Pet Gazette December 2011

PET GAZETTE DECEMber 2011

www.petgazette.biz

ISSN 2046-7303

A growth sector From kitten to cat

Get a grip

Leads and harnesses Charitable organisations involved in the care of abandoned and stray dogs Paying a premium

Faithful friends

The popularity of premium pet foods continues with many owners choosing these specialised diets

In depth studies have shown how animals can experience complex emotions such as grief

This month

Editor’s letter

December 2011 Contents Roundup 4 The latest news from the industry

Three minute interview

Nigel Bateson, director, SmartBedz

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New appointments

10

Taking stock

12

Paying a premium

18

Treat with care

24

A growth sector

30

2011 – another busy year

36

Focus on…coat conditioners

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Get a grip

44

Sweet charity

50

Faithful friends

54

Looking after marine fish stock

60

Pastures new for professionals in the pet trade The latest range of products and accessories The popularity of premium pet foods continues, and Holly Mash explores the history of their development and why owners are opting for these specialised diets With obesity on the rise, registered veterinary nurse Claire King looks at healthier alternatives for treating pets Royal Canin’s retail marketing manager Gemma Duffield discovers how retailers can benefit from the lifelong relationship between kitten and owner Michael Bellingham reflects on a busy year in the pet food sector and highlights the key changes it brought for the PFMA This month Naida Ally looks at how all breeds of dog can benefit from the range of coat conditioners on the market With a wide range of leads and harnesses available to pet owners, veterinary consultant for PetSafe David Chamberlain explores the different designs and styles In the second part of our feature on charities we look at the work of key organisations helping abandoned and stray dogs In-depth studies into animal behaviour are showing that animals are capable of experiencing complex emotions such as grief Tim Hayes discusses the importance of the correct handling of marine fish from quarantine procedures to remedial nutrition

Events 62 Upcoming shows, forums and meetings in the world of pets

Voice on the highstreet

Nicola Gill of Gills & Gecko’s, St Austell, Cornwall

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his month brings the sad news that the pet sector has lost two key figures. Rolf C Hagen was both well known and respected within the industry and took his company from humble origins selling bird seeds to a thriving global business spanning many continents.

Many who knew him spoke of his simple and ethical approach to commerce and the fact that he never lost touch with many of life’s values such as humility, compassion and generosity.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) also announced the death of its former president, Colonel Peter Storie-Pugh CBE MC FRCVS. A veteran of World War Two, he took part in the Dunkirk evacuation and was awarded the Military Cross. It was the onset of war that interrupted his veterinary studies, but he later went on to pursue his lifelong interest in farm animal practice and serve as a valued member of the RCVS council.

This issue also brings an update on the charity Hounds for Heroes, which was set up by Gulf War veteran Allen Parton to provide specially trained assistance dogs to injured and disabled men and women of the UK armed forces and civilian emergency services. Having raised the funds to purchase five Labrador puppies, the charity is now putting the dogs through their paces with a rigorous two-year training programme that will enable them to help injured military personnel in their day to day lives.

With December being the season of giving, we also conclude our feature on animal welfare charities with the focus this month on those caring for abandoned and stray dogs. It was Clarissa Baldwin, chief executive of Dogs Trust in 1978, who first coined the phrase: “A dog is for life, not just for Christmas,” and this message still remains relevant today and is something any prospective pet owner should be reminded of over the coming weeks.

I hope you enjoy the issue.

Sam Guiry sam@petgazette.biz

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4

Roundup

PET GAZETTE Established 2008

Managing Editor

Louise Hoffman louise@petgazette.biz Editor

Sam Guiry sam@petgazette.biz Editorial Assistants

Naida Ally naida@petgazette.biz Design/Production Editor

Tracy Jarvis tracy@petgazette.biz Production Assistant

Lewis Bowes copy@petgazette.biz Group Advertisement Manager

Roundup

‘Hero’ pups put through their paces Hounds for Heroes, the dog charity set up by Gulf War veteran Allen Parton, began the first puppy training class for its five new labrador puppies on 3 November. The class begins two years of training, which will culminate in the puppies being handed to injured military personnel to help them with normal daily tasks.

The puppies’ names all have a military connection, as a tribute to the 300th serviceman to die in the Afghan conflict, one of the puppies has been named after Royal Marine Richard Hollington – Yomper (Ritchie). Richard’s father, Robin, has helped to raise over £155,000 for Help for Heroes.

The KONG Company, which supports Hound for Heroes, was also asked to name one of the puppies. After running a competition, it selected the winning entry, Flanders. The other puppies are called Colonel, Juno and Monty. (Puppies, left to right – Juno, Yomper, Colonel, Flanders, Monty) Allen hopes to get more dogs trained up and is in need of local foster families to look after the labradors while they undergo training. Anyone wishing to help can call 01730 823 118 or email info@houndsforheroes.com for more information.

Kelly Smith kelly@petgazette.biz Julie-Ann Kwok julie@petgazette.biz Sales Executive

Daniel Harrison daniel@petgazette.biz Accounts

Maureen Scrivener accounts@petgazette.biz

An overly positive picture painted of the retail sector

Customer Services

Official figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show a much healthier picture for retail than the British Retail Consortium (BRC) is getting from its members.

British Retail Consortium director general, Stephen Robertson, said: “Most retailers won’t recognise the overly positive picture being painted by these ONS results. The reality is disposable incomes are down on a year ago and customers are cutting back.”

Even food sales are suffering as people cut back or switch to cheaper brands in an effort to balance their household budgets. Stores are competing hard for what customer spending is available but consumers are overwhelmingly gloomy.”He is urging the Chancellor to help boost the economy by scrapping the increases in fuel duty planned for next year and reduce the threatened 5.6 per cent business rates rise.

Contributing writers

Michael Bellingham, David Chamberlain, Gemma Duffield, Tim Hayes, Claire King, Holly Mash

ISSN 2046-7303 Pet Gazette is published monthly by:

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www.petgazette.biz The editor and publishers do not guarantee the accuracy of statements made by contributors or advertisers, or accept responsibility for any statement that they express in this publication. The opinion of the contributors may not necessarily be the opinion of the publishers. Articles are considered for publication on the basis that they are the author’s original work. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without the permission of the publishers.

The organisers of the Republic of Ireland’s only pet trade show, PetEx, have announced that the event will return on 5 September 2012.

Now being held bi-annually, the two-day show aims to attract key suppliers, brand owners and manufacturers looking to increase their share in the country’s £330 million pet sector.

For 2012, PetEx has moved to a new central location in Dublin, offering exhibitors and visitors a “convivial, relaxing and informal environment” to do business, network and meet industry colleagues. Consumers want to make informed decisions regarding pet nutrition, and are becoming more sophisticated and educated regarding the nutritional needs of their pets,” said the show’s organisers.

“Ireland’s Pet retailers will visit PetEx to source new products reflecting developing trends in the market, including pet health and well being; eco-friendly pet accessories; grooming; healthy pet treats; bedding; educational toys for pets and fashion accessories.”

For information, please contact Lesley Magill on 00353 404 66855 or lesley@petex.ie

Cranswick Pet Products receives ‘A grade’ for second year running

Advertisement Manager

01206 767 797 customers@mulberrypublications.co.uk

Irish pet trade show back in 2012

RCVS pays tribute to former president The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has announced the death of a former president of the college, Colonel Peter Storie-Pugh CBE MC FRCVS. Colonel Storie-Pugh attended the University of Cambridge until 1939, when war and military service interrupted his studies. He took part in the Dunkirk evacuation and, following a number of successful escape attempts from German imprisonment, was incarcerated in Colditz for the remainder of the war. He was awarded the Military Cross and, later, an MBE for his military actions. After the war he resumed his veterinary education, graduating from the Royal Veterinary College in 1948 to pursue a lifelong interest in farm animal practice.

From 1956 to 1984, he served as a member of RCVS Council and was president from 1977 to 1978. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Record Veterinary Surgeons in 1975.

He was twice president of the British Veterinary Association, and a founder of the Federation of Veterinarians of the EEC (now called the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe), serving from 1975 to 1979 as its president. In 1981, he was awarded a CBE relating to his veterinary achievements.

RCVS President Jerry Davies said: “The college is saddened by the death of this brave man and outstanding veterinary surgeon. In particular, his work in setting up what is now the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe continues to be of great value today. Our thoughts are with his family.”

Cranswick Pet Products (CPP), the UK manufacturer of food and accessories for the wild bird and small animal markets, has retained its ‘A grade’ from the British Retail Consortium (BRC), following an inspection of its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.

CPP “exceeded all standards at an extensive audit and remains the only company in the wild bird food sector to have achieved BRC accreditation.”

James Farnsworth of Cranswick Pet Products explained: “We are always looking for ways to improve our business practices and to be recognised by the BRC for our commitment to quality is fantastic.”

The BRC provides certification for manufacturers who can prove that they implement the best practice across their manufacturing processes. The BRC Global Standards are used throughout the world by over 17,000 certificated suppliers in 90 countries.

Stars out in force at the Coats & Collars Gala Ball Battersea Dogs & Cats Home’s annual fundraiser, the Collars & Coats Gala Ball, saw celebrities take to the red carpet on 11 November.

Held at Battersea Evolution, stars of stage and screen united for the cause alongside the home’s presidents TRH Prince and Princess Michael of Kent. Lining the entrance were dozens of Battersea rescue dogs who greeted guests including British actress Prunella Scales, television personality Louie Spence and Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel-Horwood.

Hosted by media star Peter Andre, the event’s performers included Lulu and Escala.

Peter Andre said: “I’m so proud to have hosted Battersea’s Collars & Coats Gala Ball. Battersea is an amazing charity that does incredible work to look after the animals that come into its care, helping them have happy futures in loving new homes.”

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Three minute interview

Nigel Bateson, director, SmartBedz Describe yourself in three words Compassionate, expressive, punctilious.

What is your earliest memory?

Cleethorpes Zoo – the elephant seals were scary!

When you were at school, what did you want to be and why?

A vet – I wanted to work with animals.

What was the first music album you bought?

The Rise & Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars by David Bowie

If you could have dinner with one person, who would you choose and why?

John Cleese – a very funny man, with, I imagine, a lot more besides.

What is the best advice you have been given?

Life is about striking balances.

What is your next goal in life?

Business: to make SmartBedz a household name.

Pleasure: cycle coast to coast…

Atlantic to the Mediterranean.

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you choose and why?

Buenos Aires; weather, wine, beef, Argentine tango – it doesn’t get better than that surely?

What is your favourite quote or saying?

Pain is temporary, quitting lasts forever – L Armstrong.

What is the most important thing that your job has taught you?

Nobody is perfect but perfect teams are made up of imperfect people.

David Baird/Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

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Roundup

and briefly Paying for preventative healthcare Almost half of pet owners (44 per cent) who utilise preventative healthcare have increased the total amount spent on their pets in the past year.

The findings have been discovered by the Noesis survey of 1,000 pet owners, commissioned by the National Office of Animal Health (NOAH).

The research aimed to understand awareness of preventative medicine in cats and dogs. Phil Sketchley, chief executive of NOAH said: “While all pet owners consider themselves responsible, clearly some do not see regular preventative healthcare as part of that responsibility. So there remains a clear need to educate pet owners, to change some of the patterns of behavior complacency regarding their pets’ health.”

Ancol Pet Products at PATS 2012 Ancol Pet Products will return to the pet trade show arena at PATS 2012. Ancol’s Simon Lane explained: “We have been unable to devote time to exhibitions over the last few years as we have focused on developing our field sales team, catalogues, website and other digital communications. With our new catalogue out and our new product ranges proving very popular with the independent pet trade, we have decided that the time is right to exhibit again and we are delighted to be involved in PATS 2012.”

Defra elects new board members Defra has announced the first non-executive members of the new Animal Health and Welfare Board for England. Stewart Houston, Stuart Roberts, Mark Tufnell and veterinary surgeon Tim Morris will join chair Michael Seals in developing the Government’s strategic Animal Health and Welfare policy. The board will make direct recommendations to ministers on policy affecting the health and welfare of kept animals, such as farm animals, horses and pets.

The creation of the board was one of the main recommendations of the Responsibility and Cost Sharing Advisory Group.

Registrar Jane Hern steps down The Registrar and Secretary of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, Jane Hern, has announced that she will be standing down at the end of the year. The college is now embarking on a comprehensive review of its governance, committee and management structures, during which the officers and council will consider how best the executive should be led in the future. Jane said: “I have greatly enjoyed my time with the college and the trust. Working with a profession held in such high regard by the public has been a real pleasure. I wish veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and all my colleagues all the very best for the future.”

Founder of Rolf C Hagen remembered Chairman and founder of Rolf C Hagen Inc., has died at the age of 79. Rolf C Hagen passed away “suddenly yet peacefully” at his home in Montreal on 22 October 2011. Mr Hagen was “a pillar in the pet products industry who touched many lives with his generosity and compassion.”

Born in 1932 in northern Germany, he was the third of 10 children.

In 1955 he travelled to Canada and started Rolf C Hagen Inc, which eventually became one of the world’s largest family-owned manufacturers and distributors of pet care products.

Starting by exporting birdseeds from Canada to Germany, he gradually branched out into what is now a pet supplies business that spans many continents.

During his life Mr Hagen received a number of awards in the pet products industry.

In June 1999 he was inducted into the American Pet Products Association Hall of Fame, and in March 2004 he was given the Pet Industry Distributors Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition to these, he received the First Cross of the Federal Order of Merit and the Highest Order of Merit from the president of Germany.

The nation prepares for a major spectacle As the nation prepares for the London Olympics, Birmingham will once again be the canine capital of the world next spring as another truly international spectacle returns to England’s second city.

With medals and world records swapped for trophies and rosettes, Crufts 2012 will see dogs from across the globe competing at the Birmingham NEC from 8 to11 March.

Crufts celebrated its 120th anniversary this year and saw over 1,200 overseas dogs taking part, with competitors representing more than 50 countries in a wide variety of competitions and events. The 2011 show also witnessed a triumph for experience, with a 9½ Flatcoated Retriever called Jet getting his paws on the prestigious trophy and becoming the oldest ever winner of Crufts.

Caroline Kisko, communications director for the Kennel Club, which organises the event, said: “Crufts 2012 will be a wonderful celebration of all that is great about dogs. The show remains the most important and anticipated date on any dog-lover’s calendar.”

PetSafe featured in forthcoming documentary Product manufacturer PetSafe has been featured in a series of television documentaries to be screened over the next few months, aiming to help pet owners care for their pets.

The Pets For Life How To… series provides viewers with “a comprehensive guide to caring for a new pet.” PetSafe international marketing manager Angela Critchley said: “Getting a new pet can be daunting for some owners and present a number of challenges. Often there are simple solutions and pet products that can make all the difference and we think this comes across very well in the documentary.”

The documentaries, screened on Sky Channel 201 and Freesat Channel 403, aim to “help educate pet owners about introducing animals into their homes and guide them through the wide choice of products that are available to them.”

PetSafe has also recently produced a series of informative videos featuring a range of products, which can be viewed online at www.youtube.com/user/petsafeuk and on the PetSafe website.

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Roundup

and briefly Pet accessories sees market slump AMA Research has reported an economic downturn in the pet accessories industry.

The Pet Accessories Market – UK 2011-2015 stated: “The market is generally less affected by adverse economic conditions than many other consumer products which is, in part, due to pet owners’ unwillingness to compromise on their pets. However, the extent of the current economic turmoil has led to an unprecedented impact on the market, significantly slowing growth in 2010/11.” The report valued the accessories sector at £659 million for 2010, out of a total of £4.9 billion pet market.

Advice on seasonal sickness As temperatures continue to drop and more people stay inside, veterinary experts warn pet owners to remain vigilant of their animals’ well-being. Dr Matthew Jones, manager of Veterinary Professional Services at Novartis Animal Health, advised: “It’s easy to think that just because temperatures are plummeting, pets are safe while they are indoors. However, they are still at risk of picking up parasitic infection, even during the cold spells. It’s important that even during this festive time of year owners visit their local vet and ensure their pet is treated with a broad spectrum wormer.”

Britain’s cutest bunny is crowned A four-month old lop from Birmingham was selected as Britain’s cutest bunny and will appear on the packaging of Supreme Petfoods’ Science Selective rabbit food. Binky beat over 800 bunnies to win the title, along with a year’s supply of Science Selective and Supreme Meadow Hay, and a digital SLR camera, after Supreme launched a Facebook promotion to find the new face of Selective. His owner, 21-year-old Triinu Uprus, reports that Binky is currently revelling in his newfound fame. “I was totally speechless when Binky won,” said Triinu.

“To have his picture on the packaging and to win a digital camera is amazing but it’s the food that will make a difference to Binky’s life as he deserves the best.”

Screening for pet diabetes The nation’s first online screening programme for pet diabetes took place last month, to coincide with World Diabetes Day on 14 November. The campaign, aimed at tackling the potentially fatal disease, diabetes mellitus in dogs and cats, gave owners the chance to assess their pets’ risk for the life-threatening disease.

Pet Diabetes Month raised awareness of the symptoms and the benefits of screening older and at-risk pets. If detected early, the disease can be treated, giving dogs and cats the chance of a longer, healthier life.

Kennel Club reports rise in foreign breeds Following reports surrounding the decline of vulnerable native breeds, the Kennel Club has revealed that some lesser-known dog breeds of foreign origin, such as the Hovawart, the Beauceron and the Mexican hairless, have in fact risen in popularity.

Ownership and demand for these are among the fastest growing in the UK, while old favourites such as the Labrador retriever and Old English Sheepdog have declined in popularity.

Kennel Club secretary Caroline Kisko said: “Celebrity dog choice is still a powerful influencer when it comes to breed popularity, but it seems that people are increasing[ly] choosing those breeds that will fit more easily into their busy and often urban lifestyles, which is perhaps why we are seeing shifts in the popularity patterns of certain breeds.

New flagship store opens for Betty & Butch Betty & Butch recently opened its new flagship store in Chorlton, Manchester. Described as “the UK’s first destination dog lifestyle store,” it contains a range of dog products and services, from shampoo to animal therapy. Tellington Touch and Betty & Butch teamed up with animal therapist Angel Moore to provide Reiki and massage services, as well as dog grooming services courtesy of Barking Barbers. The store also offers a range of dog toys; beds; collars and leads; natural dog treats; dog portraits and the company’s own hypoallergenic dog food range.

There will be weekly events and talks held at the store on subjects such as grooming at home, Reiki for dogs, dog behaviour and dog barking, and in Spring 2012, it is set to run a number of courses.

Discover Dogs proves to be a crowd pleaser Discover Dogs 2011 drew in 27,500 dog-loving visitors over the course of the weekendlong event.

Kennel Club communications director Caroline Kisko said: “Discover Dogs is such an important educational platform for the Kennel Club and the many charities that attend the show.” It aims to promote the importance of finding the right dog for prospective owners and of training and socialising the new family member.

Caroline added: “We are thankful to everyone who worked so hard to make the show as successful as it was, from our brilliant breed booth volunteers, display teams, seminar speakers, and judges of the different competitions to the trade stands, we hoped they all enjoyed the show.”

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New appointments

New appointments Pastures new for professionals in the pet trade Animalcare Group PLC

Animalcare Group PLC, the supplier of veterinary medicines, has announced that Raymond Harding has been appointed to the board as a non-executive director. Until 2010, Raymond was the owner and managing director of Cyton Bioscience Ltd, and remains a consultant. He has been both chairman of the Association of Veterinarians in Industry and president of the Federation of European Veterinarians in Industry and Research. In addition, Raymond is a member of the Institute of Directors and is a Fellow of the Organisation for Professionals in Regulatory Affairs.

British Veterinary Association Animal Welfare Foundation Dr Tiffany Hemming has been elected the new chair of the British Veterinary Association Animal Welfare Foundation (BVA AWF). After graduating, Dr Hemming worked in mixed practice before completing her doctorate in epidemiology at the University of Guelph, Canada. She joined the Territorial Army as a veterinary officer in 1997, transferring to the regular army in 2000. She has been employed in several different roles all over the world, has commanded a medical squadron for two years and has been deployed with them to Afghanistan in 2009/10. Holding the rank of lieutenant-colonel, Dr Hemming is currently employed in a policy position in Whitehall. Her particular interests within animal welfare science are working animals and educating owners about improving the welfare of their animals.

Hemp Technology Ltd

Hemp Technology Ltd, producer of Hemcore and Rapport horse bedding, has appointed Rose Bacon as area sales manager. Rose completed a National Diploma in Horse Management as well as gaining her BHS Riding and Care exams 1 and 2, and her Preliminary Teaching Test at Plumpton Agricultural College. She then went on to study for her BSc in Equine Sports Performance at the University of Brighton.

After graduating she worked as a sales advisor for a well-known equine supplement manufacturer before taking on her new post at Hemp Technology. Her role within the company will see her managing the sales division area for the south of England.

Dapper Pets

Dapper Pets has welcomed the newly appointed Daniel Bose to its team. Daniel will be responsible for all UK sales and marketing while supporting managing director Katharine with day-to-day office duties. He will combine his life-long love for animals with some 15 years’ sales and marketing experience.

Mars Petcare

Mark Johnson, general manager of Mars Petcare (UK), is moving to become regional president for Mars Petcare (Russia). Mark will be based in Moscow and will move to the Russian business early next year. He joined Mars in 1987 and has worked in a number of senior sales and marketing roles including UK marketing director, becoming general manager of the UK Petcare business as of 2006. He said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity to go and take my skills and experience from the UK into the emerging markets in Russia.”

Has someone recently joined or moved to a new role within your company? You can send the details and a photo to naida@petgazette.biz

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Taking stock

Taking stock

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Vitalin The Vitalin Super Premium range includes Vitalin Sensitive, formulated for all dogs with sensitive digestion including puppies, juniors and small breeds. For all dogs from eight weeks, it contains 33 per cent lamb and 26 per cent rice, is hypoallergenic, wheat-gluten free and is ideal for sensitive digestion, colitis and skin problems. Vitalin Senior/Lite is a nutritionally complete balanced food in an extruded kibble, suitable for all adult dogs aged seven or over, while Vitalin Puppy Plus is for all puppies from four weeks to 12 months.

It contains 46 per cent chicken, is hypoallergenic, wheatgluten free and includes balanced Omega 3 and 6.

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Happy Dog Happy Dog foods contain elements that a dog would have eaten in the wild, including selected herbs such as thyme and rosemary, apples for natural fibre and original kanne fermented cereals with natural lactic acid. All these elements combine to produce what Happy Dog calls its unique ‘Life Plus Concept.’ Ingredients in the food are traceable and the company says that no chemicals, colourings, flavourings, preservatives or genetically modified crops are used in its production. Happy Dog says it has sourced “the best ingredients from around the world” and is now using ingredients such as ostrich meat in its ‘Africa’ product, which is low in fat and recommended for dogs with food allergies.

Information: 01427 880 914 or www.vitalinpetfoods.co.uk

Information: info@happydoguk.com or www.happydoguk.com

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Tropical Marine Centre The MicroHabitat 30, Tropical Marine Centre’s latest nano tank, is now available. The feature-packed 30 litre acrylic microhabitat comes complete with a high PAR AquaRay MiniLED 500HD light system mounted on one of the new AquaRay MountaRay light mounting brackets. The company says that its “patented LED emitter light fixture sets this nano aquarium apart from any other currently available.” It is also supplied complete with a built-in filtration system incorporating an integral pump with multi-directional outlet offering optimum water quality and minimal maintenance and a unique air-driven protein skimmer to ensure quiet operation.

Information: 01923 284 151 or www.tropicalmarinecentre.co.uk

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Peregrine Peregrine customers can win a bottle of champagne and a voucher for £50 to be redeemed against a future order. There is also an opportunity to win an iPad 2 or luxury hamper.

Each time a customer buys any of the product selections between 1 and 16 December, they will qualify for entry to both the daily and main prize draw.

Information: 0800 919 631, sales@peregrine-livefoods.co.uk or www.peregrine-livefoods.co.uk

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Bestpets High Energy Food Bestpets High Energy Food is a “superb multi-purpose food which is great for all species and suitable for a range of feeders.”

The mix has been formulated to include a “perfect balance” for our feathered friends.’ It also has the husks already removed, leaving no waste after the seed has been consumed. Attracting an array of colourful songbirds, it is available in 15 kilogramme and two kilogramme bags.

Information: info@best-pets.co.uk or www.best-pets.co.uk

Skinner’s Skinner’s has launched a new dog food to add to its successful Field & Trial range for working dogs. Field & Trial Turkey & Rice is the “only dog food to contain joint aid for dogs,” enabling owners to provide this high quality supplement in one complete feed at a daily maintenance level. It is completely hypoallergenic, free from wheat, maize, barley, soya and dairy products and has no artificial additives, flavourings or preservatives. It is available in 15 kilogramme and 2.5 kilogramme pack sizes.

Information: 01379 384 247 or www.skinnerspetfoods.co.uk

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James Wellbeloved The new James Wellbeloved Complete Light Cat Food range is formulated with a reduced calorie content compared to the standard kibble, as well as a higher dietary fibre level, to “help satisfy hunger and higher protein levels to encourage weight loss.” As with all James Wellbeloved formulas, the new light formulas are “ideal for cats with skin or digestive sensitivities and contain a single source of protein (turkey or ocean white fish).” The James Wellbeloved Cat Light dry food is available in 225 gram, two kilogramme or four kilogramme bags in turkey and rice or ocean white fish and rice.

Information: 0845 300 4890 or www.wellbeloved.com

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Dapper Pets “Beat the winter blues,” says Dapper Pets, “by stocking this season’s hottest new colour from Red Dingo.” Hot Pink has been introduced as a new shade to the Red Dingo collar, lead, harness and cat collar ranges. It’s vibrant, eye-catching and made from tough, high-density nylon. Red Dingo collars have been designed with quirky Bucklebone clips for dogs and Fish Clips for cats, making them easier and quicker to fit.

The leads are also made from the same high-density nylon and benefit from a padded handle for added owner comfort.

Information: 01992 524 077 or www.dapperpets.co.uk

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Scruffs Working closely with the Kennel Club, Scruffs has developed a comprehensive range of pet beds, feeding bowls, leads and collars to help promote good health and training practices.

The products include: the anti-gorge feeding bowl, designed to slow down the pace of eating; the pet bed collection, consisting of soft-walled beds to help shield pets from drafts; and a pet mattress, for larger breeds. Also available are adjustable collars with tough, durable webbing and available in small, medium, large and extra large. In addition to these, Scruffs offers the Kennel Club starter kit which the company describes as “a great gift for any new dog owner” and includes a soft-walled pet bed, anti-gorge feeding bowl, lead and collar.

Pet Corp International Pet owners often experience problems with stray cats after they have purchased and installed a manually-operated cat door, or have multiple pets to manage. Pet Corp’s design allows for the locking mechanism to be changed via an innovative cartridge system, without the need to remove or replace the cat door. Upgrade cartridges are available in magnetic through to fully programmable selective entry models. The stylish doors have a high impact Bayer 100 per cent polycarbonate flap making it super tough and mildew-resistant. The versatile doors are designed to suit installation into all glazing applications, wood doors and walls.

Information: 0161 702 5060 or www.petslovescruffs.com

Information: 01594 827 755 or sales.jamesmarketing@googlemail.com

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Taking stock

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PetLondon PetLondon’s “most comfortable harness ever,” is designed so it doesn’t need to pass over the head, which is something that many dogs struggle with. These jacket harnesses put no pressure on the neck and instead distribute any pressure across the dog’s body evenly. Suitable for all breeds, including puppies, some styles include a fully lined interior with soft plush fur for extra warmth and comfort. With over 50 different designs to choose from, the range also includes practical air mesh versions. The company adds that the harness has an adjustable chest belt and is ‘veterinarian approved.’

Information: 0207 580 7580 or www.petlondon.com/wholesale

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Pet Munchies Pet Munchies are “an exciting range of 100 per cent natural dog and cat treats, made from premium, quality, real meat and fish.” They contain no artificial additives or preservatives, no artificial colourings or flavours, are naturally low in fat and contain human grade meat and fish. The six dog varieties are: chicken breast fillets; chicken strips; chicken chips; duck breast fillets; beef liver; and the newly-introduced ocean white fish. Pet Munchies has also launched a new range of cat treats, which consists of five varieties of cat size bites including: sushi; cod; chicken breast fillets; duck breast fillets; and liver with chicken.

Information: info@pet-munchies.com or www.pet-munchies.com

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Aquascape Fish Imports Aquascape Fish Imports Ltd was founded in 1997 to supply the aquatic trade with tropical, coldwater and marine fish.

With its own purpose-built trade warehouse containing over 500 species of fish, it offers a next day delivery service across the UK. Aquascape sources its fish from suppliers across the world, including UK-bred fish, and it also supplies the everpopular Garra Rufa fish. Orders can be made online, where pictures of all fish can be viewed. Having firmly established itself within the aquatic trade for over 14 years, Aquascape Fish Imports offers an efficient and friendly service and it has “become a firm favourite among aquatic retailers, garden centres and pet shops with its competitive prices and high quality stocks.”

Information: 0121 331 1212 or www.aquascape.co.uk/orderonline

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Fold Hill Foods Ltd Laughing Dog’s new Oven Baked Oaties are now available in three varieties: Dental Oaties, Cheesy Oaties and Joint Care Oaties. Made with barley and oats grown on Fold Hill Farm in Lincolnshire, all three varieties are hypoallergenic, so make a great treat for fussy eaters! The three varieties are packaged in 300 gram bags of Dental Oaties with parsley and eucalyptus oil; Joint Care Oaties with glucosamine and chondroitin; and Cheesy Oaties with Lincolnshire cheese and broccoli.

Information: 0800 098 8057 or www.laughingdogfood.com

Hill’s Pet Nutrition Hill’s Science Plan Development is a “complete and precisely balanced” food that helps your customers’ puppies and kittens achieve lifelong health. It is made with easily digestible ingredients with no unnecessary fillers and natural colourings, flavourings and preservatives. The food contains antioxidants such as vitamins C and E to build a strong immune system and has the right balance of vitamins and minerals to promote healthy bone and joint development. There are also high levels of essential fatty acids for a glossy coat and optimal levels of high quality protein to support the ideal body weight for puppies and kittens.

Information: www.hillspet.co.uk

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Taking stock

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Royal Canin ‘Ambition for the Specialist Trade’ is Crown Petfoods’ combination of tools for the specialist pet trade to drive sales, attract new customers and build loyalty. Focusing on service, footfall, education and loyalty, the package offers retailers a new way to drive business and increase the size of the highly profitable super-premium pet nutrition sector. Key elements include in-store theatre to create excitement and build brand awareness; innovative voucher schemes which pay back within a week; and an education and information campaign for staff and customers alike – all designed to grow the market for the specialist pet trade.

Information: 01303 872 933 or cressybrooks@gofast.co.uk

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Supreme Petfoods Supreme Petfoods is pleased to announce a new look for Gerty Guinea Pig and Russel Rabbit, with the launch of its latest taste sensation. ‘Tasty Bites’ is a new addition to the Supreme Original range, providing a highly palatable, all-in-one, high fibre diet for rabbits and guinea pigs in a new format, aimed at the more cost-conscious consumer. The company says: “Supreme is committed to the wellbeing of small animals and this zero added sugar, all-in-one diet helps to prevent selective feeding.” Russel and Gerty’s Tasty Bites are available in colourful two kilogramme and four kilogramme packs. In-store display material is also available.

Information: 0845 058 9697 or www.supremepetfoods.com

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Shaw Heath Insurance Shaw Heath “prides itself on offering fantastic customer service and tailor made policies to suit your business needs.” Finding that package policies are the most popular within the pet trade for anything from small shops up to large wholesalers, it can offer customers “the right insurance at the right price.”

Information: 0161 477 6677

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Whitby & Co. Nite Dawg Collars and leads are “an innovative, fun solution” from Nite Ize for dog walkers this winter.

Making great Christmas presents for pets and their owners, the Nite Dawg Lead is a five inch lead featuring 18 inches of bright red LED illumination suitable for dogs of all shapes and sizes. The Nite Dawg Collar – featuring bright LED flash and glow modes – is available in three adjustable sizes.

Great as stocking fillers, these easy to up-sell items offer dog walkers roadside reassurance on dark winter evenings.

Information: sales@whitbyandco.co.uk

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RJ Leigh RJ Leigh has added the EcoConcepts range of products to its portfolio, which consists of maintenance-free dog kennels, dog beds and chicken coops. All EcoConcept products require no tools for assembly and contain a blend of recycled plastic polymers and hardwood by products. They are “weather-resistant, moisture-and humidity-resistant, rot-proof and insect-proof,” and the company says they won’t warp, twist or crack from changes in temperature and humidity.

Natural in colour and lightweight, they are easy to clean. A range of rabbit and guinea pig hutches is to follow in spring 2012.

Information: salesrjl@aol.com

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Premium pet foods

Premium pet foods

Paying a premium Holly Mash looks at the growth of premium pet foods and discovers why owners are opting to feed their animals these specially-formulated diets

What is a premium pet food?

Premium pet foods first appeared in the 1970s in response to the growing interest in quality pet care – not long before this, cat and dog foods were the same, as nutritional differences had not yet been discovered! Some companies created ‘premium’ brands of food that were marketed and sold exclusively through pet shops and vets, and to breeders. These were the first products to target different stages of life in dogs and cats. Around the same time, certain manufacturers started to create breeder programmes as a way of creating brand loyalty.

Premium and super-premium products cost more primarily because they contain high quality ingredients and because they have been subjected to more rigorous testing than inexpensive generic or everyday branded products.

Who are they for?

Due to scientific advancements in pet nutrition, over the last 20 years prepared pet foods have become increasingly sophisticated.

Now manufacturers are not only concerned with meeting the basic nutritional needs of pets, they are also concerned with how health and wellbeing can be enhanced by using additional beneficial ingredients.

For instance, there are now products with specific antioxidants to

help support immune function and others with glucosamine to help maintain joint health. Specially formulated diets are also available on recommendation from a vet to assist in the nutritional management of pets with clinical disorders such as renal or hepatic problems, in addition to meeting their everyday nutritional needs.

The market for life-stage and breed specific diets

Pet food manufacturers started formulating life-stage pet foods in the early to mid 1970s, when puppy diets were produced for the first time. Life-stage diets became more widely available on the market from the 1980s onwards. This type of nutrition is the practice of feeding pets specific foods designed to meet their needs at a specific age or during a specific physiologic state, such as growth or pregnancy.

By feeding to meet the needs of pets at varying life stages, owners can be sure they are providing their pet with optimum nutrition.

Another specialisation in the premium pet food sector is breedspecific diets for cats and dogs. The characteristics of dogs and cats can vary greatly and relate to factors such as dental capacity (the ability to be able to bite kibble of a particular size); long hair or short hair, a tendency to leanness or to put on weight; or a tendency to a sensitive

stomach. Breed-specific diets have been produced to meet any specific needs that result from these characteristics.

Examples of these different foods include high performance diets for working dogs, growth diets for either large or small breeds, and reduced calorie foods for obese or sedentary adults. In addition, there are diets with smaller sized kibbles for toy dogs. The sale of these products is often accompanied by in-depth educational information for pet owners about the nutritional needs of their animals during different stages of life.

How can you identify a premium product?

Premium foods usually have fixed formulas for their recipes. In other words, they do not change their constituents or ingredients in response to normal fluctuations in the market price of the meats or cereals they contain. This is in contrast to many generic or everyday diets that have variable formulas to take advantage of cheaper sources of ingredients and to allow for variation in availability. Having a fixed formula is of key importance to the superior nature of premium foods, because ingredients can vary significantly in digestibility, amino acid content, mineral content and the amount of indigestible material they contain. Unfortunately, there is usually no way of determining the

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Premium pet foods

quality of the food by using the ingredient list. In fact, some premium foods with high quality, highly available ingredients may have an ingredient list that is almost identical to a generic food that contains poor quality ingredients with low digestibility and availability.

What benefits do they offer the consumer?

Palatability and acceptability are important qualities for all pet foods because unless the food is tasty the pets won’t eat it, however packed full of premium quality ingredients it is! These factors are also powerful marketing tools, as they are basic ways for an owner to assess whether their pet seems to enjoy his or her food. However, many highly palatable foods are high in fat and can only be fed in very small amounts without causing obesity. Pet owners should be encouraged to pick a food their pet enjoys, but be aware that extremely palatable foods can induce overeating and cause obesity.

In today’s busy society, convenience and ease of preparation of pet foods is also an important consideration for many owners.

Premium foods are often packaged in portion sized packets or pouches. Many are marketed to provide one meal per package, making feeding very easy.

What are the benefits to the retailer?

Selling premium pet foods offers many benefits to retailers. These include offering a high level of staff training and in-store support packages to the retailer, such as leaflets, posters, and even interactive and multi-media educational services. The high levels of customer care offered by the premium pet food brands will also usually be reflected in the way that retailers also benefit from the higher turnover and client satisfaction of such products.

New developments and trends in the premium pet food sector

Some of the most recent niche products include those produced from organic ingredients, various types of raw or grain-free diets, foods that target the health of specific body systems and foods that reflect different popular human diets such as vegetarian and vegan. With one in four dogs in the UK being overweight, products promoted as ‘light’ diets are also becoming more readily available on the premium food market.

Supplier Listing Arden Grange: www.ardengrange.com Burns Pet Nutrition: www.burnspet.co.uk Dicksons Pet Foods: www.dicksonshanley.co.uk DoggyThings: www.doggythings.co.uk Eukanuba: www.eukanuba.com Happy Dog Foods: www.happydogfood.com HG Gladwell & Son: www.copdockmill.co.uk IAMs: www.iams.co.uk Natural Pet Products: www.naturalpetproductsltd.com Roger Skinners: www.skinnerspetfoods.co.uk Wagg: www.waggfoods.co.uk

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Pet treats

Pet treats

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Treat with care With cases of animal obesity on the rise, registered veterinary nurse Claire King looks at the growing popularity of healthy, natural treats for pets

he people-pet relationship has never been stronger. Pets are valued members of the family and owners are increasingly looking for premium and healthy treats to keep their pets happy. The pet treat market is constantly diversifying into new and exciting areas all the time. Owners are more aware of the obesity epidemic that is engulfing the UK’s pet population and are opting for healthy, natural and vegetarian treats for their animals.

The obesity epidemic within the UK’s domestic pet population is an ever-increasing problem. Vets are faced with over 50 per cent of dogs, cats and rabbits being overweight and the associated health problems this causes.

Overweight animals are more likely to suffer from arthritic joints, heart problems and diabetes leading to a reduced life-expectancy.

Owners need guidance on how to incorporate treats into their pet’s diet and on the ranges of healthy and natural alternatives.

There is a massive variety of treats available for dogs, from those designed to mimic a natural raw diet to products aimed at dental and joint conditions. Hollings has over 100 lines of natural treats, including a Rawhide range of products. Rawhide is the dried hypodermic intestinal tissue from cattle and is renowned for its effectiveness in keeping dogs’ teeth clean.

BARF Pet Foods follows the principles of the biologically appropriate raw food diet (BARF), which states that 60 to 80 per cent of a BARF diet should be made of raw meaty bones, with the other 20 per cent consisting of meat, offal, vegetables and some dairy products. The diet and treats follow the theory that dogs are descended from wolves and their digestive system remains unchanged.

The company’s most popular treats are the marrow bones and the pig’s ear natural chews. It also has a new range that includes beef neck bones and beef hock bones.

Co-founder of BARF Pet Foods Andreas Dauer says: “Bones provide a lot of the vitamins and minerals that a dog needs. They are good for their teeth, exercise the jaw and provide stimulation for the dog.”

According to Purina, giving a dog treats can also help with training and strengthen the bond between pet and owner to help dogs cope with being ‘home alone’. However owners must count the calories and if treats are offered, adjust meal quantities accordingly.

The company says: “It’s easier to calculate the amount you need to reduce if you use commercially-prepared treats, as the calories they contain will often be shown on the pack.”

Four out of five dogs over the age of three experience some degree of gum disease and owners can help combat this problem through the treats they give their pets. Pedigree says that its Dentastix – when used in conjunction with daily brushing – can help reduce tartar build-up by up to 80 per cent and minimise the risk of periodontal disease. Their special texture, unique X-shape and clinically-tested active ingredients help keep dogs’ teeth and gums healthy and strong. Also within the Pedigree range is the Joint Care+ treats, which are designed to help ease joint stiffness, which one in three dogs can suffer from.

Although cats and dogs are carnivores, there can be benefits of feeding vegetablebased treats. Many vets would caution against feeding a solely vegetarian or vegan diet, however, as pets can become malnourished and suffer from various deficiencies. Pegetables are premium dog chews with real vegetables.

Manufactured in the USA, they are made from natural ingredients and can provide dogs with the daily beneficial supplements derived from vegetables. Pegetables dog chews are fortified with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, protein and fibre and are available in three flavours: carrot, corn and celery. They can also help with dental hygiene, providing a natural brushing action during the longer chewing experience. 

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Pet treats

Kennelpak Ltd is a distributor of the Masterpet range of healthy, edible dog treats. Low in fat, high in fibre and 100 per cent vegetarian, they are also designed in unique shapes to aid dental health. Within the range is the toothbrush crocodile and hedgehog-shaped chews, pig’s ear, rice bone and marrowbone treats and all are made from natural ingredients.

By nature, cats are fastidious and often not open to trying new tastes. Some have strong preferences for specific flavours and therefore selecting something that a cat will find appetising and enjoyable may be slightly more difficult than for a dog.

Whiskas Healthy Coat has been specifically developed with biotin and vitamin B to help support a healthy skin and coat. With fewer than two calories, it is a functional treat which helps the cat look and feels its best.

Rabbits are strict herbivores and their gastro-intestinal tract is very delicate. Any sudden change in a rabbit’s diet can cause serious and potentially lifethreatening problems. Therefore, the treats that rabbits are given should mimic those that are already present in the diet. Woodlands offers a large range of natural and healthy treats including wood nibble sticks, which may help to wear the incisor teeth down. Its hay tunnels are parchment roll-coated with mountain meadow hay and provide hours of entertainment, with the rabbit able to nibble them and throw them around, as well as helping to provide the high-fibre diet that is imperative to help keep rabbits healthy. Bark bites, stuffed woodroll treats, dandelion and clover and plantain leaf mix are just a small selection of the treats also offered by Woodlands.

Burgess Excel also produces a good range of healthy rabbit treats.

Its Nature Snacks with dandelion and natural grass are a source of dietary fibre, can aid urinary tract function and promote dental wear through the gnawing action required to chew them. Burgess Excel also produces Apple Snack – dried apple pieces coated in parsley and thyme.

Treats don’t always need to be food. Giving animals a toy which keeps them entertained can also be used as a treat. The Company of Animals has recently launched the new Treat Maze, which uses pets’ natural problem-solving abilities to work out how to get the reward,

Supplier Listing Addicare: www.addicare.co.uk Barker & Barker: www.dogtraininginfo.co.uk DoggyThings: www.doggythings.co.uk Fold Hill Foods Ltd: www.foldhill.co.uk Hollings: www.hollings.uk.com Interhatch: www.interhatch.com James & Steel: www.jamesandsteel.com Kong: www.kongcompany.com Natural Pet Products: www.naturalpetproductsltd.com Ortiga Products: ortigaproducts.com Pet Munchies: www.pet-munchies.com The Company of Animals: www.companyofanimals.co.uk Wagg: www.waggfoods.co.uk

offering both a physical and mental challenge. Small treats or dry food are placed in the hole at the top of the toy, and when the toy is moved by the pet, the treats make their way through the complex maze structure and come out of the two release holes as a reward.

Pet owners will always want to show their animals affection by offering treats, and with the huge range of products now available this can be done in a controlled and healthy manner. In fact, small amounts of tasty snacks can be a great motivator, help with behaviour and ultimately improve the bond between owner and pet.

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www.pet-munchies.com info@pet-munchies.com

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Kittens

Kittens

A growth sector

Royal Canin’s retail marketing manager, Gemma Duffield, explains how retailers can capitalise on the lifelong relationship between the newly-acquired kitten and its owner

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ritain’s cat population was an estimated 8.8 million in 2010 and the feline species is rapidly closing in on the country’s nine million dogs as the UK’s most popular pet.

Kittens and cats are growing in popularity because they easily fit into increasingly busy and more urban lifestyles. Today’s cats are household pets but they still retain enough of their hereditary feline behaviour and characteristics to make them an interesting and exciting pet with species-specific nutritional needs.

Cats and kittens are a real opportunity for the specialist pet trade. Whether they go down the rescue route or source their breed of choice from a cat breeder, most owners still start with a kitten. By getting close to owners at this stage, the pet trade becomes an invaluable source of information and advice and can provide for that kitten for life.

Owners are much more knowledgeable about what they need and it is not unusual for them to visit the pet shop before they’ve even found their kitten to make sure they have everything ready. Others are more laidback, but the kitten’s arrival focuses their minds on what they require. This is the ideal opportunity for the retailer to step in with practical advice, and being the source of this advice, customers will keep coming back to you as the kitten grows.

Clearly, there are essentials which every new kitten owner will need: a litter tray and choice of litter, plus accessories like scoops and tray-liners; a warm bed; bowls for water and food; grooming equipment; and a selection of toys. These can be presented as a package, so the owner can pick up everything needed for the new arrival in one go and retail staff can also support this with their own advice and literature.

Kittens and their diet Kitten growth is divided into two stages: from one to four months old, which includes weaning onto solid foods; and from four to 12 months, when the kitten becomes an adult cat. Younger kittens up to the age of four months old will stop feeding from their mother and make the transition to solid food. During this period, the immunity provided by the mother gradually decreases, but vaccination won’t yet have taken place, or had time to kick in, so a patented complex of antioxidants and prebiotics is used to help support the kitten’s natural defences.

Foods with very high quality ingredients are important for their ease of digestibility, as the kitten’s digestive system is not only immature, but also has to cope with weaning.

At around four months old, the adult teeth are finally through and most kittens will have gone to their new homes. At 12 months of age, most kittens can move onto the appropriate adult diet, and at this stage retailers need to discuss the kitten’s lifestyle with the owners to choose the right adult cat food, considering factors such as whether or not the cat has been neutered, access to the outdoors, type of coat and any other sensitivities.

Pedigree kittens can demand particular attention, for example Persians are renowned for their sensitive digestion, so owners should look for a food that uses highly digestible proteins to limit the amount of fermentable residue in the intestine, along with prebiotics for balanced intestinal flora and EPA-DHA fatty acids to help maintain the intestinal mucous membranes. The Maine Coon

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Kittens

Supplier Listing Burns Pet Nutrition: www.burnspet.co.uk Dapper: www.dapperpets.co.uk DoggyThings: www.doggythings.co.uk Hilton Herbs: www.hiltonherbs.com IAMs: www.iams.co.uk James & Steel: www.jamesandsteel.com Sureflap: www.sureflap.co.uk

does not become fully adult until 15 months of age (compared to 12 months for other breeds), so a food is required that has adapted energy levels to support this long growth, plus the right content of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D for correct bone structure development. Owners should also look for a kibble shape, size and texture which is designed to promote optimal oral hygiene and suit the large jaw.

Advise owners to change their kittens’ food gradually – it should take a week to switch from one food to another. Gradually increasing the percentage of the new food while decreasing the old one means the kitten is unlikely to suffer any stomach upset as a result of the change.

Selling to kitten owners Most kitten owners are more than happy to spend a little – or a lot – on their new pet.

You can help make your kitten business even more profitable by making sure you display your kitten food, accessories and other items clearly. You could have a kitten focus, with everything owners need in one place, or think about cross-merchandising some toys alongside the kitten food so that you profit from impulse buys alongside the essentials like food and litter. Look out for support from manufacturers and take advantage of things like the money-off vouchers offered against purchase of food, because these will keep customers coming back for more, time and again.

Royal Canin provides precise nutritional diet solutions, with each product based on the company’s extensive knowledge of cats and dogs, gained through years of studies at its own centre, partnerships with leading veterinary schools and universities, and continued input from veterinarians and breeders worldwide. For more information please call 0845 300 5011 or visit www.royalcanin.com

An economic and effective litter Made from renewable UK straw pellets

Biodegrades quickly when disposed of Available in 20kg, 8kg and 3.2kg

Pleasant and convenient to use

ll Highly absorbent, wi th a fr sh mint sme e Friendship Estates Ltd, Old House Farm, Stubbs Walden, Doncaster, DN6 9BU Tel: 01302 700220 www.friendshipestates.co.uk

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Comment

2011 – another busy year With the role of pets as one of the family becoming more established, and an increasing range of pet-related produce, it is not surprising that the pet food industry has had a productive year. Michael Bellingham sums up the key developments and changes in 2011 and looks forward to an equally busy 2012 Market statistics

At the beginning of 2011 we published our pet population statistics, which confirmed that the dog population was approximately eight million and the cat population was approximately eight million1. At the same time, the pet food market has been at an all time high – 1,271,000 tonnes and a market value of £2.046 billion2 – and we expect these figures to grow in 2012.

A happy spring

Supported by these encouraging market statistics, we started the year on a positive note launching our ‘happiness survey’, which asked respondents to rank their happiness levels and found that pet owners rate themselves as being happier than those without a pet3. Nearly 60 per cent of people with pets said their pet made them a happier person, while a similar number said being with their cuddly companion made them feel more relaxed. Almost a third stated their pet made them a healthier person. In summary, the results highlighted the many benefits pets have for their owners.

Working with SCAS

Promoting the numerous health and social benefits of pet ownership, we have continued to support the work of the Society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS).

A specific focus has been SCAS’s Pets for Life campaign to ensure that all leading UK housing providers implement responsible pet policies that enable older people to make an informed choice about their future. We will continue to support SCAS in 2012. For more information please see www.scas.org.uk

Education education

This year we have also been reviewing our website and have been focusing on our pet owner offering. We acknowledged that, in addition to being a valuable tool for the industry, with statistics, nutrition and health information, we needed to make our offering to pet owners clearer. This was endorsed by feedback from the Pet Gazette survey in October. As a result we are amending the site to tailor information to dog and cat owners, plus the owners of ‘small furries’, fish, reptiles and birds. You should see changes over the next month.

On a slightly different note, but still on the subject of education, we are continuing our work with other pet organisations, trade bodies and charities such as NOAH, PDSA, Blue Cross, Wood Green and the Kennel Club to improve the industry’s online educational resource offering to schools and students. A working group from the education symposium will be meeting in December to finalise plans for a dedicated education resource website.

Obesity

For the past few years we have focused on raising standards of pet care, with a particular focus on pet obesity. We continue to provide our educational material via our website. We also distribute information on pet health (including

the Pet Size-O-Meter) to rehoming centres for their rehoming packs, and we endeavour to distribute via other channels such as pet retailers, veterinary clinics, and consumer pet websites.

We learned in our survey of Pet Gazette readers that 60 per cent of you had not seen our educational resources, so we will focus more on distributing to the retail industry in 2012. Our healthy pet check tools on our website will come in handy in the early months of 2012 when owners are more likely to review their own and their pet’s health.

Labelling changes Although our research suggests few owners read the pet food label in any detail – which is probably due to the habitual nature of buying pet food – we have been working with our European trade association, FEDIAF, to bring labelling more up-to-date, providing more information to consumers. Retailers and consumers will now see a small number of changes. FEDIAF’s new Code of Good Labelling Practice for Pet Food applied from September 2011 and if you want to read more about it please see www.fediaf.org 1

TNS Face to Face interviews with 2,022 interviews representative sample of the UK population, January 2011 2 PFMA market value/volume data research, January 2011 3 Opinion Matters research between 23/02/2011 and 09/03/2011 among a panel resulting in 2,022 UK adult respondents.

About the PFMA The Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association is the principal trade body representing the UK pet food industry; a key focus of activity is to promote animal welfare and responsible pet ownership. Its 60 members account for over 90 per cent of the market and produce a wide range of products for cats, dogs, rabbits and other pet animals. To find out more or download some useful information sheets for you and your customers, please visit: www.pfma.org.uk

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Focus on

Focus on

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Betty and Butch Betty and Butch is a brand new range of natural shampoos, conditioners, paw balm and fragrances that launched at the NEC in September. The company says they contain “no nasty stuff ” like parabens or sulphates, which can be harmful to a dogs’ coat over time. The range contains the purest natural essential oils with an evening primrose base, which is good for skin and coat condition. They are available in three unique scents: Oriental Voyage, Sweet Citrus Zing and Woodland Dream, along with a complimentary coconut oil conditioner. They are all packaged for retail and are also available in larger grooming sizes.

Doggy Things Ltd ii

Focus on…

coat conditioners

Information: www.bettyandbutch.co.uk

Silky Smooth is a natural baked biscuit enriched with fish oil and linseed. It is high in omega 3 and 6 fatty oils, which are known to have excellent skin conditioning properties. Doggy Things explains: “Even if a dog has a healthy coat, giving him this healthy treat will ensure that it will always stay silky smooth.” Other products in the Snack Shack range include Belly Bones, Puppy Pizza, Bucket of Bones and Doggy Popcorn, which are also available through Vital Pet Products.

Information: 01707 708 202 or info@doggythings.co.uk

Information: 00353 667 185 794 or www.phytoforce.ie

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Dorwest Herbs Ltd Keepers Mix is Dorwest’s top selling dietary supplement containing a unique blend of herbs to achieve optimum health, support all major organs and promote healthy coat growth and condition. Keepers Mix is also a natural source of all 37 minerals and vitamins A, C, E and K, which the company says can enhance pigmentation, aid digestion and improve overall health and vitality.

Information: 01308 897 272 or www.dorwest.com

Naida Ally looks at the benefits of conditioning a pet’s coat and the range of products on offer to promote healthy skin and smooth texture

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ike their human counterparts, dogs can benefit greatly from the use of a conditioner. Not only can conditioning increase the smoothness of the coat texture, and give a healthier look and feel, but the benefits of conditioning can also go beyond the aesthetic, and serve to aid and ease conditions of the skin too.

When it comes to selecting the right type of conditioner, the prospect for some can at first seem a little daunting. Different breeds may be suited to different products, as each breed’s coat will have different areas of need. Also, the needs do not stop at the coat alone, and consideration for the skin underneath plays as much of a part as the actual hair. As groomer and Reiki animal therapist Angel Dominic Moore explains, “conditioners replace the

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damage caused by drying, brushing and de-matting. There are several factors that can affect the finish of the coat, which can include skin condition, length of coat, and type of fur or undercoat. Long coated dogs are more likely to tangle and matt. Using a conditioner will not only make your dog’s coat healthier, it will make your job a lot easier by helping to remove matts and tangles, avoiding the stress of getting these out of the coat.”

The use of a conditioner after shampooing helps to seal the coat after washing, without which the hair shafts are left open and the skin’s natural oils and hydration escape. This can lead to dry, itchy skin. A conditioner will close the hair cuticle and aid in the restoration of moisture, which, in turn, will assist with maintaining the skin’s elasticity.

For coats that are washed more than once a month, it is definitely advisable to use a conditioner to avoid dryness and keep the coat looking and feeling healthy. Angel comments: “I get asked all the time how often should a dog be washed and I always reply that if the dog lives in the house it needs to be clean. That does not mean washing it every day like some people I have encountered.

Washing a dog more than once a month will strip the coat more often and we highly recommend using a conditioner.” Likewise, a dog experiencing itchy skin or other skin problems may need bathing more frequently to reduce allergens, and so will benefit from the moisturisation of a coat conditioner.

Here is a selection of the options available to stock…

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Phytoforce Although originally developed for itchy, greasy dogs, Phytoforce customers are reporting that SuperSkin is also giving their dogs a shiny healthy coat, so much so that many are now using it simply to improve a lacklustre coat. Ray O’Mahony, vet and developer of the range, is delighted with the response to the product, commenting: “Herbs surprise me every day in my clinic so I am not surprised to be surprised again. It’s a nice added bonus to a very special product.”

Group 55 Stephen of Group 55 says: “Few retail shampoos are considered suitable for use in a grooming salon by professional groomers, but Animology shampoos and sprays are an exception.”

Its advanced shampoo formulations that include Pro-Vitamin B5 and conditioners help deliver “world class health, textures and finishes” to a dog’s coat. Animology was voted Best Product of the Year by the PPRA and is recognised as the official shampoo of Groom Team England, and all Animology products now carry the national team’s crest.

Information: 01772 786 864

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Addicare Salmon Oil Addicare Salmon Oil pet dietary supplement is a “purely natural choice” for dogs or cats. The company explains that it is “sourced from Atlantic salmon from carefully controlled Scottish sea lochs and waters under natural and environmentally compatible conditions.” It includes omega 3/6 fatty acids, that are “critical for good health, a healthy immune system and a healthy heart,” and it promotes a “shiny lustrous coat, helps reduce shedding, prevents hair and skin conditions, encourages good energy levels, reduces problems with stiffness and arthritis, and supports general fitness.”

Information: 01768 372 660 or www.addicare.co.uk

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Focus on

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Kong ZoomGroom Kong’s ZoomGroom for cats and dogs are described by the company as “the best grooming and shampooing brushes available.” The brushes attract and remove loose hair “like a magnet,” and are “perfect” for all breeds of dogs and cats, giving “excellent results” on all coat types. The brushes help to stimulate capillaries and natural oil production, which promotes a healthy skin and coat, and regular use will effectively reduce hairballs in cats. They can also be used as a massage tool for muscular pain, particularly for older pets, and as a calming aid for pets with a nervous or anxious disposition.

Dog & Cat Groomers

Insurance

Information: 01308 869 009 or www.kongcompany.com

Mutneys Ltd gg

Keeping a dog’s coat in great condition doesn’t just make the dog look great, it has many health benefits. Mutneys’ dog shampoos are pH balanced to protect the natural oils within the coat. The company also offers a range of conditioning sprays that can add shine and have anti-static and anti-tangling properties. Regular brushing and combing will keep coats tangle- free and any dog more comfortable, and by keeping the dog’s coat in great condition, owners can also ensure their dogs are happy and healthy.

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12% off

Equipment Cover Care, Custody and Control (including Animals in Transit)

Information: 0845 468 6467 or www.mutneys.com

D RO NT

R

Insurance designed to be as individual as your business

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†

products

Employers’ Liability Public Liability & Professional Indemnity

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PetLondon PetLondon’s exclusive range of organic shampoo and spa products are made with a unique blend of organic extracts, essential oils and natural formulas. The extensive collection includes co-ordinating shampoo and conditioners, aromatherapy spritzers; paw balm; ear cleanser; breath gel; microfibre towels; detangler; coat gloss and much more.

All of the shampoos and conditioners are sulphate free and are in premium packaging with starter packages available.

Microchipping extension available Interest Free Direct Debit (0% APR) *Terms, conditions and excesses apply.

Flexible schemes also available for: Kennels & Catteries Pet Sitters & Walkers

Dog Trainers Dog Hydrotherapists

Call us today on

0800 980 7328 quoting Mutneys

Information: 0207 580 7580 or www.petlondon.com/wholesale

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Natural Pet Products Ltd Grizzly Salmon Oil from Natural Pet Products Ltd is a supplement derived from wild Alaskan salmon that is easily added daily to a cat’s or dog’s food. The company says that the oil is “from the purest of sources with minimal contamination.”

It is a natural way to protect and support the health of a dog and cat with benefits such as balancing omega 3/6 fatty acids for good health to supporting general vitality, shiny coat and improving fitness and energy levels.

Information: 01926 311 514 or www.naturalpetproductsltd.com

Collarways As Collarways explained: “shampooing opens up the hair shaft, allowing beneficial ingredients to do their job. However, if the hair shaft is left open, natural oils and moisture will escape, resulting in a dull coat and itchy skin. Shampoos should always be followed with conditioner to close and smooth the hair cuticles.”

Cain & Able natural conditioners with essential oils bring nutrients to the coat to moisturise, hydrate and detangle. “The Peppermint & Tea Tree shampoo and conditioner is great for dogs with dermatitis or hot spots, and the Lavender & Eucalyptus is ideal for allergies and sensitive skin.”

Information: 0845 456 8395 or www.collarways.com

Insurance for the pet care professional †

Offer valid for new Petplan Sanctuary policies taken out before 31st December 2011, valid for one transaction only.

‘Mutneys’ must be quoted at time of call. Petplan Sanctuary is introduced by Petplan and sold and administered by Brooks Braithwaite (Sussex) Ltd. Petplan is a trading name of Pet Plan Limited (Registered in England No. 1282939) and Allianz Insurance plc (Registered in England No. 84638) both of which are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). Registered office: 57 Ladymead, Guildford, Surrey GU1 1DB.

PP 4148.4 Pet Gazette - Groomers Ad.indd 1

12/05/2011 09:57

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Leads and harnesses

Leads and harnesses

Get a grip David Chamberlain, veterinary consultant for PetSafe, looks at the wide range of leads and harnesses available for pets

H

istorically, dog harnesses were designed so they could pull sledges or carts. Harnesses were better than collars because they spread the pressure of the load across the dog’s shoulders and freed the neck, ensuring that the dog’s windpipe was not compressed because of the increased oxygen demand as a result of its workload.

Given their original use, harnesses generally encourage dogs to pull.

This may be because of the opposition or ‘Freedom’ reflex that was first discovered by Pavlov in 1917. It is the natural response to want to move away from something that touches the body. However, occasionally a harness will discourage dogs from pulling. Today harnesses are particularly useful in a number of situations: • In small dogs such as Yorkshire terriers, Pomeranians, poodles and Chihuahuas, which are prone to collapse of the windpipe, and in dogs with shorter muzzles (the brachycephalic breeds), which are often prone to breathing difficulties • For dogs with existing neck injuries to prevent any jolting to the neck • Restraining dogs during car journeys as they spread the pressure of restraint.

There are many types of harness and the arrangement of the shoulder and chest straps determines the classification. It’s useful to run through the various styles: Standard or Roman harnesses are the types that owners will be most familiar with. This style of harness has its origins in ancient Rome and was used on horses and oxen. They were extremely unsophisticated and inefficient. A horse with a late-medieval harness could haul about 15 times that of a human, but a horse with a primitive Roman harness could only haul four times that of a human.

The chest and shoulder straps are joined by a third strap under the brisket and a fourth strap between the shoulders. This style can appear complicated but modern harnesses are easy to use and highly adjustable. Owners simply put the shoulder straps over the head, slide it down the neck and pass the chest straps between the front legs, bringing them around the chest and securing them into the quick release clips behind the shoulders.

Step-in harnesses have two straps, one of which goes in front of the shoulders and one of which goes under the chest; these are joined behind the shoulders with a buckle or a quick release clip. The middle of the two straps often passes through the loops of a third strap. When the owner puts the harness on the dog he effectively steps between the straps, which the owner then pulls up and connects behind the Standard or Roman harness dog’s shoulders where a leash is attached.

Figure of eight harnesses look similar to stepin harnesses when they are worn but there is an important difference. Figure of eight harnesses are made from a single strap so they cannot be adjusted around the shoulders and chest separately, so there is a risk of the tightening of one section while the other section loosens. For this reason they should be used with care.

Vest harnesses are gaining in popularity because Cat harness they spread the pressure applied to the dog’s brisket using an X or Y shaped material insert that extends up in front of the shoulders and possibly up the chest too, forming an X. Backpack harnesses are like small rucksacks that owners can attach a leash to. They enable the dog to carry small objects such as a poop bag or water bottles. You should advise pet owners that there may be an increased risk of heatstroke in warm weather with a backpack and they could cause back and limb strain if loaded with heavy objects. However, they could be very useful to improve fitness, or to help keep dogs warm in cool environments.

Rope or cord harnesses can be constructed by owners in emergencies to restrain their dogs for short periods. There are cord harnesses available which are often designed to stop dogs from pulling on leashes, exerting pressure onto the brisket by tightening as the dog pulls. There is a small risk of rope burn, particularly in thin-coated breeds, typically in their armpits because of the degree of movement there. This could be avoided if the harness is gradually introduced on short walks over a period of weeks but owners should be told to check their dog for signs of irritation.

Leashes have been around as long as collars and were first used by the Egyptians to restrain their hunting dogs. The leash remained largely unchanged until Manfred Bogdahn developed his first retractable Flexi leash in Germany in 1973, and today there is a wide range on the market.

Retractable leashes extend, then automatically retract, providing the dog with the opportunity to extend the range that it can explore on a walk, but ensuring the owner still has good control over their

Backpack harness

Retractable leash

pet. Retractable leashes can extend to between 15 and 25 feet and the retracting mechanism keeps the rope taut to prevent it becoming dirty or tangling.

Many retractable leashes have braking systems and permanent locks. Locks enable owners to reel dogs in by locking the leash, then pulling the dog towards them. They can then release the lock and retract the slack leash, repeating the process until the dog is positioned where the owner wants it. A new innovation in retractable leashes has been the addition of poop bag dispensers which are built into the lead.

Stretching leashes attempt to bridge the gap between conventional non-elastic leashes and retractable leashes. They extend under tension and return to a normal length when tension is removed because of the properties of the material in their construction. This reduces contamination of the leash from dragging along the ground, and tripping and entanglement risks for both the dog and owner.

Slip-leashes consist of a leash and a collar. There is a loop handle for the owner and a slipping loop on the other end that goes around the dog’s neck.

If the dog pulls, the loop around its neck becomes tighter. Some animal welfare organisations have concerns about any collar, including slip-leashes, which becomes tight under tension. However slipleashes are favoured by kennel staff and veterinary Easy Walk

Easy Walk

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Leads and harnesses

Easy Walk

nurses who handle many dogs during a working If an owner wants to restrain a dog on a line they should day, because they are simple to apply to friendly not pick the line up with bare hands; they should wear dogs and simple to remove. Slip-leashes are gloves. It is acceptable to step on a line and gradually apply commonly used in agility competitions when the pressure to bring a dragging line to a halt. Some lines have leash has to be removed and replaced quickly. stoppers which offer little resistance to being dragged, but Lines are like very long leashes and are usually can be easily picked up, and some have shock absorbing used for training purposes and to provide an sections close to the point of attachment to the dog. additional layer of safety for dogs that recall Occasionally, trainers recommend tying sand bags to the end poorly when exercising. Lines can be made to any of lines to add resistance and slow up very boisterous dogs.

Illuminated leash length but are typically short, around five to seven Draglines must always be used under supervision and metres, or long, around 20 to 25 metres. They are should not be used to tie or stake dogs outside because designed to be dragged along the ground and are they will degrade. Short lines can be used indoors and are sometimes called draglines. It is important that particularly useful for gently persuading difficult dogs to get they are snag-resistant to prevent a running dog off sofas!

Slip from being stopped in its tracks and potentially Illuminated leashes increase the visibility of owners and leash damaging its neck. For this reason, I prefer to see pets when they are being walked on footpaths in the hours lines combined with harnesses and not collars. I of darkness. Illuminated leashes indicate to others where feel that lines should never be used with harnesses. The line needs to both the owner and the dog are, while illuminated collars only indicate slip across the ground or through vegetation and it should float on the position of the dog. water to avoid underwater snags. They should be as simple as possible Harnesses and leashes make perfect partners and play an important with no knots in the line or handles, which could increase the role in training pets and ensuring their wellbeing. Such important likelihood of snagging. For safety, the line should be of a bright colour products shouldn’t be overlooked and it pays to keep abreast of the so that it can be easily be seen by the owner and other pedestrians. latest styles and designs – if you’ll pardon the pun!

Veterinary consultant, David Chamberlain was a practicing vet for over 20 years and he was responsible for developing the first microchip pet door – the Microchip petporte smart flap. Today he is an advisor to PetSafe and his role includes collaboration with animal welfare organisations, contributing to PetSafe product and user guides and identifying opportunities for innovative pet products. PetSafe is an industry leader in pet training, containment, safety and lifestyle product solutions and the company’s product line up includes a wide selection of training products. For more information visit: www.petsafe.net

Supplier Listing Dapper: www.dapperpets.co.uk DoggyThings: www.doggythings.co.uk James & Steel: www.jamesandsteel.com Mirage Pet Products: www.miragepetproducts.com Natural Pet Products: www.naturalpetproductsltd.com Ortiga Products: www.ortigaproducts.com The Company of Animals: www.companyofanimals.co.uk

Sweet charity

Dog charities

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ary Sharrock, external relations director for Purina, says of the company’s work with Canine Partners: “Our business activities not only benefit our employees and shareholders, but also create value across society including pet owners, their families and local communities.” Although Canine Partners is not specifically involved in the care of dogs – instead providing training assistance dogs for the disabled – the rewards of supporting such a charity are clear.

Purina has been supporting Canine Partners since 2000, and like many other companies has recognised the benefits of helping good causes. It can enhance reputation among staff and customers, raise brand awareness and, according to research, “companies that nurture a culture of philanthropy are more profitable.”

Businesses can nurture this ‘culture’ in a number of ways whether through the donation of food and accessories, forming long-term associations with charities or stepping in to highlight a particular issue or cause.

Burns Pet Nutrition helps what it describes as “smaller charities which try to give unfortunates a second chance.’ Rowan Flindell at the company says: “Animal rescue charities do an amazing job and Burns supports some of the smaller charities in a variety of ways. We may provide regular donations of food or offer to support a single animal with particular problems until it can be rehomed. We also help to spread the message of how to be a responsible pet owner in the hope that this will eventually help reduce the number of animals in rescue.”

Manufacturer of pet tags Bow Wow Meow has formed close links with the charity Hope Rescue which secures rescue spaces for dogs throughout the UK that are held in local authority pounds. The company’s relationship with the charity began in September 2011, when Alison McGowan at Hope Rescue contacted the company asking for products that could be sold in an online auction. Marina Gower at Bow Wow Meow explains why she got involved with the charity: “As producers of pet identification tags we also promote responsible pet ownership and we agreed to donate all the tags Hope needed for the foster dogs.” Marina feels the relationship is mutually beneficial, adding, “as well as getting involved in a worthwhile charity, Hope will provide a link to our new website when we launch it next month, giving us great exposure to pet owners. We can then promote the charity so that more people become aware of the fantastic work they do.”

A Mintel report on charitable giving has shown that a lot of businesses prefer donating to smaller charities. It states: “Many are questioning how much money goes directly to the cause and local charities tend to be trusted more.” Many people also believe that “the large charities are bestknown among the general public and therefore are well-placed to attract donors.”

The problem for the larger organisations is that although they may be known to the wider public, they also take in vast numbers of animals. Dogs Trust is the UK’s biggest dog welfare charity and through its network of 17 rehoming centres across the UK cares for 16,000 dogs each year, which is clearly a costly business both in terms of feeding and veterinary bills.

A manufacturer of organic food for both dogs and cats, Lily’s Kitchen has been supporting Dogs Trust since the company was founded over three

Small charities making a big difference 1. Beagle Welfare: Established in 1979 in order to give help and advice on beagles and where necessary to rehome beagles whose owners are unable to do so.

2. Border Collie Trust: Exists to help collies in need and makes every effort to place them in suitable homes.

3. Great Dane Care: Based at a private kennels just outside Carmarthen, this volunteer-run charity specialises in the rescue and rehoming of Great Danes as well as offering advice and support to Great Dane owners across UK. 4. Jerry Green Dog Rescue: Nottinghamshire-based dog rescue centre established in 1961 that cares for and rehomes unwanted dogs.

5. K9 Crusaders of Cornwall: This volunteer-run registered charity works with, and for the dogs of Cornwall. After many years of not having an actual base they have finally got their own kennels which they opened at the end of 2010.

6. North West Golden Retriever Rescue: Based in Chorley, this independent rescue centre specialises in rehoming Golden Retrievers. Each dog is carefully assessed and potential homes are fully vetted before matches can be made.

7. Old English Sheepdog Rescue and Sanctuary: Based near Lancaster, this caring centre currently caters for around 25 Old English Sheepdogs, many of which are elderly or on medication.

8. Wiltshire Staffordshire Bull Terrier Rescue: Rehabilitates, retrains and re-homes Staffordshire Bull Terriers and works to promote the breed in a positive light. years ago. Katy Taylor says: “It’s a charity very close to our hearts as Dogs Trust has a non-destruction policy and will never put a healthy dog to sleep. We opened a pop-up diner for dogs in the run up to Christmas last year and instead of charging dogs for eating our food in the diner, we had several Dogs Trust collection boxes and asked that people donate instead.”

The company also supports lesser-known charities such as Jerry Green Dog Rescue and Beagle Welfare.

Whichever charity a business chooses to support, large or small, there can be no doubt that man’s loyal companion and one of the world’s most popular pets will continue to have strong appeal. As Purina’s Mary Sharrock concludes: “We understand how powerful the strong relationship and emotional bond that exists between a dog and owner can be. We also know that when we see and hear from current recipients how we have helped them to have a trained Canine Partner which has changed not only their lives, but also the lives of their families, it makes all of our employees very proud of our relationship and want to do more.”

Further information

In the second part of our feature focusing on animal welfare charities, we look at the ways companies and key players in the pet sector are helping dogs

Beagle Welfare: www.beagleadvice.org.uk Border Collie Trust: www.bordercollietrustgb.org.uk Dogs Trust: www.dogstrust.org.uk Great Dane Care: www.great-dane-care.org Hope Rescue: www.hoperescue.org.uk Jerry Green Dog Rescue: www.jerrygreendogs.org.uk K9 Crusaders of Cornwall: k9crusaders.blogspot.com North West Golden Retriever Rescue: www.retrieverrescue.net Old English Sheepdog Rescue and Sanctuary: 01524 242 220

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Animal behaviour

Animal behaviour

subordinate animal in Of all the bonds pets a household, he may be form, the closest is with used to being a follower, their owners, and David and may not know how says that not only do to make decisions on animals develop strong what to do. Such animals feelings for humans, they can also become quiet are also capable of acting and withdrawn, but it’s on these feelings. He not the same as grief.” cites the case of an Akita David, on the other Inu dog – a large breed hand, suggests that the popular in Japan – owned subtle changes in the

by Professor Ueno who Cambridge Pet Crematorium (CPC) dog’s behaviour are a worked at the University clear indication of loss. of Tokyo. Every day the He adds: “The fact that the younger dog does dog, called Hachiko, would accompany the not break down in tears following the death professor to the station and then walk home, of his companion is not a reliable indicator of returning again in the evening to meet his whether or not he feels a sense of grief,” it is owner’s train. When the professor suffered a evident from the change in his behaviour. heart attack and died, several attempts were Homeopathic veterinary practitioner John made to rehome Hachiko but he escaped, Saxon says that of all the animals kept as returned to the house he shared with the pets, cats are the most misunderstood, and professor and continued to visit the station there is a common misconception that they at the same time every day. The dog went on do not develop strong bonds with other pets to become something of a celebrity in Japan, in the household or their owners as they are being fed by commuters and continuing to perceived as “being intrinsically independent visit the Shibuya train station every day for and self-sufficient.” He says this independence the next 10 years. does not mean they are anti-social and they Many argue that the behaviour exhibited do, in fact, form social attachments with other by the dog was essentially habit – he was cats that may not be obvious to the casual simply continuing with the routine of going observer. “Cases occur where the death of to and from the station at a set time each a cat, apparently hated by another, leads to day. However, David says, “the one aspect grieving in the survivor worthy of losing the which strongly suggests that Hachiko was love of its life.” A survey by the American missing his owner is that he kept returning Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to to his original home, when attempts were Animals also found that cats exhibit physical made to move him to various other locations symptoms of bereavement such as eating less, in the city. While Hachiko may not have sleeping for longer periods and becoming appreciated what had actually happened to more vocal after the death of a companion cat.

Professor Ueno, a very clear case can be made

Faithful friends

Many owners form strong bonds with their pets and it would seem that these feelings are reciprocated, with companion animals capable of feeling loss and grief when separated from those they share their homes with

A

ccording to award-winning author David Alderton, “emotions in animals remain a controversial subject. Some people don’t believe animals are capable of feeling emotion generally, let alone grief.”

However, greater interest in this subject has prompted wider debate and serious, scientific studies are now offering some remarkable insights into animal behaviour.

In his recent book, David contends that not only are animals capable of experiencing a wide range of feelings including grief, there is now “indisputable evidence that this emotional awareness and capability exists in a number of species.” In humans, grief can manifest itself in a number of ways and one of the reasons many people refuse to accept that animals feel this emotion is we have a narrow interpretation of what constitutes grieving behaviour. As David explains;“the

fact they do not display significant, recognisable outpourings of emotion to us suggests that they are generally unaffected by this emotion.” Instead, what many animals

exhibit are more subtle changes in behaviour following the death of a companion.

It appears the capacity to experience grief is greater in domestic pets such as cats and dogs, as David explains: “Companion animals are a significant part of the daily lives of many people, with typically over half the households in the western world being home to at least one pet.” Not only can they form strong bonds with their owners, they also establish key relationships with the other animals in the household.

Many owners will have experienced the loss of a pet and also seen the impact this has on other animals in their household, especially where they have lived together over the course of several years. Vet and Telegraph columnist Peter Wedderburn argues that in the case of dogs, certain changes in behaviour have nothing to do with grief, but occur “if the dog has always been the Cambridge Pet Crematorium (CPC)

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Animal behaviour

to suggest that he was missing the person who was the central figure in his life, and, in effect, grieving for him.”

Perhaps the most famous example of animal loyalty, and what David describes as “a clear-cut display of actual grief,” is seen in the story of Greyfriars Bobby. The Skye terrier was owned by Edinburgh police officer John Gray and the two forged a close bond.

When Gray died of tuberculosis, he was buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard and Bobby took up residence on his grave. As David explains: “There was no reason for Greyfriars Bobby to remain close to the proximity of the churchyard, as it was not an area that he would have been well-acquainted with before his owner’s death.” Instead, he suggests that

Greyfriars Bobby

the dog was able to detect his owner’s scent and “adopted this area as his territory, getting as close to his owner as he possibly could.”

For many pet owners there is a strong need to believe the animals they share their homes with experience similar emotions as humans.

David readily admits that the cat lying on the tombstone may just be avoiding the damp grass caused by the early morning dew rather than mourning the loss of an owner.

However, studies are showing that animals do exhibit a heightened emotional state of awareness that affects their behaviour, and as David concludes, these recent discoveries “mean that we as a species can finally start to empathise with some of our fellow creatures under such circumstances.”

David Alderton is an awardwinning author who specialises in animal-related topics, with his books currently available in 30 languages.

He also broadcasts regularly in this field both on radio and television and is a regular contributor to a variety of newspapers and magazines. Animal Grief: How Animals Mourn is published

by Hubble & Hattie and is available from leading bookshops.

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Marine fish

Marine fish

Looking after marine fish stock

Left: Copperbanded Butterflyfish, Chelmon rostratus, a good example of a fish which will benefit from quarantine and attention to feeding

Tim Hayes looks at managing marine fish stock, in particular the importance of quarantine and remedial nutrition

T

he main difference between saltwater and freshwater fish is that the majority of freshwater fish are farmed whereas, with the exception of a handful of species, saltwater fish are wild-caught. Wild-caught fish are subjected to a greater number of stresses during the time between their capture and their arrival at your shop, which can have a profound influence on their survival in captivity. Correct handling by you and your staff can go a long way towards insuring marine fish live a long, healthy life in the aquarium, rather than dying within a couple of weeks of being imported.

Purpose of quarantine

The principal reason for quarantine is the isolation of newly-arrived livestock from the existing stock in your holding systems. Quarantine can be seen as a kind of insurance that works in two ways, protecting the health of your existing fish and the new additions.

During this resting period the organisms can acclimatise and recover from the stresses of the long chain of importation. Stress can cause a state of reduced fitness and

overwhelm the resilience of a fish, making it especially susceptible to existing pathogens in your system. New arrivals should be closely monitored during quarantine, treated when necessary and should not be offered for sale.

Malnutrition

Wild-caught marine fish can endure something of an ordeal while in the supply chain. In some areas of the world it may be 10 to 14 days from the time a fish is caught to its arrival at a holding facility. They can be subject to fluctuating temperatures and water conditions. Often, they are not fed during this time and this can have a damaging impact, depending on species and maturity leading to a definite need for a period of rest and recuperation on arrival in the UK. Don’t expect your supplier to have allowed the fish time to recover body mass, or to have put them through quarantine. If you want your customer to be successful and not become disillusioned with the hobby – as fish after fish is lost within a few weeks of purchase – you need to allow time for your stock to recuperate before putting them on sale.

Above: Yellow tang, Zebrasoma flavescens

Quarantine procedures

Quarantine tanks should be separated from the water circulation of all other systems in your facility and placed away from the public eye wherever possible (as customers can cause additional stress). In most cases, proper quarantine requires an additional system to be set up. Depending on turnover and/or size of your facility, the acclimatisation tanks can also be used for quarantine purposes. Alternatively, empty tanks on your holding system can be used, but only if they can be isolated from your existing stock.A quarantine tank is similar to a ‘normal’ tank and requires only simple equipment: • • • • • •

A biological filtration system Pumps to ensure water flow UV or ozone sterilisation Temperature regulation Lighting Protein skimmer and additional aeration (these are optional).

Hiding grounds should also be provided but should be simple and not interfere with daily observation and sanitation. Water parameters should be similar to the water

quality in the general holding system and be regularly monitored with corrective action taken when found to be out of tolerance.

Supplies such as nets to handle the organisms during the quarantine period should be dedicated to those tanks and regularly disinfected after use. In general, the system should be easy to clean after the quarantine cycle of one shipment.

Quarantine process

1. Depending on whether you use the acclimatisation tanks for quarantine, all organisms should be transferred after acclimatisation to quarantine tanks.

2. New arrivals from different suppliers should be separated into different quarantine systems.

3. Incompatible organisms should be separated to prevent fighting and stress.

4. During quarantine, the condition and behaviour of the organisms should be closely monitored. When organisms show signs of disease and/or distress they should be isolated for treatment in hospitalisation tanks. An accurate diagnosis will help to determine the most effective treatment.

5. Depending on their dietary needs, all organisms should be fed at least daily.

6. The system and tanks should be kept clean and appropriate water quality should be maintained.

Duration of quarantine

New arrivals should be rested for a minimum of 48 hours or until normal behaviour and feeding patterns resume.

Only organisms that are free from signs of disease and distress should be transferred to the holding/display tanks and offered for sale.

Many disease-causing parasites need several weeks to complete their life cycle so signs of disease may not be immediately visible and an extended quarantine period is recommended. For example, based on the commonly encountered parasitic disease Cryptocaryon irritans (marine whitespot) a suggested quarantine period of 60 days, roughly twice its lifecycle, would be indicated. There has to be a balance between the benefits to your business and the economic realities, but the longer the quarantine period, the more confident you can be in the health of the animals you sell.

Retailers should also inform their customers about the benefits of quarantine to give the animals the best chance of long-term survival after purchase. After each cycle of quarantine, and between uses, the tanks should be drained, carefully cleaned and disinfected. A mild chlorine bleach solution can be used or a proprietary disinfectant. Whichever you choose, all disinfectant residue needs to be rinsed off thoroughly before re-use and, if possible, the tanks should be dried.

Attention to quarantine procedures will prevent fish dying unnecessarily and go some small way towards reducing our impact on the reefs. You will also properly address your responsibilities under the Animal Welfare Act of 2006; save both you and your customers money; and help the customer avoid the disappointment of losing fish stock that often leads to people leaving the hobby.

Supplier Listing Midland Reefs: www.midlandreefs.co.uk Tropical Marine Centre: www.tmc-ltd.co.uk

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Events

Events

Images: PATS Sandown 2011

21 - 22 January Edmonton Pet Expo Edmonton EXPO Centre Edmonton, Alberta, Canada www.petexpo.ca

12 - 13 February Anido Kortrijk Xpo, Courtray, Belgium www.anido.be

11 - 15 April

Zoo Russia Professional Crocus Expo, Krasnogorsk, Moscow, Russia www.zoorussia.ru

WSAVA / FECAVA / BSAVA World Congress The ICC & NIA Birmingham www.bsava.com

29 February - 2 March

20 - 23 April

5 - 6 September

Global Pet Expo Orange County Convention Center Orlando, Florida, United States www.globalpetexpo.org

World of Pet Supplies Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hong Kong www.hktdc.com

PetEx The Burlington Hotel Dublin, Republic of Ireland www.petex.ie

9 - 11 March

17 - 20 May

11 - 13 September

PROPET IFEMA, Madrid, Spain www.ifema.es

Interzoo Exhibition Centre Nuremberg Nuremberg, Germany www.interzoo.com/en

SuperZoo Mandalay Bay Convention Center Las Vegas, Nevada, United States www.superzoo.org

24 - 26 June

16 - 17 September

ExpoZoo Eurexpo Lyon, Lyons, France www.expozoo.com

PATS Harrogate International Centre Harrogate, Yorkshire www.patshow.co.uk

17 - 19 February

20 - 21 March PATS Sandown Park, Esher, Surrey www.patshow.co.uk

10 - 12 April ZooVetExpo International Exhibition Center Kiev, Ukraine www.zoovetexpo.com

28 - 29 June Mexico Pet Expo Expo Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico www.mexicopetexpo.com

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Classified

D I R E C TO RY AQUATIC LIVESTOCK

AQUATICS

Pond sealer

Advertise your Business Here.

Call our sales team now on 01206 767 797

SMALL ANIMAL LIVESTOCK

SMALL ANIMAL Bedding

For advertising details and to download the latest issue please visit www.petgazette.biz

66

Voice on the highstreet

Voice on the highstreet Nicola Gill of

Gills & Gecko’s, St Austell, Cornwall

Gills and Gecko’s specialises in exotic pets – what made you choose to go down this route? Is it a profitable market at the moment?

We specialise in exotic pets because it’s a rapidly expanding area of the pet trade and is an area we have a keen interest in. There is limited knowledge about keeping these types of animals within mainstream pet shops, and we believe that having specialised knowledge enables us to provide prospective customers with all the information and the equipment specific to the animals’ requirements – it is not a case of one vivarium suits all. It is proving to be profitable for us because we have the expertise to ensure repeat custom.

What’s your personal background?

Mike and I have been keeping exotic animals as pets since we were first married some 19 years ago. We have a large personal collection of snakes and lizards, which also includes some of the breeding stock to supply the shop with captive-bred reptiles.

Since opening the business, we also now own some unusual mammals such as skunks, raccoons, palm civets and coatimundi.

How did you first get into the business?

Mike has worked in the pet trade for several years; firstly as a store assistant in a local pet shop, then as the manager of a tropical fish warehouse. It was then that we decided we wanted our own shop.

Although you have a website, you’re not currently selling online.

Is this something you’ve thought about for the future? How do you think the web has affected the pet trade?

We have thought about selling dry goods on the internet and will probably do so in the future, but the sale of livestock and their transportation to various parts of the country is not an option for us.

The internet has improved the industry, as customers can access the information they require about various different species.

Is St Austell a good place to trade? Why? Fortunately for us, St Austell is near to a variety of holiday destinations in Cornwall and we have been lucky to have had repeat customers from as far away as Sheffield! As we are so specialised, we cover most of the county, partly because we are almost in the centre of Cornwall.

What’s selling well at the moment?

Bearded dragons, cornsnakes and leopard geckos always seem to be the most popular and consistent in sales, as they are considered to be a starter pet in the reptile world. However, we are also doing well with higher-end snakes, such as the jungle jag carpet python.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Whenever we get new animals in that we’ve never stocked before, we’re like a couple of kids at Christmas!

Finally, what advice would you give to someone hoping to follow in your footsteps?

If anyone is thinking about selling exotics pets, they need to ensure they know what the animals need and do their research, as there is so much conflicting information out there.

Start with the most common species, as they are the bread and butter of the business.