 London Dog Week’s Official Vet, Dr Stephanie Wenban from Pet Wellness Expert offers advice surrounding Covid-19 and your dog as follows:
Can I pick up the virus through my dog? There is no evidence that pets are a source of transmission to people. However, we do know that humans are able to pass Covid-19 on to their dogs. So far there has only been one confirmed case of a dog showing no signs of illness, testing weakly positive for Covid-19 in Hong Kong. If you do become unwell, it is a good idea to practice good hygiene - washing hands regularly, avoiding kissing the dog and self-isolating. Have there been any tests to confirm this? There is no evidence to support dog to human transmission, possible animal sources of Covid-19 have not been confirmed. What are the chances that other dogs will have the virus like the dog found with traces of the virus in China? The World Health Organisation has stated that there is no evidence that companion animals/pets such as dogs or cats can be infected with the new coronavirus. Therefore, there is no justification in taking measures against companion animals which may compromise their welfare. The significance of one positive dog within an entire population is still being researched, but it is known that so far there have been no other dogs testing positive for Covid-19. At this point testing in dogs has been more limited whilst resources are largely focussed on humans, so we will know more of the exact figures in time. What if someone in the family self isolates – how should they then respond to their own pets? The risk of transmission between humans is from contact with droplets from an infected person - for example when they cough or sneeze. These droplets can survive in the environment, and potentially on dog bowls or fur. So, it is best not to allow the dog to mix between infected and non-infected family members. If isolating alone with your dog, ensure that you have enough supplies such as food and any medication your dog may need. Practice good hygiene, and if you are unable to walk your dog, try adding mental stimulation such as feeding puzzles or teaching them some new tricks, additional training and exercises at home. Do you advise your pet to be stoked by other stranger/humans? Research suggests Covid-19 may survive in the environment for up to 9 days, so it is best to maintain social distance with your dog from anyone experiencing symptoms such as coughing. If you are concerned your dog may have come into contact with a symptomatic person then be sure to practice good hygiene such as giving them a rinse and washing your hands. However, your dogs will give those self-isolating the extra emotional support and happiness they need during these challenging times.  The winners of the DogFriendly Awards were announced at an exclusive finalists ceremony at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Tower of London yesterday. We thank all the finalists for attending and are so grateful for all the votes and comments received as part of the competition. Here are the winners and runners up.
Photos from the event will posted on our Facebook page during week commencing 4th November. Best Beaches WINNER: Perranporth Beach Runner up: Wells Beach Best Cottages and Self-Catering WINNER: East Ruston Cottages Runner up: Pack Holidays Camping and Caravanning WINNER: Woolacombe Sands Holiday Park Runner up: Oskada Park Days Out WINNER: Canine Dip and Dive Runner up: WoofstockUK Groomers WINNER: Alyson's K9 Grooming Runner up: Poochie Palace Hotels & B&B WINNER: Broadoaks Country House Hotel Runner up: The Talland Bay Hotel Kennels & Homeboarding WINNER: The Hayloft Pet Services Runner up: Pawprints Kennels Large employer WINNER: Tails.com Runner up: North west education and training Large organisation WINNER: Mountain Warehouse Runner up: Pets at Home Pet-shops WINNER: Digbys Pets & Aquatics Runner up: Woofs N Scruffs Places-to-eat WINNER: Paws For 5 Runner up: Monty & Mabel's Pubs WINNER: The Red Rover Runner up: The Fox and Hounds Theale Shops WINNER: Cardies Runner up: Austin & Co Sitters WINNER: Dogs and Divas Runner up: Stay N Play Doggy Daycare Small employer WINNER: Principled Storage Runner up: Phoenix Health Care Services Ltd Town-city WINNER: Keswick Runner up: Wells-Next-The-Sea Trainers WINNER: Barking Mad Dog Training School Runner up: Adolescent Dogs Ltd Walkers WINNER: Tom and Toto Ltd Runner up: Go For Walkies - South Shields Dog Walker  FINALISTS OF THE DOGFRIENDLY AWARDS 2019
Thank you so much to everybody who voted in the DogFriendly Awards this year. The winners will be announced at an Awards ceremony at the Hilton Hotel Tower Bridge on 2nd November. Here are the finalists. Note alphabetical ordering. Best Beaches Perranporth Beach Wells Beach Best Cottages and Self-Catering East Ruston Cottages Pack Holidays Great Outdoors Culver Bay Lepe Country Park Camping and Caravanning Oskada Park Woolacombe Sands Holiday Park Days Out Canine Dip and Dive WoofstockUK Groomers Alyson's k9 Grooming Poochie Palace Hotels & B&B Broadoaks Country House Hotel The Talland Bay Hotel Kennels & Homeboarding Pawprints Kennels The Hayloft Pet Services Large employer North west education and training Tails.com Large organisation Mountain Warehouse Pets at Home Pet-shops Digbys Pets & Aquatics Woofs N Scruffs Places-to-eat Monty & Mabel's Paws For 5 Pubs The Fox and Hounds Theale The Red Rover Shops Austin & Co Cardies Sitters Dogs and Divas Stay N Play Doggy Daycare Small employer Phoenix Health Care Services Ltd Principled Storage Town-city Keswick Wells-Next-The-Sea Trainers Adolescent Dogs Ltd Barking Mad Dog Training School Walkers Go For Walkies - South Shields Dog Walker Tom and Toto Ltd  We fall in love with our canine companions for their lovable quirks. Let’s face it – wagging tails, affectionate licks and the entertaining ability to ravage a new toy in seconds, can make us smile. You also instinctively know when all is not well – a limp tail, trembles and excessive sneezing can all be cause for concern.
Dogs have their own special ways of communicating, whether it’s showing joy or making us aware if they don’t feel well. Pinpointing exactly how your pet feels can be difficult. If you’ve always wondered why your dog behaves in a certain way, or are worrying something just isn’t right, we’re here to answer the common question: “Why does my dog….?” …LICK ME? After a long walk or day away from your pet, you may receive slobbery licks. Dogs lick members of their pack (and themselves) for various reasons. Here’s a few:
…LICK THEMSELVES?
…EAT GRASS AND ROCKS? Our expert, veterinarian Henry Dove, offers insight into this unusual habit: “This is called Pica, a condition also seen in humans when there is a desire to eat non-food objects. This could be caused by boredom, pain or possible nutritional deficiencies. Great care must be taken with dogs eating stones, as these can not only damage teeth but also cause serious problems with the digestive system. Both grass and stones can cause blockages in the intestines which will sometimes need major surgery to correct, so care must be taken if your dog is prone to eating both grass and stones.”  Pet owners opting for staycations in the UK have been offered guidance on some of the best dog walks in the country.
Pet experts from Pure Pet Food have revealed nine of the most picturesque, dog-friendly walks covering all corners of the UK. Living on an island means Brits, and their dogs, have the luxury of being able to make the most of the numerous beaches – giving dogs the perfect opportunity to let off plenty of steam. But country parks such as Erdigg in Wrexham also feature on the list, giving both dogs and their owners the chance to explore new places. A spokesperson for Pure Pet Food said: “When the sun’s shining there’s nothing better than going for a walk and seeing your dog enjoy the fresh air and open spaces. “Different locations can give different challenges, whether it be the incline or length of the walk, helping to shake up the daily dog walks. “Exploring new places on foot with your furry friend means you may find hidden places and beautiful views, helping you make the most of your holiday too.” This is Pure Pet Food’s list of the nine best dog walks in the UK: 1. Birling Gap, East Sussex From Belle Tout to Lookout Hill, the two-mile route follows the cliff edge, with dogs allowed off lead so long as there isn’t any livestock nearby. The walk lets you follow in the footsteps of old customs officers who checked the shoreline below for smugglers. 2. Green Chain Walk, London At just over five miles long the TfL approved walk starts at Crystal Palace, before winding through Dulwich Wood and enjoying the gardens of the Convent of the Sacred Heart before walking through Camberwell New Cemetery and Nunhead Cemetery. 3. Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland You can walk the whole length of the 84-mile path alongside Hadrian’s Wall, but there are also circular routes taking you along parts of the dividing wall. Dogs need to be kept on leads, however, due to the fields adjacent to the path being full of sheep and livestock. 4. Derwentwater, Lake District A stroll around this mass of water surrounded by mountains gives you some fantastic scenery to enjoy whilst stretching both your furry friends and your legs. The whole route is nine miles long, or you can enjoy any of the other routes around the area. Starting in the market town of Keswick, shallow inlets mean that your dog can even enjoy a little swim. 5. Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire The country park boasts 3,800 acres of parkland, heath and woods which you are free to explore. The house the estate once belonged to was demolished in 1938 as a tax-saving measure. When exploring the park, you can find lines of trenches which Churchill visited as the War Department trialled a new trench digging machine. 6. Erddig Country Park, Wrexham Made for doggies, strolling around the country park you will find plenty of water bowls and dog bins. Dogs are allowed off their leads to stretch their legs so long as livestock isn’t present. The vast open area means you can take a leisurely walk whilst four-legged friends bundle through the park. 7. The Port Path, County Derry The stretch of coastline linking Portstewart and Portrush features dust paths, grass tracks and long beaches. Dogs are allowed off the lead for the majority of the path, with some restrictions applying. 8. Cawsand to Whitsand Bay, Cornwall Dogs are welcome all year round on this walk linking the idyllic village of Cawsand to the bay of Whitsand. Following the rugged coastline of Cornwall, the 5-mile walk in the South East of the country can allow you to enjoy some breath-taking views. 9. Hayling Billy Trail, Hampshire A coastal path following the tracks of an old railway line, travelling between Havant and Hayling Island. The wide flat route means you’re sure to be joined by other dog walkers, along with horse riders. BUY DOG FRIENDLY WALKING BOOKS HERE: https://www.dogfriendly.co.uk/shop/dog-walking-books/  John Lewis has announced it is allowing all customers to bring dogs into their shops.
Sports fans and pet lovers from around the world will be able to tune in to the first tennis tournament for dogs this year.
Pet food specialists PurePetFood.co.uk are set to host the first Woofbledon Chompionships, with the competition to be top dog and scoop up the tasty treats and trophy taking place next week on social media. Eight adorable pooches will compete in their own doggy version of the annual major tennis championships at Wimbledon over the coming days, and excited tails are already wagging. Woofbledon matches begin on the 9th of July at plush canine venue The Barkyard in Halifax, West Yorkshire. Any available tickets have been snapped up by eager fans anticipating a week of top-quality sport, but each match can be watched on Pure Pet Food's social channels. They’ll be played on an artificial grass surface, similar to the human tennis major, and under the official Chompionships logo, which features a small paw print to keep cats away. Two tennis balls will be released with a swing of the umpire’s racquet for two competing dogs to fetch – whoever returns their ball first is declared the winner and advances to the next round. Competition rules state that if neither dog returns with a ball, the first to reach theirs and then come back to the umpire wins by default. The winning dog will receive the coveted Woofbledon trophy, as well as a selection of meaty treats and bragging rights in the canine world.  British dog owners have been warned of the potential dangers warmer weather could bring to four-legged friends this summer, including heatstroke, dehydration, and even bee stings.
Pet experts at BellaandDuke.com are urging dog owners to be vigilant about keeping their pets safe and protected from the sun’s heat and UV rays, as well as insects and wildlife. Long walks and picnics in the sun are welcomed by all family members throughout summer, but the season can also be a nightmare for pet owners who have to keep their clumsy dogs away from potential danger. Back gardens alone can present a number of dangerous hazards, so Brits have been urged to be vigilant in keeping their canine companions out of harm’s way. Dangers to be aware of include blistering temperatures in vehicles, bee stings, and even burning paws on the pavement. A spokesperson for BellaandDuke.com explained: “It’s vital to ensure your pets are safe and protected from the sun and various other summer dangers outdoors. Leave cool mats around for your dog to use, and consider investing in a dedicated doggy paddling pool to help them cool down outside. Also watch out for signs of overheating. Excessive panting and drooling, unsteadiness, and vomiting during exercise or on walks all indicate that your pup is suffering heatstroke, which can kill" “If you’re worried your dog is overheating, phone your vet for advice and help immediately.” Below is a list of potential dangers to your pooch in the warm summer weather:  Cheese, onions, and nuts are among the potentially harmful human foods that should never be fed to dogs, according to experts.
Dog food specialists from PurePetFood.co.uk have revealed the snacks and ingredients that could prove dangerous if eaten by a dog and explained why each should be kept out of four legged friends’ reach. Some human food could cause health problems in dogs which can range from toilet issues and vomiting to heart disease, liver failure and even death, depending on the contents. Many Brits know not to give their pet dog chocolate, but other foods to avoid include tea, garlic, and grapes. A spokesperson for PurePetFood.co.uk said: “Many pet owners like to give their dog leftovers, a chance to lick their plate, or a bit of human food as a treat every so often. But many of our favourite snacks can have dangerous consequences for our four-legged friends, due to some of the chemicals and ingredients they contain." If your dog starts to display symptoms of eating something they shouldn’t have, visit the Pure Pet Food Health Hub for advice and further information or consult your local veterinarian. To help dog lovers avoid causing harm to pups and canines, we’ve revealed twelve things they shouldn’t be allowed to eat and why:  No matter what type of work you do, jobs these days tend to be pretty intense, with short deadlines and high expectations contributing to higher stress levels and unhappiness among employees. One great way to counter the negative effects of job stress is to allow dogs in the workplace. Dog-Friendly Workplaces have Happier Employees. New research from consumer group NimbleFins shows that employees in companies that allow dogs are in fact happier versus dog-free workplaces. Specifically, employees in dog-friendly workplaces rate their companies 0.5 point higher on a scale of 1 to 5, according to data gathered from Glassdoor.  Stress is not only bad for your health, but it can also reduce productivity at work. This is because brains don’t work well when they’re stressed – brains are most productive when they’re energized but calm.
Interacting with a dog can actually reduce stress levels and facilitate a calmer, more productive state of mind from a neurological point of view. According to a report from Harvard Medical School interacting with a dog reduces mental stress, which researchers attribute to lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. And petting a dog releases serotonin, which can help boost creativity. With Bring Your Dog to Work Day coming up on 21 June, NimbleFins wanted to find companies that are dog friendly all year long. After scouring job sites and rating companies, they identified over 70 companies that are dog friendly in the UK. From this batch, they selected the companies that both allow employees to bring dogs and have the best employee ratings: When dogs are allowed at work, they often become a highlight of the office. For example: - Mother London and Land Insight feature office dogs in videos - Netitude, Twinkl and Fidel have created Instagram accounts for their office dogs - Venture Stream has blogged about their dogs - Impero uses their office dogs to raise money for charity - Mother London even designed a company badge around the founders’ dogs. - In addition, Twinkl even takes care to ensure office dogs are healthy, allowing employees to bring pets as long as they’re “pawthorised” by checking they’re insured and up to date with their jabs. Even Large Employers are Dog Friendly UKFast, a hosting provider than employs more than 200 people, is one of the larger dog friendly companies. CEO Lawrence Jones said: “A year or two ago, we noticed a number of dogs joining us in the office from day to day. They were no trouble, and we quickly realised how much of an energy boost they brought. People light up when they see a pet sleeping under someone’s desk! Whilst it would be easy to assume that dogs become a huge distraction from the work that needs to be done, there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that having them around improves people’s moods and boosts productivity.” If your employer is wary about allowing dogs into the workplace, just ask if they’d like less stressed, more creative employees. Source: thriveglobal.com |
