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GET YOUR DOG'S DAILY EXERCISE WITH LAPS OF YOUR GARDEN?

23/4/2020

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A new tool has been launched today which lets dog lovers calculate the number of times they need to lap their garden with their dog to give them the exercise they need. Work Out Your Walkies is a free calculator; you simply tell it your dog's breed and age and the rough dimensions of your garden to find out how many times you need to walk around it to give your dog the exercise they need.
 
NOTE: This is based on advice from Nick Jones MA, Dog Behaviourist at Alpha Dog Behaviour and does not constitute official advice. If you're unsure, always consult your vet.

The tool has been produced to help dog lovers during the coronavirus lockdown. It also comes as Google data reveals the number of people searching to 'buy a dog' has increased 82% between March and April as people consider a canine companion; by using the tool, prospective pet owners get a good understanding of how much work goes into caring for a pooch (a dog is for life, not just for lockdown, after all).

Scott McGlynn is a fashion blogger who lives alone with his two dogs. He explained how lockdown is affecting his daily routine.

"I can't go to my normal dog park anymore, People are in there and it feels like we can't go in there because they are, which is sad. We are reduced on where we can walk and go with my dogs.
"I have a 1 year old puppy so shes playful with the balls and toys so she gets my standard poodle all playful and we have to play tug or fetch to keep their mind going and being active with them, It is hard on a lead they cant run and be free on what they are used to."



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CLICK HERE TO USE THE CALCULATOR

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Can I pick up the virus from my dog?

19/3/2020

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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.  
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DOGFRIENDLY AWARDS 2019 RESULTS

3/11/2019

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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

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DOGFRIENDLY AWARDS FINALISTS

7/10/2019

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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


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​WHY DOES MY DOG…?

15/8/2019

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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:
  • Affection – licking a loved one releases endorphins in your dog that calms and comforts them. For you however, it can feel claustrophobic; if you’d prefer them to stop, ignore them and walk into another room. They’ll soon realise that licking causes you to leave, which is the last thing they want!
  • Attention – your dog wants you to notice them, feel your love and show it back
  • We taste good – dogs enjoy the salt on our skin and can also pick up tiny food particles
  • To gauge our mood – while we’re talking flavour, dogs have highly sensitive sense receptors in their mouths that they use to gather information about their environment. Licking your sweat may be an attempt to “taste” your mood. Our sweat and sebaceous glands (near the hair follicle) secrete a cocktail of salts and waste products that enable dogs to detect our mood or simply where we’ve been that day
  • Communication – dogs lick other dogs to send all kinds of messages, from “I submit to you” to “let’s be friends”. Likewise, with people, though interpreting is harder for us. If your pooch is licking you intensely, scan the room to ensure nothing is amiss like an empty water bowl or a closed door. They may need a drink or the toilet
  • It’s soothing – if your pooch is feeling stressed, licking you (especially your feet) can help
  • Showing submission – again, licking your feet is a sign that your pet acknowledges the social order of your home, with you as master

…LICK THEMSELVES?
  • Anxiety – excessively licking the same area of their body may signify that your pet is scared or nervous. However, this compulsive tendency may aggravate the anxious feeling
  • Grooming – dogs may not always seem concerned about hygiene, but they do like to keep themselves clean. Keep a close eye though, because excessive cleaning in the anal area signals that their glands need to be expressed
  • Healing – dog saliva contains enzymes that can kill bacteria and remove dead tissue. The risk of licking a healing wound however, is that it’ll re-open, inviting infection and a sore feeling

…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.”

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Nine of the Best UK Dog Walks

8/8/2019

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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/
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John Lewis lifts ban on dogs allowed in their department stores

26/7/2019

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John Lewis has announced it is allowing all customers to bring dogs into their shops.

The nationwide department store chain lifted a ban against all pooches, bar assistant dogs, after they were questioned about their policy on Twitter.

The brand was asked by an account for a border terrier called Scrappy Nelson whether he could visit the Milton Keynes branch for his birthday on Thursday alongside his brother Duncan Pickles.

John Lewis & Partners, which has department stores across the country, replied saying dogs were welcome “with immediate effect” as long as they are “well behaved” and “on a fixed lead at all times”.

Scrappy Nelson wrote earlier: “Erm… excuse me @jlandpartners @jlpartnership are all your John Lewis Stores dog friendly?

“I heard a whisper from a pal and we @DuncanPickles would like to visit Milton Keynes for his Birthday on Thursday. Nothing do to with Mum wanting to go."

The tweet was accompanied by an adorable photo of two scruffy border terriers.

John Lewis & Partners responded within hours saying, “Hi! We’ve decided to allow all customers, not just those with assistance dogs, to bring their dogs into our shops with immediate effect."

“Well behaved dogs only will be allowed in our shops and they must be on a fixed lead at all times, unless they are being carried.”

Scrappy Nelson said it was “super news” adding that he would take Duncan Pickles to chose a gift for his fifth birthday.

He jokingly added that his brother “has already been looking online *rolls eyes*” next to a screenshot from the John Lewis online shop showing a "dog cologne" from the brand Barbour.

John Lewis joins other department stores like Liberties, and Selfridges to become dog friendly, although Harrods and Fortnum & Mason still allow no pets, according to Dog website The Londog.​

​Source: www.standard.co.uk 

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UK’s First Wimbledon for Dogs Launching on Social Media

4/7/2019

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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.

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Summer Doggy Dangers

26/6/2019

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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:

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11 Human Foods that are Dangerous to Dogs

22/6/2019

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 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:

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