UK, from 21 to 23 January. Visitor entry is free on pre-registration at www.beta-int.com

The owner of a pet shop in a West Sussex village has blamed parking restrictions imposed by the local council for the closure of his store.

Robin Duke will close Gatley’s County Store and Pet Shop, in Lower Street, Pulborough, for the final time this weekend.

He said he was left with no option but to close after parking restrictions were imposed earlier this year.

He told his local newspaper, the Midhurst and Petworth Observer, that people started to park in a lay-by outside his shop after that Horsham District Council introduced car parking charges elsewhere in the village.

“Cars park up here for hours meaning our customers cannot park there anymore,” he said. “There is meant to be a parking warden checking on this part of the village but I haven’t seen one for at least six months.

“We need this lay-by to exist as our customers could park up and only have a short walk to their car with 15 kilogram bags of pet food.”

Mr Duke said there were two big supermarkets in the village with free car parks.

“If you are given the option to park for free at Tesco or pay for parking to use our shop, you’re going to choose free parking every time,” he told the newspaper.

“People have stopped coming to our shop and sales have significantly dropped meaning that business is no longer viable.

“We have been subsidising the shop for two years and I have taken the decision to stop.”

The Government’s decision to increase high street rates earlier this year has also played a part in the decision to close.

“High street rates have gone up in the past six months which does not help the little businesses to thrive in villages like Pulborough,” he added.

You can read the full story on the Midhurst and Petworth Observer website by clicking here.

Students of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies at Edinburgh University have stripped naked for a high quality 2018 calendar with the proceeds going to the All4Paws charity.

All4Paws offers free veterinary care to the pets of homeless and vulnerably housed people with weekly student-run clinics and all proceeds from the limited edition calendar will be donated to the charity.

The students of the Royal (Dick) organised a school-wide fundraising project called 'When Vets Undress' to support the cause and approached CSJ to become an official sponsor. 

CSJ recognised that the project met with their ethos and were eager to help, but asked, “Why CSJ?” and were delighted to get the response. “We opened this up to our 800 vet students, asking for suggestions based on the pet food they personally use. CSJ was brought forward, with strong support from several students.”

Since their launch the website and social media pages of When Vets Undress have gathered a large following and the first promotional video produced by the students had 7,500 views in its first week …. proving that nudity in a good cause definitely hits the spot!   

Pet Advent Calendars are taking off in a big way this year with the popular Armitage Good Boy Advent Calendar jumping into a nationwide bestsellers chart.

The Good Boy Advent Calendar for Dogs has entered the GTN Bestsellers Christmas Products chart, which lists the top 50 bestselling festive items in garden centres.

The advent calendar was one of 10 new entries to the Christmas Products chart, reaching No 45.

The success of the God Boy product is testament to the fact that more pet owners are buying advent calendars for their animals as well as their children.

Most of the pet calendars are packed with treats and there's even a reusable calendar, which owners can restock for many Christmases to come.

Lily’s Kitchen’s festive range includes advent calendars for both dogs and cats.  The dog advent calendar includes Rise & Shines treats, Organic Cheese & Apple Training Treats and Bedtime Biscuits while the cat version contains Chicken Treats with Liver, Chicken Treats with Shrimp and Turkey Treats with Cranberry.

Pets at Home sell their own branded advent calendars including Rawhide and Munchy dog edition plus a small animal version, while Amazon advertise a Battersea dogs and cats home advent calendar for dogs.

Okehampton-headquartered Forthglade Foods Ltd, the award-winning supplier of natural pet foods, has secured £5 million in Growth Capital funding from Santander Corporate & Commercial to further support the firm’s UK and overseas expansion plans as well as the development of a larger manufacturing facility.

The business, which currently employs 80 people, is set to create a further 25 jobs when it completes the move to the new state of the art facility at Okehampton East Business Park in Devon.

Established initially in 1971, Forthglade manufactures 100% natural wet pet food with sales through major pet food retailers, wholesalers and an online offering. In an example of the firm’s output, in June this year Forthglade launched a selection of Gourmet meals for dogs. The natural recipes included Beef & Wild Boar with root vegetables and apple and also Turkey & Goose with pumpkin and cranberries.

Forthglade was taken over by the current management team in 2011, with a successful strategy to develop and expand in the UK and overseas. The business attracted private equity interest from Piper, a specialist investor in consumer brands, in 2015 to accelerate further the sales and marketing of the brand. The new factory, set for completion in 2018, will help increase production of its natural pet food, to boost its exports and fulfil its ambition to become one of the UK’s leading producers of 100% natural pet food.

Santander’s Growth Capital loans are targeted at businesses with annual turnover of up to £50 million which have a demonstrated history of high year-on-year growth in turnover, profit or employment. As well as the financial support, high-growth businesses can also access other support from Santander which includes training (masterclasses), mentoring and seminars as well as access to overseas trade missions and part-funded interns through our partner universities.

Gerard Lovell, Managing Director – Forthglade Foods Ltd, said: “We are delighted to work with Santander Growth Capital in the next stage of our business’ development. Their support will enable us to build a state of the art production facility in Okehampton and invest in the local economy while accelerating our strategy for growth.  The Santander team has been very proactive in developing a relationship with us since we first met them in 2013 and their continued engagement and interest in the business gave us the confidence that they are the right partner for us.”

Carmen Peacock, Santander Growth Capital, said: “Forthglade is a fantastic business with a leading product offering and a very experienced management team backed by Piper Private Equity. We are delighted to support them in their business expansion plans with the development of a new manufacturing facility in Devon as well as investment in continued UK and international growth opportunities for their own brand products. We look forward to working with the business and seeing it grow from strength to strength.”