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Is fetch over? New research reveals THIS is actually your dog’s favourite game to play

LS93 — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 11:14:15 +0000

Fetch might be a game that rings down the centuries, but it appears it’s no longer a pooch’s favourite way to play.

A new survey conducted by interactive dog toy company Tug-E-Nuff has crowned tug of war as the number one game between dogs and their owners.

Eight in 10 owners declare tug of war is their dog’s favourite game, compared to six in 10 who say fetch gets their pooch most excited.

Rounding out the top three games enjoyed by dogs and their owners is ‘find it’ games (54%).

Chase games are also popular, with one third of dog owners declaring these their dog’s favourite way to play.

Beyond this, it appears dog owners are getting very creative when it comes to playing with their pooches, citing piggy in the middle, herding games and even an obstacle course of toys as ways they play with their pooches.

Almost half (46%) of dog owners also take part in dog sports or activities with their dogs - in particular, agility (19%), scentwork (18%), mantrailing (5%), hoopers (5%) and even surfing (1%).

Danny Nelis-Rouse, Managing Director at Tug-E-Nuff, commented: “It’s great to hear that dog owners are keen to find more ways to have more fun with their dogs.

“Interactive play in particular can bring real change, enrichment and positivity to dogs’ lives, and help overcome training and behaviour problems as well as improve the bond an owner has with their dog.”

Nine in 10 owners play regularly with their dogs, according to the poll, and say that play boosts their dog’s happiness (58%) and motivation (44%), and has a positive impact on the bond they share with their dog (43%).

Dog owners who want to add more tail-wagging fun to their dog’s life can boost their knowledge by taking Tug-E-Nuff’s Power of Play online course, or three-minute Toy Quest Quiz to receive a personalised play plan for their pooch.

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The UK’s most popular dog breeds revealed - did your pooch make the list?

LS93 — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 07:35:26 +0000

Dog owners in the UK share their lives with over 129 different breeds.

Now, a new survey conducted by interactive dog toy company Tug-E-Nuff has revealed which are the nation’s favourite.

The poll of 1,200 dog owners found the Labrador Retriever currently holds the crown as the UK’s favourite dog, thanks to its intelligence, enthusiasm and friendliness.

Coming in second is the high energy Border Collie, whilst the active, clever and often very sociable English Cocker Spaniel holds third place.

The cockapoo remains popular among Brits, with the breed being named the nation’s fourth most popular pooch.

Rounding out the top five most popular dog breeds in the UK right now is the Golden Retriever, which continues to steal hearts with its loyal and joyously playful nature.

Danny Nelis-Rouse, Managing Director at Tug-E-Nuff, commented: “Dog owners share their lives with so many different breeds, from rare breeds such as Schipperke, through to popular breeds we all recognise like Retrievers, Collies and Spaniels.

“All dogs are individuals and have their own personalities that we fall in love with. At the same time, different breeds tend to also have certain characteristics that help define that particular breed and things that make them tick - particularly when it comes to play.”

Nine in 10 owners play regularly with their dogs, according to the poll, and declare that play boosts their dog’s happiness (58%) and motivation (44%), and has a positive impact on the bond they share with their dog (43%).

“It’s great to hear that so many owners are regularly engaging their dogs and discovering the power of interactive play, but it’s important to remember that a dog’s play style and favourite toys will vary depending on their beed,” added Danny.

“Labrador Retrievers, for example, were traditionally bred to retrieve game and return it, so they have a desire to fetch and carry their toys - meaning they’re most likely to enjoy playing with something similar to Tug-E-Nuff’s The Clam - a versatile treat dispensing toy to throw, hide, find, fetch and tug.

“Collies, however, are natural herders, and they need significant physical and mental stimulation to keep them happy. A chaser toy - especially one made with sheepskin - will be a bit hit with this breed.”

Owners can find the perfect toy match for their breed by taking Tug-E-Nuff’s Toy Quest - an online quiz which recommends a dog’s new favourite toy in minutes.

TOP 10 DOG BREEDS IN THE UK, ACCORDING TO TUG-E-NUFF’S POWER OF PLAY SURVEY, ARE:

#1 - Labrador Retriever

#2 - Border Collie

#3 - English Cocker Spaniel

#4 - Cockapoo

#5 - Golden Retriever

#6 - German Shepherd Dog

#7 - Staffordshire Bull Terrier

#8 - Springer Spaniel

#9 - Jack Russell Terrier

#10 - Labradoodle

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dogs

Christmas Safety: How to fire-proof, dog-proof and stain-proof your home

Your Pets Daily Editor — Fri, 11 Nov 2022 10:19:59 +0000

With Christmas being justsix weeks away, GTSE.co.uk wanted to discover the best ways to have a safe and damage-free Christmas when putting up your decorations, eating Christmas dinner and hanging lights both indoors and outdoors.

Using their expert knowledge on cable ties, widespread research and speaking with Lindsay Arliss, Dog Behaviour and Training Specialist at Wood Green, GTSE.co.uk compiled six tips to avoid damage when decking the halls this Christmas.

1. Regularly water your tree(s) sat near Christmas lights

One of the main reasons for Christmas fires is people using high-voltage bulbs for their Christmas lights next to dried leaves from their Christmas tree(s). So, make sure you give your tree(s) a nice drink of water over the festive period and spray the leaves using a water spritzer.

2. Use cable ties and clips to avoid damaging your walls

Over the festive period, you’ll likely be hanging seasonal decorations around the home. But it’s important to use tools that don’t damage your walls in the process. So, use the following:

Self-adhesive cable clips: These help you to hook hanging decorations up really easily.
Self-adhesive cable ties: For hanging bulky decorations on your walls, being sturdy enough to hold them in place.

As well as…

Double-sided tape: This is an effective solution for lighter items, but remember it’ll struggle to hold up heavier decorations.
Washi tape: This peels off very easily, and doesn’t damage your decorations (or walls).

3. Attach ribbons to your staircase

Part of decorating for Christmas involves sticking your Christmas cards up on the walls. But, this involves using a lot of tack, which can leave marks on your walls and surfaces. Instead, use ribbons to hang up your Christmas cards against your hallway banister. This avoids washing down tack in the new year! Simply:

Use craft glue and apply this to the ribbon itself.
Place your Christmas cards in a vertical position against the glue, all the way down to the length of the ribbon.
Lay this newly created ‘bunting’ on a surface and allow it to cool.
Next, wrap the ribbon around your hallway banister and tie it together. Viola!

4.Avoid using decorations that are harmful to your dog

If you have a dog, consider the types of decorations you choose carefully, as most plastic or metal items can pose a danger if consumed. So, avoid the following Christmas decorations:

Decorative glitter or ribbons – Instead, opt for plain brown paper or cardboard. They’ll have just as much fun tearing open the package, and it’s much safer!
Berries from sprigs of holly or mistletoe – These can be toxic for dogs, so we recommend you decorate with artificial versions.

5. Use extra materials under the base of your tree

Placing your tree on top of a sturdy piece of plywood.
If you have hardwood flooring, place a non-skid mat underneath your Christmas tree stand (to avoid scratching).

6.Use this magic concoction to remove gravy spills

Christmas dinner spills are likely to happen, especially with gravy. If this happens, once you’ve mopped up as much gravy as you can, attend to the remaining staining by:

Sprinkling baking soda or corn-starch over the affected area.
Leave this to stand for around 15 minutes, before vacuuming the area.
If there’s any marking left over, mix one tablespoon of washing-up liquid with one tablespoon of white vinegar, and two cups of warm water.
Then, blot the stain with a white cloth. Voila!

To conclude, Kirstie Batty, Head of Merchandising at GTSE says: “Although the festive season can bring a lot of joy, it can also be a busy period and manic for many. Avoiding any damages or safety issues gives families peace of mind when enjoying Christmas and we hope our advice inspires people to keep themselves and their pets happy throughout. “

For further tips on how to keep your home damage-free this Christmas, visit: https://gtse.co.uk/blog/how-to-guarantee-a-damagefree-christmas

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Christmas safety for pets

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damage-free Christmas

Devon’s Pet’s Vaccinations are the Most Unaffordable in the South East of England

Your Pets Daily Editor — Thu, 06 Jan 2022 13:40:57 +0000

Annual Dog Booster Vaccinations In South East England

According to our survey of 165 vets, the average cost in Britain for annual cat booster vaccinations is £49.60.
As seen below, Devon's dog boosters vaccinations are equivalent to 11.2% of the average weekly salary.

County	Average Weekly Salary	Primary Vaccinations*	Booster Vaccinations*	vs Average Weekly Salary
Devon	£567	£75.70	£50.70	11.2%
Cornwall	£516	£63	£45.90	10.6%
Bristol	£624	£73	£51.30	10%
Gloucestershire	£604	£70.70	£48.30	9.9%
Somerset	£567	£59.20	£43.80	9.7%
Wiltshire	£605	£58.40	£42.60	8.4%
Dorset	£577	£56.90	£39	8.4%

*(Kennel cough included).

Annual Cat Booster Vaccinations in South East England

Our survey revealed the average cost in Britain for annual dog booster vaccinations is £46.50 (without Kennel Cough).
Devon's cat vaccinations are also the most unaffordable in the South East of England. The annual cat booster vaccinations are equivalent to 11.4% of the average weekly salary for Devon residents.

County	Average Weekly Salary	Primary Vaccinations*	Booster Vaccinations*	vs Average Weekly Salary
Devon	£567	£76	£53.49	11.4%
Bristol	£624	£79	£59.50	11.1%
Cornwall	£516	£63.30	£45.77	10.6%
Gloucestershire	£604	£77.50	£52.50	10.8%
Somerset	£567	£72.27	£46.31	10.7%
Wiltshire	£605	£68.40	£52.71	10%
Dorset	£577	£56.23	£48.47	9.1%

*(1st and 2nd doses with Felv. Included).

**(With Felv. Included).

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The Cleaning Products You Should Never Use Around Your Pets

Your Pets Daily Editor — Tue, 04 Jan 2022 14:27:35 +0000

Dog-owners know just how hard it can be to keep a clean home when you've got one or two mucky pups living under your roof.

Sadly, not all cleaning products are safe to use when our four-legged friends are around, as they are hypersensitive to the strong odours and fragrances, which could lead to various health issues including irritation, sickness and breathing difficulties.

Head Vet, Sean McCormack at tails.com has shared some of the most harmful, household cleaning products which may be affecting the long-term health of your pet.

The full content is available below or in a Google Document format on request.

The Cleaning Products You Should Never Use Around Your Pets

Bleach

Bleach is one of those cleaning products that even folks with a more laid back attitude to cleaning tend to keep in the house. However, the high chlorine content in bleach means that it can be incredibly harmful to your dog if they get too close to it or ingest it.

Your pup's extremely sensitive sense of smell also means that they will find the potent scent of bleach incredibly irritating on their nose and throat, and it could even lead to breathing problems if they are exposed to it for too long.

To keep your dog safe, Sean McCormack recommends that "if you have used bleach for cleaning in the house, make sure to rinse the area down thoroughly with water, then allow the area to completely dry before letting your pet near it.

"Not every household stain will require bleach to clean it. As well as looking into what pet-friendly cleaning products there are on the market, you may also consider using natural cleaning situations such as baking soda, vinegar and lemon juice to tackle stains whilst limiting the presence of potentially unsafe chemicals in your home".

Air Fresheners

Products such as air and carpet fresheners can be harmful to your dog, as most of them contain a chemical called phthalates. While this chemical does help to eliminate odours from your home, it can make your pet fall ill if they inhale it.

"If your home is in need of a freshening up, make sure that your pet is out of the room when you spray things like air fresheners and allow five minutes to let the air settle before letting your pet back in. Alternatively, see if any household odours can be naturally eliminated simply by leaving a window open for a couple of hours. This will ensure that your pet is not breathing in anything that they shouldn't be".

Disinfectants

Be wary of a chemical called benzalkonium chloride, which is a common ingredient in several disinfectants including household bathroom and kitchen surface sprays.

In small amounts, this chemical is relatively safe, but repeated use of any disinfectants containing benzalkonium chloride can cause this strong chemical to linger, which can potentially cause irritation on your dog's paws, eyes and nose.

"Naturally disinfectants do more good than harm as they help to eliminate nasty bacteria and viruses from our home. Just bear in mind that some disinfectants are designed to be diluted with water to make them less harmful and longer-lasting, so follow any labelled instructions accordingly. Also make sure that any cleaned areas have completely dried before allowing your dog near it, as this will reduce the likelihood of irritation".

Ammonia

A surprisingly large number of cleaning products including oven and floor cleaners and multi-surface sprays all contain ammonia.

While ammonia is very effective at removing tough stains, it is also an extremely toxic chemical to our furry friends and can cause severe levels of irritation to their skin, eyes and nose if they get too close to it.

"It is worth considering what other all-natural cleaning products there are on the market. While these products can be slightly more expensive, the peace of mind in knowing that your dog is safe from harm while you're cleaning will be worth the extra pennies.

"Ulcers or sores on either your dog's skin, paws, mouth or tongue can be a tell-tale sign that your dog has licked or stepped on a cleaning product that they should not have. If you spot an ulcer, or if your dog's skin looks generally sore, seek immediate help from your vet".

Laundry detergents

Laundry detergents, or washing powder, can be harmful to our pooches as many of them contain ionic surfactants. When this substance combines with water it is perfect for cleaning our clothes, but should even a small amount of it be ingested by a dog, it can cause them to become seriously ill.

You may also find ionic and anionic surfactants in products like hand soap, shampoo and dishwasher tablets, so be sure to read the labels of whatever cleaning products you bring into your home.

"Dogs are naturally curious and like to use their mouth to explore things. Therefore, you should always keep your detergents and any other cleaning products, in a securely locked cupboard or in a high place that your dog cannot reach.

"If your dog has ingested any of these products, perhaps while your back was turned, the first sign you should look out for is an upset stomach, which your dog may express through vomiting, diarrhoea, frequent drooling and being put off their food. If they display any of these symptoms, seek veterinary attention immediately".

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Pet safety

Pet advice

8 of the most common mistakes cat owners make (and how to solve them)

Your Pets Daily Editor — Tue, 19 Oct 2021 14:44:01 +0000

Cats have earned a reputation for their independence, yet bringing home a new feline friend is a major decision which still requires a great deal of time, effort and money.

So, before you bring home an adorable kitten (no matter how tempting the thought is), Eleonore Hacheme, Cat Nutritionist at Republic of Cats solves eight mistakes most commonly made by new cat owners.

Mistake 1: Failing to do your homework before bringing home your new cat

"When you're considering adding a new cat to the family, it's so important to do your homework to ensure you and your new cat are the perfect fit for each other.

"Even if you think you've read every article online, asking questions via online forums which have been set up for specific breeds can be incredibly helpful. For example, you can ask very detailed questions to make sure they are the right fit for you (eg: long hair vs short hair vs no hair, what's their temperament like etc) that you might not find the answers to on more general advice articles.

"If you're adopting from a shelter or rescue home, make sure to ask plenty of questions to gather as much information as you can about the unique personality and history of your new cat, as they could have been through past experiences that mean you or your home won't necessarily match their needs.'

Mistake 2: Not understanding the commitment involved with owning a cat

"Everyone knows that having children is expensive and a life-long commitment, but with so many domestic cats now living for as long as 20 years+, so is adopting a new feline friend.

"Shelters and rescue homes will assess potential adopters to ensure that you and your cat are a good match, as well as having the financial resources to keep everyone healthy and happy."

Mistake 3: Not spaying or neutering

"Spaying or neutering can help prevent issues such as aggression in male cats or 'yelling' in female cats when they are in heat. For female cats, it will eliminate the risk of ending up with a litter of unwanted kittens, plus dangerous health conditions such as cancerous tumors or infections.

"If you adopt from a shelter, your new pet will most likely have been spayed/neutered already, or if you are adopting a kitten, they will help you with the cost of this later down the line".

Mistake 4: Forgetting to clean out the litter tray

"Keeping your cat's litter tray clean and tidy can feel like a never ending task, especially if you make the decision to keep them as a house pet, but it's important as it keeps them in a good routine.

"Keep the tray as clean as you can and always choose an unscented litter to avoid any irritation of sensitive areas.

"Your cat's litter tray habits can also alert you to potential health issues, such as runny stools or even urinating outside of the box. This could be a clue that they need to visit the vet for an examination".

Mistake 5: Rushing to introduce your cat to your other pets

"If you have other pets in your household, it might be tempting to rush to introduce everyone straight away. Be patient and go slowly as rushing the introductions at this stage could harm relationships you're trying to build.

"It's worth keeping pets in separate rooms until initial introductions are complete, and during this time you can introduce smells such as swapping bedding and toys to help everyone get used to each other.

"Encourage these interactions to have positive associations with treats and toys as this will encourage a harmonious environment for everyone involved".

Mistake 6: Not understanding basic cat behaviour and signals

"Your cat uses their behaviour to let you know how they are feeling, but the signals can often be mixed and can leave you wondering if your cat is happy.

"At first, your cat might seem hard to read, but there are plenty of tell-tale signs that can help you understand what mood they might be in. Cats have a wide range of emotions, and the key to a good human-feline relationship is learning how to recognise these emotions and respond appropriately.

"For example, a happy cat will have relaxed whiskers and a still tail. If you stroke your cat they might even close their eyes and gently purr in contentment.

"An anxious cat might pull their whiskers back, curl their back and cower away from you. If you spot this, it's worth offering some reassurance with a calm voice and slow movements".

Mistake 7: Thinking it's normal for your cat to vomit

"Although it's not pleasant, vomiting is something cats seem to do often and whilst many cat owners accept this as part of owning their pet, it doesn't have to be this way.

"Knowing and understanding what triggers your cat to have an upset stomach will help you avoid this messy situation.

"Many owners think hairballs are the culprit, but that's not always the case, sometimes it can be from eating too fast.

"When a cat eats their food too fast, the stomach wall expands too much and too fast which signals the brain to regurgitate what they have just eaten - rather than vomit which involves retching and gagging. It is vital that owners know the difference.

"If you are worried about your cat vomiting, then speak to your vet who will be able to advise on your specific situation".

Mistake 8: Not paying attention to dental hygiene and teeth brushing

Dental disease is a big problem for cats and vets see the consequences in their surgerys most days. And it's not just an issue that presents itself in older cats - dental issues can start as early as age three.

"Your cat can't brush their teeth, so food can remain caught between their teeth long after they have finished their meals. Like humans, this can form plaque and become difficult to remove.

"Daily brushing is one way to keep your cat's teeth healthy, but it can be tricky to do unless you've done it from a young age. Use a small brush along with calm and gentle movements (and make sure to give them plenty of attention afterwards).

"Your vet will check their teeth, so make sure you keep on top of your check-up appointments".

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Cats

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One in six Brits let their pets lick their plates clean!

Your Pets Daily Editor — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 07:50:41 +0000

One in six Brits let their pets lick their plates clean!

Wren Kitchens has conducted research into the UK's attitudes towards pets in the kitchen, as well as looking at how much Brits are spending on pet food
Almost one in ten Brits (9%) spend more on pet food than they do on their own household food
Almost a quarter (24%) of UK pet owners allow their animals to sit with them at the dinner table
One in six (15%) even let their pets lick their plate clean
You can find the UK map and more high-res pet imagery here

With search terms such as 'raw pet supplies' (150%) and 'dog food' (160%) seeing a huge increase in searches over the past 12 months, Wren Kitchens has conducted research into the UK's attitudes towards pets in the kitchen and how much on average they're spending on pet food.

Being the additional members of our family, Brits also have the opportunity to create special pet areas within their kitchen designs to ensure that they're even more well cared for in the kitchen.

The Cities Spending The Most On Their Pets

Spending £543 on pet food each year, the research highlighted that almost one in ten Brits (9%) spend more on pet food than they do on household food.

A further 12% of Brits went on to admit that they spend the same amount on their pet as they do on their household food.

Breaking down the study by UK city, it was Liverpool that came out on top as the location that spends the most, with an average of £52 being spent on pet food every month.

City	Average monthly spends on pet food
Liverpool	£52
London	£50
Glasgow	£50
Birmingham	£50
Nottingham	£47
Leeds	£45
Belfast	£45
Cardiff	£44
Edinburgh	£44
Southampton	£42

Pets In The Kitchen
Brits love to spend quality time with their pets, but how has all this bonding impacted their attitudes to what they will and won't allow pets to do in the kitchen? Well, nearly a quarter (24%) of UK pet owners allow their animals to sit with them at the dinner table.

Not only do Brits enjoy sitting with their pets at mealtimes, but the research also revealed that more than a quarter (27%) of Brits allowed their pets to eat their leftovers, with one in six (15%) even letting their pets lick their plate clean.

When it comes to cooking in the kitchen, Brits are not leaving their animals out. In fact, the study showed that 24% of UK pet owners feed their animals home cooked food and one in ten (10%) Brits eat exactly the same meal as their pets...now that's puppy love!

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dogs

cats

How the full moon can affect your pets behaviour

Your Pets Daily Editor — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 15:26:32 +0000

Full moons have a long history of being associated with strange behaviour. This is hardly surprising, since lunar activity has been found to impact our sleep schedule, mental health, and even our blood pressure (Healthline). But humans aren't the only ones who experience the effect of the full moon.

If you've noticed that your furry friend seems to act in a peculiar manner under this moon phase, you're not alone. Many pet owners report odd behaviour from their animal companions when the moon is at it's fullest, ranging from nervous to completely reckless.

If you're wondering why and how this happens, you're in luck! The pet experts at Bob Martin are here to explain how our pets are affected by full moons, and how we can help them relax during these difficult periods.

What the full moon does to our pets

A lot of pet owners report their furry friends acting out of sorts during the full moon period. Dogs tend to act erratic during this time, and howl just like their wolf ancestors. Cats on the other hand, often hide during this phase, although they may also become erratic.

While there's no scientific evidence behind the effect that the full moon has on domesticated animals, the statistics show that there is a potential correlation. For example, a study that looked at over 10 years of veterinary records found that vets see an increase of visits over the full moon period, 23% in cats and 28% in dogs (Veterinary Practice News).

Although nothing has been confirmed, one potential reason behind our pet's odd behaviour during this phase could be the extra light given off by the moon. Both pets and their owners are likely to spend more time outside when the nights are lighter, which gives your furry friend more time to get into fights, misbehave, or just generally get riled up and hyper.

How we can help pets during this period

While it is tough and confusing for our furry friends to experience these strange behaviours during this period, we can be there to support them through it. Here are just a few of the ways you can help your pet relax under a full moon.

Keep it dark

As one of the reasons behind our pet's odd behaviour during this time could be the bright moonlight, so make sure to keep this light away from them. Avoid walking dogs after dark, and try to keep cats in overnight if possible. You should also keep the inside of your home free from moonlight by investing in blackout curtains or blinds.

Give them a massage

Give your animal companions a spa experience by gently massaging them when the full moon is out. Not only will this calm them down, but it's also a great distraction from their erratic behaviour.

For cats, lightly stroke them from their head to their tail, then rotate your fingertips to create a circle movement behind their ears and across their shoulder blades.

For dogs, start again by gently stroking their body, then firmly rub their neck, shoulders, buttocks, and thighs using the upper half of your palm.

Keep them healthy

If your furry friend is in poor health when the full moon is out, they'll become even more distressed, so make sure to keep them healthy and happy. Give your pet a healthy diet, full of the nutrients that they need to thrive.

You should also keep them active in this period, not only for their health, but to tire them out and prevent them from becoming erratic in the evening.

And remember to protect their mental health too. To keep them calm during this period, consider giving them a stress relieving supplement to promote relaxation.

"So many people report strange behaviour from their pets during a full moon, so it's hardly surprising that there's such an increase in vet visits during this time of the month. While there's no definitive reason behind why our animal companions act out so much during this time, it's likely that the extra light from the moon is at least partly responsible.

"The most important thing you can do as a pet owner when there's a full moon, is to try to keep your furry friend safe and as relaxed as possible. Massaging them is a great way to help them chill out, and it can send them to sleep too. To minimise the effect of the full moon, keep your pet healthy by providing them with a nutrient rich diet, and supplements to help both their mental and physical health."

Chris Socratous, from Bob Martin

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