New Dog Friendly Camping and Caravan Site Book launched

Dog owners can now choose where to go camping or caravanning and relax in the knowledge that their dogs are going to made as welcome as they are. Dogfriendly  is the largest database of dog friendly venues in theUK, and they have just released this years version of the Dog Friendly Camping and Caravan Site book.

This 2012 edition has over 600 pages of bang up to date information on which camping and caravan  sites in England and Wales are dog friendly. It’s great news for Dog owners that they can take their beloved pooches to any of the sites listed here knowing they will receive a very warm welcome.

Containing information such as how many dogs are allowed, extra charges for dogs and breed exclusions, it is an invaluable resource for dog owners who want to go on a camping or caravan holiday with their dog(s).

With “stay-cations” becoming more and more popular due to the squeeze on holiday budgets and the cost of leaving dogs in kennels, Dogfriendly’s Camping and Caravan Site book is a must for dog owners.

The Dogfriendly Camping and Caravan Site book is available online at www.dogfriendly.co.uk at £14.99 plus postage and packing.

Vets Kitchen gives you the chance to win a dog friendly break

Well known television vet Joe Inglis has his own natural vegetarian brand of pet food known as Vet’s Kitchen (www.vetskitchen.co.uk) , and has now joined forces with the UK website Dog Friendly (www.dogfriendly.co.uk)  to create the first exclusive on pack consumer promotion for his brand. Dog Friendly is the largest database in the UK of places to visit and stay where your dog is as welcome as you are.

The promotion begins at the start of February 2012, and offers customers the opportunity to win hundreds of great prizes including a dog friendly holiday in a luxury cottage, Vouchers worth £200 to put towards short breaks in dog friendly cottages, guide books to dog friendly holidays, dog toys, a consultant with Jez Rose, the leading canine behaviourist and free membership to Dog Friendly, worth £5.99

Vet’s Kitchen’s MD, Joe Inglis, said: “As well as being passionate about feeding natural, high quality foods to our pets, I also believe that they should be treated as a member of the family – and being able to take them with you on holiday can only add to the enjoyment of dog ownership. By running this promotion with Dog Friendly, I hope we will encourage more dog owners to take their dogs on holiday with the family.”

Customers should look out for promotional bags of Vet’s Kitchen natural dog food bearing eye-catching on pack stickers which will be available in over 1700 UK retail outlets including Asda, Ocado, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and independents. Each promotional bag will contain a special card with a unique code which customers enter online at www.dogfriendly.co.uk/vetskitchen. The campaign is forecast to run for up to six months.

It is expected that the lifting of these regulations by the government is going to save people who own pets around £7 million every year. When animals are being brought into the UK from outside the European Union they face around £2500 worth of these costs to make sure that the animal is free of diseases as it has to go through a lengthy quarantine period. The figure for animals coming from inside the European Union is much less at around £100 per animal.

For dogs who are going to travel outside of the United Kingdom the treatment for ticks will now be necessary and the tapeworm treatment is still part of the regulations. Lord Taylor is the animal welfare minister and he has commented, “Quarantine was initially introduced in the 19th century and since this time medicine has made a huge number of leaps forward and now we feel it is unnecessary to burden owners with the extensive amount of quarantine that was happening before.

This will allow those with pets to travel more cheaply but there will still be the protection required through vaccines and immunisations.” Battersea dogs home has welcomed the change and has also urged the government to consider important other factors relating to animal health and safety. It has said that micro-chipping of animals should be a legal obligation in the UK as it will allow health authorities to monitor the travel of animals anywhere.

Defra is responsible for animal welfare and they have commented, “We are trying to reduce the problem the country faces from irresponsible dog owners. There is not an easy solution but the efforts are expected to make the streets of the UK a safer place.” The Home Office has commented, “We have recently introduced new measures that allow councils and the police to enforce the law against dog owners in an easier way so people will take more responsibility for their pets.”

The risks of your pet being poisoned

How safe is your pet? The Kennel Club, RPSB, the Dogs Trust and the Feline Advisory Bureau are warning pet owners that over the past decade, at least 22 cats and 56 dogs are known to have died in pesticide abuse incidents. The majority of these come from poisoned baits that had been placed illegally with the intention of killing wildlife and birds of prey.

The problem is that these baits have been placed so indiscriminately that many pets have become the unintended victims. The animal organisations have warned the public to watch out for poisoned baits being left in areas where pets can get to them. Those who need to be particularly aware are cat and dog owners who live in rural areas, or walk their dogs there.

Martin Harper is the RSPB’s Conservation Director. He said: “To lose a pet is heart-breaking, but it must be unbearable to know that a pet has died because someone callously wanted to kill foxes or birds of prey and that your companion was just an unintended casualty in the war on predators.”

Employees on rogue shooting estates will illegally douse rabbit or pheasant carcasses with poisons. These poisoned baits are then carelessly left out in areas where foxes or birds of prey may take the bait, with the inevitable consequences. The use of poisoned baits was outlawed in 1911, but the practice still continues illegally.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary said: “Behind every one of these incidents is a tragic story, which could have been avoided. Whether it’s a red kite or a red setter, there are too many victims of illegal poisoning and it’s time for the law to change. We urge dog owners to avoid letting their dogs go out of sight when they are out for a walk, so that they can try and prevent them from picking up potential poisoned bait.”

Claire Bessant of the Feline Advisory Bureau, said: “We believe that too many pets and threatened species have died and it’s time this deplorable practice was brought to an end.”

Dogs Trust Veterinary Director Paula Boyden added: “Illegal baiting is a despicable practice that causes unimaginable suffering to wildlife and domestic pets. Should a pet owner have any suspicions that their animal has eaten something that might be toxic; they should call their vet for immediate advice.

“Although it is not always easy to do when walking a dog off-lead in rural areas, we strongly recommend that you prevent your dog from scavenging on animal remains and ideally encourage them to leave carcasses alone.”

The RSPB is campaigning for a list of the most widely-abused and lethal poisons to be added to the legislation, so that only those with a legitimate use for them can have them in their possession.

Jeff Knott, the RSPB’s bird of prey policy officer, said: “It is illegal to poison a bird of prey, but in a bizarre quirk, it is not illegal inEngland,WalesandNorthern Irelandfor individuals to possess some of the most deadly poisons capable of killing these species, even though they have no legitimate need to possess them.

“Currently it is only a crime to use these poisons to kill wildlife, but by making it an offence to hold stockpiles of these chemicals, we believe we can lower the threat to wildlife and pets.”

The previous Government accepted in 2006 that it was sensible to make it illegal for unauthorised people to possess these poisons, but despite the law being in place, the Government hasn’t listed the banned pesticides. This is despite the controls being in place inScotlandsince 2005, where police find it a very useful tool in the fight against wildlife crime as 10 convictions have already been secured. The RSPB is asking the Government to add a list of chemicals to Section 43.

The RSPB Birdcrime 2010 report reveals there were 128 reports of illegal poisoning in theUK, and the early figures for this year suggest a similar pattern. In 2010, 20 red kites, 30 buzzards, two goshawks, eight peregrines, five golden eagles, one white-tailed eagle and one sparrowhawk were found poisoned in theUK. The RSPB believes that the number of recorded incidents is way below the actual number.

Lucky canines across the UK can expect to enjoy Christmas every bit as much as their owners as a staggering 49% of owners have said that they will be preparing their beloved pooch a special Christmas doggie dinner on the 25^th.

The survey was carried out on behalf of the Pet Insurance division of Direct Line, and of  the 1021 dog owners that they questioned, almost half said that they were planning to make a special dinner for their dogs, and 46% were planning to take them for a special Christmas walk afterwards, a great way for them to burn off all those doggie goodies.

Adam Whiteley, head of pet insurance at Direct Line, offered this advice to dog owners: “Dog owners going to the trouble of cooking a special Christmas dinner for their best furry friend are clearly doing so out of love and festive spirit. It’s worth remembering that there are a few things dogs shouldn’t eat at all, even on special occasions, as doing so can make them very ill or even cause death in extreme cases. Chocolate, raisins, onions, and added salt should all be avoided, as should sharp or small bones. It’s a good idea to make sure that all food items and treats are stored well out of reach of pets, during the holidays and all year round.”

According to the survey, 89% of Britain’s dogs can expect a delivery from Santa left under the tree for them to spend the holidays enjoying.

40% Britain’s dogs will have an average of £10  on presents spent this year with a lucky 9% having gifts worth more than £100  awaiting them.

Toys are the most favoured present of choice, but pampering with collars, leads and clothes also top the list of most desired presents.

However, with 26% of Britain’s dogs enjoying chewing presents, it might be advisable to make sure Santa’s little four legged helpers have someone keeping an eye out for them.

K9 Magazine editor Ryan O’Meara offered this thoughts on the findings, “The fact that nearly half of all dog owners are preparing to fully include their canine pals in the Christmas festivities is indicative of just how much the relationship between pets and their owners has changed in modern times. Dogs are now considered fully fledged members of the family and this research highlights just how seriously owners take that relationship. Dogs bring us so much joy every day, it’s nice to hear that owners take great delight in including them at this special time.”

Here at Hill’s we understand the importance of providing your precious pooch or cute kitty with a well-balanced and varied diet. That’s why we work around the clock to produce pet food products that are specially tailored to your pet’s size, weight and medical needs.

We’ve more than 150 veterinarians, Ph.D. nutritionists and food scientists worldwide who are constantly innovating tasty, new recipes. We are proud to have developed leading formulas and have the most extensive range of clinical nutrition products for sick, at risk and healthy dogs and cats.

We know that like human beings, every animal is different and requires a unique and specifically modified diet. That’s why our specialist team have created the Science Plan to make sure your canine or feline gets the right balance of antioxidants and high-quality ingredients. A bouncing puppy doesn’t need to follow the same diet as an aging cat, which is we have spent our time creating specialised meal choices.

Our Prescription Diet plans are also ideal for animals that are suffering from particular illnesses as they offer clinical approved nutrients. So, if your furry friend is feeling a bit under the weather Hill’s is here to help with a highly nutritious and specially tailored diet. We all need a bit of a boost when we are feeling low and eating the correct foods is essential to a speedy recovery.

Hills are dedicated to strengthening to relationship between you and your pooch and have devised a number of products to help with stiff joint in dogs and other animal ailments. We want you to enjoy a quality life with your pet for as long as possible and our passion for giving animals the best quality of life underpins everything we do.

So if you are looking to save money, cut back elsewhere and make sure you dog or cat is getting a top quality diet – after all they are one of the family, right? Find out more about Hill’s today and take excellent nutritional care of your furry friend.

Article Supplied by Hill’s

Breeding in extreme properties, in order to enhance specific physiological or psychological terms (effects) of specific individuals or groups (races, varieties etc.) Extreme can therefore be said to be the result of human desire with no other practical purpose than the visual.

Examples of physiological extreme is the breeding of individuals with fur, short legs, long back, big ears, short muzzle, etc. Examples of psychological extreme breeding of individuals are: high aggression; lack of bite inhibitions or little tolerance for other animals, etc. Changes take place within all breeding, but is particularly expressed where the exterior is of great importance.

Dog breeds today include: Western Afghan Hound; Bloodhound; Shar Pei; English bulldog; French bulldog; boxer; pug and the Poodle and others are products of the attitude change that occurred in the late 1800s. People wanted more and more extreme dogs (designer dogs). To achieve this, they were bred for specific exterior purposes and anatomical features. Nevertheless, one can not call it extreme.

Extreme has meant that some dog breeds or individuals can no longer bear his own offspring, and therefore need to give birth by Caesarean section. Some also have great difficulty breathing and eating normally. Others poorly tolerate heat and cold, and can barely move without shortness of breath or cardiac arrest.  Others are plagued with extreme and impractical hair as well as ears that shuffled the ground and attract dirt and grime.

Some have backs that are so long that they easily slip, legs that are so short that the intimate body parts are highly susceptible to damage, skin folds that collect dirt and grime and provides fertile ground for chronic eczema, eyes almost falling out of the eye cavity or lower lid that exposes parts of the eyeball and causes chronic inflammation. Some also have jaws that are so short that there is no longer room for all the 42 teeth that dogs should have.

A caring owner can help his dog achieve her goal of caring for her puppy and then letting them fend for themselves and learn to eat on their own. The weaning process should begin at six weeks with the owner’s assistance if the mother dog has not already started it.

In fact, weaning the puppies off the mother is not at all difficult and just requires studied patience and a little effort on the part of the owner. Firstly, the mother and puppy should be separated for a few hours a day. The mother will still continue to produce milk, so there is no risk in this.

It is a gradual step-by-step process and the mother will eventually produce less milk and dry up. To achieve this feedings should be limited to two or three a day and gradually decrease every few days.

It is during this process that the puppy should be offered an alternative food source and it will begin to learn to eat solid foods. Ideally, the puppies will begin with softened dry puppy food or canned puppy food mixed with water. It is important this process is followed thorough as a puppy’s teeth may not develop properly if not and they may suffer from malnutrition related problems.

We’re often referred to as a nation of animal lovers and now a new study shows that our love of all things furry is firmly being passed on to our kids with a poll of children revealing they care more about their pets than they do about their brothers and sisters and their friends.

Over 70% of the children surveyed have a pet, with cats and dogs and goldfish the most likely animals to be found in British homes, but snakes, lizards, frogs and sheep are also getting pampered by their youthful in homes around the UK.

When asked what animal they would most like to have, dog’s were a clear winner, followed by followed by rabbits, hamsters and cats. But it’s not just their own animals that British children care about with. Our fauna also looks to be in good hands for the future with over 90% of kids saying they are concerned about wildlife.

And their knowledge of what can be found in our backyards is also excellent with the majority saying they would recognise a robin, pigeon, blackbird, magpie, blue tit and a sparrow if they saw one frolicking outside.

Over 90% say they have visited a farm and more than 70% a wildlife sanctuary.

Nearly half of the 7-15 year olds surveyed by Wilkinson Petcare have helped an injured animal, while a quarter have fed a wild hedgehog.

Here are some Top Tips for Pet Care provided by Wilkinsons:

1. Pay your pet attention. Pets need love and affection as much as people.
2. Exercise – The more exercise the better prevention of your pet becoming overweight.
3. Visit a vet regularly to maintain your pets health.
4. Get your pet Vaccinations. This will prevent them from catching any diseases that could affect their health.
5. Give your pet a comfortable and spacious home/bed – This is where they will sleep and get the rest they need so it needs to be somewhere they want to go.
6. Go to a Vet to check you are feeding your pet the right food for them. I.e. the food you give your dog depends on the breed of the dog you have, so it is vital you check.
7. Allow your pet to adapt to its new environment and dogs/cats/horses allow to interact with other animals at an early stage in order for them to know how to react in social situations properly.
8. Watch your pets teeth, bad breath could mean digestive problems.
9. Give your pet toys, your pets need to have something to interest them as you cannot be their 24/7.
10. Clean and groom your pet regularly, this will maintain their health and help prevent catching disease.

For more information visit : Website: http://www.wilkinsonplus.com/pets/icat/catdog/

Shropshire dog kennels helped by students

Harper Adams University College students have recently been helping a dog shelter in Telford by helping to exercise and walk the animals as a part of their study programme. The students, who are in their first year of the college have been visiting the kennels once a week where they look after several puppies and dogs who are waiting to find new homes.

The visit of the kennel makes up the practical element of their course and the lecturer, Louise Buckley, is hoping that this kind of practical work will become a permanent part of the timetable in future years. Ms Buckley has been volunteering in the area since earlier this year and she said, “this is one of the practical elements of the students most enjoy and we have even seen some students go back in their own time to care for the dogs.”

“It’s really encouraging that they are willing to give up their time to help and even bring their friends along.”

As well as the first years, two final year students are also hoping to help the shelter by using Hilbrae as a base for their dissertation research.

Sue Wilkinson, 42, is investigating how ‘clicker’ training can be used to resolve behavioural problems in dogs from rescue centres.

She said: “The ‘clicker’ uses positive reinforcement techniques by marking good behaviour. So for example, if you get a dog to sit, you use the clicker and then immediately give a treat. They then associate the clicker with something positive.

“I hope that I can help some dogs here at Hilbrae to become better behaved, so that they are more rehome-able and more appealing to prospective owners.”

21-year-old Nicola Cook from Boston, Lincolnshire, is hoping to find out if family situation affects the choice of dog from rescue centres.

She is sending out questionnaires to the public and will feedback the findings to Hilbrae so that they can improve their dog to potential owner matching.

Nicola said: “Hopefully my research will reduce the amount of dogs that are brought back to kennels, because this does happen a lot.

“I’m mostly interested in training dogs, but chose to work with the public for my dissertation to try and help the many dogs that need new homes.”

Hilbrae is always looking for donations of food and old textiles suitable for bedding, as well as volunteers and walkers.