A hobby making dog biscuits has turned into a career for 22-year-old Sophie Tregellis, whose Top Collar pet treat business is taking off in a big way.

After starting Top Collar in her parents’ kitchen in York, Sophie is now producing her healthy meals for cats and dogs in a commercial kitchen. She uses locally sourced, human-grade ingredients in all her products, a fact that has helped the business grow in such a short space of time.

“My customers want to know that all the ingredients I use are healthy for their animals. Pets are such an important part of family life so my products are made using local-sourced, human-grade ingredients,” said Sophie.

“The flavours all add to the fun element, with the classic Sunday Roast and Full English which are designed for dogs, and Fish and Chips for cats. The different ranges aim to help pets with certain conditions, such as the ‘Golden Oldie’ range which aims to ease arthritis, fatigue and stomach problems in older dogs.”

The young entrepreneur enjoyed a festive boost to business as sales of her Christmas Dinners for dogs soared, and the success story has continued with the introduction her vegetable treats this month.

Top Collar is starting 2014 poised for further expansion after winning a national award, which will help the business enter the wholesale market.

At the end of last year, the University of Leeds graduate won a Shell Live WIRE Grand Ideas Award, which saw her scoop a £1,000 prize.

Sophie has invested the money back into Top Collar with more sophisticated packaging for her products.

She said: “I’m trying to create exactly the right brand for the business which reflects its ethos and, by using heat-sealed packaging, the food lasts for six weeks which allows me to break into the wholesale market.”

Advice from Spark, the University of Leeds start-up service, led Sophie to launch her business while completing her philosophy degree, and in May she won the University’s Sir Peter Thompson Enterprise Award for promising entrepreneurs.

Sophie described the £5,000 prize money as a “great springboard” for Top Collar, with the money used to analyse and test her products to ensure they met dietary regulations, design the packaging, promote the brand and design her website.

The website was launched in November, and the online ordering system is now fully functioning.

“My mum Jean and I used to be volunteers of the RSPCA and we made dog biscuits to raise money for the organisation. That’s how it all started, making the biscuits in her kitchen.

“The business has now moved to a commercial kitchen and I’m using Leeds University students to help me make the treats and food. It’s all very exciting and things seem to have happened so fast.”

To find out more about Top Collar visit www.topcollar.co.uk

Channel 5's eagerly anticipated 'The Truth About Your Dog's Food' is already causing controversy before it has even been screened. It's being broadcast at 9pm tonight (Thursday).

Guy Blaskey, Manging Director of the Pooch & Mutt company, which makes health supplements and healthy treats for dogs, has weighed into the argument, claiming there is no truth about pet food.

"Channel 5's PR machine seems to have gone in to overdrive with every man and their dog (excuse the pun) weighing in to the debate," said Guy (pictured left).

"Unfortunately, most of the people involved in the debate seem to either have a commercial agenda of their own, or be chosen for their looks more than their expertise.

"The truth about pet food is that there is no truth. There is no one-size fits all diet that will be right for every dog, just as there is no one-size fits all diet that will work for every human."

Guy believes the diet that is right for an owner's dog is the diet that they do best on and which is the best that he or she can afford.

"If your dog has bright eyes, a wet nose, a high quality coat, solid stools and you can feel their ribs with just a small covering of fat then what you are feeding them is right.

"It doesn’t matter whether it’s prime rib or polystyrene, if your dog is healthy that is what matters most – although obviously dogs would most likely not meet the healthy criteria on a polystyrene diet, and you certainly should not try it."

You can read more of Guy's comments about 'The Truth About Your Dog's Food' by clicking here

The Alan Titchmarsh show on ITV was another programme keen to look at the pet food industry this week as natural food and training treats were put to the test.

Resident pet experts, the Barking Blondes (aka Jo Goode and Anna Webb) got their own dogs to test some of the products on offer, including food from Natures Menu and treats from the Innocent Hound.

Matilda, Jo Goode’s English Bulldog, was particularly keen to review the raw dog food from Natures Menu.

Jo said she personally loves to feed her dog raw food as its simple and you can be assured there will be nothing artificial in it.

The nuggets shown on the show were Natures Menu's complete and balanced raw Active nuggets, created with nutritious raw minces of duck and salmon, and added vegetables.

For more information the Natures Menu range of raw food visit www.naturesmenu.co.uk

Meanwhile the Innocent Hound was thrilled to be invited on to the show. Making its TV debut, the luxury range of venison sausages was selected.

After the unmistakable approval from chief testers, Molly and Matilda, the treats received rave reviews from the Barking Blondes who highlighted the many health benefits of venison.

The Innocent Hound is looking to extend its network of stockists across the UK with a focus on retailers encouraging healthy and natural products.

Launched last Summer, the company mirrors the values people increasingly hold when buying food for themselves - using quality ingredients, sustainable farming and low miles the sausages contain 80% British venison and are a healthy, hypoallergenic treat for pampered hounds.

For more information please email woof@theinnocenthound.co.uk

"We, at Crown Pet Foods, are convinced of this and over the years we have strived to launch meaningful innovations in products and services to help you to develop your business.

"Crown Pet Foods is very fortunate to hold two fantastic super-premium brands, Royal Canin with its scientific and tailored approach to nutrition, and James Wellbeloved with its natural positioning.

"To ensure we continue to provide our brands with the best focus and support we have decided to change the organisation internally.

I"n line with this change a Market Director will be appointed for James Wellbeloved. This role will report directly to the management of The Nutro Company, a world expert in natural pet food and part of the same Group as Royal Canin.

"While I will focus my efforts on the development of Royal Canin and managing Crown Pet Foods, our new Market Director will work with the James Wellbeloved team to continue accelerating growth in the UK; building on the strong platform that exists and further accelerating innovation and consumer investment.

"It is important for you to understand that Crown Pet Foods will continue to operate as it does currently and that both brands will continue to mutualise their efforts to bring you the best products at the best prices. Thus, you’ll continue to place your orders and get your deliveries the same way as you do today. Additionally, there will be no change to product and our state of the art facility in Castle Cary, Somerset will continue to produce all of our James Wellbeloved dry cat and dog foods.

"There is no change in strategy for either brand and our unwavering commitment to the specialist pet trade remains.

"Thank you for your continuing support and I look forward to further developing with you the specialist pet trade."

Award-winning animal health firm Lintbells has celebrated the New Year with a move to a prestigious new office complex as the company’s rapid expansion continues.

The natural supplements firm, whose products include YUMEGA and YUMOVE as well as a growing veterinary range, has moved a short distance away from its former offices in North Hertfordshire to a stunning barn conversion in a rural commercial complex set on a farm.

Lintbells Co-founder John Howie said: “In the last couple of years we have seen considerable and rapid growth as our original products have gone from strength to strength and new ranges have seen extremely strong launches.

"With new staff joining we needed to find new premises that could meet our needs now and support our continued expansion into the future.

"The complex at Fairclough Hall Farm provides a fantastic working environment for our team and takes us into the next exciting stage of our development.”

The company has taken on a 2000sq ft barn conversion over two floors providing ample accommodation for the existing staff and plenty of room for growth. Further office and warehouse units within the complex ensure that future growth can also be accommodated.

The award-winning company can now be found at: West Barn, Fairclough Hall Farm, Halls Green, Weston, Herts, conveniently close to the A1M and Stevenage. The company phone number remains the same at 01462 790886.

For more information about Lintbells and its range of natural health supplements for dogs and cats visit www.lintbells.com.

Pictured: Lintbells co-founders John Howie (left) and John Davies put the finishing touches to their new headquarters.

Nine of the 10 exhibitors in the British pavilion are exhibiting at Global Pet Expo in Florida in March for the first time, with the 10th company Animology returning after a successful debut at the show last year. Their stand is pictured above.

The full group are: Animology, Dugdale Davies Pet Treats, Feathers & Beaky, Hilton Herbs, The House of Paws, Lily’s Kitchen, Micro-Id, Seneye, SureFlap and CarPET Pet Hair Remover.  

As well as the launch of new foods and treats, feeders, grooming items, pet beds, microchip-operated pet doors and aquarium equipment, animal identification systems using the latest mini-microchip technology will be displayed in the British pavilion.

All of the UK firms will have the benefit of funding arranged by PetQuip via the UK Trade & Investment Trade Show Access Programme and from the show organiser’s attractive exhibitor package.  In addition, PetQuip is organising and manning the British pet product information stand at the show and will provide a comprehensive package of services for the exhibitors as well as a free UK product sourcing service to overseas buyers.

Animology (Stand 3967) provides quality shampoos and sprays to dog groomers and owners.  After achieving global success with its shampoos and sprays, Animology has extended its product portfolio by launching a range of vitamins and supplements designed specifically for dogs.  This fresh, new range of five products are packaged in pots of 60 capsules, each containing a measured dose, which can be opened and sprinkled onto a dog’s food to aid digestion.  The new Animology supplements comprise Animology Coat & Body; Animology Digestion; Animology Hip, Joint & Flex; Animology Pre-Biotic  Multi-Vit + and Animology Senior.

Dugdale Davies Pet Treats Ltd (Stand 3977) will be exhibiting its range of 100 per cent natural dog treats that contain only the finest quality food grade ingredients.  The products are produced in a new, state of the art factory, utilising the most modern and efficient equipment available in order to ensure that the treats are produced to the highest possible standards.  The company’s modern packaging machinery provides customers with various pack options from simple clear packs through to multi-coloured laminate pouches and vacuum packs.  Dedicated dry storage for finished goods means that orders are delivered quickly and efficiently.

Feathers & Beaky (Stand 3970) will be showing its award-winning Feathers & Beaky Free Range Chicken Accessories.  These include a new Top-Fill Chicken Drinker that has adjustable height legs, anti-tip design and is filled from the top.  There is also an anti-tip Chicken Feeder with adjustable height legs that has a flexible rain shield that provides a perch for chickens.  The company’s product range also comprises a Hanging Vegetable Holder that maintains vegetables in a clean and dry condition and out of reach of unwanted visitors.  There are also two separate Chicken Gyms described as fun products that provide exercise and encourage owners to interact with their chickens.

Hilton Herbs Ltd (Stand 4135) will be showing its herbal supplements, topical creams and natural healthcare products for dogs, cats, horses and birds.  The products on show include the latest addition to the topicals range.  “Bye Bye Itch” lotion is a soothing, cooling, pleasant smelling, effective gel for canine hot spots and skin irritations. Visitors to the booth will be able to view the company’s POS product videos, available exclusively to Hilton Herbs stockists.  These videos will help retailers market the company’s extensive range of effective, palatable, easily administered herbal supplements for animals, formulated by medical herbalists with over 30 years’ experience.

House of Paws (Stand 3974) is a luxury brand of pet beds that features the latest life-style designs.  The company has now expanded its product categories to offer new and original designs in hard and soft pet toys, clothing, shampoos, treats and accessories.  The company is recognised for its attention to detail in the manufacture of quality pet beds for the USA and European markets.  Particular care is taken during the design and manufacture processes to ensure the brand offers the best value for money.

Lily’s Kitchen (Stand 3973) will be showing its range of natural and nutritious recipes for dogs and cats. The range is termed ‘proper food’ as they are all produced from fresh meat, nutritious fruit and vegetables and a blend of healing herbs.  The ingredients used are sourced from local farmers, and the nutritionally complete recipes contain no meat meals or derivatives.  New products include ‘Lovely Lamb’ with fresh peas and parsley, which is naturally low in fat and is part of the company’s range of World First grain-free and meat meal-free dry food for dogs.  The company has been voted the UK’s most ethical pet food company for the last five years. 

Micro-Id Ltd (Stand 3972) isa supplier of Microchip Identification systems for animals, and will be launching its Ultimate Pet Recovery Service at Global Pet Expo.  The mini-microchip used by the company is the smallest implantable chip for animals, making it easier and more comfortable to implant.  The micro-ID package for pets includes the mini-chip together with a collar tag with a serial number linked to the chip number with an app, which when loaded onto a smart phone allows the finder of a lost or stolen animal to send a message via the smart phone to the database.  This then sends a message to the owner together with a map reference showing where their pet is located.  The finder then gets a message telling him where the owner is located.  

PetQuip (Stand 3971) is the International Trade Association of Pet Equipment Suppliers.  The PetQuip team assists and promotes the development of international trade in the pet equipment sector, providing a catalyst for business contact between manufacturers, suppliers and international buyers. 

Seneye aquatic monitors (Stand 3975) will be displaying its digital test device that monitors the key water in an aquarium on a continuous basis in order to protect the fish.  Should a problem occur, the Seneye device sends an alert to the owner’s telephone allowing important changes to be made in order to avoid any harm being done to the aquarium’s inhabitants.  The messages also include expert advice based on the type of aquarium and the specific problem that has occurred.  This information can be invaluable to any novice who experiences an emergency situation. 

SureFlap (Stand 3966) will be showing its range of microchip-operated pet doors and feeders for cats and small dogs.   The company is previewing its new SureFeed^TM range of smart feeders for the first time in the US at the Global Pet Expo.  Available from mid-2014, the SureFeed range features two models: the SureFeed Pet Feeder and the SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder.  The SureFeed Pet Feeder has a fold-away lid that opens to reveal the food bowl when the resident cat approaches.  The feeder re-seals itself when the pet has finished eating.  The SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder solves the problem of providing segregated feeding resources within a multi-pet household.  It opens only for a pet whose microchip number or RFID collar tag code is stored in its memory.  It also prevents overeating by individual pets in a multi-pet household and ensures that special dietary food and/or medication is consumed only by the designated pet. 

Ancol’s dog car harness not only keeps dogs safe but also helps owners to obey the Highway Code.

The Highway Code now states that ‘When in a vehicle, make sure dogs are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly.’ It recommends a seat belt harness such as Ancol’s as a way of securely restraining dogs in cars.

Made from super strong nylon with a padded chest for extra comfort, Ancol’s dog car harness safely restrains dogs on the back seat of a car. Available in four sizes, it is fully adjustable and easily fits into a car seat belt socket.

Ancol’s Sales Director Sarah Lane explains: “Over 1.5 million people have chosen our car harness as a safe, reliable way to restrain your dog when you are travelling. It’s one of a range of pet travel accessories that we have developed for people who take their dogs with them on days out and holidays.”

The travel harness is part of Ancol’s exclusive pet travel accessories range which offers everything dog owners need when they are travelling with their pet. Included in the range is a carry bag for smaller dogs, a travel water bowl, microfibre towel and car seat protector.

For more information, visit www.ancol.co.uk

OATA is taking steps to ensure the UK’s aquatic trade voice is being heard in discussions on proposed legislation coming out of the EU, and which could have a big impact on the industry.

Over the past few months OATA Chief Executive Keith Davenport has put together responses to four consultation requests and attended two meetings in Brussels, joining officials and MEPs from across Europe.

New legislation that could have a major impact on the ornamental aquatic industry is being debated at the moment, including the EU Control Regulation under which there will be individual regulations on food and feed law, rules on animal health and welfare, plant health, plant reproductive material,  plant protection products and alien invasive species.

“It has been an incredibly busy few months for OATA but it’s one of our key roles to make sure the industry’s voice is heard in matters that could have a significant impact on what’s available for sale in the UK,” said Keith.

“Having spent long hours poring over the different elements that will make up the over-arching EU Control Regulation it's obvious that different approaches are being taken over how plant health, animal health and alien invasive species will be dealt with. 

“So a key point we’ve made in our responses on behalf of the industry is that there needs to be a coherent approach between all strands of the various regulations. Otherwise it will be incredibly hard for businesses – and indeed officials ‘on the ground’ – to know what they’re doing if they have to follow different processes depending on what they’re importing. This won’t help anyone and makes it even more likely for problems to arise, which will be time-consuming and expensive for businesses.

“Another key point we continue to make is that a ‘one size fits all’ approach across Europe just doesn’t work. At one of the meetings in Brussels I heard one person say ‘one size fits no-one’ which I think really sums it up. We need all the legislation being drafted at the moment to take into account the differences between member states. 

“An example of this, which should worry our industry, is the stance being taken on water hyacinth. This is considered a big invasives problem in Spain and there are an increasing number of calls for it to be banned from sale across Europe. In this country, water hyacinth can’t survive our winters so it's not such an issue and is worth hundreds of thousands of pounds to the UK industry. We’ve already seen an example of this ‘one size fits no-one approach’ with apple snails, banned from sale across Europe because of issues in Spain, and we don’t want this to happen again with water hyacinth. 

“So it’s vital we represent the UK industry both in these written responses and by talking face to face with officials and MEPs in Brussels.”   

The four consultations that OATA has given responses to are:

• The House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee’s inquiry into the issue of invasive species in the UK – you can see OATA’s response here
  
• The Food Standards Agency’s consultation on the EU Control Regulation
• The development of the EU Alien Invasives Regulation for DEFRA
• The balance of EU and UK competencies on plant health for DEFRA

Superfish Retrofit LED lights for T8 flourescent lamps are now available from Pedigree Wholesale.

The lamps offer a revolutionary solution for the replacement of traditional T8 florescent lamps with LED lighting.

The lamps, which come as a complete kit including ballast are available in two colours, Super Bright White and colour enhancing Colour Plus.

The plug and play T8 LED lamps fit the T8 hoods perfectly, offering a seamless and easy to fit upgrade without the need to make any changes to the aquarium.

Safe and with low voltage Superfish T8 Retrofit lamps are resistant to water and offer a saving of up to 50% on electricity costs. The lamps have a long life span of up to 30,000 burning hours.

Seven models are available of each colourway in sizes suitable for T8 / 450mm up to T8 / 1500mm.

If you would like more information about Superfish T8 Retrofit LED lamps contact Pedigree Aquatic Wholesale on 0115 982 3900 or e. info@petproducts.co.uk.

A man who claimed he was trying to find his way home after a night out fell through the roof of a pet shop and landed in a fish tank.

The man was unhurt in the incident, which occurred at about 3am on Sunday following a heavy drinking session.

The pet shop manager Matthew Toner, who lives above Aqua Pets, in Tolworth, Kingston, Surrey, has described how he ran downstairs to see the man's legs going through the roof.

He said: 'He told me he was trying to find his house and that he lived next door.

'He had admitted he was stupid and is coming in to apologise with us. I don't want to rub it in.'

The man, who was initially thought to be a burglar, was arrested at about 3am on Sunday in an alleyway near the shop after his soaked trousers had been spotted.

The pet shop owner Peter Hunt said: 'Unfortunately he ran across our flat roof which has a fibre glass lighting partition. He fell straight through and ended up in a 3ft x 3ft fish tank.

'The fish are alright but the guy was arrested and taken to Kingston nick where he slept the night.

'It was a miracle he didn’t kill himself.'

He said the fish tank contained tropical fish, including angel fish, parrot fish, rainbow fish and kissing guaramis. But he said: 'No piranhas. That would have been a good story.'

The man scrambled out of the tank and up through the glass roof when he was confronted by the store’s manager who lives above the shop and was woken by the crack of breaking glass.

OATA, the aquatic industry trade body, has welcomed a new face to the organisation as Gabriela Solano takes on the position of Assistant to the Chief Executive.

Gabriela joins OATA from Bath Spa University where she lectured in biology. She has a background in Biology and environmental science, having previously worked in Canada as an environmental scientist and advisor for Hatch Mott MacDonald and the BC Ministry of Transportation, mostly advising in matters related to large infrastructure projects. 

During her time studying for her degree in biology at the University of El Salvador she conducted a small research project on the mating and reproductive behaviour of dwarf gourami. This led to the University setting up a small commercial ornamental fish farm, where she worked in her free time. She also volunteered at a friend’s ornamental fish farm and, at home, kept and bred dwarf gourami and guppies. 

After leaving university she worked with El Salvadorian fisherman communities on the conservation of marine resources in the Gulf of Fonseca before moving to Canada to study for her MSc in Resource Management and Environmental Studies at the University of British Colombia, which included research into water quality monitoring. 

“We’re very pleased to welcome Gabriela to the OATA team. She brings a good mix of experience in scientific research, report writing, working with government bodies and presentation skills that will be invaluable in the post,” said OATA Chairman James Allison.

“We have a busy year ahead of us so it is especially welcome to have more technical knowledge to support Chief Executive Keith Davenport at this time.  

“One of Gabriela’s first tasks will be to look at creating a new membership category for pond and aquarium contractors to widen our membership appeal and we look forward to announcing more details about this in the near future.”

On starting her new position at the trade association, which is based in Westbury in Wiltshire, Gabriela said: “I am very excited about starting on this new position with OATA. I am sure I will enjoy the challenges that come with it and I look forward to working closely with the team at the office as well as members and directors to ensure OATA continues to succeed in achieving its mission of promoting and protecting the ornamental aquatic industry.”

Twelve new jobs will be created when a Lincoln pet store's £271,000 makeover is unveiled in March.

The Pets at Home store on Tritton Road has been undergoing a refit since January 6.

As part of the quarter of a million pound development, the store is set to gain a Vets4Pets veterinary service.

It will play host to a full operating theatre, digital X-ray facilities, an in-house laboratory and a hospital ward.

A groom room will also be added for pooches in need of a pamper. This will offer grooming for all types of dog, plus bath and blow dry facilities and nail clipping.

And a dozen new posts are being created to provide the vet and grooming services.

Store manager Vicki Coombs said: “We’ve listened carefully to what our customers have been telling us and we’re confident the store’s new layout will be just what they want.

“Our mission is to ensure pets live a happy and healthy life and the addition of a grooming salon and vet surgery means our customers will now find everything they need to care for their pets under one roof."

DogLost, the national database for lost and found dogs, has launched an appeal to find Kaiser, a four-month-old pup believed to have been stolen from his owner in the West Midlands.

It's understood that Kaiser was taken from an ex-boyfriend of the dog's owner, who lives in Tipton, and then sold to someone in a pub before being taken to Bridgend in Wales.

DogLost have sent emails to every vet in Bridgend but so far have had no joy tracking down Kaiser. Now the organisation is throwing the search wider and asks anyone with information to contact them.

Thirteen-year-old Jon-Paul  Church from Dyfed in Wales will be taking centre stage with his dog, Miley, a Boxer, at the finals of the Welsh Junior Handler of The Year next month, despite being born with only one hand.

This event takes place at the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells on Saturday, February 22

The title of Welsh Junior Handler of The Year, which is awarded by the Cardiff Canine Society, is given annually to a young person who has shown considerable promise and dedication to dog handling. This is a skill which shows off the dog’s conformation to its best advantage and is designed to test the ability of the handler in the show ring.

Jon-Paul, who is a member of the Young Kennel Club, impressed judges at the semi-finals with his handling skills, where he was tested on his abilities in the show ring with Miley.

He is now on his way to the finals where he is just happy to take part. Jon-Paul, who was born without his right hand, never lets his disability affect him in anyway. He says: “It’s the not the winning, it’s the taking part that counts.”

Jon-Paul is no stranger to competitions as he has qualified for handling classes at Crufts three years in a row, and has qualified for the past four years in the breed classes at Crufts. He has even been awarded with the Young Kennel Club (YKC) Ambassador award.    

Jon-Paul says: “I am extremely honoured and proud to be a YKC Ambassador.  I thoroughly enjoy helping people at shows. I like to help others with their handling skills and anything else that junior members need support with.”

The Young Kennel Club is the Kennel Club’s group for young dog lovers aged from 6-24 and members can take part in dedicated events and activities that educate young people in the care and training of dogs in a fun and friendly environment.

3P Enterprise is to introduce the new Vari Kennel II pet kennel for air transportation.

The Vari Kennel from Petmate is widely recognised as the industry standard kennel for transporting pets by air and has been distributed in the UK by 3P for 8 years.

The new Vari Kennel II, which is being launched in the UK by 3P in January 2014, benefits from a lower selling  price yet at the same time maintains all of the key features of the original Vari Kennel including strong plastic shell, 4 point door fixing, secure wing nut and bolt assembly and vents on rear and side walls.

The Vari Kennel II for larger animals is available in four sizes from 28” (71cm ) to 40” (101cm) and comes in the traditional neutral beige colour.

The Vari Kennel II for smaller breeds and cats is available in two sizes 19” (48cm) and 24” (61cm) and comes in the traditional neutral beige and also a coloured “Fashion” range.

As well as being widely used by the animal freight industry, the robust Vari Kennel is popular for transportation by owners of working dogs, professional pet people and vets who trust its quality and safety features.

For further information or details of the specification please contact Grant Rogers at 3P on 01594 810990 or by email at sales@3Penterprise.co.uk.

Hibernation is an annual and quite ordinary affair for most tortoise owners, but hibernation can take its toll on any animal, particularly reptiles which cannot regulate their body temperature like mammals.

Often tortoises come out of hibernation with a cold, with symptoms including runny noses and even diarrhea. In extreme cases, veterinary action and antibiotics are required, but to help prevent this from happening in the first place, WhitePython offer a couple of healthy and natural alternatives.

The WhitePython Chamomile food promotes pain relief and acts as an anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic. This is ideal for tortoises with a cold or diarrhea and can be mixed into an existing food source and fed daily.

Their other product, natural dried Nettle Leaves help detoxify the body and boost the metabolism of your tortoise to help get them moving after a long, hard winter.

These food products are available through UK wholesalers Peregrine Livefoods and Monkfield Nutrition.

Product Details:

Chamomile 50g - RRP: £5.99

Nettle Leaves 20g - RRP: £5.99

For more information about the new range you can visit their website at www.whitepython.com.

You can also stay up to date with the latest developments on their facebook group:www.facebook.com/whitepython1