Pet Gazette September 2012

PET GAZETTE September 2012

www.petgazette.biz

Under fire Keeping pets calm during fireworks night

ISSN 2046-7303

Gunning for success Getting the best out of working dogs

A selection of Christmas gifts to get in stock for the coming season A game of two halves Looking ahead to the second of the PATS shows at the Harrogate International Centre

A prickly subject With interest in exotic species growing, do animals such as pygmy hedgehogs make ideal pets?

September 2012

PET GAZETTE

This month

September 2012 Contents Roundup

4

Three minute interview

5

The latest news from the industry Michael McVay, director, Natural Instinct Ltd

New appointments

10

Taking stock

12

Gunning for success

20

Pastures new for professionals in the pet trade An innovative and varied range of pet products Owners of gun dogs demand a lot from their animals and here we look at the range of foods and accessories to keep them in optimum condition

Under fire

28

Golden years

33

A RAW deal for rabbits

36

Glad to be grey

41

A prickly subject

44

No time like the present

50

A game of two halves

56

Getting a pond ready for winter

70

The goose that lays government a golden egg

75

Keeping animals calm around firework season is crucial for their health and wellbeing and Roly Boughton of Dorwest Herbs looks at some of the ways that owners can help their pets at this stressful time Improved nutrition is helping pets to live longer and healthier lives, as Michael Bellingham, chief executive of the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association, discovers With Rabbit Awareness Week taking place this month, the animals’ health and welfare comes under the spotlight as Ray O’Mahony discusses how best to care for them This month, Deanna Selby focuses her attention on the older residents of Dogs Trust and the special attention they need There is a growing interest in more unusual species of pets, and we assess how suited the pygmy hedgehog is to the home environment A preview of the latest Christmas gift ideas to get in stock for the festive season Now split into two distinct trade events, we look at what lies ahead this September in Harrogate with the second of the PATS shows Lucy Bearman, aquatics brand manager at Interpet, offers advice on best practice pond care, whatever the weather Chief executive of OATA Keith Davenport addresses the issue of full cost recovery measures and their impact on the aquatics sector

Focus on…fish tank equipment

Karen Cooper, Fin & Fur, Bishop’s Stortford

PET GAZETTE

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eptember looks set to be a busy month, as many of you gear up for the second of the PATS exhibitions in Harrogate. The decision to split this show into two separate events seems to have paid off, as organiser Annie Dyke explained ahead of the show.

She commented: “PATS’ original, dualvenue concept remains so that the trade can choose whether to exhibit at or visit a northbased show, a southern show – or both. But the spring/autumn dual-season split is also being enthusiastically welcomed because it offers the opportunity for product launches timed specifically for each very different season.” Pet Gazette will be attending so please come and see us at stand C19.

This month also sees the promotion of Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW), the annual event created to educate the public about rabbit welfare. Although rabbits are the third most popular pet in the UK, there still remains a great deal of misinformation about their care, particularly regarding housing and feeding. Official RAW partners such as Burgess Excel, the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund (RWAF) and animal welfare charities all aim to share their expertise during the week. Our own columnist and veterinary surgeon Ray O’ Mahony also offers his advice on rabbit welfare and how retailers can ensure customers take away the message of responsible ownership.

I hope you enjoy the issue.

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This month Callum Gildart discovers the appeal of fish-keeping and the range of equipment needed to successfully pursue this growing hobby

Voice on the highstreet

Editor’s letter

Sam Guiry sam@petgazette.biz

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September 2012

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4

Roundup

PET GAZETTE Established 2008

Managing Editor

Louise Hoffman louise@petgazette.biz Editor

Sam Guiry

New petition for better rabbit welfare Hon Caroline Spelman is petitioning to have the law changed so that better protection is provided for rabbits. According to the RSPCA rabbits are the most neglected and, according to the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund (RWAF), the most abandoned animal in Britain.

The petition calls for breeders to be inspected and licensed, and for rabbits to be provided with a sizeable run, adhering to RWAF standards, attached to their hutch. For more information and to sign the petition visit: www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/hon-caroline-spelman-change-the-law-to-provide-better-protection-forrabbits?utm_campaign=share_tsource=share_petition&utm_term=6346843

sam@petgazette.biz Editorial Assistant

Callum Gildart callum@petgazette.biz Deputy Production Editor

Lewis Bowes copy@petgazette.biz Group Advertisement Manager

Kelly Smith kelly@petgazette.biz Advertisement Manager

Julie-Ann Kwok julie@petgazette.biz Accounts

Maureen Scrivener accounts@petgazette.biz Customer Services

01206 767 797 customers@mulberrypublications.co.uk Contributing writers

Michael Bellingham, Lucy Bearman, Roly Boughton, Keith Davenport, Ray O’Mahony, Deanna Selby Front cover image

Nick Ridley Photography Design

Arthouse Publishing Solutions Ltd 01394 410 490 contact@arthousepublishing.co.uk

ISSN 2046-7303 Pet Gazette is published monthly by:

Mulberry Publications Ltd, Wellington House, Butt Road, Colchester CO3 3DA Tel: 01206 767 797 Fax: 01206 767 532

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.

September 2012

Burns Pet Nutrition wins conservation award

Rabbit Awareness Week 2012

Burns Pet Nutrition has won the RSPB Telegraph Nature of Farming Award for Wales 2012.

The annual competition recognises the positive work of farmers who use sympathetic farming methods to create wildlife habitat.

John and Tegwen Burns purchased the land that makes up Penlan Farm six years ago to produce seasonal vegetables and free-range eggs for Burns Pet Nutrition’s Penlan Farm moist dog food range. In 2009, with the assistance of the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) Cymru, the company started an on-going programme of conservation work at the farm.

Farm secretary Rowan Flindall said: “The introduction of crops which are not common to Carmarthenshire farms, along with the creation and restoration of wildlife habitat, has encouraged a much more diverse wildlife population. The benefit of the farm team’s hard work has been clearly illustrated by the increasing numbers of overwintering farmland birds and raptors, a thriving and diverse insect population and the reemergence of a number of unusual native plant species.”

As well as FWAG, Burns works with a number of conservation partners and advisors including RSPB Cymru, Butterfly Conservation, the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, Plantlife and the Botanical Society of the British Isles.

The award was presented to Burns’ managing director and owner John Burns by the Welsh Government Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Alun Davies, and the director of RSPB Cymru, Katie-Jo Luxton, at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show.

This year’s Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW), dedicated to educating the pet-owning public about rabbits, will begin on 15 September.

Behind dogs and cats, rabbits are the UK’s third most popular pet.

Despite this there are still myths and misconceptions about how best to care for them.

RAW was created to allow rabbit experts such as vets, pet retailers, welfare charities and manufacturers to work together to inform and educate people about proper rabbit care and welfare during a dedicated week.

During the event, thousands of vets across the UK offer free health clinics for local rabbits and their owners. In addition, many retailers and rescue centres will run fun and educational activities to spread the word about how to get the most out of pet rabbits by keeping them happy and healthy.

For more information visit www.rabbitawarenessweek.co.uk

Dear Editor

Re: Crown Pet Foods’ decision to pull out of Pet Food Wholesalers We would like to collectively express our disappointment at the recent decision by Jean-Lin Pelatan to withdraw Royal Canin and James Wellbeloved brands from the pet specialist wholesale channel.

We have supported Crown with an impeccable route to market over the last 12 years and during this time they have supported us with great products, fantastic promotions and excellent point of sale, which makes the decision even harder to understand.

We would like to reassure our trade customers that we will do everything possible to support them during the transitional period in November and that our service level for all of the other products we wholesale will be maintained.

Yours faithfully, Armstrong Richardson Ltd Bones South West Ltd HG Gladwell & Sons Ltd R&B Pet Supplies Ltd R&E Bamford Ltd Su-Bridge Pet Supplies Ltd Trust Pet Products Ltd

PET GAZETTE

Roundup

Award for pet sector manager

Three minute interview

Pet industry worker Terri Roberts has been shortlisted for a prize at the Specsavers everywoman in Retail Awards.

Terri, HR manager at north-Wales-based pet, agricultural and equine retalier Farm and Pet Place, has been chosen as a finalist in the ‘Leader of the Year in a business with a turnover under £200 million’ category.

Maxine Benson MBE, co-founder of everywoman, the UK’s largest community of women in business, states: “Retail is the largest private sector employer in the UK, and is evolving rapidly with many more job opportunities transpiring through the explosion of online shopping. These finalists demonstrate that, despite the challenging economic climate, determination, hard work and leadership can underpin commercial success, and they are a shining example to others looking to make their mark.”

Campaign launched to celebrate working dogs A PetNet-led campaign celebrating the work undertaken by dogs will launch in September.

Titled ‘Celebrating Empawees’, the campaign is a chance for all exceptional dogs, from police dogs to assistance dogs, to receive recognition from the PetNet community and beyond.

Lee Greatbatch, who represented Team GB at the Paralympics in Beijing, said: “The constant presence of my guide dog Darby has helped me reach the point in my sporting career where I am able to represent my country and show myself for my abilities and not my disability”.

Celebrating Empawees will be showcased on www.petnet.co.uk, with the first 30 dogs to feature in the campaign receiving a goody bag from Royal Canin. To nominate a dog, email dean@petnet.co.uk with the dog’s name, owner’s details and an overview of the dog’s role.

Star-studded line-up for Collars & Coats Ball 2012 Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has announced that its annual Collars & Coats Gala Ball 2012 will be hosted

by Paul O’Grady MBE and Amanda Holden on 8 November.

The Collars & Coats Gala Ball is a fundraising event that celebrates Battersea Dogs & Cats Home’s work in the field of animal welfare. A whole host of stars will be in attendance at the event, to be held at Battersea Evolution, such as Gary Lineker, Joanna Page, James Thornton, Paul Ross, Esther Rantzen, Dame Jacqueline Wilson, Stella McCartney and many others. Guests will have the opportunity to bid on an array of exclusive auctions and luxury prizes donated

by Battersea Dogs & Cats Home supporters.

Dates for your diary 16-17 September

11-14 October

PATS Harrogate Harrogate IC www.patshow.co.uk

Pet Fair Asia Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center www.petfairasia.com

17-19 September Glee The Garden Retail Show Birmingham NEC www.gleebirmingham.com

PET GAZETTE

10-11 November Aquatics Live London Olympia www.aquatics-live.com

Michael McVay, director, Natural Instinct Ltd Describe yourself in three words Driven – insomniac – control-freak.

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

Rich and famous (doesn’t everybody?)

– for the obvious reasons!

What was the first music album you bought?

Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon (now I feel really old!).

What was your first job?

Dishwasher at a pizza restaurant.

What is the best advice you have been given?

It’s the small things that matter in life.

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

Patience – good things take time.

How did you get into the pet trade?

Raw feeding saved the life of our dog, Maggie, and as no-one was making the food we wanted commercially, we started Natural Instinct.

Who has been the biggest inspiration to you in your professional life?

Maggie! She’s been through so much and yet is still so lovable and trusting.

What are you hoping to achieve at Natural Instinct?

To encourage pet owners to start thinking about what they actually feed their cats and dogs, rather than taking the convenient option and buying a bag off a shelf without even reading the ingredients.

Do you have any pets?

Yes – four dogs! Maggie, our Welsh terrier; Ruby, our rescued brown Doberman; Blou, our Rhodesian Ridgeback; and our latest addition to the pack, Lily the Chihuahua.

September 2012

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6

Roundup

BVA welcomes report addressing welfare change The Advisory Council on the Welfare Issues of Dog Breeding has recently published a report that sets out eight priority welfare problems.

British Veterinary Association (BVA) president Carl Padgett said: “We welcome the Dog Advisory Council’s report, which highlights key welfare issues of dog breeding and makes sound, practical recommendations for addressing them.”

The eight issues addressed were ocular problems linked to head conformation; breathing difficulty linked to head conformation; syringomyelia and chiari-like malformation; idiopathic epilepsy; heart disease with a known or suspected inherited basis; breed-related and inherited skin conditions; limb defects (including hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia); and separation-related behaviour.

“The Dog Advisory Council has covered these high priority concerns in some detail.

I am pleased that the recommendations give strong support to screening programmes including the BVA/KC schemes for hip and elbow dysplasia and syringomyelia and that they suggest ocular examination under the BVA/KC/ISDS eye scheme should be regarded as routine for all dogs used for breeding,” Mr Padgett continued.

“I am also delighted that the council has recognised the value of using a reputable puppy contract, highlighting the puppy contract and puppy information pack (PIP) recently launched by the BVA Animal Welfare Foundation and RSPCA. The contract and PIP arm buyers with the knowledge to give themselves the best chance of getting a fit, healthy and happy, well-socialised pet to join their household, and they have been designed to help good breeders demonstrate the care and attention they have devoted to their puppies’ breeding and upbringing.

“We must all continue to work together to address these welfare challenges and keep up the momentum to improve dog breeding.”

Westminster Dog of the Year competition opens Parliament is abuzz as voting for the most keenly contested competition on the ‘pawlitical’ calendar, Westminster Dog of the Year, opens to the public online.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the competition that sees the dogs of MPs battle it out to be crowned Westminster Dog of the Year. Organised by Dogs Trust and the Kennel Club, the event will be held on 25 October at Victoria Tower Gardens, Westminster.

MPs will use social media to rally support from their constituents and encourage them to vote for their canine companion. Public votes will contribute to the final decision, together with the high-speed doggie dash and competition judging.

To find out more about the event and vote for your Westminster Dog of the Year, visit www.thekennelclub.org.uk/ westminsterdogoftheyear

September 2012

Pimp my Business The fourth International Pet Conference, to be held in Prague from 13 to 14 November, has been titled ‘Pimp my Business’.

Leading manufacturers and retailers from the pet product industry are expected to come together to present their numerous practice models to their peers and discuss whether distinctive business concepts from other sectors could be implemented within the pet sector. One speaker already booked to appear at the conference is president and CEO of Rolf C Hagen Rolf Hagen Jr. Last year’s winner Wilberforce and his owner Neil Parish MP.

For further information go to www.pet-global.com/conference

PET GAZETTE

PET GAZETTE

September 2012

8

Roundup

Dear Editor As the leading company in the UK manufacturing veterinary herbal medicines and dietary supplements for dogs and cats, we were naturally very interested to read Ray O’Mahony’s article on ‘Healing Herbs’ (August 2012), but would like to correct some misinformation it contained that may have confused readers.

The article incorrectly states that “the herbal products industry is totally unregulated”. Dietary supplements based on herbal ingredients have to conform to the EU Regulation 767/2009 where they fall in the classification of ‘complementary feeds’ and this relatively new piece of EU legislation has quite specific requirements on safety, labelling, packaging, presentation and importantly on the marketing of these products.

Unfortunately the majority of the dietary supplements available in the animal health market do not conform to these regulations, and while this may give the impression they are unregulated, they certainly should conform to the requirements laid down in this legislation, although it does not require any particular quality of ingredients to be guaranteed.

The article also states that “Older licensing requirements were almost non-existent, so choosing a licensed products is of no benefit…”. All licensed veterinary herbal medicines on the market – and we hold the majority of these licences – were indeed authorised some 30 or more years ago, but they were all fully reviewed fairly recently by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) to ensure they conform with modern standards of quality, safety and efficacy.

It is only licensed medicines that have to conform to strict standards on the quality of ingredients and, most importantly for the retailer and consumer, all incidences of side effects or adverse reactions that occur are recorded and reported. This is the aspect of veterinary medicine that is of greatest concern to the general public – and perhaps one of the reasons that many choose herbal products in the first place – so, it is reassuring to know that the information that ourselves and all pharmaceutical companies report to the VMD with regard to side effects is monitored on an on-going basis and is freely available to the public on the VMD website. For dietary supplements this information is not required to be recorded or reported.

Yours sincerely Mary Boughton, MBE, FRSA Quality Control Director Dorwest Herbs Ltd

Give Your Dog a Bone 2012 winners are announced The winners of Drontal’s nationwide competition, Give Your Dog a Bone, have been announced.

Over 700 entries were received over the course of the three-month competition, launched to celebrate Drontal’s new bone-shaped worming tablets, with the overall winner, Haatchi, chosen by a panel of judges that included TV vet Emma Milne.

Group product manager at Bayer Animal Health Dan White said: “After a tough decision-making process, the judging panel decided Haatchi stood out from the competition. The remarkable story behind Haatchi’s survival and the equally remarkable family into which he has been adopted, are a shining example of the special bond dogs share with their owners.”

Haatchi, an Anatolian Shepherd, was deliberately tied to a railway line and hit by a train earlier in his life. He survived at the cost of his left rear leg and tail and was eventually fostered by a company called Dogs and Kisses before being adopted by Colleen Drummond. Colleen’s fiancée, Will, has a disabled six-year-old son, Owen, and Haatchi is his constant companion.

After seeing the positive impact Haatchi had on Owen, his father, an RAF engineer, believed that Haatchi could have a role to play as a therapy dog for wounded veterans.

Haatchi now works alongside Help For Heroes and is training to become a Pets as Therapy dog.

As winner of the top dog award, Haatchi received a ‘Bonies’ award, £1,000 holiday vouchers, an HD camcorder worth £200, £50 of Marks & Spencer vouchers and one year’s supply of Drontal. All runners up received £25 of Marks & Spencer vouchers as well as one year’s supply of Drontal.

September 2012

Decision to split show has been met with Glee With Glee announcing the end to its co-location deal with the Pet Care Trade Association (PCTA), the new look Glee Garden Retail Show will open its doors to the public for the first time on 17 September.

This two day-event – to be held at Birmingham’s NEC – should prove to be an ideal forum for garden retailers and the outdoor leisure industry to do business.

Alongside the garden furniture, leisure products, gift and clothing manufacturers, pet products will also be showcased.

Glee event director Nick Davison said: “Petcare represents a valuable and growing sales opportunity for the thousands of garden centres, online retailers, DIY retailers, supermarkets and high street names that Glee attracts. We therefore decided to integrate pet product suppliers in our main Glee exhibition, rather than in a separate Petindex show aimed at pet retailers.”

As well as the thousands of new products and big name brands there is also a Food and Catering Zone; a Knowledge Hub, offering business guidance; the Shop Window to spot the next bestseller; and the Trend Tunnel to help you stay ahead of the game.

For further information go to www.gleebirmingham.com

PET GAZETTE

PET GAZETTE

September 2012

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New appointments

New appointments Pastures new for professionals in the pet trade Pooch & Mutt Sophia Crate-Fox has moved from the Company of Animals to Pooch & Mutt, where she will be working in the role of sales executive. Sophia will be present on Pooch & Mutt’s stand at the upcoming PATS show in Harrogate. “I am extremely excited to start this new role at Pooch and Mutt,” she said. “I want to grow with this young, dynamic company and share its enthusiasm, ambition and determination to bring the best products to the pet industry.” Guy Blaskey, Pooch & Mutt MD, added: “It’s great to have Sophia on board. We are growing really quickly both in the UK and abroad but the more that we are selling through wholesalers, the more we risk losing direct contact with our trade customers. Part of Sophia’s job is to make sure that we do get as much contact as possible, ensuring people have the up-to-date product range and promotional materials.”

GA Pet Food Partners GA Pet Food Partners has strengthened its Platinum team with the appointment of Alison Molton, who joins as account manager for the east of England and southern Ireland. With 15 years’ experience in the pet trade, Alison will be focused on the development of existing own label pet stores, including staff training, which helps pet shops promote the benefits of their own label pet food range. “The pet food sector is starting to undergo some fundamental changes in brand and distribution and I am excited to see how GA’s many private label options will help to give the market different opportunities during this period of change,” Alison said.

Healthy Paws Ltd Healthy Paws is delighted to announce the appointment of Louise Gibson to strengthen the sales and marketing team. Louise, who has a degree in zoology, will be responsible for the development of the company’s sales on a nationwide basis. Louise has experience of marketing in both traditional and online formats and brings with her excellent IT skills. Louise, who owns three labradors, said: “I have always had a passion for animals, particularly dogs and their nutritional needs and Healthy Paws is an ideal opportunity as the company shares this same enthusiasm.” Lisa Horne, managing director of Healthy Paws, said: “We are delighted Louise has joined us, she has a great knowledge and desire for canine nutrition and I am sure she will be a great asset to our team and help in developing our brand awareness.”

Pet Republic Pet Republic has announced Paul DaCosta as the company’s new sales and marketing manager. Paul has over 30 years’ experience in the sales field – the majority of which came in his role as senior sales manager at Harrods. As sales and marketing manager, Paul will oversee Pet Republic’s name change to Pet Rebellion in October. Paul will also be responsible for strategic thinking, product development, brand quality and the study of consumer buying habits.

Veterinary Thermal Imaging Veterinary Thermal Imaging (VTI) has welcomed Anna Schumann as its new thermographer for the county of Surrey. A registered veterinary nurse, Anna has been involved with the veterinary profession for the past 20 years in a variety of different roles – most recently in critical care at a specialist referral hospital. VTI says becoming a thermographer allows Anna to combine her experience and knowledge in both clinical cases and business with the company’s state-of-the-art technology. “We are thrilled to have Anna join the team,” said Helen Morrell, managing director of VTI. “Anna comes from a veterinary background and this – combined with the in-depth training that she’s received to become a VTI thermographer – means that she’s incredibly well-equipped to provide an exceptional service for all species of animals in the Surrey area. We’re really pleased to have Anna as part of VTI.” Has someone recently joined or moved to a new role within your company? You can send the details and a photo to callum@petgazette.biz

September 2012

PET GAZETTE

PET GAZETTE

September 2012

12

Taking stock

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Mars Petcare ‘Follow Your Passion’, the latest Eva Longoria-led advertising campaign from Sheba, has been launched to coincide with the release of new products to the super-premium cat food market. The latest products have been designed to give cat owners greater variety in the superpremium cat food market and comprise three fish-based varieties and three meatbased varieties. The fish selection is made up of Tender Terrine with tuna; Tender Terrine with salmon; and cod in jelly, while the meat range includes rabbit in gravy; Tender Terrine with beef and beef in jelly.

The new Terrine fusion texture for poultry and fish will be launched in the superpremium pouch format.

Information: Retailers are advised to contact their Mars Petcare field sales representative

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The Canny Collar The Canny Collar is a training collar that can teach your dog to eventually walk on a simple collar and lead with no pulling. As easy as fitting a dog’s regular collar, the Canny Collar is kind, safe and free of complicated instruction. By moving the slip line on and off a dog’s nose as required, the dog can be taught through repetition not to pull. Each Canny Collar comes with a lifetime guarantee.

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Pet Munchies Pet Munchies is a range of 100 per cent natural dog and cat treats made from human-grade meat and fish. The premium healthy treats are naturally low in fat and roasted in their own juices, with no artificial additives, preservatives, colourings or flavours.

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Information: +34 622 408 688, info@cannyco.com or www.cannyco.com

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

Omlet Qute is the latest animal house designed by Omlet, creator of the Eglu urban chicken coop. The company says: “Qute is a sophisticated home for hamsters, gerbils and mice that’s designed so that cleaning takes less than a minute. It is both an innovative pet house and piece of contemporary furniture, therefore providing an ideal habitat for small furry pets that’s perfectly suited to any modern living space.”

More than just a pet home, it provides a surface for books, toys, picture frames, and other items, further integrating it into a room.

Information: 0845 450 2056, info@omlet.co.uk or www.omlet.co.uk

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Almo Nature Almo Nature has developed what it describes as “the first cat food made with 100 per cent human-grade raw materials and 55 per cent fresh meat, with no animal by-products or artificial ingredients.” Almo Nature’s Rouge Label Dry is a highly palatable food that’s suitable for cats with selective taste buds. The new pack sizes of 105 grams and 750 grams allow owners to rotate between different flavours and types of proteins.

Information: www.almonature.co.uk

September 2012

PET GAZETTE

Taking stock

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Bern Pet Foods ACANA has reformulated its popular Regionals range to include more fresh meat and fresh fruit and vegetables.

The updated range sees the addition of red lentils as a low glycaemic carbohydrate to deliver a biologicallyappropriate source of energy and fibre. The Regionals range remains 60 per cent meat and 40 per cent fruit but now includes a higher level of fresh ingredients, which are all steam-cooked in their own natural juices. The formulation changes mean that the level of naturallyoccurring chondroitin is higher and the level of fibre is increased resulting in improved digestive health.

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Superia Superia’s hosted ecommerce and website system is easy to use and has all of the tools needed to run a successful online shop or website without technical knowledge or experience.

The system includes free stylish templates for a quick start-up time and access to Superia’s design services. The software is search engine-friendly and is built, hosted and supported in the UK. Crossgrade services are available for site owners unhappy with their current system.

Information: 0800 228 9150 or www.superiacommerce.co.uk

Information: 01737 767 679 or www.bernpetfoods.co.uk

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Town & Country Covers EzyDog is known for its high quality products that come in a great range of colours. Two new colours have now been added to the product range – Blaze Orange for the safety-conscious and, for the fashion victims, Candy Stripe. The colours are available across EzyDog’s whole range of leashes, harnesses and collars.

The complete range of EzyDog products will be on show at stand H27, PATS Harrogate.

Information: 023 9247 4711 or emma@townandcountrycovers.com

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Law Print Pack Having recently helped Symply Pet Foods launch its new range of food; Law Print Pack has now aided Canagan, a British-made, grain-free pet food that has been designed to offer pets a food closer to a dog’s ancestral diet. Rich in meat and full of biologically-appropriate nutrients, Law Print Pack has taken the food and encased it in what it describes as “matt finished packaging with metallised film.” It says: “This healthy pet food is designed to challenge premium pet foods, while its packaging is designed to impress.”

Information: 0161 440 7302 or www.lawprintpack.co.uk

PET GAZETTE

September 2012

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Taking stock

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Burgess Pet Care Burgess Pet Care is launching a brand new range of gourmet dog food treats under its Burgess Sensitive Brand. Burgess’s Gourmet Treats range consists of three semi-moist recipes, each made with 75 per cent real meat or fish. The treats also include functional ingredients that can aid a dog’s overall health. Richard Rockett from Burgess Pet Care says: “We are incredibly excited about this new range. It’s not enough for the products to be hypoallergenic; they need to be highly palatable as well. We’re confident that the Gourmet Treats range will be popular.”

Information: 01780 483 311

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Pet Republic Due to confusion with another company’s trading style, Pet Republic is changing its name to Pet Rebellion Ltd. The change, which will come into formal affect in October, won’t affect the company’s existing brand image, products and customer service reputation. The management and staff will continue to provide the same products on which Pet Republic has built its reputation. New product ranges will be on show at PATS, stand D12/hall C. Information: 01635 31400 or www.petrepublic.co.uk

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KONG KONG’s popular Stuff ’n Snacks now come in brand new packaging.

Made from high quality natural ingredients, KONG’s liver snacks are available in a range of sizes that are all shaped to fit into the brand’s toys, which have been recommended by vets, behaviourists and dog trainers. KONG snacks are perfect for reward-based training and anytime treats.

Information: 0800 369 8654 or www.kongcompany.com

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Skinner’s “Our unique new dog food – 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,” says Skinner’s. Completely hypoallergenic – free from wheat, maize, barley, soya and dairy products, with no artificial additives, flavourings or preservatives – the food has been specially formulated to be sensitive on a dog’s digestion.

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

September 2012

PET GAZETTE

PET GAZETTE

September 2012

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Taking stock

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Recticel Mini-Max, a new pet bed brand, will launch at PATS 2012 in Harrogate.

The Mini-Max team has over 40 years’ experience in producing handmade beds for some of the UK’s largest retailer chains. All Mini-Max pet beds are made and, where possible, sourced in the UK. Mini-Max pet beds are available in four ranges: Outdoor/Active; Indoor/Plush; Small and Furry; and Senior, all of which are designed to suit owner and pet needs based on practicality, lifestyle and comfort. The Mini-Max beds will be on stand F29 at the show.

Information: minimax@recticel.com

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Wonderdog Sneyd’s Wonderfeeds Ltd will imminently be moving to its new site in Scunthorpe. “The site will give the company more flexibility to maintain the standard of service our customers have grown to expect,” remarked managing director Phil Judson. The new space will enable Sneyd’s to concentrate on new products in the pipeline for release next year. With the new site comes new packaging, giving Sneyd’s Wonderfeeds a complete new image as it moves forward.

Information: 01405 740 428 or www.wonderdog.co.uk

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Burns Pet Nutrition Burns Pet Nutrition has announced the launch of a complete new look for its dry dog food range. The new range will be on show at PATS and filter out to stockists from mid-September. The company says: “It isn’t just the bags that have been updated. Straightforward new product categories and more easily understood product names will make choosing the perfect product simpler for you and your customers. One thing that hasn’t changed is our formulations, which will continue to provide the same high quality nutrition.”

Information: 0800 018 1890

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Ceva Feliway and Adaptil are two of the UK’s leading veterinary behaviour products that are scientifically proven to help comfort and reassure pets at times of stress, such as encountering new experiences and unknown environments. Stress can be caused by the slightest disruption to a pet’s normal routine, like a new baby in the household; building work; going to a kennel or cattery; moving house; or events such as Christmas and Bonfire Night.

Information: 01494 781 510 or retailuk@ceva.com

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Gundogs

Gunning for success

The Kennel Club says that “working gundogs need to stay in tune with their working and hunting instincts in order to be an asset in the shooting field,” and here, we look at the ways retailers can help owners to keep their animals in peak condition September 2012

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ecent statistics from the Kennel Club show that many of the most popular breeds of dogs among owners in the UK are those which were bred to help man hunt. This includes the labrador, Cocker spaniel, English Springer spaniel and retriever – all of which have been used to help flush out and retrieve game from the countryside. A great many of these dogs are still used in shooting and hunting today, with field trials attracting hundreds of competitors as they test the working ability of their dogs in competitive conditions. The Kennel Club explains: “[The] trials resemble, as closely as possible, a day’s shooting in the field, and dogs are expected to work with all manner of game, from rabbits and hares, to partridges and pheasants.”

Owners of working dogs demand a lot from their companions – they are expected to perform in all weathers and be at the peak of their physical and mental fitness. Owner of Saxaphone Gundogs Peter Burton has extensive experience training and competing with Springer and Cocker spaniels and labradors. He says that a good gundog, “has the desire to please and enjoy what it is doing. I like a dog that has pace and style when working. You also need the dog to have a high level of obedience and an innate level of ability.”

England Gundog team member Laura Hill, an accredited member of the British Institute of Professional Dog Trainers (BIPDT), regularly competes in field trials and working tests and insists that diet is

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Gundogs

Albion Meat Products

a crucial factor in maintaining these high standards of performance. She says: “I’ve always believed in putting the best in to get the very best out, and that philosophy runs not only through our training programme, but also in the way that we feed our dogs.”

She believes that protein is of crucial importance for her dogs as it is essential for basic body functions; cellular regeneration; tissue maintenance; hormone and enzyme production; and the provision of energy.

She adds: “High quality animal proteins, considered ‘complete proteins’, contain all of the amino acids essential to dogs, in quantities that match the requirements needed for their overall health, maintenance and growth.”

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She favours the BARF (or biologically appropriate raw food) diet, which mirrors the same balance and variety of ingredients that would be eaten in the wild such as meat, bone, fat, organs and vegetables.

She feeds her own dogs Orijen, which is made from a diversity of fresh meats including free range chicken, turkey, wild boar, bison and lamb, plus fresh, whole eggs and wild-caught regional fish. Laura says: “Biologically-appropriate foods are designed to match the digestive capability of dogs. Applied to dry foods, the concept means higher protein, moderate fat, low carbohydrate foods that contain a high proportion of animal ingredients that are processed as little as possible.”

The BARF diet has been popular with gundog owners for many years now and Albion Meat Products has been providing a range of products to dog owners for over 30 years. Company founder Catherine Donnegan says that feeding this diet to gundogs helps to improve their health, so they are less likely to suffer from injury. A large percentage of the company’s customers are working or gundog owners, adds Catherine, and they find that by mixing quality meat products with a balance of mixed vegetables, their dogs get the required vitamins and minerals for an active life.

Catherine adds: “Tripe contains the lactic acid bacteria, which is the main ingredient

in probiotics. The same gastric juices that help cattle with digestion, aid the canine in digesting food and efficiently utilising food.

It contains amino acids which are necessary for muscular development, which is essential for gun and working dogs. Energy levels can be increased by adding more beef and lamb to the diet when working, as higher protein and fat levels are then required. The addition of raw bones to the diet offers stimulation and exercise for the jaw as well as introducing natural minerals into the dog’s diet. The main thing about the BARF diet is that it helps to maintain the correct weight for the dog, reducing stress on the joints, so helping to prevent problems in the future” Well-formulated raw food feeding is also the principle behind Natural Instinct’s range of products that use human-grade meat in both dog and cat foods. Company co-founder and former chef Michael McVay says: “Believing that all dogs and cats deserve a healthy, biologically-appropriate and balanced diet made from Defra-approved meats and human grade fruit and vegetables, Natural Instinct provides an antidote to the mass-market pet food solutions.” The company has refreshed both its product portfolio and packaging and now offers a range of foods specifically designed for working, competition and agility dogs with an extra shot of vitamin C for a healthy 

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Gundogs

Andrew Cullen MBE, Laochin Gundogs immune system and to maintain healthy ligaments and joints.

Peter Burton of Saxaphone Gundogs believes that diet can affect performance in that it is essential to maintain the body condition and the correct weight of the dog, but does not feel that one diet necessarily fits all. He adds: “Much is said about high and low protein contents of complete feeds but I have discovered, over the years, you need to find the best food to suit the dog.”

This is a point affirmed by WuffitMix manager, Hannah Dugdale, who explains that Dugdale Nutrition – owner of the WuffitMix brand – is developing a range of feeds to suit a range of breeds and situations.

She adds: “Within the working dog area there are several different needs in relation to energy requirements, the type of work the dog is undertaking or whether the dog is in a resting period.”

The company has developed Energy24, a new diet for gundogs available in a kibble and a coarse mix. If the dog is only doing light work, resting or maintaining its weight easily, the company recommends a working dog food with around 19 to 20 per cent protein, but for more energetic activities a higher crude protein is suggested. Hannah stresses the importance of getting the balance right: “Correct nutrition is important both

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for the dog itself and for the owner and/or handler to get the very best out of their dog.

A high energy diet for a dog with low levels of activity can create as many problems as using a low energy diet for a dog with high levels of activity.”

It is also important to ensure that gundogs are fed correctly from an early age – puppies of any breed have significant energy requirements as they are growing 20 times faster than adult dogs and need a specially-formulated food to help with their development. Alpha Feeds’ Sporting Puppy is a complete hypoallergenic food formulated to provide puppies of sporting, working and racing breeds with the essential ingredients for the best possible start in life. Sean Cox of Alpha Feeds says: “We specialise in producing food for working, sporting and racing dogs who need to perform at their best.”

Skinner’s has also developed a food for puppies and young working dogs which helps in their first and most crucial stages of development. The company says: “By feeding Skinner’s Field & Trial Puppy from weaning to approximately nine months of age, [owners] will ensure the puppy receives all of the proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and oils essential for steady growth.” Field & Trial Turkey & Rice was named Gundog Product of the Year at the

recent IPC Shooting Industry Awards and is the only product to contain the branded mobility supplement joint aid for dogs made

by GWF Nutrition. The food is aimed at working dogs, especially those participating in fast-paced and demanding sports.

There is a common misconception that gundogs are far cleverer than their more sedate housebound cousins, but this is not the case, as Peter Burton of Saxaphone Gundogs explains: “Gundogs are not more intelligent than pet dogs; many very good pets are from working pedigrees. Gundogs do not require more mental stimulation or exercise but through the fact they are working dogs, they receive a lot of training and of course, exercise.” Gundogs do, however, possess strong instincts to hunt and pursue game and it is important for any owner to harness this behaviour through training.

UK-based training organisation the Gundog Club says: “Gundog training enables the gundog owner to control the dog’s instincts and harness them into a useful activity. Perhaps even more importantly, it enables the pet gundog owner to translate all that energy and drive into a happy relationship based on co-operation and fun.” Peter Burton recommends the use of various pieces of basic equipment to help in the training of a gundog, such as a whistle, a few canvas dummies of different sizes and a tennis ball launcher.

The Working Dog Company is an online shop run by working dog enthusiasts that sells a wide range of gun dog accessories and equipment such as training whistles, leads, collars, bedding and grooming products. 

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Gundogs

Customer and professional gun dog trainer Andrew Cullen MBE of Laochin Gundogs says: “I often get retrieving problems with older dogs that clients have started to train themselves. As a trainer I use various methods and equipment to correct retrieving issues and both the partridge and pheasant dummies have certainly proved winners in our type of training.”

Ken Byron of Copperwheat Labradors has been a breeder and trainer of field trial quality labradors for over 15 years.

He recommends the use of oval or rugbyshaped dummies, particularly in dogs that may be shy of opening their mouths, to accommodate a good grip on a large pheasant. He says: “The skin on a bird is often loose and the dog needs to extend its jaw to the maximum to accommodate a good grip that will hold without having to put the bird down half way through the retrieve.”

For those involved in field sports and farming, their gundogs are their most valuable asset. Highly trained like athletes, it is important to look after their health and wellbeing so choosing the right accessories for any gundog is important. Pet accessory company 3P Enterprise Limited has started to introduce a range of products that specifically cater for gun and working dogs. Grantley Rogers, the director of the company, is from a farming family himself and so is very familiar with the needs of gun and working dog owners. According to Grantley, one of the first criteria is to choose the right bed for a gun or working dog. He says: “It is important that dogs have a quiet, comfortable, dry spot to sleep.

Having a good night’s rest aids their health and wellbeing, hopefully leading to a longer life span. Choosing the right bed for a dog is therefore essential.”

3P Enterprise Limited He continues: “There are many styles, shapes, colours and fabrics on the market.

When shopping for a dog bed, the owner needs to consider the size, age and health of the dog and think about the type of bed in which the dog will be most comfortable. It is also important to have a bed that is easy to wipe or is machine washable for those little accidents or muddy paws, particularly when a dog has been out in the field.”

The company has introduced a range called Country Pet, consisting of pet mats which can double as beds and speciallydesigned dog jackets ideal for winter days out in the field. Grantley adds: “For retriever dogs that have to stand for many hours in the field during the winter months

waiting to retrieve game, a warm jacket is vitally important. The Country Pet dog jacket, which comes in a stylish racing green, can protect a dog in the harshest of conditions.” It also has three layers – a waterproof outer layer, insulating core and soft inner layer – and a reflective trim for extra visibility and improved safety, particularly when out shooting.

In recent years there has been a fast rise in the numbers of gundogs being kept both as pets and as working dogs.

Whatever the breed and the tasks they are asked to do, it is their eagerness to please and ability to be trained that will continue to keep them ranked among the most popular pets in the industry.

Supplier listing 3P Enterprise: www.3penterprise.co.uk Albion Meat Products: www.albionmeatproducts.co.uk Alpha Feeds: www.alphafeeds.com Burns Pet Nutrition: www.burnspet.co.uk Barker and Barker: www.dogtraininginfo.co.uk BARF Pet Foods: www.barfpetfoods.co.uk Bern Pet Foods: www.bernpetfoods.co.uk Dugdale Nutrition: www.dugdalenutrition.com HG Gladwell and Son: www.copdockmill.co.uk Natural Instinct: www.naturalinstinct.com Orijen: www.orijenpetfoods.co.uk Pinetree Pet Products: www.wonderdog.co.uk Roger Skinner: www.skinnerspetfoods.co.uk Working Dog Company: www.workingdogcompany.co.uk

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Firework season

Under fire We may look forward to firework season but for many pets this can be a particularly stressful time.

Roly Boughton of Dorwest Herbs offers advice on helping to keep cats and dogs calm

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e all know or have owned pets that are afraid of loud noises and unexpected bangs, such as thunderstorms and gunshots, but the firework period is probably one of the most consistent times of fear for a large proportion of dogs and cats. It seems that nearly 50 per cent of dogs are afraid of these noises, and many cats suffer too. This fear reaction can become extreme and so many pets develop what is known as a firework phobia, showing a level of fear that seems quite out of proportion to the actual sound.

The signs are probably well-known but can include shaking, salivating, barking, howling,

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hiding or even more extreme behaviour such as trying to run away, becoming destructive or messing in the house. When trying to know how to help pets who suffer in this way it is useful to understand how this problem can develop, even in pets that have previously not been afraid of noises. It can happen through a bad experience, such as being too close to a firework going off, or maybe just that the fear increases each year as the noises are remembered and the experience is re-lived by the pet.

Most pets with firework phobia experience worsening symptoms each year so as owners start to worry whether their pet will be affected, they can transmit their

fear to their pet quite unknowingly. Some older dogs and cats may suddenly start to become afraid of noises, possibly because they do not feel as able to get away from the noise or because they hear it differently due to age-related hearing loss. In fact, pets who become very old and have total hearing loss may suddenly become unafraid of fireworks for the first time in their life, but nobody should wait for age to solve the pet’s problem, as the distress year-on-year that they suffer can be alleviated and dogs and cats can be helped to cope with this stressful situation. Interestingly it has been shown that puppies born in the autumn are less likely to develop firework phobias, probably

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because they experience the noise early in life and so are more likely to accept it as a normal part of everyday life, showing that familiarity to noises can be a positive help.

There are many simple things that can help and it is important to plan ahead and be prepared well in advance of the actual firework period as well as remaining calm throughout, so that fear is not passed on to the pet. Behavioural techniques such as de-sensitisation will help pets become accustomed to the noise that triggers their fear and counter-conditioning can create positive associations rather than negative ones, but these do take time and patience by the owner and need to be started many weeks, or even months, in advance.

Nevertheless if owners have the time and plan ahead these can be effective and relatively inexpensive ways to help.

There are also special noise CDs that can be used for de-sensitisation and pheromoneproducing products to create positive associations that can be used alongside them.

Unfortunately, most pet owners are not good at thinking this far ahead and many will be found rushing to the vets or pet shop for help just a short time before Bonfire Night. Vets can prescribe sedatives to help pets sleep through the noises, and while these may enable the owners to have a more peaceful time, they do not really help the pet to overcome the fear. Instead they simply mask it, so that it will recur the following year, and possibly with an increased reaction, as the pet will still associate noise with panic and fear and anticipate that, due to previous sedation, it may not be able to use its normal reaction to hide away and escape from the source of distress.

Herbal products tend to have much lower incidences of side effects and the dosage can be easily adapted to suit the individual dog or cat’s requirements. Ideally they should be given three to four weeks ahead of firework night for pets with severe phobias, but even if the owner has left it until the last minute they

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will still give some benefit, as the dose can be increased in this situation or when fireworks are at their worse. Surveys show that 90 per cent of owners using these products would use them again and recommend them to friends, and over 50 per cent of vets also recommend them during the firework season.

Of course nowadays fireworks are not just on 5 November but often for days either side of the actual date. This year we can expect the main celebrations to be over the previous weekend of 3 and 4 November, followed in many places with Diwali the Hindu festival of lights, from 13 November and continuing for five days until Saturday 17 November.

– so for many people a full fortnight of fear and panic for their pets can be expected.

This year, it is even more important than usual that retailers start their firework awareness promotion as early as possible.

Window and counter displays using posters and information leaflets available from product manufacturers should ideally be in place by the end of September to make sure that as many customers as possible start to think about what they should be doing well ahead of the season. Many manufacturers will have special promotional offers running from early September and taking advantage of these makes good commercial sense so that sales can be maximised in the run-up to the firework season.

It’s not just firework-related items that can offer increased sales at this time of the year either, but well-versed staff can incorporate the need for toys to distract anxious pets, identity tags to ensure pets can be returned safely if they do run off in fear, and items for owners to make a safe hideaway for their pets – all in readiness for 5 November. So the key is to plan ahead; take advantage of what manufacturers have to offer to help your sales and get customers thinking and talking about what they might need to do; and be able to provide them with all of the information they need to have a quiet and peaceful firework period.

Will a pet that was frightened of firework noises last year, be scared again this year?

Unfortunately they almost certainly will suffer again as this is a problem that generally gets worse each year for affected pets, so owners with noisephobic pets should form an action plan early to help their pet cope.

Should pets be walked and fed earlier than usual on evenings when fireworks are expected?

It’s a good idea for owners to walk their dogs earlier than usual, so they are not out after dark, and try and make sure that cats are indoors before dusk.

Feeding them earlier than usual to settle them well in advance of any fireworks is a good idea and shouldn’t hugely interrupt their normal routine.

Should owners cuddle their pets during the evening if they are frightened of the noises?

It is generally recognised that during fireworks owners should interact with their dog or cat exactly as they would normally. If they comfort and cuddle and fuss over the pet more than they would normally, then this will probably reinforce the idea that there is something to be afraid of – so behaving calmly and following a normal routine is best.

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Firework season

On the shelf

Fireworks can prove frightening for pets but here is a range of remedies to help keep pets calm during this stressful time Dorwest Herbs says: “This year our DORWEST SAY RELAX campaign is highlighting the benefits of using naturally-based herbal products formulated especially to relax and calm pets without sedating them, so they can still be aware of the noises but are less anxious about what is going on around them and so learn to become less frightened.” Its widely used Scullcap & Valerian Tablets are a fully licensed medicine for anxiety and nervousness and for over 40 years have proved very effective in helping dogs and cats cope with the stress of Bonfire Night. They are an easy-to-give, sugar-coated tablet and are particularly effective for those suffering from noise phobias as a result of fireworks, thunderstorms or gunfire, as well as in cases of excitability and hyperactivity.

Information: 01308 897 272 or trade@dorwest.com Veterinary health company Ceva, which manufactures Adaptil and Feliway, advises: “A safe pet is a happy pet and their contentment is never more important than around fireworks night.” It advises minimising disruption for pets during this period by plugging in an Adaptil diffuser as it provides comfort to dogs, releasing pheromones which mimic those a mother uses to comfort her young. The diffuser should be placed close to the den or hiding place to ensure they feel as safe and secure as possible. For cats, owners can try the Feliway diffuser, which helps them cope with changes to the environment as it releases a copy of the facial pheromone cats deposit when they rub their head on items in the home – marking them as safe.

Information: 01494 781 510 or retailuk@ceva.com

Natural Dogs offers a range of natural supplements for dogs, cat and horses. The appropriately-titled Quiet Moments is available for cats and dogs in a spray, gel and as both soft chews and chewable tablets. All can support the nervous system in reducing stress and tension and are recommended for both thunderstorms and fireworks.

The Quiet Moments Spray is formulated with simulated canine and feline pheromones to create a sense of wellbeing, while the Quiet Moment Gel has been developed with what the company describes as a “tasty formula” that cats and dogs will readily accept.

Information: www.naturaldogs.co.uk

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There are a number of products on the market to deal with behavioural problems in dogs, from sprays, and oils to tablets, and Hilton Herbs says its Tranquility mix is “one of the most simple and effective.” A carefully selected blend of calmative herbs, it will reduce anxiety without doping or sedating the dog. Available in a dry or liquid tincture form (for fast absorption) it has been formulated by a medical herbalist, using human-grade ingredients, and is a best-seller in the range of canine herbal feed supplements for Hilton Herbs.

Information: 01460 270 701, tradesales@hiltonherbs.com or www.hiltonherbs.com

Relax is a highly effective blend of six herbs formulated by veterinary surgeon and herbal medicine specialist Ray O’Mahony MVB, MRCVS, CVH. As with the entire Phytoforce range, this premium quality tonic was developed treating patients in veterinary clinics throughout the UK, providing for unrivalled efficacy.

Information: 01926 311 514 or sales@phytoforce.ie

DrS, formally known as Dr Squiggles, is a specialist in small animal nutritional supplementation. Its range of products have been designed to improve the welfare of the modern day pet and help prevent illness and ailments. This includes Cool, Calm & Collected, which was originally developed by biologist Malcolm Green to calm horses but is now available for dogs.

The company says it is: “a simple yet sophisticated supplement to ensure the pet will be relaxed, calm and loving but not sedated.”

Information: 01453 835 330

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Comment

Golden years

discusses how better care and tailored nutrition can contribute to the quality and health of a pet’s life expectancy, making senior diets an important purchase for the pet owner Michael Bellingham

Senior living It is recognised that pets are generally living longer, healthier lives thanks to progress in veterinary care and improved nutrition.

Take the cat, for instance; although the cat’s average life expectancy is 14 years, it is no longer rare to see cats over the age of 20. In terms of age grouping, cats and dogs pass from adult to mature and then to senior status throughout their life. Maturity generally starts from the mid-point in life and this is a period when the signs of ageing are not yet visible. At around seven years of age, cats and dogs are considered ‘senior’ or ‘mature’ and more pets can actually be considered in this category.

FOS (prebiotics) may be added for digestive and immune support. As pet food manufacturers continue to innovate, a lot of the science from the veterinary diets will filter down into life-stage foods.

Monitoring weight Particular attention should be paid to body weight as this can go up initially, but may reduce as a cat or dog gets very old. The PFMA pet Size-O-Meter is the ideal tool to help owners get hands-on to monitor the weight of their pet. The Size-O-Meter can be downloaded from the PFMA website and is available for cats, dogs and rabbits:

www.pfma.org.uk

The impact of ageing

Senior rabbits

Ageing in cats and dogs comes with a decline of the immune defence system and a decline in the ability to fully absorb all dietary nutrients. Chewing also becomes more difficult. They may be less active and the sense of smell or taste can also be affected.

Senior pet foods are designed to support the pet through these physiological changes.

Senior diets are also available for rabbits and many of the adaptations made to rabbit diets are similar to those in cats and dogs. Some examples include enriched vitamins, reduced calories and lower calcium levels (calciumbased urinary tract stones are more common in older rabbits, which are more likely to

Features of a senior diet Among other features, senior diets will have a softer texture, and be even more digestible with an enriched vitamin content and reinforced palatability. Most of these diets are reduced in fat/calories, as during this ‘mature/senior’ stage pets often put on weight. The attributes don’t stop there. Small animal nutrition is a fast moving science and companies monitor the latest developments in nutrition to see what can be beneficially included in diets.

Essential fatty acids, for example – particularly the omega 3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) – and ingredients like chondroitin and glucosamine have been shown to help maintain mobility.

This may be beneficial for pets with mobility problems, such as older pets. Additionally,

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have predisposing factors such as arthritis and obesity). Other ingredients such as glucosamine and herbs/plant products such as cranberry for urinary tract health may also be added.

Encouraging owners to switch to a senior diet It can be hard for owners to think their pet is in its twilight years, but by explaining the role a senior diet can play at this life stage and the potential benefits, many will see it really is a sound investment.

Considering a change of diet?

If owners are switching to a new diet, the new food should be introduced gradually to prevent any upsets to the digestive system.

Owners should start with a mix of diets, introducing a little more of the new food each day, while decreasing the old. This can be done over a period of seven to 10 days.

About the PFMA

As pet food manufacturers continue to innovate, a lot of the science from the veterinary diets will filter down in to life-stage foods

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 70 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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Rabbit care

A RAW deal As we approach Rabbit Awareness Week, Ray O’Mahony, MVB MRCVS CVH looks at some of the more common conditions that affect these pets and the advice you can give to your customers to help avoid these pitfalls

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Rabbit care

T

he most important thing to understand about rabbits is their digestive system. Rabbits are herbivores, and like all herbivores they use fermentation or bacterial digestion to assist in the breakdown of tough plant fibres. Many herbivores have developed a muscular multi-chambered stomach to act as a mixing and fermenting vat and we refer to these as ruminants. Cattle, sheep and deer all have such a stomach. Rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas and horses, however, are hindgut fermenters. They have simple stomachs, much the way cats, dogs and we do. A rabbit’s stomach is relatively large for its size. This adaptation allows them to eat a lot at one time – dawn and dusk, for example, are when they are most active.

Once the initial acid digestion has taken place in the stomach, the food passes into the small intestine where further digestion by pancreatic enzymes and some absorption of nutrients takes place. The unique adaptation of hind gut fermenters is a very enlarged large intestine, particularly the caecum. This blind sac at the junction of the large and small intestines is actually a very big version of our appendix. In rabbits the muscular large intestine separates larger, more difficult to digest fibres, which are then passed into the colon and excreted as the usual small

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droppings seen. The smaller particles and more digestible fibres are guided into the caecum where they are broken down by the resident population of bacteria. Once sufficiently processed this caecal material is passed out as caecothrops, which are eaten directly as they are passed with apparent

relish. They are full of nutrients and beneficial bacteria and continue to ferment in the stomach – protected by their mucous layer – until they eventually break down. These caecothrops should be soft but formed and have a multi-lobed appearance. They should be eaten on production, so if they are seen lying about it means there is a problem.

With such a specialised digestive system it is no surprise that it is susceptible to upset, and as it is such a finely balanced ecosystem, when it goes wrong it can become life-threatening very quickly so veterinary advice should always be sought immediately if a rabbit stops eating, changes its eating habits or changes the amount or appearance of its droppings.

Any stress on a rabbit can disrupt the balance and lead to gut stasis (ileus), which is a medical emergency. Weaning, bullying, dental problems, pain of any sort, unsuitable diet, unsuitable living quarters, concomitant disease or any changes to diet or lifestyle can be enough to trigger such a change. Ileus is also commonly encountered post-surgery, as it is in horses. It should be obvious that sufficiently large, clean living quarters with daily access at least to a grassy run are of paramount importance to maintaining health in rabbits and other small herbivores, as is clean, fresh drinking water at all times.

Of course, the one very important part of the digestive tract we missed above is the teeth. Rabbits’ teeth grow throughout their lives. They are constantly worn down by the grinding action on tough plant material, particularly silicate particles in grasses. Any malocclusion of the cheek teeth can result in hooks and sharp edges developing as the teeth wear, causing damage to the inner cheeks or tongue. Malocclusion of the 

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incisors is also common and more visible due to their position in the mouth. Any rabbit with incisor malocclusion should be examined by a veterinary surgeon, both for advice on how to deal effectively with it, and to check for any problems with the cheek teeth, as they often occur together.

Malocclusions can be congenital, as in the short-faced breeds, but they also commonly occur due to inappropriate diets.

Imbalances in the calcium phosphorous ratio will affect tooth growth, but even more importantly reduced tooth wear caused by insufficient dietary roughage, in the form of grass and hay, leads to this problem. Rabbits’ teeth can only grow as they are worn so reduced wear leads to reduced rate of growth.

Studies have shown that the rate at which teeth grow in domestic chinchillas is at very best 25 per cent slower than in the wild, so a similar situation could be assumed for domestic rabbits. When the rate at which the teeth grow slows down, changes take place at the roots resulting in curvature of the teeth, giving rise to the divergent teeth often seen protruding from the mouths of unfortunate bunnies. The only way to avoid this is to provide sufficient grazing or hay from the beginning. The provision of chews to aid in tooth wear is not the answer, as we know

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that rabbits’ teeth wear mainly from their action against each other, especially when grinding the hard, abrasive silicate particles in grasses.

In summary, the best way to keep rabbits happy and healthy is to provide them with a diet that is as close to that which they evolved to eat as possible. It should consist mainly of hay or a grass run to allow grazing if possible. A rough guide would be a loose ball of hay roughly the same size as the rabbit per day. Use only high quality foods that are appropriate for life stage; for example, low protein diets during weaning substantially reduce gut upsets and mortality in young rabbits. Muesli-type foods should be avoided in multi-rabbit environments as serious dietary imbalances can occur due to selective feeding of dominant individuals.

Pelleted feeds are generally more appropriate but should only form a small proportion of the diet – a tablespoon or two per rabbit – to ensure a balanced vitamin and mineral profile. Fresh vegetables and greens should be included, especially if grazing is limited.

Remember though that any change in diet needs to be very gradual to avoid intestinal upsets, so new foods, even vegetables and greens, should be introduced one at a time and in very small amounts.

Burgess Pet Care

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Charity spotlight

Glad to be grey

This month, Deana Selby looks at the problem Dogs Trust faces in trying to rehome its more mature residents and, speaking from her own personal experience, reveals the benefits of owning an older dog

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ersonally, I can’t resist a dog with a greying muzzle, misty eyes and a plodding gait, so I often wonder why so many visitors to our 18 rehoming centres ask for a puppy before they will even consider looking at our more vintage canine residents. Of course, puppies are terribly cute, with their huge eyes, endlessly waggy tails and boundless enthusiasm, but they require a good deal of work – house-training, socialisation and basic training all take time, and above all, patience.

Most older rescue dogs have the advantage that they are already socialised and usually understand the simple commands such as sit and recall. And don’t believe the phrase “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” because you certainly can. In fact, the senior rescue dog really is the canine of choice for anyone who loves dogs but simply doesn’t have the time or patience to raise a young pup.

Dogs don’t have a specific retirement age, which defines when they become OADs – Old Age Dogs. Different breeds have differing life expectancies, with giant breeds often not living beyond eight years, and the smaller breeds often going on to see 16 candles. An OAD at a rehoming centre could be as young as seven or as old as 15.

Dogs Trust rehoming centre staff are always on the lookout for people to offer a retirement home for the oldsters in their care. Such dogs often come to us in sad circumstances, such as when their owner passes away or becomes infirm. My first dog, Angel, fitted this category. Having been born into a lovely, caring family, she was kept along with her mum, enjoying family narrowboat holidays and very much being part of the family. However, when Angel was 10 years old, her owner lost the use of her legs and was unable to give Angel the exercise she needed. Heartbroken, she realised she should give Angel the chance of a better life elsewhere, and took her to Dogs Trust’s Shoreham rehoming centre.

Angel was given plenty of love and attention from Dogs Trust staff to help her adjust to her new surroundings. That’s where I found her. At 10 years old, Angel – a Collie cross – was in good physical condition, and as soon as my husband and I got her home we could tell she was a great dog with perfect

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manners. We had two and a half very happy years together but Angel’s story is by no means unique. It’s not uncommon for oldies to arrive at rescue centres as a result of their owners divorcing, or when children grow up and leave home for university. There’s nothing sadder than seeing a confused 10-year-old dog brought into a rehoming centre by owners who say their kids have grown up and are no longer interested in the dog.

Although these dogs receive extra special care in the form of hugs, extra blankets, armchairs and cuddly toys – and are even taken home at weekends by some of our Canine Carers – it’s not the same as having a loving home of their own. Many oldsters have a more laidback approach to life than their younger counterparts. Generally, they tend to enjoy their sleep more, with daytime naps becoming a more frequent necessity. They often need less exercise, are less excitable and are less prone to bouncing up and down. Their ‘senior moments’ are also very entertaining. One Dogs Trust supporter says her rehomed former farm Collie insists on barking at 5pm to remind her it’s time to bring in the sheep – even though they have none!

The Oakfield Old Dogs Home is Dogs Trust’s retirement home for extra special OADs and is packed full of creature comforts to make them feel right at home. Attached to our Shrewsbury centre, Oakfield, is a large house inhabited by up to 10 canine residents at a time. The dogs have free run of the house and garden and spend their days lazing on the sofas, dozing by the fire or hanging out in the kitchen – the warm patch beside the washing machine being a particularly sought after spot. All of the senior canine residents are available for rehoming, and can be brought into the centre to meet potential new owners. Because rehoming works so well from Oakfield there is an ever-changing roll call of houseguests. It’s well worth checking out www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming to see who’s in the house, or call 01952 770 225.

For further information on the charity and its work, check out the Dogs Trust website at www.dogstrust.org.uk

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Pygmy hedgehogs

A prickly subject With interest growing in the African pygmy hedgehog, we assess their suitability as pets

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Pygmy hedgehogs

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t this year’s London Pet Show held earlier in the year, one small creature was making big headlines. Among the cat and dog breeds, small furries and reptiles, the tiny African pygmy hedgehog was dubbed the “new vogue pet” at the event.

At just five inches long, these tiny nocturnal mammals are now being sold in a selection of specialist pets shops in the UK. The RSPCA has said that it has seen a huge rise in their numbers, adding: “They are becoming more and more popular and although there are not many shops selling them, we know there is a great demand for them across the country.”

The Romans were the first to domesticate the hedgehog as far back as the 4th century BC when they were raised for their meat and quills. The most common species of domesticated hedgehog today is the African pygmy hedgehog – a hybrid of the whitebellied or four-toed hedgehog and the Algerian hedgehog.

Faith Morgan runs the UK African Pygmy Hedgehog Registry, an organisation that aims to keep track of the

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numbers of hogs owned and bred in the UK. She explains: “The African pygmy hedgehog is a cross breed of two different species bred together purely for the pet market. They have been pets in the States for over 20 years and we have had them here for about 10 years.”

Faith established the registry with the aim of keeping a track of the numbers of hedgehogs in the UK, helping to establish lineage and identify any health-related issues. She currently has over 5,000 pet hedgehogs on the database with the numbers growing all the time.

Faith says that there are huge differences between the domesticated African pygmy hedgehogs and their wild counterparts. She

says: “They need warmth, are smaller than wild hogs and could not survive outside in our climate.” She also advises that they should be classed as an exotic species and can make suitable pets for the right owners, providing they understand the animal’s needs. As well as running the registry database, Faith also promotes the ethical breeding of the African pygmy hedgehog and has the only official recommended breeders list in the UK – this includes Sunset Hedgehogs run by Kirsten Gaston.

A hobbyist owner and recommended breeder, Kirsten believes that the registry is an important tool in the monitoring of the domesticated hedgehogs. She says: “We thought very long and hard about breeding because we were very well aware of the heartache of breeding animals and the toll this places on them – particularly with African pygmy hedgehogs who are notorious for destroying their litters under stress.” She not only feels that the breeding of hedgehogs should be closely monitored, but that any new owner should be “fully encouraged to research their new potential pet as much as is practicable.” 

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The African Pygmy Hedgehog Club UK was also established to promote ethical ownership, and comments: “With African pygmy hedgehogs growing in popularity in the UK, more and more people are buying without doing research and without knowing the correct care [they] need.”

Cheshire Aquatics and Reptile Centre is one of the small number of retail outlets stocking the African pygmy hedgehogs and highlights several key differences between the domesticated breed and their wild cousins. Not only does the African pygmy hedgehog not go into hibernation, it cannot be maintained outside and needs constant temperatures in excess of 20°C (68°F). Unlike guinea pigs, rabbits and most small rodents, hedgehogs are essentially carnivorous and will require a diet that includes earthworms, crickets and mealworms. A high quality cat or kitten food can be provided or a hedgehog maintenance diet or ferret food is recommended by some breeders.

They are also lactose-intolerant so should not be given any dairy products to eat or drink.

They can be housed in an indoor rabbit cage or vivarium with hay, recycled newspaper or a wood-based cat litter

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used as bedding. Faith Morgan adds: “We have recently switched to vivariums for all of our hogs [and] I have read various articles about the size of the cage varying from two square feet to four square feet. The best advice I can give is purchasing the largest cage affordable.” She also recommends giving the hogs something to play with such as balls, wheels, colourful cardboard tubes or fabric tunnels.

As the interest in the African pygmy hedgehog has grown, some animal welfare organisations have expressed concern as to their suitability as a pet. Leanne Plumtree of the RSPCA says: “These are exotic animals whose needs are very difficult to meet in

a household situation.” Colin Bradbury of National Exotic Hedgehog Rescue and Re-home believes that the hedgehogs do not make good pets for a large portion of the UK public. He explains that they are time-consuming and require a daily routine to keep them in a friendly and healthy condition. He cautions: “The enclosure must also include a device to allow the natural behaviour of running up to five miles a night. This is generally in the form of a wheel which must be cleaned of poop every day, scrubbing it with hot water and petfriendly disinfectant. It is not a pleasant job.”

Although demand for the African pygmy hedgehogs has undoubtedly grown in the last few years, it seems unlikely that they will generate a steady revenue stream for retailers. Rather than be marketed as the latest must-have pet, it should perhaps be remembered that they ultimately remain wild animals with highly specialised needs.

As veterinary surgeon Pete Wedderburn advises: “The problem with these weird pets is simple – they’re not inanimate objects that can be put back into the cupboard once they’ve lost their appeal. They’re living, sentient beings with continual needs for their entire lives.”

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Christmas showcase

No time like the present With pets a key part of the family, it follows that owners will want to treat them at Christmas, and Callum Gildart looks at what’s on offer for the forthcoming festive season

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he Olympics are over, nights are drawing in and days of good weather (the few we’ve had) are getting fewer and further between. All this can mean only one thing: Christmas is coming.

St Nicholas – whose name, incidentally, was corrupted to Santa Claus from the Dutch ‘Sinterklaas’ by early settlers in the United States – has started checking his list and noted an unusual amount of ‘Fidos’ and ‘Felixes’.

It’s not an error though, Nick. Christmas is a time of goodwill and giving, so it’s only fair that those furry friends who are just as much a part of the family as Great Uncle Norris join in the festivities.

Not only are pets receiving presents, lucky mutts and moggies are having them made especially for Santa Claus to drop off as he whizzes around the world on Christmas Eve. While pets aren’t going to be enjoying any sherries, the gifts available to them will ensure that come the Queen’s speech, they’ll be just as ready for a kip in front of the television as their owners!

The following is a selection of pet presents perfect for making them as excited for Christmas as their walking attendants.

Tony Campbell

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Christmas showcase

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Bell and Barker Sasquatch is a pet bed that’s fashionable, comfortable and ideal for cats and small dogs. A favourite of Chloe and Pape – canine stars of Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2 – the bed’s base is made from a unique material that warms in winter and cools in summer. Sasquatch’s lightweight base adds to a pet’s comfort but doesn’t compromise the product’s durability. The bed, which comes in a range of four colours, has many marketable features such as a lifetime guarantee; it doesn’t slip on smooth floors; it doesn’t retain odours; and it simply wipes clean. An extra comfort factor of the bed is its colour co-ordinated fleece liner, which is easily removed and fully washable.

Information: 01325 240 560, info@bellandbarker.com or www.bellandbarker.com

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Gor Pets Gor Pets offers a fabulous range of affordable presents that it says will last well after the Christmas festivities have ended. For luxury, Gor Pets’ Deluxe Cosy bed is a luxurious bed filled with high density bonded fibre and high sides that are designed to retain the warmth. For practicality, the company offers the Dog-e-Lite, a leash with an attached solar-powered light that lights the way during dark winter walks. Gor Pets offers some traditional Christmas fun by way of its ever popular range of Octopus toys, which are available in three colours and sizes and contain a number of squeaks, crumples and honks to bring out the explorer within dogs.

Information: 0121 580 4984, info@gorpets.co.uk or www.gorpets.co.uk

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PureDog Rather than reindeer toys and antler head bands, dogs are offered the real deal with Stagbar antler dog chews. The long-lasting chews are full of minerals and act as natural teeth cleaners. The antlers don’t splinter, upset sensitive stomachs or leave a mess. Stagbars are sourced from naturally shed deer antler and the product has been awarded an Ethical Accreditation for the second year running.

Information: 0845 272 5992 or info@puredog.co.uk

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Peregrine Livefoods Ready for Christmas, Peregrine Livefoods has introduced its exclusive Blue Bug gift range. Containing a range of reptile-based gifts such as key rings, jewellery, soft toys and fridge magnets, the products only take up a small amount of shelf space and make suitable presents for reptile keepers of all ages. Additionally, Peregrine Livefoods is also launching a range of reptile calendars featuring best-selling reptiles like bearded dragons, corn snakes, tortoises, and leopard and crested geckos.

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

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Hemmo and Co This year’s winter designs from the Hem and Boo range are full of humour and colour, with unique and detailed designs suitable for all breeds and seasons. Cute Puppy Angels with snowflake detailing and the Hungover Turkey are just a few of the items on offer. The Dog & Co Christmas Collection offers tradition with a modern twist; using colour and construction for added value. The silver-antlered Rudy Reindeers with big eyes and rope legs are available in red and blue. The Snowgirl and Snowman have pull-through arms and legs, making them great interactive toys. The range also boasts four new vinyl toys: the Snowgirl; Reindeer; Father Christmas; and Christmas Pudding – complete with a smiley face.

Information: www.hemandboo.co.uk

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Burgess Pet Care Burgess Pet Care says it knows that Christmas is a time of giving. It also knows that it’s a time of excess, and with over indulgence being a seasonal tradition, this can lead to complications for pets. Fibrevores fed sugary, starchy treats and sensitive dogs fed non-hypoallergenic foods can both end up with digestive health problems.

Under its Excel and Sensitive brands, Burgess Pet Care has a range of treats that are tasty, natural and healthy.

The Sensitive Gourmet Treats range consists of three semi-moist hypoallergenic recipes, while the Excel Nature Snacks range is 100 per cent natural and suitable for all small animals. Burgess Pet Care wishes everyone in the specialist pet trade a Happy Christmas.

Information: 0800 413 969 or www.burgesspetcare.co.uk

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Collarways Ready for Christmas is the 40-centimetre-tall Tuffy Christmas Turkey Talulah dog toy. Collarways explains: “Tuffy dog toys are some of the toughest soft dog toys on the market, with double layers of materials and several rows of protective stitching.”

Tuffy toys float, are machine washable and most models come with squeakers. Also ready for the festive season are ModaPet’s stylish and durable pet bowls. The bowls are tough; dishwasher safe; non-slip; non-toxic; and come in a range of vibrant colours. Made from BPA-free, food-grade ABS plastic, the bowls are finished with a gloss look that’s comparable to the appearance of porcelain and have a hygienic white interior surface. The TPE plastic base moulded to the bowl is what gives it its anti-slip feature while still making it dishwasher safe.

Information: 0845 456 8395 or www.collarways.com

KONG With Christmas approaching faster than some of us would like, customers are beginning to search for the perfect stocking fillers for their pets. The KONG range of fun and durable interactive toys for cats and dogs may well be just what pet owners are looking for. KONG’s extensive array of products such as the KONG; KONG Wobbler; Stuff ’n Snacks; toys from the Wubba range; KONG Safestix; Cozies for dogs; Cat Wobbler and more means that pet owners have a myriad of gift options to ensure “the waggiest tails and loudest purrs this Christmas.”

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The Little Dog Laughed The Little Dog Laughed’s delightfully illustrated Pet Treat Tins are almost too nice to be hidden away in a cupboard! Designed with drawings by artist Anna Danielle, the tin has a caption reading ‘Treat Tin. Because I’m Worth It’. The Little Dog was a finalist in the Gift of the Year 2012 competition and its Scruffy Mutts and Magnificent Moggies tins have proved very popular with pet owners. “Fill it with the right treats and The Little Dog Laughed is sure pets will appreciate the tin just as much as its owner” adds the company.

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Information: 0800 369 8654 or www.kongcompany.com

Information: 01332 290 605 or www.thelittledog.co.uk

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Mars Petcare Mars Petcare is urging retailers to stock up on best-sellers and prepare now to take advantage of the extended festive trading window. Pedigree advent calendars for dogs contain the brand’s Mini Markies treats up until Christmas Eve; under which date’s door a special gift awaits. Cats can also get involved in the countdown with a Dreamies advent calendar, which also culminates with a gift behind 24 December’s door. Both canines and felines are treated by the Christmas stockings from Pedigree and Whiskas respectively, which both contain a range of treats and a toy. Dogs can also look forward to the return of Pedigree’s limited edition ranges of festive Turkey flavoured Jumbones and Schmackos.

Information: 0800 738 800 or www.mars.com

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PATS Harrogate 2012

A game of two halves As the second of the PATS shows draws closer we catch up with event organiser Annie Dyke to find out what to expect from Harrogate this year

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hen the organisers of PATS 2012 took the decision to create two separate shows, there was a certain amount of trepidation as to how this would be greeted by the pet sector. However, staging the Sandown show in March and the Harrogate show in September has proved a hit, as organiser Annie Dyke explains: “The spring/autumn dual split is being enthusiastically welcomed because it offers the opportunity for product launches timed specifically for each very different season.”

The idea to move PATS Harrogate was taken last year as organisers Impact Exhibitions canvassed opinion from the pet trade. Annie says: “We were aware that many companies had the capacity to launch and supply new products ready for Christmas and the 2013 season and we wondered if they would prefer a September show and a Sunday opening

and the response was an overwhelming yes.” Not only did the industry welcome the opportunity to have two separate petfocused product launch platforms in the UK, many of the exhibitors also saw this as an opportunity to showcase their ranges ahead of the busy Christmas season.

PATS Harrogate will take place in the town’s International Centre in Halls M, C and B this year and the event has increased in size to both satisfy trade demand and accommodate more exhibitors. As Annie says, “Hall M has a prominent entrance and there are excellent connections between each hall, so everyone will benefit from improved visitor flow.” Changes have also been implemented to the judging of the Retailers’ Choice PATS New Product Awards and the timing of the winners’ announcement. Annie adds: “This year the PATS Award winners will be announced on the first day of the show – Sunday lunchtime, specifically – so the winning

products will be highlighted for the show’s duration.” The Retailers’ Choice PATS New Product showcase always proves a highlight of the event bringing together a wide selection of innovative and new ideas, and visitors often make this their first stop.

Other key attractions include the Grooming Point with demonstrations from Groom Team England; the Seminar Point with its free-to-attend retailerfocused talks; and the Discovery Point, the home of a number of exhibitors of niche markets and specialist new products. Annie says that the first few hours of the event prove especially nerve wracking: “We question – are the visitors coming? Are the numbers building? Are our exhibitors happy? But it’s also very exciting to see the vision put into place and perhaps the best part of all is being there as all the pet trade comes together and knowing we have been instrumental in putting that into place.”

Collarways Spikes World

Hungry Hector’s

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3P Enterprise Limited

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The organisers are expecting there to be a great deal of interest in all-natural, health and life-stage-aware dog, cat and small animal foods as this is a rapidly growing sector of the market. Recently-launched Moorlands Pet Foods will exhibit a complete pet food for dogs in the Discovery Point, revealing what it describes as “an intriguingly transparent angle.” Moorlands’ packs contain full details about all of the food’s ingredients and their exact quantities as well as “unambiguous and instructive” information about the benefits of using the particular dog food.” One of Moorlands’ founders, Simon Le Jeune, says: “We want to create awareness of our newly-launched, innovative food and there are obviously a variety of media we can use to reach consumers and trade. As far as the trade is concerned we believe that the most effective communications strategy is the old fashioned face-to-face method.”

There is also expected to be continued demand for environmentally-friendly products; a trend for treats that focus on animal health and demand for products that make ideal gifts for pets, with stocking up for Christmas at the forefront of many retailers’ minds.

Annie admits that the financial situation is tough right now, and many aspects of

the show have been tailored to help those in the trade. She says: “PATS’ regional locations, special show offers, free entry and free catalogues assist visitors for whom time is money, to spend both time and money wisely. Our all-inclusive ‘no hidden extras’ stand packages ensure that exhibitors know exactly what a PATS stand will cost them and many features such as catalogue listing, placement of products in the Retailers’ Choice Showcase and Grooming Point, are free of charge for exhibitors to enter.”

Returning exhibitor Zoe Lewsley of Dogmatic feels that a visit to what is regarded by many as one of the most important pet trade shows in the sector has been of great benefit to her business.

She says: “We view PATS as a real chance for people to see who we are. This show is an extended opportunity to greet old friends, to meet new customers and to demonstrate our range of products.” Annie insists that following on from the success of the new dual season shows, the organisers will continue to meet the needs of the pet trade. She concludes: “We will continue to talk – and most importantly, to listen – to members of that trade about what they need and want from their show and – as far as we are able – we’ll put those needs and wants into effect.”

Collarways to welcome special guest at PATS Collarways has announced that author and dog behaviourist Karen Wild will be appearing at its stand at PATS Harrogate to celebrate the launch of her new book.

The book, entitled What Your Dog Wants – 7 Key Skills of a Perfect Dog Owner, gives an insight into dogs’ views of the human world.

“What is new about this perspective is that What Your Dog Wants takes into account the family dog at his best,” said Karen.

“We want to know what is really going on in their world, to make sure we can train them to be our ideal pet. This comes from understanding the nature of dog behaviour, their body language and our responsibilities as owners, too.”

Due for release on 1 October, a limited number of What Your Dog Wants have been published especially for PATS Harrogate that Karen will be selling and signing at the Collarways stand, G7.

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SureFlap is using PATS Harrogate as a platform to launch a new pet door for larger cats and small dogs. The new door continues SureFlap’s focus on strong aesthetic design and features the company’s trademark integral tunnel, which not only enables a sleek profile, but also creates a wide read area, detecting pets as they approach the door from any direction. It also incorporates new features that customers have said would be useful, such as a curfew mode, which allows pet owners to specify the times at which the door is locked or open; ideal for keeping a pet indoors overnight. There have also been enhancements to the locking design to allow for bigger and stronger pets using the door every day. The SureFlap Microchip Pet Door is compatible with all international formats of identification microchip and comes with a specially designed, lightweight RFID collar tag. It will be available to order from September 2012 and retailers are encouraged to visit the SureFlap stand to see the new product in action.

Information: 01954 211 664 or www.sureflap.co.uk/trade Stand D4

Natural Instinct has just undergone an extensive new branding programme, which now gives it a fresh, vibrant look ahead of its debut at PATS 2012. The company explains: “We have decided to exhibit at PATS this year for the first time as we are actively seeking to expand our already impressive wholesale department, and to bring our quality raw dog and cat foods to all corners of the UK.” Having recently refreshed its award-winning dog food range, the company also felt that this September was the ideal opportunity to extend its premium raw pet food philosophy to the nation’s feline community, with a five-strong cat food range that includes Wild Game Bird, Venison, and Wild Rabbit in addition to a more traditional Chicken and Beef and Lamb and Chicken. According to Natural Instinct’s co-founder and former chef, Michael McVay, “to our way of thinking cats just like dogs deserve a healthy, biologicallyappropriate balanced diet made from all-natural human-grade fruit and veg and Defra-approved meats, while never resorting to any cheap cereals or fillers.”

Information: 01276 608 500 or www.naturalinstinct.com Stand J2

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Arden Grange, the naturally hypoallergenic, super premium pet food brand, will be unveiling its new look dog food packaging at PATS Harrogate. The new look bags are designed to work harder on shelf and feature an information panel on the front of each pack, making it easier for consumers to choose between products in the range based on their unique features and benefits. This is the latest step in the evolution of the Sussex-based brand which was started in 1996 by Graham and Wendy Stephens and continues to be an independent, family-owned and run business today. All of the new dog food bags are available to order from September and will be showcased for the first time at PATS Harrogate.

Information: 01273 833 390 or www.ardengrange.com Stand A3

Gloucestershire-based pet accessory company, 3P Enterprise Limited will be launching a brand new range of eco-friendly feeding bowls and feed storage boxes for cats and dogs at PATS. Manufactured by the leading German pet accessory company Maelson, the range includes the Biod Bowl, an eco-friendly, biodegradable cat and dog bowl made from a blend of natural, sustainable plant fibres. Also new for the show is the Booda Bonkers, an amphibious dog toy for all sizes and play styles that bounces, floats and is made from a durable, long lasting material. The company has also extended its range of Fat Cat Gruntleys to include a mini version that offers interactive fun for the smaller dog.

Information: 01594 810 990 or www.3penterprise.co.uk Stand B35

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Natural Pet Products is a niche wholesaler of natural and holistic foods, treats, supplements and accessories. The company says it “endeavours to supply a range that helps pets to enjoy an active and healthy life, which is important to us, as is ensuring that all of the products we promote meet with our natural, holistic ideals.” The range of products includes Betty Miller, Barking Heads, Dorwest, Dr Chew, Grizzly Salmon Oil, The Natural Way and House of Paws. Visit the comapny at the show to see its offers and meet the team.

Information: 01926 311 524, trade@naturalpetproductsltd.com or www.naturalpetproductsltd.com Stand J7

Mr Johnson’s launched a range of small animal foods with new recipes at PATS Sandown in March and the company says “the response from the trade and consumers has been one of excitement. The whole range not only benefits from improved recipes but now contains Verm X – a natural blend of herbs that care for intestinal health.” Mr Johnson’s is entering three products into the Retailer’s Choice showcase at PATS Harrogate, including Mr Johnson’s Supreme tropical fruit rabbit mix, a fruity aromatic blend; Mr Johnson’s Supreme hamster and gerbil food, a blend of cereals, seeds, vegetables, fruit and mealworms; and Mr Johnson’s Advance guinea pig food, a crunchy, single component nugget that also contains glucosamine for joint mobility and de-odorase to help reduce urinal ammonia. All three products have the benefit of added Verm X in eye-catching packaging with shelf appeal.

Information: 01476 577 670, enquiries@mrjohnsons.co.uk or www.mrjohnsons.co.uk Stand E19

September will be a busy time for Absorption Corp as it is bringing a range of new products to the UK. This includes the CareFRESH Hide ‘n Seek Nestables – thin, recycled paper crinkles that can be added on top of existing bedding for enrichment, allowing nesting species to gather the strands to build nests, providing mental and physical stimulation. Also new for 2012 is CareFRESH Litter Plus, which offers additional odour control and absorbency for small pets’ habitats. Both these products will be sold alongside the company’s wide variety of premium pet bedding and litter products at PATS. The company adds: “The CareFRESH litter, bedding and enrichment products work together to control odours and keep pets busy, dry and comfortable.”

Information: www.carefresh.com Stand F11

Following on from the success of the Feathers & Beaky free range chicken foods, Spike’s World has launched some innovative new products. The Veg Holder prevents boredom, keeps vegetables clean and dry and helps deter vermin. Made from high quality plastic and stainless steel, it is robust enough to withstand the pressures of British weather. The company has also introduced the Easy-grow Wheatgrass, which it says “is extremely nutritious, tasty and is ready to feed in seven to 10 days and can boost egg production too.” The Chicken Gyms are ideal for interacting with chickens and are suitable for children and adults. A score sheet is downloadable from the re-launched website and the company’s YouTube video is receiving a lot of hits. All products are supported with consumer advertising and a social media campaign.

Information: 01522 688 300, hello@spikesworld.co.uk, www.spikesworld.co.uk, Twitter @spikesworldltd or Facebook www.facebook.com/feathersandbeaky Stand F7

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Burgess Pet Care is delighted to once again be attending PATS Harrogate.

“It is an important show to be at, it gives us a chance to really demonstrate faceto-face our commitment to the trade and to show off our fantastic new range of products,” says head of marketing Justin Heaton. At PATS Harrogate the company is showcasing its expanded range of premium hypoallergenic foods for dogs and cats. Another exciting development is Burgess’s new partnership with Envirosmart Products Ltd, maker of SmartBedz Universal Bedding & Litter. Justin comments: “Burgess and Envirosmart share many of the same business values, but above all a passion for supporting our customers and not compromising on quality. This is a natural fit for our companies, and allows retailers easier access to a great range of specialist-only products.”

Information: 01780 483 311 or www.burgesspetcare.co.uk Stand C1

A focus on supporting retailers through ‘Ambition for the Specialist Pet Trade’ is at the heart of Crown Pet Foods’ activities at PATS 2012.

The programme is the company’s combination of tools focusing on service, footfall, education and loyalty.

The company explains: “The package offers retailers a great new way to drive business and increase the size of the highly profitable super-premium pet nutrition sector by growing sales, attracting new customers and building loyalty for the highly successful James Wellbeloved and Royal Canin brands.”

One of many highlights at the show will be exclusive PATS offers, so to discover how you can benefit from these, and Crown Pet Foods’ innovative ‘Ambition for the Specialist Pet Trade’, visit the stand.

Information: 01963 353 305, customerservices@crownpetfoods.co.uk or www.crownpetfoods.co.uk Stand B14

Following its successful launch at Crufts earlier in the year, the new canned premium complete dog food, Nose2tail, will be on display at PATS. Created with the help of leading herbal vet, Ray O’Mahony MVB MRCVS CVH, and manufactured in the UK, it contains a blend of 65 per cent human-grade meat or salmon, potatoes, vegetables, fruits, berries and medicinal herbs. Optim Pet Products is the brainchild of husband and wife team Chung and Smaranda Jim, who were inspired to produce a range of pet foods that were all made from natural, British ingredients without any artificial colourings, preservatives, flavourings or aromas. The 400 gram tins contain three varieties: chicken and potato loaf; lamb and potato loaf; and salmon and potato terrine.

Information: www.nose-2-tail.co.uk Stand H6

Dorwest Herbs is exhibiting for the first time at PATS Harrogate this year, showcasing its range of herbal medicines and supplements for cats and dogs. The key focus is its ‘Dorwest Say Relax’ firework campaign, which each year goes from strength to strength.

Visitors to the stand can request free point-of-sale kits to display in store, take advantage of a firework promotion and have the chance to enter a free prize draw to win a fully stocked firework product box worth over £170 RRP; one to be given away each day. Plus all orders placed at the show (*excluding firework product boxes) will receive an extra five per cent off Information: 01308 897 272 www.dorwest.com Stand B4 Leading European supplier of pet and vet bedding ProFleece says: “We are very pleased to be attending the PATS show exhibiting our ProFleece Ultimate and ProFleece Premium ranges of pet and vet bedding. Both Profleece ranges are available in a large variety of colours with a non-slip or traditional green backing. We look forward to meeting customers old and new at our stand to view and discuss our full range of bedding, and while you’re there why not take advantage of our promotional trade offers.”

Information: 01670 503 063, sales@profleece.com or www.profleece.com Stand E18

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Doodlebone soft padded harnesses are a new range of colourful harnesses for dogs of all sizes. The company says: “We are all very aware of how dogs pull on their collars; even the best behaved dogs can pull sometimes. Harnesses are much more gentle and sympathetic, offering much greater comfort for your customers’ dogs because they allow the weight of the dog to be taken on its chest rather than the neck.” They are available either through Vital Pet Products or direct from Doodlebone and you can see the harnesses at PATS on the Vital Pet Products stand.

Information: 01295 261 161 or www.doodlebone.co.uk Stand E23

PetSafe is giving visitors to PATS an exclusive preview of its new high tech innovation – the Intelligent Pet Door, which will be available to retailers next spring. The new pet door, which is being shown for the first time in the UK, is operated by an existing implanted microchip or an ‘intelligent tag’ worn on the pet’s collar. PetSafe is also taking the opportunity to showcase a number of its core products across the key categories at PATS – Containment Systems, Training Systems, Bark Control, Pet Doors, Health & Wellness and Play & Challenge. Recently launched lines such as the VBC-10 Vibration Bark Control Collar, which has been designed to shorten the training phase and promote good behaviour, and the Drinkwell Pet Fountain, in all four sizes, will be featured prominently on the stand. The team will also display the complete line-up of the popular Busy Buddy toys.

Information: www.petsafe.net

Founded by Dr Roger Mugford in 1984 to market his inventions to simplify pet training and improve animal behaviour, today the Company of Animals is a leading specialist in dog behaviour and training products. Well-known for its innovative, practical and fun product developments, they are designed to achieve a positive outcome for pets and include the leading brands HALTI, CLIX, Coachies Training Treats and Pet Corrector. The comapny is also distributor for many key brands, including Pet Head, Sporn pet products and Nina Ottosson Interactive games.

Information: www.companyofanimals.co.uk Stand E8 Plevin is a family-owned company best known for its market-leading Snowflake and Woodpecker animal bedding brands. Plevin supplies a range of sustainable bedding products to supermarket chains, leading pet wholesalers and some of the UK’s largest agricultural outlets. Plevin products, including the Snowflake small animal range of wood shavings, are manufactured using material sourced from responsibly-managed forests and certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.

Plevin is dedicated to producing bedding that is safe and natural and creates a healthy and clean environment for pets.

Information: 0870 750 0805 or mail@plevin.co.uk Stand C2

Stand B18

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Pond care

Getting a pond ready for winter

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Pond-keepers have the potential to become lifelong customers, says Lucy Bearman, aquatics brand manager at Interpet, and offering information on best practice pond care is sure to result in repeat business and extra sales come rain or shine

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his year the great British summer has been somewhat erratic and pond-keeping customers may not have had as much opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors and all the benefits their ponds have to offer. Despite the changeable weather, it’s important to advise customers that pond care needs to be continued throughout the year. Maintaining pond care in a regular, routine fashion will result in a healthy haven for plants and wildlife.

Furthermore, for fish-keepers, it’s vital that a healthy and balanced eco-system is protected so fish are able to thrive all year round.

A common concern that we come across on a regular basis from novice and experienced fish-keepers alike is, ‘what happens in the winter?’ Addressing this concern with helpful solutions and effective products that provide customers with peace of mind is crucial when it comes to pond care. Harsh winter weather such as low temperatures and frost have a visible impact on gardens of all shapes and sizes, so customers are right to be worried about the impact of extreme weather on their fish ponds and water gardens. Remind customers that a few simple steps and precautions can make a big difference to the health and appearance of ponds. When dealing with pond-keeping customers, remind them of a few key products and simple practices that will help to ensure a love for the hobby is maintained year after year.

Pond preparation As the autumn sets in, a pond is likely to become enveloped with a blanket of fallen leaves. Picturesque it may be to begin with, but leaf-litter can quickly become unruly

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and congest the pond, compromising the water quality and potentially harming the fish. Decaying leaves can produce toxins that can be highly detrimental to the health of fish. This is especially the case in small to medium ponds – a common size for today’s water gardener.

To counter this issue it is important to encourage photosynthesis, regardless of the shorter days, by pruning back overhanging branches. In addition, dying leaves should be removed to allow the maximum amount of sunshine to reach the pond. An easy way to avoid fallen leaves becoming an issue is to use a subtle cover net from autumn onwards.

This will protect both the pond and its fish from unwanted debris and its low visibility means that a pond’s aesthetic quality isn’t sacrificed. Pond cover nets have another benefit in that they also protect fish against predators; a must-have for all fish-keepers.

Fish and wildlife Heading further into the winter, a fish’s metabolism slows down dramatically as the water temperature decreases, so during this season the fish should be fed reduced amounts of easily digestible food. Once the temperature reaches 50°F or below it’s advisable to stop feeding altogether. These are simple steps to implement but crucial for the healthy survival of fish.

Another potential risk to fish will present itself if a pond freezes over. A lack of oxygen results in a build-up of toxic gases, which then remain trapped under the ice.

To manage this, a floating de-icer or pond heater will prevent the pond from freezing over completely, allowing the pond to breathe, while ensuring that essential gaseous

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exchanges take place. A pond heater also has benefits for pond owners who don’t have fish.

If a customer has plants that are established in shallow areas of a pond, there is a serious chance that the roots will freeze, which will kill them. If this is the case a pond heater will safeguard against this, extending the life of the plants.

Equipment Customers may wish to turn off equipment during the winter months, however continuing to run a pump and filter throughout the winter can help maintain a steady level of bacteria. This is especially important if a pond is home to fish and other wildlife. This, of course, depends on how low the temperature drops. Leaving a pump running in particularly Arctic conditions can be problematic as freezing systems may damage plumbing and equipment. If a customer does decide to turn off the pump and filter, it’s essential that all plumbing is drained and equipment is cleaned effectively. This will ensure that items will be ready for use again in the spring.

As water temperature changes during the autumn and winter season, the water on the top will remain colder than the water below.

This layering effect is good news for fish as they can retreat to the warmer depths of the pond. It’s advisable to turn pumps down during the winter, so as not to disrupt the beneficial layering of the water, while still helping to maintain a healthy eco-system within the pond.

Top tips for a winter pond paradise • Overhanging foliage and branches surrounding a pond should be pruned back to ensure that the maximum amount of light can reach the pond.

• When keeping a filter running throughout the winter, precautions must be taken against the freezing of water in the plumbing system to prevent a power outage. A circuit breaker should be sold with every electrical garden or pond product as safety is paramount with this type of equipment.

• Never smash a frozen pond or pour boiling hot water to melt the ice as this can be harmful to fish. If required, pour warm water in one location to create an opening.

• There are a number of elements to consider with winter pond maintenance as the weather has a very real impact on a pond and its wildlife. It’s important to reassure customers that good pond care needn’t be a timeintensive, expensive endeavour.

A robust stock of products that provide customers with solutions to common problems, along with helpful advice, will ultimately result in strong sales and increased customer loyalty.

For more information please visit www.interpet.co.uk or www.affinitypools.co.uk

Supplier listing Affinity Pools: www.affinitypools.co.uk Blagdon: www.blagdonthepondmasters.co.uk HG Gladwell & Sons: www.copdockmill.co.uk Interpet: www.interpet.co.uk JMC Aquatics: www.jmc-aquatics.co.uk Mars Fish Care: www.marsfishcare.com Natures Grub: shop.naturesgrub.co.uk

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Comment

The goose that lays government a golden egg?

This month, OATA chief executive Keith Davenport reports on how full cost recovery measures could have an impact upon the industry

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s the government austerity measures bite, the cry for full cost recovery charges to be applied to all manner of services offered by government is reaching fever pitch. Over the last year or so CITES, Plant Health and Animal Health have raised, or are proposing to raise, their charges by, in some cases, over 1,000 per cent.

Animal Health is responsible for charges at Border Inspection Posts (BIP) and every animal that enters the EU must pass through a BIP and be inspected by Animal Health staff. That is a pretty safe monopoly position for Animal Health to be in. Are they abusing that position? I’ll let you decide. For a vet paid £62,000 (inc NI and pension), you will be charged a rate for their time that annualised amounts to over £175,000 (this would keep the whole of OATA’s core activities going for a year!) while for the time of an Animal Health Officer paid £32,000, you will be charged at a rate that equates to an annualised rate of over £90,000.

OATA, as ever, will stand in front of the government juggernaut and try to get a more reasonable approach and address the charges to be proposed In total, the aim is to raise charges from around £40,000 per annum to over £540,000 per annum. Put another way, if passed on through the supply chain this means, if things remain as they are, every aquatic retailer will pay an average of an extra £250 a year for their fish. If added to the price of fish and mark-ups made along the supply chain, then the impact will be multiplied. This will be a direct drain on the resources of the 70 per cent of pet shops selling fish.

OATA, as ever, will stand in front of the government juggernaut and try to get a more reasonable approach and address the charges to be proposed. It can be argued that the checks to make sure what is declared is what is imported; the right number of boxes are transported; ensuring the welfare of the fish is protected and they are free of specified diseases are all valid aims. Although it must be said all animals imported are accompanied by health certificates.

The key issue that OATA is concerned about is that government has a monopoly that may lead to an emphasis on ‘full cost recovery’ rather than ‘least cost-efficient service’ with various justifications raised, such

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as it would cost more in transport to bring livestock in through a continental airport. The charges levied seem to infer a sense of ‘what can we get away with?’ rather than what is the least resource needed to do the job effectively and efficiently. The means that those charges calculated are not entirely transparent.

OATA is also aware that there is no apparent recognition of risk.

The costs for pig imports are to be cut by 90 per cent but those for neon tetras are to be increased by 1,000 per cent. The most costly outbreak of disease in this country was foot and mouth, which pigs can carry and be affected by, while neons carry no notifiable diseases.

It is inevitable that charges will increase but they should not increase more than is absolutely necessary to achieve the aims of the relevant legislation. Of perhaps equal importance is the need to try to convince government agencies that their service should be within reasonable bounds, be dependable and reproducible. As they say time is money and unnecessary delays might be costing far more than the current or even projected charges.

OATA is at the thick of the debate. While no promises can be made that we will win the argument, it is clear that there would be no single coherent voice for our industry’s views if we did not exist. But we only exist because businesses voluntarily choose to join us and clearly value the industry and its future. Clearly the more support we receive, the more we can achieve. As these charges may come into effect in October we could soon be mobilising members to help take concerted action, so the sooner businesses join, the sooner they can help shape the industry’s future.

About OATA OATA was established in 1991 and currently represents over 700 members from across the ornamental aquatic industry; from importers and wholesalers to suppliers and retailers. Its core mission is to protect and promote the ornamental aquatic industry and to ensure its longevity through pro-active and continuous lobbying and marketing activity at local, national and international levels. If you would like to find out more about its membership scheme, please visit www.ornamentalfish.org or call 0870 043 4013.

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Focus on

Focus on…

fish tank equipment Callum Gildart discovers

more about fish-keeping and the range of equipment required to maintain a healthy aquarium

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ish-keeping, a hobby first practised by the Sumerians of Mesopotamia that outdates Ancient Egypt, rose to prominence in Britain in the 19th century. The rise on these shores was, in no small part, thanks to scientists who noted a correlation between animals, oxygen and plants that created what was termed a ‘balanced aquarium’. This discovery – that aquatic life needs the support of oxygen and plants to thrive – can still be a source of confusion for prospective aquarium owners today.

It’s universally acknowledged that a filter is essential for responsible fish-keeping, but with so many to choose from people will often opt for the cheapest option rather than the one most suited to their needs. Filters for aquariums come in all shapes and sizes and are designed to keep the tank clean, oxygenised and habitable. Consumers should be told this and asked for their tank size so that the right filter can be recommended.

Under gravel filters and internal canister filters are fine to recommend for basic fish tank set-ups, so long as they’re selected for the correct volume, but probably wouldn’t cut it for the hobbyist intent on expansion.

New customers may also be unaware that a

new filter will lack bacteria and therefore be incapable of removing ammonia for a period of up to eight weeks – something that could result in fish getting poisoned. To avoid ‘new tank syndrome’ it is worth recommending products that speed up the filter’s bacteriagaining process, such as new filter liquids and bacteria gel balls.

Plants are far more than just decoration for a fish tank. Besides breaking down fish waste and acting as a natural filter, they provide oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide during the day, and reverse the process at night to play an important role in maintaining a suitable environment for fish to thrive.

The necessity of lighting for a fish tank is affected by varying factors such as a tank’s positioning and its access to natural light.

Both of these factors will also affect the customer’s plant choice as some plants will need more light than others. Fluorescent lighting is a popular option because it closely resembles that of natural light and doesn’t have the side effects (such as overheating) of candescent lighting. A fairly recent addition to the market is LED lighting; marketed as a cost-effective way of responsibly lighting an aquarium with a noted bonus of algae reduction.

Keeping a tank aerated is of high importance in sustaining a pleasant living environment in a fish tank. Customers should be made aware that air stones help to move the tank water vertically towards the surface, which assists with oxygen and gas exchanges.

Myths that air stones add oxygen to an aquarium and shouldn’t be added to a planted fish tank need to be dispelled. They serve a purpose but are by no means essential.

Powerheads are another way of providing water circulation and aeration. Negatives, such as generating heat and adding more voltage to an aquarium, are outweighed by positives such as providing a better environment and the current they create, which helps fish exercise.

Creating a pleasant environment for the wet pets could also entail recommending a heater. The quality of a heater is of the utmost importance and consumers should be made aware that buying frugally could have disastrous consequences. It should also be added that even in the best quality heaters a fault could occur. Therefore, to avoid any catastrophes, the addition of a thermometer to any heater sale should is highly recommended.

Here is a range of fish tank equipment available to stock. 

Rolf C Hagen

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Interpet’s Fish Pod is a complete aquarium that helps make the hobby easier and more successful; containing all a potential fish-keeper needs to start up a cold water aquarium. Products included are an Easy Care Filtration system; power filter; foams; carbon; and biomedia.

The Fish Pod is also equally suited to those wanting to progress their skills and experience, with its tropical upgrade kit. Individually switched night and day lighting enables fish-keepers to enjoy the sights of great looking fish and healthy plants in different shades. Each Fish Pod combines a curved glass design for panoramic viewing and high specification equipment. Interpet states that the pet trade should “work to ensure that newcomers to the fishkeeping hobby enjoy the experience from the beginning [because] successful fish-keepers have the potential to become lifelong customers.” With the Fish Pod, Interpet hopes to provide a simple solution to fish-keepers’ common concerns and problems.

JMC has introduced a new line of equipment products that it says “no shop or aquarist should be without.” Included in the latest range are sponge filters; air stones; nets; gravel cleaners; and carbon. Many more products are available in both the new line and JMC’s existing stock list, such as dry goods like ornaments, substrates and its dry and frozen foods.

The new API Aquarium Start-Up Pack from Mars Fishcare offers consumers two simple ways to help start their aquarium. Containing one 30 millilitre bottle of Stress Coat and one 30 millilitre bottle of Quick Start, the pack encourages consumers to start their aquarium the right way. Stress Coat makes tap water safe and, as a result, reduces stress in fish. Quick Start immediately starts the aquarium cycle to make a tank ready for the safe introduction of fish. The packaging shows each product’s function in a clear and helpful manner and dosing is also easy, with 10 millilitres of each product recommended for every 38 litres of water. The products can be used in both freshwater and saltwater.

Tropical Marine Centre offers an extensive range of equipment for fish tanks under its four main brands – AquaRay, V2, AquaHabitats and AquaGro. AquaRay pioneered LED lighting for aquariums and now offers a range of modular lighting such as the AquaBeam 600 Ultra lighting strips and the AquaBeam 1000 and 1500 lighting tiles. All AquaRay lighting offers high output at low running costs and comes with a five-year guarantee. The V2 range includes the award-winning V2Skim Protein Skimmers, as well as calcium reactors, filters, UV sterilisers and much more. ‘Aquarium Essentials’ is an AquaHabitats range offering quality, affordable products to those just starting in the fishkeeping hobby. The brand’s flagship products are the MicroHabitat tanks that come complete with all of the equipment necessary to set up a successful marine tank. The AquaGro range includes tanks, glassware, substrates, CO2 equipment, and lighting.

Interpet: sales@interpet.co.uk or www.interpet.co.uk • JMC: 01246 415 275 (select option 2 for Jess) or jess@jmc-aquatics.co.uk Mars Fishcare: 01932 784 366 or contact your Mars Fishcare representative Tropical Marine Centre: 01923 284 151 or www.tropicalmarinecentre.co.uk September 2012

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Voice on the highstreet

Voice on the highstreet Karen Cooper,

Fin & Fur, Bishop’s Stortford

Could you tell us about the history of Fin & Fur? Fin & Fur was started in 1972 by my parents on Hockerill Street, Bishop’s Stortford. In 1989 the shop expanded, staying in Bishop’s Stortford but moving to Thorley Park – a local retail site. I currently work in the business with my two sons, husband and part-time staff.

Fin & Fur this year celebrates its 40th anniversary.

What is the biggest change you’ve noticed in the pet retail sector during this time?

The biggest change I’ve noticed is the way people feed their animals; particularly dogs. The whole profile of pet products has become more professional and owners now expect it. I’ve also noticed, in this area of trading, the decline of bird and small animal keeping.

What do you enjoy most about the job?

Our customers. I also enjoy giving advice on all aspects of pet care, from nutrition to training.

What, in your opinion, do you feel are the main challenges faced by pet retailers today?

Educating the customer on nutrition and the use of licensed, veterinary-strength medicines. It’s a challenge being aware of the changing marketplace and knowing how to react to it.

What does Fin & Fur do to compete with supermarkets and pet superstores?

What product is selling well at the moment?

Barking Heads and Meowing Heads. Lilly’s Kitchen, activity toys and KONG are also selling well, as is our own range of dog and cat food, which we recently launched.

We offer a unique and personal service, with a good range of products at competitive prices. We are able to offer advice and knowledge, which superstores and supermarkets simply can’t give. Two years ago we introduced a loyalty scheme so that our customers feel like they are being rewarded for their support. The scheme has been a great success and at present we have in excess of 3,000 customers, and counting, signed up.

Can you tell us about Fin & Fur’s online retail site?

What advice would you give to anyone starting out in the trade?

Where do you see Fin & Fur in its golden year – 2022?

You need to know your market and offer something different. In these times it is increasingly difficult to start a business without a reputation. My advice would be to get specialist help and be unique.

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We have decided to have an online shop to complement our store and expand our business. The website enables our customers with busy lives to have goods delivered to their door, while giving us the opportunity to serve new ones. However, we don’t agree with online discounting and still would like people to visit the store for a friendly experience.

Hopefully I’ll have taken a back seat and my sons will be moving the business forward, while maintaining the family business ethos. It’d be nice to have success with our website and potentially have more shops open with our unique retail formula.

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