Bedbugs feed on blood and when they are in your home that is what they are looking for. While they might be brought into the house by your dog this is not the most convenient food source for them because they might not be up to locate the animal because it does not sleep in the same place every night. The fur also means that it is more difficult for them to bite the skin of the dog and draw blood. Humans are a much easier target for the bedbugs and they usually come to feed on people when they are asleep, the bite is not painful and it will not wake the person up so the bedbug can happily feed without being disturbed.

If your dog has brought a bedbug infestation into your home you will quickly know about it as the bedbugs will bite you in the night. If your dog is itching himself then you should expect bedbugs, if you are being bitten yourself in the night it is worth looking out for your dog itching itself. It is easier to find the bedbug bites on the areas of the dog that have less fur, such as the belly and the ears.

Fortunately, if there are bedbugs in your home it is unlikely that the infestation is going to spread. Once they found a place where they can readily come out to feed in the night they will remain there and not look to find new areas. If they are going to move to other areas they are not going to do so because of the dog, so you don’t have to worry about keeping your dog in one place.

People are often very concerned that dogs spread bedbugs and they will not take them into other people’s homes or into other rooms in their house. Don’t worry about this however because bedbugs spend a relatively small amount of time on the dog itself. They will come out to feed and once they have done that they will return to the hiding place until they need to feed again.

Dogs who have been bitten by bedbugs will react in a very similar way to humans and they will find the bites uncomfortable and will itch then. For us we are very concerned with our own appearances and we will be troubled by the appearance of bedbug bites but for dogs this is not such a problem. Don’t worry too much about bedbugs if you have a dog, just deal with the infestation as quickly as possible.

Many celebrities have signed the petition, including author Jilly Johnson and the famous solicitor Nick Freeman. The petition is being backed by the Blue Cross and Wood Green Animal Shelter. Research has suggested that of all the people who own pets, eighty percent of them have an animal who fears fireworks.

It is hoped that the website will reach 100,000 signatures. At this time the government will be obliged to set aside time in the House of Commons for the discussion of the petitions topic. Dan Syrett was the person who first posted the petition and he commented, “Fireworks night is a time that animals fear and this can be a real problem for the people who own these animals as they have to try and keep them calm and under control.”

“The aim of the petition is to make it mandatory for fireworks packaging and websites to carry ‘pet safety’ information. This can be similar to messages found on cigarette packets to more detailed advice on their websites.

“By following some simple guidelines, pet owners can ensure their dogs and cats are kept safe whilst public and private displays are in full swing.

“The petition isn’t contentious. It just calls on the fireworks industry to recognize its responsibilities with regards to domestic pets. It’s their duty of care to publish this information.”

Staffordshire TerrierBull Terrier owner Nick Freeman, aka celebrity lawyer “Mr Loophole”, said: “So many pet owners are oblivious to the devastating and traumatic effect that fireworks have on their beloved animals, and this warning can only help reduce their stress and suffering.

“My two Staffords used to go into shake, rattle and roll mode and hide in the shower.  Both needed sedatives and so did I.”

Jilly Johnson, who owns two Great Danes, said: “November 5th is very difficult for all pet owners – we don’t want to be kill joys, but it is important that kids, parents and all humans respect the fact that pets are particularly vulnerable at this time.

“Boris and Bertie have Valerian also, and I don’t let them in garden without leads for their own wellbeing and peace of mind.”

The petition, found at http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/17105, reads: “More than 80 per cent of pet owners have a pet that is afraid of fireworks. Fireworks manufacturers need to accept their responsibilities in this and publicise pet safety information on packaging and on their websites. We, the undersigned, call on the Government to make this a mandatory requirement.”

Information about pet safety around fireworks is available from http://www.secrettohappypets.com

‘Make Us Smile’ competition from Nylabone UK

A ‘Make Us Smile’ competition is being launched on Facebook by Nylabone UK which invites users to share their video clips of their dogs displaying their individual canine characters that makes them unique and puts a smile on the faces of both their owners and everyone else.

The one chosen as the winner will be made Nylabone UK’s ‘Face of Facebook’ and will feature as the mascot on the Facebook page for Nylabone UK 2011/12 as w ell as receiving previews of new products and the chance to test new products before they go on the market.

The competition will be taking place in September to tie in with ‘Pet Smile ‘ month. Facebook users can easily enter the contest by submitting a video link to YouTube on the Nylabone UK Facebook page which can be found at

www.facebook.com/nylabone.uk.

The clip will be judged on three factors:

-      how well the clip captures the dog’s personality

-      demonstration of a happy, healthy dog

-      the extent they can say it ‘Makes Us Smile’.

Facebook users are encouraged to vote for their favourite clips, then the shortlisted finalists will be judged by representatives from Nylabone UK, PetPlanet.co.uk, leading pet charity The Blue Cross, Vet Practice of the Year 2011 – Emerson’s Green Veterinary Surgery and Pet Smile Month organiser, Bob Partridge.

Pet Smile Month aims to increase the awareness of the importance of dental disease and the harm that it does to our pets, as well as to encourage better dental care (both treatment and prevention) and thus to improve the health and well being of our pets.

The competition starts on September 1, 2011 and the lucky winner will be announced on September 28, 2011.

For further information and to find a local stockist, go to: http://www.interpet.co.uk/brands/nylabone

Brits want a staycation so they can be with pets

Pet owners who want to spend the time with their pets are making holidaying at home in the UK rise sharply in popularity, by having what is being called a ‘stay-cation’.

A recent survey by Wilkinson discovered that almost 1m pet owners said that they would much rather stay home with their pets than go off on holiday, and another million admitted to crying as they said goodbye to their pets before setting off for a break.

25% of adults in the UK said they would pay the price of another person if it meant they could take their pets away with them. Half of all UK kids said they missed their pets the most when they were on holiday, and a quarter said they would give up sweets, pocket money and computer games if it meant they could take their pets with them.

One in seven British adults also  said that they would enjoy their holidays a lot more if they were able to take their pets along with them.

Whether taking pets on holiday or not, Wilkinson’s resident pet expert Linda, gives tips on how to minimise the stress to pets at holiday time:

“Minimise their stress and disruption to their routine as much as possible.

“A growing trend is pet-friendly hotels and attractions. Make sure your pet is healthy enough to travel and consider how they respond to spending time in a car or a train as some animals can find this very stressful. Many animals can also find the change in routine and environment very stressful so carefully consider whether taking your pet on holiday with you is the best option.

“If leaving your pet at home make sure your pet sitter knows your pet’s exercise routine, dietary and medication requirements, as well as your vet’s details.  For catteries or dog boarding, check the facilities to make sure animals currently staying there look happy and healthy.

“Toys and treats are a great way to occupy pets and to keep boredom at bay whether your pt travels with you or stays at home.”

With 22 million pets owned in the UK, about 1 in 2 households own a pet.

The UK is famous for going potty ever their pets, but we want to know who the 5% of UK adults are who admitted to have taken a photo of their pet with them when they go on holiday!

The survey also reveals that many now think of their PC as man’s best friend and only 6% of us believe that more people rely on their dog than their computer. According to the 2000+ British adults that took part in the survey, over 67% believe the opposite to be true. Most of the dog owners polled confessed that they rely more on their PC’s than their dogs, with the youngest owners being the most reliant on their computers.

It’s no real surprise that it is the male dog owners rather than the female ones who rely mostly on their PC’s. Over 48% of male owners compared to 28% of females considered themselves to rely much more on their PC’s than their pets.

Almost two-thirds (61%) of those polled also felt that a PC is now “a more constant companion than a dog” for most people. Less than one sixth of respondents (16%) thought the opposite.

“These days you can even take your PC for a walk, provided you have a laptop or tablet”, says Paul Allen, editor of Computeractive, the UK’s best-selling computer magazine. “It’s only a matter of time until the first PC that fetches your slippers.”

The findings, adds Allen, also highlight what a major role computers now play in family life, particularly for men.

“With broadband bringing them global news and newspaper sales falling, the family dog even misses out on the pleasure of taking the paper to his owner.”

Is the family PC now a dog’s best friend?

It’s not all bad news for Rover, Mr Allen points out:

“The family PC has given dog-owners access to a wealth of resources and information that can help with the long-term care that a dog needs. From finding the best vets to researching great new walks that all the family can enjoy, the Web enables the PC to become a dog’s best friend.”

RSPCA Inspector Tony Woodley adds:

“The Internet is hugely important in all aspects of work the RSPCA carries out, from rehoming animals to campaigns, social media and online are fantastic ways for us to reach out to our supporters.

“One crucial way we use the Internet is to raise funds for vital things such as the Justice For Animals campaign helping us prevent the most severe acts of cruelty from happening again.”

To highlight how the home computer can help the family dog reclaim his place as man’s best friend, Computeractive is donating £2.50 to the RSPCA Justice for Animals Appeal, from every new or upgraded subscription to the magazine, from now until 31st August 2011.

Computeractive is working with the RSPCA to fight for justice against animal cruelty by raising funds for five prosecution cases of animal cruelty. It is donating an initial lump-sum of £2,100 to fund the first of these and then a further £2.50 for any new or upgraded subscription taken up before 31st August 2011.

The magazine is launching the initiative with a short video that takes a quirky look at how PCs have demoted the family dog. It can be viewed at www.getcomputeractive.co.uk/why_computeractive.php

Manchester sponsored walkies

Daycare 4 Dogs based in Manchester have joined forces with All4Paws to hold a 10km sponsored dog walk to raise much needed funds for AID, or Animals In Distress. The event takes place this Sunday, the 3^rd of June and starts in Chorlton Water Park at 12pm. The walkers and their pets will then cover the 5km to Didsbury Rugby Club and then walk back again.

They are hoping to raise £2000 for AID, who provide round the clock care for abandoned, stray, sick, old or injured animals in the North West. The charity is based in Irlam and aims to give these unfortunate creatures a better life, either through rehoming them or by providing them with long term shelter. This ensures that they live out their time in a loving and secure environment.

The entry fee to join the sponsored walk is only £10 per dog and is open to everybody, whether you are a dog owner yourself or wish to walk someone else’s dog in order to raise money for a great cause.

The only requirement is that all walkers bring along a pooper-scooper or a bag to clean up after their dogs along the way. Anyone wishing to either participate or sponsor the event should visit www.daycare4dogs.co.uk/10kwalkies

The first reason is due to the great walking trails that stretch across the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons.  If you and your dog like to get out and trek, this is the place.  The best trails are easily the ‘Mynydd IIItyd Common’ trail that is mostly open ground as it passes by an old fort and ponds and the ‘Bwlch With Attitude’ walk which is a 12 mile circle that allows two great views over Llangors Lake.  For the other eight choices check their website and see why both you and your dog would love Brecon Beacons for a UK holiday destination.
Dog Friendly Pubs. The Brecon Beacons are full of pubs that welcome dogs and their owners. We have a list of pubs throughout the national park. Some of our favourites include our local, The Star Inn, Talybont-on-Usk, the Brecknock CAMRA pub of the Year (and has been for the last three years!) who even have the odd dog-loving male voice choir singing along too! If you’re looking for something a little fancier, the Felin Fach Griffin, who won, 2011 best dining pub in Wales by the Good Pub Guide, is fantastic and have a special area for you and your four-legged friend.
Cooling-Off Spots. Whilst you do need to be careful to avoid fishermen, you will find an abundance of rivers and lakes that your dog can have a bit of a swim and cool off after a long walk. We love the bridge area at Glasbury-on-Wye and Castle Meadow in Abergavenny.
Agricultural Shows with Dog Classes. As an agricultural community the Brecon Beacons have many County Fairs and Shows, many of them have dog classes where you can take your pet along. We love the Sennybridge Show which is held in September and the dog show includes classes for ‘Best Veteran’ (7 years or over), Best Rescue, and Prettiest Bitch.www.sennybridgeshow.org
Vets and Grooming. Should you need either of these services, you will find a wealth of options around and also find that prices are at least a third lower than London and other cities. We like Nicky Jones from Mucky Pups (01928 553179), but she does need at least a week’s notice! The Hay Veterinary Group are also geared up for pets and provide an excellent service,www.hayvets.co.uk
Brecon Beacons Holiday Cottagesoffer information sheets with advice and information on travelling with your dog. They have over 150 properties in the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains that are pet friendly and during the month of May and June are allowing pets to go for free in certain properties. Visitor are advised to follow the countryside code at all times.
Speak to Brecon Beacons Holiday Cottages for further information, telephone 01874 676446, emailenquiries@breconcottages.com or visit www.breconcottages.com

LOCAL COMMUNITIES RUN THEIR OWN ‘FUN’ DOG SHOWS WITH TV VET JOE INGLIS NEW WEBSITE

As summer fast approaches, local charities and communities are well into planning this years summer fêtes. A big feature of many of these is a dog show, and help is now available in the planning of these. Joe Inglis, the TV Vet, has set up a website intended to help organisers in the smooth running of such an event. The free online tools to make a dog show a fun and manageable event can be found at www.runafundogshow.co.uk.

Joe, the founder of ‘Vet’s Kitchen’ said that he had been involved in many dog shows over the years and recognises that they need a lot of support logistically. He adds that his website gives handy tips on how to organise a successful dog show and the organisers can also create their own personalised posters, programmes, entry tags, judging sheets and certificates, and print them off.

To help organisers promote their show, the website includes an ‘upcoming events’ calendar where registrants can if they choose, upload their event details. Organisers can also get more support by joining Joe (@joethevet) and Vet’s Kitchen @Vets_Kitchen) on Twitter and Facebook.

When asked to nominate his three favourite classes, Joe chose ‘Golden Oldie’ alongside ‘Child’s Best Friend’ and ‘Waggiest Tail’.  Joe said: “What judges are looking for at a Fun Dog Show are happy, healthy dogs and I share that philosophy.

It is not inevitable that your dog will lose it’s teeth as it grows old, it is neglect. Some dogs will happily allow their owners to brush their teeth,  but that’s mainly because it has been done from an early age and they think it is the norm. There are alternate ways to clean your dogs teeth if they won’t let you in with a toothbrush.

There are several good quality products on the market designed to clean your pet’s teeth and reduce he risk of gum disease. One of the best is Dentastix. The unique shape of these ‘treats’ get right in between the dogs teeth as it chews, releasing trapped food particle which can lead to gum disease and tooth loss. They also prevent tartar build up which causes gum shrinkage. Introduce a Dentastix into your dog’s daily routine and improve your pets oral hygiene instantly.

A Netflights.com spokesperson said: “Having received an increasing number of enquiries from our customers as to whether they could take their pets on holiday with them, we realised there was an opportunity for a travel company willing to make the effort. With the cost of kennelling pets during peak holiday periods on the increase, we believe the Petflights.com service is a cost effective alternative for animal lovers.”

Netflights.com have worked with a number of participating airlines to ensure Petflights.com animal customers will fly ‘in the lap of luxury’ benefiting from exclusive meals designed and prepared by specialist chefs, their own seat next to their owners and impressive in-flight entertainment options. On board movies such as Lady and the Tramp, Cats and Dogs and The Aristocats will be shown, while pet play areas are available for those furry friends who like to socialise.

Different cabins are to be used to separate different types of pet, allowing all animals to enjoy the beginning of their holiday. Nervous flyers will be comforted by close proximity to their owner, while the more adventurous may decide to try ‘pet yoga’, the pet gym or even some pet cocktails, served in luxury Petflights.com designed bowls.

To launch the innovative new service, Petflights.com has announced a special introductory offer for those who book today, April 1st, by using the discount code: ‘Apr1lf001’.

More information here  – http://www.netflights.com/flights/flights-special-offers/petflights-service.aspx