Your Pets Daily - Dog owners

Three in 10 pet owners feed their dogs toxic foods

Your Pets Daily Editor — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 09:55:12 +0000

Canine Cottages has teamed up with an expert to uncover toxic foods that Brits may be feeding their dogs, with advice on what to do if your pet consumes toxic treats
Nearly 30% of pooch parents admit to feeding their pet something toxic without knowing
Interactive tool showcases the effects of these toxic foods on our dog's bodies

Nearly three in 10 (29%) pet owners admit to feeding their dogs something toxic, with apple seeds the most common food they didn't realise could cause harm, new research reveals1.

The study was conducted by dog-friendly holiday lettings company Canine Cottages, who also polled pet owners across the nation to reveal which foods they did and didn't realise caused harm to their pets, as well as how many have accidentally fed their furry friends something harmful.

Working with a vet, Canine Cottages has also created an interactive tool, highlighting how toxic foods can affect their pets from their inside, and advice on what to do to treat them upon consumption.

According to the research, of the most common toxic foods, the top 10 that British pet owners didn't know can be toxic to their dogs are:

Apple seeds (76%)
Artificial sweetener (75%)
Caffeine (70%)
Onions/chives (70%)
Coffee (69%)
Garlic (65%)
Grapes/raisins (63%)
Mouldy food (62%)
Alcohol (55%)
Chocolate (38%)

A further 2% of dog owners didn't think that any of these foods were toxic to their pets!

Shockingly, nearly three in 10 (29%) of pet owners admit to feeding their dog one of these foods without knowing that they could cause harm. According to the study, nearly eight in 10 (76%) pet owners were unaware that apple seeds could cause harm to their pets, and are assumingly unaware that they contain cyanide, a chemical that can cause hypoxia – a lack of oxygen delivery to the body.

Experts weigh in on how these foods cause harm and what course of action to take:

Three quarters (75%) of Brits didn't realise artificial sweeteners could cause harm, but as Dr Charley Webb, Vet and Nutritionist at VetChef.com explains, these "cause our pets' glucose to drop dangerously low within hours. Pets that ingest even small amounts of xylitol can have dangerous hypo-glycaemia and may be unconscious within one hour. This is especially dangerous and I avoid keeping any product containing xylitol in the house at all."

And although chocolate was the most 'well-known' of these toxic foods, 38% still didn't know that this could be harmful to their pets. As Dr Webb continues: "dark chocolate contains the chemical theobromine. In the short term (within a few hours) it can cause signs like slight twitching, high heart rate and hyperactivity. If untreated, pets can develop heart arrhythmias, kidney failure and seizures."

So, if your dog does accidentally eat something they shouldn't, what's the best course of action? With 47% admitting they wouldn't know what would happen to their dog if they ate something toxic, Dr Charley Webb, Vet and Nutritionist at VetChef.com offers her advice if you ever find yourself in the situation:

"If you think your pet has eaten something that might be dangerous to them, stay calm and try not to panic. The best course of action is always to call the vet for advice right away, even if it's the middle of the night or a weekend. Most pets recover fully if treated rapidly so it's important to tell your vet as soon as you know that it has happened, as this can prevent them from causing serious harm and in some cases could save their lives."

Commenting on the research, Shannon Keary, Digital PR Manager at Canine Cottages, says: "We may all know certain foods that we should avoid feeding our furry friends, but it is surprising to see how many pet owners don't know that certain foods cold cause harm to their pets, for example chocolate or alcohol.

"Although in most cases a trip to the vets will be able to treat your pet in this instance, as pet owners it's important to understand what these foods can do to our beloved pets, hence why we have created this interactive tool, highlighting the harm they can cause. We hope this piece will help educate pet owners to understand the impact these foods can cause, especially as we approach the festive period and may be tempted to treat our pets to human food!"

To read more on the research, please visit: https://www.caninecottages.co.uk/toxic-food-for-dogs

Over 6 Million Dogs in the UK are Severely Affected by Owners forced into Self Isolation

Your Pets Daily Editor — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 14:25:20 +0000

59% of dog owners are worried about how they would care for their dog if pinged
45% are more concerned about the mental and physical impact of isolation on their dog than themselves
48% have been creating at home dog workouts during isolation
54% of dog owners are unclear of self-isolation guidance

A whopping 51% of dogs in the UK have been affected by the pandemic and have isolated with their owners prior and during the current 'pingdemic', according to new research by dog supplement brand YuMOVE, which polled 2,000 dog owners across the UK**.

Over a quarter of dog owners (28%) have been targeted in the last two months by the 'NHS Covid-19' app or similar. With almost a fifth currently in self-isolation (19%), and 64% having to rely on their support network to walk their dog, over half of UK dog owners (59%) are worried about how they would care for their dog if pinged.

When pinged over half (54%) of dog owners are confused about the current self-isolation guidelines when it comes to the welfare of their four-legged friends. Almost two fifths (39%) are unsure if they are allowed to walk their dog themselves and nearly a third (31%) are unsure if someone else can walk their dog.

Whilst over half of dog owners err on the side of caution and are keeping their pooches at home during their self-isolation period, 45% of dog owners admitted they are more worried about the mental and physical impact of isolation on their dog than themselves.

Nearly two fifths (38%) are worried their dog is not mentally stimulated enough during isolation, with 40% concerned if their dog is happy being at home more than normal. Nearly half (47%) are worried if their dog was bored due to being less active and more than three fifths (62%) are worried if their dog is getting enough exercise.

In order to keep their dogs fit, healthy and entertained during isolation, almost half (48%) of dog owners are finding alternative ways to keep their dogs active including online exercise videos 15%, obstacle courses 19% and 4% even started dog yoga.

Dog Trainer and YuMOVE Ambassador, Anthony Clarke, said: "It can be a worrying time if you are told to self-isolate and you don't have friends, family or neighbours to rely on to help care for your dog. It's great to see so many UK dog owners are getting creative and looking for alternative ways to keep their dogs fit and healthy – both mentally and physically – during isolation. Something as simple as creating an at-home obstacle course can really get your dog's heart pumping and their joints moving. It's also important that your dog's joints are supported throughout their life, that's why all of my canine athletes use YuMOVE to keep them happy and active for life."

Keen to be prepared should they be 'pinged' and asked to isolate, over a third of dog owners (39%) have put a care plan in place for their dog and 78% will do anything to avoid the ping including nearly a third (31%) keeping their dogs on their lead for the entirety of their walk, with a further 30% avoiding everyone whilst outside.

To ensure dog owners are making the most of their dog walks and that their pooch pals are getting enough mental and physical stimulation whilst at home, Anthony Clarke has shared his top tips to ensure you have a happy and healthy dog:

What are some simple exercises every dog owner can practice with their dog at home in the garden?
There's a number of exercises every dog owner can do at home in their garden that your dog will enjoy. A selection of the most popular include basic recall, sit and stay, teaching your dog multiple static positions like sit, lie down and stand, hide and seek, hunt and search for food or toys, sending your dog around an object, fetch and retrieve, sending the dog to a relaxing area or a bed.

What are some simple exercises every dog owner can practice with their dog at home if they don't have access to a garden or private communal space?
A lot of the above outdoor exercises are also great for dog owners to do with their dogs in the house just on a smaller scale, in house wellbeing activities and basic tricks like give a paw, spin left and right, weave between your legs. You can also use multiple rooms to add variety teaching the dog activities like closing a door and retrieving the TV remote or your slippers.

If a dog is barking more whilst it's at home, how can you change that?
You should think about giving the dog more mental stimulation, the above will help mentally but physical activities will also tire your dog out. Also, as a separate exercise and part of your dog's education, teaching them how to relax when in the house is vital. With people being around more, the dog may become more needy so taking them to a safe place like their crate, or a room/area they see as their own may help them to become calmer and more relaxed.

How do you know if a dog is bored?
Different behaviours start to increase such as trying to gain your attention, becoming destructive, not settling, barking and whining, chewing, becoming agitated, irritating and not wanting to leave you alone.

How do you reintroduce dogs to other dogs/people if they become nervous?
Try and introduce them to dogs and people you already know so you understand the individual dog or persons behaviours and temperament. Don't allow your own dog to charge up to random dogs and people – Your dog maybe friendly but that doesn't mean they have the right to greet and meet others that might not be until you have asked permission of the other dogs owner.

After spending so much time together at home, how can you help dogs with separation anxiety?
Whilst you're still at home rehearse having the dog in a different room or in a different area so that the dog has time away from you. Then move onto leaving the dog when you go out for short periods of time, and gradually build up the duration again. Even leaving your dog in the kitchen while you go upstairs to take a shower is a good rehearsal exercise.

What exercises would you recommend to keep elderly dogs fit and active?
Teaching them new mobility tricks, such as getting them to move slowly with big sweeping circles, individual leg movements – lifting their right paw, left paw. When the dog stands up get them to move their head from side to side following a treat around towards their ribs, this will help with their flexibility. Constant movement is important even if it's just walking them around the garden or house, so they keep mobile.

How can you make sure a dog is getting the most out of its walks?
Taking your dog out for a walk should incorporate a variety of training, mental and physical activities.
Take the dogs meal out on the walk and incorporate training and feeding at the same time. Building focus and interactive games while out with your dog will keep you exciting and the desire for your dog to want to play and be around you.

How do you know if a dog has had too much walking / activity? Or too little?
Many professionals recommend that for each month of your puppies' life that should equate to 5 minutes of exercise. Each individual dog will be able to handle different degrees of exercise, however signs to look out for that could indicate they're tired is the dog may become lethargic, they start to avoid interaction with the owner and get distracted and wander off. They could also show more obvious behaviours such as refuse to walk or not wanting to leave the position they're in.

How do you teach a dog new behaviour?
Start with step by step bite sized training exercises and with positive reinforcement and education using a high level food or toy reward the acknowledgment of good behaviour will encourage the dog to offer this behaviour again.

Devon is the Second Most Dog-Friendly Region for UK Beaches

Your Pets Daily Editor — Sat, 15 May 2021 07:46:57 +0000

As people look forward to the easing of lockdown restrictions, many will be looking to book a staycation with their pooches. But which popular seaside location is the most dog-friendly?

As part of their Dog-Friendly Beaches, campaign researchers at Uswitch have crunched the numbers to reveal Devon as the second most dog-friendly seaside destination in the UK. Along with this, Wendy Kruger, Dog Behaviour & Training Specialist at Wood Green has provided comments on how to prepare your dog for the beach.

Uswitch Guide to Dog-Friendly Beaches

Devon was revealed to have 68 beaches that are open for our furry friends and is home to a number of pretty bays including Saunton Beach. The bay only requires your dog to be on a lead for the first five minutes of your walk, leaving them plenty of room to run around freely.

From Pembrokeshire to Northumberland, here’s how the other regions of the UK stacked up:

Dog-friendly beaches FAQs

With many people having bought dogs during the lockdown period, taking your dog out to the beach or driving with your pup can be a big step for owners. That's why with the help of Wendy Kruger, Dog Behaviour & Training Specialist at Wood Green, we have the answers on how to prepare your dog for the beach:

Do you have any advice for first time dog-owners when taking their pup to the beach for the first time?

“As we approach the holiday and travel season, ensure your dog’s microchip and collar tag details are up to date – just in case. Get used to checking ground surface temperatures before you take your dog out, as dry sand can be too hot for dogs’ paws on sunny days. To check the ground temperature, place the back of your hand on the ground. If it’s too hot to hold comfortably for at least five seconds, it’s too hot for dogs’ paws.”

How can dog-owners prepare for it? What training can you practice ahead of time?

“Practising basic, reward-based training when out and about will help your dog to maintain focus and engagement on walks. Recall is also an area that needs particular attention. Even if your dog has a great recall at home, it’s not something that can be guaranteed in unfamiliar environments with exciting new distractions. Games with toys are a fantastic way to help your dog engage with you when there are other distractions around.”

Packing tips for a day at the beach with your dog (beach umbrella for shade, plenty of freshwater for drinking and rinsing, old towels etc)

“Always pack fresh water and a bowl, as well as some tasty training treats and a toy. If your dog goes in the sea, rinse them down so they don’t lick the salty water off. Sometimes it’s not suitable to have your dog off lead, so take a harness and longline lead.”

“Dogs are highly susceptible to heat stroke, so it’s critical to take precautions when the temperatures are higher too. It’s a good idea to take something to provide shade, like an umbrella or windbreaker, and there are also cool mats and cooling coats available, which can be effective if used as per the instructions. You’ll also want some blankets or towels to protect your car from wet, sandy dogs on the drive home!”

If you enjoyed this article you may also like How to Have a Fun Day on the Beach This Summer With Your Dog

Your Pets Daily - Dog owners

Three in 10 pet owners feed their dogs toxic foods

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Over 6 Million Dogs in the UK are Severely Affected by Owners forced into Self Isolation

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Devon is the Second Most Dog-Friendly Region for UK Beaches

Dog-friendly beaches FAQs

Do you have any advice for first time dog-owners when taking their pup to the beach for the first time?

How can dog-owners prepare for it? What training can you practice ahead of time?

Packing tips for a day at the beach with your dog (beach umbrella for shade, plenty of freshwater for drinking and rinsing, old towels etc)

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