The pet buyer for a Scottish garden centre says she would stock more products if sales reps took the time and trouble to pay her a visit.

Hazel Oswald from the prestigious Raemoir Garden Centre at Banchory, Aberdeenshire, said: "Our pet department is very important to us because it offers another reason for people to visit the store.

"We do extremely well with the pet food and accessory ranges we stock at the moment but I'm always on the search for new products and lines. But for some reason sales reps seem to shy away from us.

"I'm not guaranteeing that we would stock every item that's presented to us but I would welcome visits from new companies and hear about their products."

Raemoir Garden Centre is located in an area near Aberdeen that has benefitted from the oil industry. 

The store currently gets most of their pet department stock through wholesalers Bestpets and Vital, plus a local pet food supplier.

"We already offer our customers a wide range of pet products," added Hazel. "But there is scope to expand the offering."

Hazel can be contacted by email at gardening@raemoirgardencentre.co.uk

For more information visit www.raemoirgardencentre.co.uk

Damian Guha has been appointed to the role of Managing Director for Mars Petcare UK. Damian assumed the role on June 16 and will be based at Mars Petcare’s UK Head Office in Waltham-on-the-Wolds, Leicestershire.

Damian returns to Mars after three years at Marks & Spencer where he was Trading Director of Home, before becoming Director of Business Development.

Prior to Marks and Spencer, Damian spent 16 years at Mars. He joined as a Management Trainee in 1995, before becoming part of Mars Petcare’s marketing team where he was responsible for managing the business’s leading brands including Whiskas, Sheba and Cesar.

Damian went on to become Marketing Director for Mars Petcare in Poland, before becoming General Manager for Mars in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, where he was also responsible for developing Mars Chocolate’s strategy for Central Europe.

Commenting on his appointment, Damian said: “Having spent most of my career at Mars it’s a wonderful feeling to be back. I can’t wait to get started, working together with our talented Associates and retail partners to create a better world for pets.”

Damian takes over from Mike Gallacher, who will remain with the business over the summer to ensure a smooth transition.

Damian has a degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from the University of Oxford.

DC Thomson Consumer Products has partnered with Rupert’s Pet Shop to launch a range of Dennis the Menace and Gnasher dog toys. 

The deal marks the brand’s first foray into the pet sector, and the toy range will launch at all 405 Poundstretcher and 55 Pet Hut stores across the UK this summer.

Rupert's Pet Shop is a new UK company specialising in designing and manufacturing innovative toys and accessories for dogs and cats. 

The team at Rupert’s Pet Shop has worked together for many years designing and manufacturing toys for children before turning their attention to pets.

“We’ve been talking to Poundstretcher for a while now as we know that they are becoming a major destination for pet toys," said Rupert's Pet Shop chairman Ian Madeley. 

"Their new Pet Hut stores are especially impressive and we want to be part of their growth. The Beano, Dennis and Gnasher in particular, are a really good 'fit' to their shopper profile with a high percentage of families with children.

"We already know that families are key pet toy consumers and Poundstretcher are really getting behind the range.”

Designed and developed by Rupert’s Pet Shop, the range will feature five different dog toys including a Comic Fetch squeaky fabric toy, the Gnarly Gnasher hairy soft toy, a Whoopee Whiff cushion, a Rough and Tough Menacer fetch toy and a Sock Slinger.

Tim Collins, head of brands at DC Thomson, added: "Rupert’s Pet Toys are an exciting addition to The Beano licensing programme and one that will allow us to expand our retail footprint in the UK pet market.

"This new partnership will not only open further commercial opportunities for Dennis the Menace and Gnasher but also highlights our ongoing commitment to developing innovative and relevant products that appeal to The Beano fans of all ages.”

Award-winning Irish company Christies Direct has bought leading UK grooming supplier DeZynaDog Ltd, whose previous owners Trevor and Carole Flatt have decided to retire.

DeZynaDog is as specialist suppliers for the professional animal grooming Industry. Striving to offer clients the largest range of equipment and products under one roof in the UK, together with help, advice and excellent service from an experienced team dedicated to the industry, DeZynaDog is known in the industry as the One Stop Shop for Groomers.

DeZynaDog was born from Carole’s dreams of becoming a dog groomer back in the 1950s before grooming was considered as a serious profession. By the mid 1970 the company had started selling a small amount of grooming equipment to other groomers. 

As a family, Trevor, Carole and Mandy have dedicated their lives to the grooming industry. Their passion for highest quality products and customer care is renowned throughout the market and has grown DeZynaDog to the business we know today.

In the last 50 years, grooming has changed out of all recognition and the Flatt family has had much influence in the growth of the industry over the years. In fact, for many years, DeZynaDog led the marketplace. Now, after 57 years in business, it is time for Trevor and Carole to relax and enjoy their retirement and for Mandy to concentrate on her work with The Scissor Boutique. 

The family have been trying to sell the business for a number of years but were keen to choose the right buyer. Trevor and Carole were keen that the company would continue to be managed with the same passion and care for product quality and customers that the family have shown over the past 58 years.

Christies Direct was an obvious choice – a company long established in the industry and well respected for both customer service and innovative products. Both the Christie family, and their team of employees share a passion for the industry and the customer, that is second to none. 

Carole, Trevor and Mandy feel Christies Direct is a good home for the future of DeZynaDog.  They can rest assured that the products will remain high quality, all DeZynaDog customers will be well cared for and that the new team will continue to build on the family’s hard work to grow the business in the coming years.

Dezynadog will be run as a separate company and the new sales team will be on hand to help with orders and customer queries.  Carole and Trevor would like to thank all their customers for the support they have shown over the past 57 years and hope you will give the new team at DeZynaDog your continued support in the future. 

Over the coming months, DeZynaDog will be launching a number of new products, as well as enhancing the current DeZynaDog range.

For more information email sales@dezynadog.co.uk or visit www.dezynadog.com

Almo Nature has invested in a new marketing campaign which focuses on a new mascot for the brand, Mr Tin. The campaign will launch across 13 countries including the UK, Italy, Germany, France, Malta, Austria, Holland, Switzerland, Belgium, Spain, Russia, Slovenia, and Hong Kong.

Mr Tin has been created to promote Almo Nature’s original Legend brand, which is made using ingredients that are designed help to enhance both the health and wellbeing of cats. Each product is crafted using 100% certified human grade ingredients with 100% fresh meat or fish, and 0% chemical additives or preservatives. All products are 100% cruelty free which is in line with Almo Nature’s ethos as a company.

The Mr Tin advertising campaign will be delivered across each market through the execution of three separate videos, online advertising banners, targeted Facebook engagement and future investment into POP materials for in store promotion to create awareness and interest in Almo Nature products.  Almo Nature will use the three videos to engage with current fans on Facebook but will also aim to attract new customers.

The first video in the Mr Tin series demonstrates the importance of recycling, but also includes a mention that Almo Nature supports the World Cup Football Tournament and pays homage to all of England’s football fans.

Pier Giovanni Capellino, Almo Nature founder, said: “The creation of the Mr Tin mascot epitomises how cats should be – adventurous, agile and healthy. By providing the highest quality food, Almo Nature products give our pets the ability to embody all of those characteristics. At Almo Nature, we pride ourselves on being committed to animal’s wellbeing and happiness, and our natural-grade products, made with the best quality ingredients, ensure that our pets have the happiest and healthiest meal they deserve.”

To view one of the videos click here

ITV This Morning presenters Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford were just some of participants in a different kind of day at the office, as Britain went barking for its very first Bring Your Dog To Work Day. 

Held last Friday, companies across the nation welcomed their dog-loving employees into the workplace, along with their loyal four-legged companions.

The idea took hold in businesses of all kinds, including film studios, hair salons, dentists and boutique wine stores. 

Businesses and employees both made donations of £50 and £2 respectively to participate, with all proceeds split between All Dogs Matter, Animals Asia and Pup Aid - three organisations that make a huge difference to the welfare of animals.

“Bring Your Dog To Work Day was a fantastic success,” says Jo Amit, co-founder of natural grooming product company Butch & Bess, one of two pet industry businesses behind the initiative.

“The participation was out of this world and we’re very proud to have raised money for our three official charities. Some fabulous businesses adopted the idea and planning has already started for next year’s event, which is scheduled for Friday 26 June 2015.

“We’re very hopeful that we can build on the success of 2014 and raise money for even more animal welfare charities the next time around.”

Both businesses and individuals can still submit donations too. In return for a minimum donation of £50, a company logo and website link will be displayed on Bring Your Dog to Work Day’s homepage. For a minimum donation of £2, an individual can submit a picture of their dog to be published on the official website’s gallery entitled the ‘Dog With A Job Hall of Fame’. 

The initiative was also backed by one of the UK’s leading pet insurance companies, Animal Friends, who made a £5,000 donation as headline sponsor.

Leean Young, director of LoveSniffys, the other pet company behind the initiative, adds: “Attracting a business like Animal Friends Insurance as the headline sponsor for the first year of Bring Your Dog To Work Day was incredible. Their donation has made a huge difference to each of the charities.”

The animal organisations that stand to benefit from Bring Your Dog To Work Day were chosen because of their noticeable work for protecting and promoting the welfare of vulnerable animals. 

For instance, All Dogs Matter rescues and re-homes more than 300 dogs a year in London, Norfolk and the surrounding areas. The dogs in they care for are usually homeless, or come from local dog pounds. A mixture of foster homes and kennel spaces are used to take care of the dogs.

International charity Animals Asia is devoted to ending the barbaric practice of bear bile farming, as well as improving the welfare of dogs and cats in China and Vietnam. 

Pup Aid is an organisation that aims to end the practice of puppy farming in the UK. Last year it launched an e-petition to help ban the sale of young puppies and kittens. Over 100,000 people provided signatures and the topic is guaranteed debate in parliament.

Please visit bringyourdogtoworkday.co.uk for further information.

A group of dogs showed no fear of the dentist’s chair as they joined their owners for a day’s work at a Hampstead dental surgery.

Dentist Dr Jay Prashar, 48, and colleagues at his Glow Dentistry practice, in Heath Street, brought their pets to work today as part of the first-ever Bring Your Dog To Work Day.

The new initiative, founded by Butch & Bess and LoveSniffys, aims to raise funds for animal charities.

Dr Prashar and his wife Irene, who works as a secretary at Glow Dentistry, brought their two-year-old Cockapoo Toffee to work with them on Friday.

Dr Prashar said: “It was interesting. It didn’t disrupt the flow, it was a relaxed atmosphere. The dogs would go out for a little walk then come back again.

“They were just sitting around, they were in a home environment because they were with their owners.

“We occasionally have the odd patient who brings their pet in because they are quite calming. Anything in a dental environment that can calm you is probably a good thing.

“But generally on a hygiene level we wouldn’t allow it in a clinical setting.”

Hampstead resident Leaan Young, founder of LoveSniffys, started the initiative with pet grooming company Butch & Bess and has managed to involve companies across the UK.

ITV daytime programme This Morning lent their support to the initiative with Eamonn Holmes and his wife and co-presenter Ruth Langsford bringing their beloved pooch Maggie in for today’s show.

Leann said: “Many scientific studies have shown that the presence of pets can substantially reduce a person’s stress level in the workplace and be beneficial to a person’s well being.

“We’re absolutely certain that Bring Your Dog To Work Day participants will create a new kind of Friday feeling in the company of man’s best friend.

“The amount of interest we’ve seen from businesses across the country has blown us away, so we’re really hopeful of raising some significant funds for the three animal organisations we’re working with.”

Businesses and individuals were encouraged to make online donations of £50 and £2 respectively to participate, with all proceeds split between the three chosen charities.

Businesses could also participate by becoming an official sponsor. In return for a minimum donation of £50, a company logo and website link for each business has been displayed on the Bring Your Dog to Work Day website.

For more information on the initiative, visit bringyourdogtoworkday.co.uk

The UK aquatic industry – along with those in Europe, Canada and the United States – has been praised at the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA) meeting being held in Montreal this week for helping to raise awareness about invasive species.

This global gathering brings together the 194 signatory countries to look at progress on the Convention on Biological Diversity. 

The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association worked with fellow trade organisations from across the world, including OFI, PIJAC Canada and USA, to produce an updated report on industry initiatives to educate people about the importance of not releasing non-native animals, flora and fauna into the local countryside

During the meeting government representatives from Canada and the UK highlighted the positive working relationship with their national pet industries which are playing a part in raising customer awareness of their responsibilities towards their native countryside.

“We were very pleased to hear the UK government representatives talk to the meeting about the success of the Be Plant Wise campaign – which has been used by many UK shops and businesses to educate their customers about how to deal with aquatic plants,” explained OATA’s Chief Executive Keith Davenport.

“The Canadians also talked about their Habitattitude scheme where our equivalent PIJAC Canada has joined forces with the Invading Species Awareness Program and Big Al’s Aquarium Services to do something similar with aquarium and water garden enthusiasts.”

For this year’s meeting, OATA helped to produce an update pulling together examples of the industry working to help governments meet their biodiversity targets under the Convention on Biological Diversity. This was a follow-up to a report produced for the 2011 SBSTTA meeting. In this latest update, which was circulated to all government officials, UK examples included work by Pets at Home, Anglo Aquatic Plants Ltd, Peregrine Livefoods, The Non-Native Species Secretariat and the joint OATA/REPTA Pet Code of Practice.

Keith added: “This is a global meeting so it’s fantastic that the work of UK businesses has been highlighted at such a high level. OATA is continually stressing how important it is that our industry is seen as part of the solution – not just the potential source of the problem over invasives. So for it to be acknowledged at this level that the industry is playing its part is quite a coup and I’d like to thank all those businesses who use the Be Plant Wise campaign to educate their customers about disposing of plants and who work to our new Code of Practice.”

Marshall Meyers, of PIJAC (USA) commented: “Delegations from Canada, UK and Sweden all spoke to the fact that working in partnership with industry is very important and cited our work as exemplary of collaboration over addressing the issue of invasive species. As far as I’m aware no other industry was highlighted at the meeting so that is quite something for our industry to be acknowledged in this way. 

“But the battle is not over yet because there is still a disconnect in the minds of many when they see reports of the sheer number of non-native species and specimens in our trade. They tend to equate volume with harm so we need to keep up all our efforts to educate customers to act responsibly in their hobby.”

More information – including the latest report taken to the Montreal meeting - can be on OATA’s website at http://www.ornamentalfish.org/conservation-welfare/conservation/the-convention-on-biological-diversity

An aquatic retailer in East Anglia has been able to make a splash this year by keeping track of stock levels and orders more efficiently. 

Waterzoo in Peterborough recognised a need to streamline its business and as a result has had a buoyant start to the year with its EPoS system...

Jason Scott, owner of Waterzoo, explained: “As our business grew we realised that we needed a more efficient way help make stock management across the business easier and to enable us to keep track of our orders and deliveries.

“To help us do this we installed Easitill’s EPoS system and as a result we can now easily access a range of data statistics and reports and streamline our business processes too.

“We have also been able to introduce product pictures at the till points to help customers who are looking for something in particular or need something special ordered in.”

Waterzoo is staffed by an experienced and qualified team of dedicated fish keepers. All of who have ponds or aquariums of their own.

Jason added: “We have also redeveloped our website to an ecommerce site. Easitill’s integrated system has meant we can offer up-to-date stock figures online as well as in store and reach customers who might not be able to visit us in person.”

Easitill, which is a family-run business, has assisted garden centres and retailers with their EPoS requirements since 1988.

It helps small to medium-sized businesses with EPoS, website, mobile and mail order solutions to improve the profitability and quality of their business operations.

Rob Gardner, Managing Director of Easitill, said: “We are really pleased Waterzoo is happy with its EPoS system and are glad they are already seeing the benefits.

“Our systems also make the running of a shop much more efficient and effective. All our software is created in-house and it allows retailers to reduce errors, increase security and increase turnover and retention.”

For further details, please call Easitill on 01604 882030, email support@easitill.co.ukor visit www.easitill-horticultural.co.uk

Photograph caption: Aaron Baker, Sales and Technical Assistant at Waterzoo in Peterborough, using one of the Easitill systems.

ROGZ Europe General Manager John Henshilwood has announced that Sallie-Ann King (formerly of Natures Menu) will be joining the company in the capacity of Key Account Manager (UK), from Monday.

 “We are very excited to welcome Sallie-Ann aboard as a member of our Euro Sales Team," said John.

"She is well known and extremely well respected in the industry, and will be a great fit for the ROGZ Brand, as we are very much a people company. When we find the right person, we hire them. Finding stuff for them to do is the easy part.

“She is passionate about pets, has used and loved our products for a long time, and cannot wait to get involved with selling our cool gear.”

One of her priorities will be managing the company’s growing business with soon to be listed Pets at Home, with whom she has a good working relationship.

In addition she will be working closely with ROGZ’ UK Distributor Kruuse, based in York. She will also be assisting the UK Team in growing their independent retail business via both the veterinary and pet market wholesalers.

After a great showing at Interzoo in Germany recently, this well-known South African accessories manufacturer seems to be making serious waves all round the world!

Sallie-Ann King can be reached at: sallie-ann@rogz.com

Dog attacks against postal workers have jumped by 8% in the past year to more than 3,300, Royal Mail has revealed.

Around nine postmen and women are attacked by dogs every day, sometimes leading to a permanent disabling injury.

Ahead of legislation making it possible to prosecute dog owners for attacks on private property, the postal group called the number of incidents ‘unacceptably high’.

Royal Mail chairman Donald Brydon said: "We know that most dogs are not inherently dangerous, however, even the most placid animal can be prone to attack if it feels its territory is being threatened.

"Our first priority as an employer is to ensure the welfare and safety of our people who provide a valuable service to our customers.

"We appeal to owners to keep their pets under control, especially if they know their pets have a territorial nature.

"It can also be simple things that help - for example just making sure the dog is kept inside when the postman calls."

Dave Joyce, the Communication Workers Union’s health and safety officer, said: "It is so important for the safety of all postmen and women that dog owners ensure their animals are secure, particularly if opening the door to sign for a parcel.

"Owners must be aware that it’s now a criminal offence if their dog attacks the postman or woman on private property.

"The change in the law now means there will be tougher penalties and prison sentences for irresponsible dog owners.

"We welcome this as for too long, postal workers who offer a first class service have been subjected to reckless dog ownership leaving them vulnerable at work and unprotected when a dog attack occurred."

On Monday Royal Mail launched a Dog Awareness Week, including a special postmark on letters, in a bid to raise awareness of the problem.

A team from Pedigree Wholesale are taking part in a 40-mile sponsored walk this weekend to raise money for Action Medical Research... 

They are trying to get to £5,000 in sponsorship before midnight on Friday.

 If you would like to sponsor the team visit http://www.action.org.uk/sponsor/teampedigree

Rosewood Pet Products has launch an new range of eco friendly toys called Wolf and Tiger.

The Wolf and Tiger range focuses on products used by pets at each important life stage (cat or kitten, dog or puppy) and during their daily routine (from eating or sleeping,  resting or playing).

Each item has a 'homely', fun family feel and a unique design. The range has also been created with the environment in mind – all products are made using biodegradable materials (excluding the cushions/pads) to ensure they are eco friendly.

The activity tower and scratching post are perfect for keeping cats entertained, are great for their claws and therefore your furniture too! Both products have cardboard scratching posts which can be arranged into different shapes to keep cats interested and engaged. This cardboard section is interchangeable; refills made of sisal rope, sisal mat, seagrass rope and cardboard are available allowing consumers to lengthen the life of the product and introduce their cat to a variety of materials and textures. Both products are supplied with a 10ml bottle of catnip. The activity tower has an additional function to the scratching post; a raised bed with a micro suede covered foam pad which is ideal for perching, resting or even a cat-nap! Our feline friends will also love the play tower and tunnel which can be used vertically as a tower for sleeping and perching or used horizontally as a tunnel for playing and hiding!

The Wolf & Tiger range also includes two stylish and contemporary eco bowls, made from bamboo fibre, which can be used for food and water. The twin bowl has a capacity of 100ml on either side and the single bowl has a capacity of 400ml. Both are easy to clean and are designed so that the base slopes forward for a more comfortable feeding position.

For bed-time the Wolf & Tiger range includes a classic yet stylish eco bed made from bamboo fibre. The bed has a ventilated base, non-slip rubber feet and is supplied with a luxury, reversible micro suede cushion to make it extra comfy! It also features broad and rounded edges for resting tired heads and paws!

All cat products are supplied in full colour boxes which include plenty of detailed information about the product range and each individual product as well as some fantastic lifestyle images to really entice customers to buy! Scratcher refills are supplied shrink wrapped and the eco bowls and beds are packaged using a full colour wrap which again includes detailed range and product information and stylish lifestyle images.

Retailers can contact Rosewood Pet Products on 01952 883408 for more details, go online at www.rosewoodpet.com

The summer sun is a welcome visitor for most of the family but dogs can struggle as the temperature rises, vets have warned. Taking extra care on warmer days can help keep pets happy and healthy in the sunshine.

Dogs may struggle in high temperatures as they are unable to cool down quickly through sweating, rendering them vulnerable to overheating. Despite publicity campaigns in recent years, dogs still die in hot cars every summer or succumb to heatstroke as a result of over-exertion on walks and daytrips.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) is highlighting seven simple steps to help keep dogs safe as the temperature rises:

1. Don’t leave dogs in vehicles.
2. Make sure they always have adequate water to drink.
3. Provide adequate ventilation at all times.
4. Avoid exercising dogs in the heat of the day.
5. Provide shade from the sun in the hottest part of the day.
6. Watch out for early signs of heatstroke, such as heavy panting.
7. Contact a vet immediately if the animal does not respond to efforts to cool it down.

Vet Robin Hargreaves, President of the BVA, has some advice for owners as the weather gets warmer. He said:

“As it gets hotter this summer, all owners need to think about taking simple steps to ensure their pets are happy and healthy during the warm weather.

“Most people know that dogs should never be left in cars by themselves, even when the day is warm as opposed to hot, but it can be tempting to ignore advice if you think you won’t be gone for long.

“Leaving the car windows open and a bowl of water is not enough. As a dog can only cool down through its tongue and paw pads, it cannot react quickly enough to cope with the rapidly rising heat inside a car.

“Dogs are also vulnerable to heatstroke while out with their owners. I see animals in my practice every summer that have overheated while out walking or exercising. A dog won’t stop enjoying itself because it is hot, so it’s up to the owner to stop the animal before it suffers.

“Older dogs and those with respiratory problems are particularly susceptible but it’s sensible to keep a close eye on any dog on warmer days. The quicker you get help the better the animal’s chances of survival.”

Detecting overheating early and treating it promptly is essential to dogs recovering successfully. Signs that animals are overheating can include faster and heavier panting, barking or whining. They might produce more saliva than normal and have dark coloured gums. Eventually their eyes may become glassy and they may appear unconscious.

If heatstroke is suspected dogs should be taken to a cool, well-ventilated place and given water to drink. Dogs can also be cooled down with a fan or by covering them with a wet towel. Pet owners should get advice from a vet immediately if the dog does not respond promptly.

For more information on pet care from BVA vets visit www.bva.co.uk 

With the British Pest Control Association predicting a Summer explosion of flea activity in homes after the mild winter, Johnson’s Veterinary Products is urging pet retailers to stock up on its 4fleas range.

Johnson’s repackaged 4fleas range, including award winning 4fleas Household Sprays and Room Foggers, contain an Insect Growth Regulator to kill fleas and prevent hatching eggs developing into adults to avoid reinfestation of pets. 

The company now has extra supplies of all the 4fleas range to cope with the extra demand and retailers are advised to keep high stocks to avoid shortages over the summer.

To contact Johnson’s Veterinary Products call 0121 378 1684, email info@johnsons-vet.com or visit www.4fleas.co.uk

The  British Veterinary Association has welcomed the Prime Minister's announcement of a review into why so few antimicrobial drugs have been introduced in recent years, and called for the review to extend to animal health.

Commenting, Peter Jones, BVA Past President, said: "Antibiotics are vital medicines for both human and animal health and we are working hard to safeguard their use for the future, but it is clear that we must also find ways to develop new antibiotics in veterinary medicine. 

"The development pipeline for new antibiotics in both human and animal health is at an all-time low and so we welcome measures to investigate how to manage this trend."

Speaking at the Association's annual Welsh dinner in Cardiff this week, BVA President Robin Hargreaves reiterated the importance of using antimicrobials responsibly. He said: "One of the greatest challenges to both animal and human health is the threat of antibiotic resistance, which has the potential to become a global catastrophe.

"To ensure healthy animals in the future we must ensure we safeguard veterinary medicines. And so across the country we continue to take a lead in raising awareness about the need to use these vital medicines responsibly.

"But we mustn’t simply pay lip service to the problem. BVA asks all veterinary surgeons to look at themselves to make sure that they are each playing their part and doing the right things."

The Prime Minister’s announcement is at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/prime-minister-warns-of-global-threat-of-antibiotic-resistance

Saki-Hikari has launched a new 500g pack size of its technologically advanced Saki-Hikari Growth Koi diet.

Saki-Hikari Growth is an exceptional quality daily diet which promotes outstanding growth and championship form.

Ideal for promoting growth and form in all championship grade Koi or Koi with championship potential Saki-Hikari Growth contains a specific blend of lipid and other nutritional components to meet the natural omnivorous requirements of Nishikigoi.

Saki-Hikari Growth also contains Hikari-Germ, a strain of Bacillus bacteria, good bacteria which when fed becomes active in the Koi’s intestinal tract. Hikari-Germ creates beneficial digestive enzymes thereby improving the digestive capacity of Koi.

Hikari-Germ also helps support the fish’s own good bacteria, helping prevent a build-up of bad bacteria thereby helping build up stronger natural defences.

Furthermore waste that is excreted is highly decomposed by the activity of the bacteria, which helps maintain the quality of water, an essential requirement when breeding and raising koi successfully, while also reducing the load on the filter, therefore reducing maintenance.

If you would like more information about Saki-Hikari contact the Customer Services Team on 0115 982 3900 or email info@petproducts.co.uk.

WhitePython has introduced a new, modern approach to monitoring a terrarium’s environment with its new circular, digital display units.

Their Max-Min Thermometer measures the temperature through an external probe, which can be placed inside the terrarium. This can track and store the minimum and maximum temperatures at this location across a period of time until the user resets it. This is ideal for those who are unsure about what happens when they’re not around.

The Thermometer – Hygrometer is a simple instrument that can be placed inside the terrarium and shows in a simple display both the temperature and humidity level.

Each device features a strong clip on the reverse or a suction cup for easy application.

RRP: £14.99

For more information about the new products, please visit www.whitepython.com.

The UK’s Number 1* normal nutrition specialist brand is proud to announce the launch of the new BETA Breed Specific Range.  As dog breed groups have similar characteristics and needs, BETA Breed Specific products offer high quality and Complete Dry Dog nutrition tailored for the 4 most popular breed families – Spaniels, Shepherds and Setters, Terriers and Retrievers.

The Advanced Nutrition category is currently the only segment of the market offering tailored nutrition for a variety of different breed types.  Pet owners believe their dogs are special and those shopping for Normal Nutrition brands in the Specialist channel are likely to be looking for tailored, quality nutrition too.  PURINA, with its 85 years of expertise in dog nutrition and behaviour has carefully developed the Breed Group Specific range offering tailored nutrition for specific breed groups.

It is important for consumers to understand how each recipe is tailored to the individual needs of the different breed types and the new pack format allows simple communication of the benefits for each breed.  There is also a strong visual link on front of pack to the breeds they are developed for and the imagery used.

Here is a summary of how each recipe has been specifically formulated for each breed type:

• Spaniels are lively by nature which means they need a food that will sustain their energy needs throughout the day.  BETA Spaniels is specially formulated with high levels of protein and fat to help them maintain their extremely active nature and vitality for life.  Also suitable for hunting dogs.
• Shepherds and Setters are natural born explorers but they can be more prone to sensitive digestion.  BETA Shepherds and Setters is specially formulated with ingredients that are easy on dog’s intestines and contains all the right nutrients to help keep muscle mass in peak condition.
• Terriers are always on the lookout for adventure and love a good run around in the hope of finding it.  BETA Terriers formula is a balanced mix of nutrients designed to replenish energy, help maintain muscle mass and help keep bones strong and healthy.
• Retrievers love playtime – and they also love mealtimes.  BETA Retrievers is a specially balanced formula with all the nutrients needed for a healthy, active life but with reduced fat levels compared with BETA Adult to help keep optimal body condition.

For more information please contact your PURINA Business Development Manager or visit www.purina-beta.co.uk

*Reg. Trademark of Société des Produits Nestlé S.A.

*IRI value share – Total pet specialist w/e 9^th Nov 2013 (excluding PAH)