Pet Gazette February 2012 by Designed by Arthouse Publishing

PET GAZETTE FEBRUARY 2012

www.petgazette.biz

ISSN 2046-7303

Under control Collars and halters for dogs

A raw deal

The benefits of the BARF diet

Looking ahead to spring with news and product information for equestrian retailers

Rough customers Advice on meeting the special dietary requirements of fibrevores such as guinea pigs, rabbits and chinchillas

Test the waters Start stocking up on equipment and accessories to help your customers spring clean their ponds

This month

Editor’s letter

FEBRUARY 2012 Contents Roundup 4 The latest news from the industry

Three minute interview

New appointments

Will Delamore, sales and marketing director, Skinners Pet Foods Pastures new for professionals in the pet trade

Taking stock

Understanding the growth offering

An innovative and varied range of pet products Michael Bellingham of the PFMA looks ahead to 2012 and the key developments and trends that are set to dominate the pet food sector

A raw deal

A shock to the system

Top dog

Under control

Focus on…cat litter

Rough customers

Test the waters

Founder of BARF Pet Foods, Andreas Dauer, looks at the rise in popularity among pet owners of the raw food diet and why they are choosing to feed their animals in this ‘natural’ way

In the first of his new series of advice columns, veterinary surgeon and specialist in veterinary herbal medicine, Ray O’Mahony, looks at food allergies, including the common causes and treatments available to pet owners Pet behaviourist Claire Arrowsmith discovers that dog owners have a wide range of training aids to help combat behavioural problems Veterinary consultant for Petsafe, David Chamberlain looks at the types of collars and halters on the market and what they can be used for Naida Ally discovers there’s more to cat litter than meets the eye with a range of technological developments offering greater absorbency, less odour and positive benefits for the environment Fibrevores have special dietary requirements says Naomi Chatterley of Burgess Pet Care, from a need for both long and short fibre to snacks to stimulate their interest and prevent boredom

Lucy Bearman, aquatics brand manager at Interpet, offers advice on the products and accessories your customers will need to spring clean their ponds

Equine special Roundup

Taking stock

Stepping into spring

Voice on the highstreet

The latest news for equestrian retailers A range of products for horses and ponies The UK’s leading equestrian companies offer advice on the key products to stock up on for spring

Justin Bartlett, manager, HG Gladwell & Sons, Suffolk

s we move into 2012, many of you may be looking ahead to the key events that will soon get underway. The first of the big shows this year is Crufts, which takes place at Birmingham’s NEC from 8 to 11 March. Last year Crufts celebrated its 120th anniversary with over 28,000 dogs participating in the event and over 135,000 people attending, affirming its reputation as the ‘greatest dog show on earth.’ Eukanuba has been confirmed as the show’s principal sponsor alongside official sponsors Royal Canin, Purina Proplan, Arden Grange and R&L Pet Products. Looking ahead to March, Caroline Kisko, communications director for the Kennel Club, says: “Crufts 2012 will be a wonderful celebration of all that is great about dogs. The show remains the most important and anticipated date on any dog lover’s calendar and the 2012 event will focus on healthy, happy dogs and provide a wealth of information and entertainment for dog lovers of all ages.” We are also now counting down to the first of the PATS events which will take place at Sandown Park on 20 and 21 March, with the Harrogate show now rescheduled for the autumn. Both the Sandown and Harrogate shows staged last year were bigger than in 2010 with greatly increased exhibitor numbers leading to expansion into additional halls at both venues. PATS has established a reputation as one of the pet trade’s leading UK-based launchpads for new innovations and product ranges. This is one of the reasons that first time exhibitor Natural Dogs has decided to make its debut at Sandown. The companys says: “We’ve been involved in the pet industry for six years and are already well-known in the United States but we want to use PATS to raise our profile in the UK and Europe.” I look forward to seeing many of you during the year. Sam Guiry sam@petgazette.biz

Roundup

PET GAZETTE Established 2008

Managing Editor

Louise Hoffman louise@petgazette.biz Editor

Sam Guiry sam@petgazette.biz Editorial Assistant

Naida Ally naida@petgazette.biz Design/Production Editor

Tracy Jarvis tracy@petgazette.biz Production Assistant

Lewis Bowes copy@petgazette.biz Group Advertisement Manager

Kelly Smith kelly@petgazette.biz Advertisement Manager

Julie-Ann Kwok julie@petgazette.biz

Pedigree helps UK’s abandoned dogs Petcare brand Pedigree announced it has raised over £160,000 to help the thousands of dogs abandoned every year in the UK, through its charitable initiative, the ‘Pedigree Adoption Drive 2011’. The fundraising comes as rescue centres’ facilities across the country suffer under the strain of the highest level of dog abandonment in over a decade. The Pedigree Adoption Drive, which works in partnership with the Petplan Charitable Trust, aims to highlight dog abandonment and raise funds for the hundreds of rescue centres across the country that work to find the dogs new homes. Funds raised in 2011 will be distributed This year’s Pedigree Adoption Drive has raised over £160,000 for rescue centres like Manx SPCA. through grants to 90 rescue homes across the country including three special grants of £15,000 given to Bath Cats and Dogs Home; £20,000 to North Clwyd Animal Rescue; and £25,000 to Birmingham Dogs Home. TV presenter and vet Steve Leonard, ambassador of this year’s campaign, said: “The grants awarded to rescue centres this year will make a big difference in helping to find many rescue dogs the loving homes they deserve.” Katie Wragg, Pedigree Adoption Drive brand manager, commented: “In the last four years we’ve raised over £1 million for rescue centres supporting the country’s abandoned dogs, and despite the tough economic climate, the amazing public reaction has enabled us to really make a difference to the lives of abandoned dogs across the UK and help give them a bright future.” For more information on the campaign visit www.pedigreeadoptiondrive.com

Sales Executive

Daniel Harrison daniel@petgazette.biz Accounts

Maureen Scrivener accounts@petgazette.biz Customer Services

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

Claire Arrowsmith, Lucy Bearman, Michael Bellingham, David Chamberlain, Naomi Chatterley, Andreas Dauer, Ray O’Mahony Cover image

Collarways. Photographer: Neil Baird ISSN 2046-7303 Pet Gazette is published monthly by:

Image: Sandra Lindsay

Dog welfare film released ahead of Crufts 2012

The Kennel Club has released a film, narrated by Clare Balding, which looks at the issues affecting dog health and wellbeing. Dogs – A Healthy Future focuses on the main issues that affect dog health and welfare including hereditary diseases, issues created by breeding dogs for the way that they look and the problem of cruel puppy farms that breed dogs for profit without regard for their health and welfare. Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club secretary said: “Huge strides have been made to improve dog health, particularly with the knowledge that has been gained in recent years thanks to the advancement of genetic science, but there is still more to do. As we look towards Crufts 2012 we look forward to introducing even tighter measures to ensure that dog shows play their part in driving change by rewarding, and so encouraging, the breeding of healthy dogs.” To view the film visit www.thekennelclub.org.uk/doghealth or www.youtube.com/thekennelclub

Vets get online to promote responsible pet ownership 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.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has teamed up with the new online community for pet owners www.petnet360.co.uk, to promote responsible ownership and encourage pet owners to seek expert veterinary advice on a range of health, welfare and behaviour issues. PetNet360 will be working with the BVA to ensure the content of the online discussions is based on the most up-to-date factual information and advice from the veterinary profession. In addition, BVA members in small animal practice will be encouraged to get involved. All practices from the RCVS register will automatically be uploaded with a basic listing, but practices are encouraged to enhance their listing to get the most out of it. Commenting, Carl Padgett, president of the BVA, said: “The BVA is delighted to be working with PetNet360. It is a fantastic resource for pet owners and fantastic opportunity for vets to engage with existing and potential clients online.”

Roundup

Undergraduates’ design innovations unveiled

Three minute interview

Undergraduate students from Northumbria University have been designing a range of innovative new bird feeders and nest boxes, with help from Cranswick Pet Products. The project, which has formed part of the Design for Industry course, saw students exploring new and different styles of feeders and nest boxes, designed to appeal to new customers. Students were then given free rein to design and create feeders or nest boxes that were both innovative and functional. They created a huge range of unique designs, including feeders and nest boxes that featured new hanging mechanisms and filling abilities, as well as some fabricated from alternative materials.

Over half the UK’s pets are uninsured A recent survey by comparison website Gocompare has shown that almost half of the UK’s pets are not insured. The study showed that 56 per cent of the country’s pet owners do not have proper medical cover for their pets and only 11 per cent of these had set aside the funds to cover any medical expenses. Of those questioned, 43 per cent said they would use their savings to pay vets bills; 36 per cent would rely on their credit card; while 17 per would borrow the money from family and friends. Phil Paterson-Fox of Gocompare said: “The research shows that we are a nation of pet lovers and with such a high number of pet owners considering their pet to be a member of the family, it’s surprising that so many aren’t protecting themselves from the potential cost of a claim.”

The new products were then showcased at an exhibition at Pets’ Corner and Millfield visitor centre, Jesmond Dene in Newcastle. Rachael Dickinson, marketing manager at Cranswick Pet Products, said: “The overall quality was incredibly high, with students coming up with a variety of interesting, functional and stylish designs…We are constantly looking for innovative ways to improve our product range, and were delighted to be able to share our experience and work with some of the brightest young and upcoming talents in the design world.”

Will Delamore, sales and marketing director, Skinners Pet Foods Describe yourself in three words Outgoing, sporty, sociable.

What is your earliest memory? Riding horses and running around the farm at home.

When you were at school, what did you want to be and why? A farmer – following in the family business.

What was the first music single you bought? Karma Chameleon by Culture Club.

If you could have dinner with one person, who would you choose and why? Our house was built in 1643 and I would like to meet the first people who lived in it.

What is the best advice you have been given? Be humble.

What is your next goal in life? To train a field trial champion.

Dates for your diary

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you choose and why? 1600s Britain, a very different place to the world we live in now.

12 - 13 February

6 – 8 July

Anido Belgium www.anido.be

The East of England Show Peterborough www.eastofengland.org.uk

10 – 13 March 2011

16 - 17 September

On time is 10 minutes early.

CRUFTS NEC, Birmingham www.crufts.org.uk

PATS Harrogate IC Yorkshire www.patshow.co.uk

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

What is your favourite quote or saying?

The need to be a great diplomat – you can never please everyone.

Roundup

and briefly Human medicines given to pets Sainsbury’s Pet Insurance has revealed that 65 per cent of veterinary surgeries have seen an increase in pets requiring treatment after being given medication designed for humans. The majority of vets interviewed felt that financial pressures were prompting pet owners to purchase over-the-counter human medication, which can cause significant health problems for animals, including kidney and liver problems. Helen Williams, head of Sainsbury’s Pet Insurance, said: “The findings from our research are extremely worrying. Administering human medication to a cat or a dog could seriously damage its health and although owners doing this may feel like they have its best interests at heart, they could actually be causing it more pain and suffering.”

Diplomas for Alpha Feeds team Employees at Nottinghamshire-based Alpha Feeds are celebrating after successfully passing the EAL Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Business Improvement Techniques. The six-month course included a wide range of training modules, from effective team working to health and safety, continuous improvement and operating procedures. Sean Cox of Alpha Feeds said: “The course provided a host of information to complement the team’s existing skills and qualifications, and encourages practices that can maximise profit by eliminating waste, improving work flow and reducing cost and variation.”

Microchip cat flap is a design icon SureFlap has been nominated for inclusion in the Design Icons exhibition, which will run at the Anglia Ruskin University in February. The 21st century reincarnation of one of scientist Sir Isaac Newton’s inventions has been nominated as a design icon, as well as winning best product trade awards for its microchipoperated cat flap. The company was founded by cat lover and Cambridge physicist Dr Nick Hill, following his frustration with a neighbour’s cat. His radio frequency identification technology (RFID) has been used to create a cat flap that can identify a pet by its unique microchip, which acts as a personal key for the home.

Ceva announces judging panel Ceva Animal Health UK has announced its judging panel for the Ceva Awards for Animal Welfare. The judges will include veterinary surgeon Chris Laurence, who has put his name to the Vet of the Year Award and will chair the panel; Claire Bessant, chief executive of the Feline Advisory Bureau (FAB); Daniel Mills, professor of veterinary behavioural medicine at the University of Lincoln; Dr Kersti Seksel, veterinary specialist in behavioural medicine; and media vet Joe Inglis.

Post-Portas Review reactions Published at the end of last year, the Portas Review, which concerned the future of high street retail, addressed a number of issues including town planning, car parking, high street management and business improvement districts, and business rates help for new retail businesses. The British Retail Consortium (BRC) director general Stephen Robertson said: “The report sets out some practical ways to address problems faced by the UK’s high streets, many of which go back much further than the economic difficulties of the last few years. We welcome the central thrust of Mary Portas’s recommendations for the high street – that they respond to changing customer demands – but we’re concerned a couple of proposals are at odds with this and have the potential to make development more difficult.” Barry Knight, head of retail at chartered accountant Grant Thornton UK, commented: “The creation of town teams and business improvement districts is all well and good, but the question is, who is going to pay for them?” He added: “The increasing number of large supermarkets and their increased push into non-food, combined with internet shopping, are major drivers in the decline of the high street. Mary Portas offers no discussion around how or if anything can be done about the impact of these trends. To ensure that high streets do not fall into terminal decline, we need to ensure that no properties are empty, regardless of the financial cost and the need to change usage legislation.” “Retailers are being squeezed by increased rates and reduced traffic, and something needs to be done to help our high streets,” said Rupert Eastell, head of retail at chartered accountant Baker Tilly. “Regardless of whether you love her or hate her, Mary Portas’s report should stimulate debate about the future of the British high street, and if it leads to just one high street making changes for the better, it will be a success.” Dr Neil Bentley, CBI deputy director general, added: “Retail represents about 10 per cent of our economy and the high street is a vital part of this. The Portas Review makes some sensible suggestions about how we can inject life back into town centres, including increased use of business improvement districts and relaxing planning restrictions on the high street – in particular on change of use. More importantly, she recognises the growing burden business rates are placing on companies right across the country at a critical time.” If you have a view to share on the subject, please email the editor at sam@petgazette.biz

Cats Galore at the London Pet Show The Discover Cats zone at the London Pet Show 2012 “promises to be better than ever this year,” including dozens of breeds and features expected to attract thousands of cat lovers. Organisers welcomed Royal Canin on board as sponsor of the Discover Cats zone. Zoflora will once again sponsor the World of Cats, where the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) will bring popular breeds from the seven pedigree sections:

Persian, semi-long hair, British, foreign, Siamese, Oriental and Burmese. The London Pet Show, sponsored by Vanish, is the UK’s largest event showcasing a range of pets and has four zones: Discover Dogs; Discover Cats; Discover Small Furries; and Discover Animals. Each of these zones has its own live, interactive feature area with demonstrations, talks and activities focused on caring for pets, what breed is right for different lifestyles plus plenty of shopping opportunities. The event will be held on 12 to 13 May at Earls Court Two.

New appointments

New appointments Pastures new for professionals in the pet trade

Dengie Horse Feeds

Dengie Horse Feeds has appointed Laura Dolphin as its new area sales manager for the north west and Wales. An equine science graduate, Laura brings her equestrian experience and knowledge to the role. She has previously worked for Target Feeds/Rowen Barbary Horse Feeds and Redpin Publishing. Laura owns two horses and is looking forward to returning to competition at local level and BE Eventing following a short break to care for her two young children. “I’m really proud to be working for Dengie,” said Laura. “This premium brand’s products are well-respected and trusted by horse owners everywhere and that means a great deal. I am extremely enthusiastic and looking forward to visiting new and existing Dengie customers and consumers over the months ahead.”

Pet Food UK

Ivan Kokuti has recently joined Barking Heads as its new social media marketer. Ivan, 28, recently completed a degree in live television production before joining the team at Barking Heads. He has great expectations for the role within the company and sees this year as an opportunity to make a name for himself. He plans to burst into the social media world with many exciting events and activities coming soon. Wanda Turner joins Barking Heads, bringing nearly 20 years’ experience in customer service to the administration team. “Wanda joined at the peak of her career and with her ambition and charismatic personality, we look forward to many years with Wanda in our team.”

Pet Gazette

Daniel Harrison has joined the Pet Gazette sales team as sales executive. He will be handling key accounts on the magazine and the daily duties within the office. Daniel’s previous experience has been working in insurance and handling customer service accounts. Daniel also has a degree in Advertising and Media, which he completed at the University of East London in 2011.

Veterinary Thermal Imaging

Veterinary Thermal Imaging has welcomed Stephanie Godfrey to its team. Stephanie holds BHS qualifications, a degree in equine science from Oxford Brookes University and an equine welfare qualification. She was awarded Equine Student of the Year during her studies and has also worked in several livery yards before joining Veterinary Thermal Imaging. “I decided to join Veterinary Thermal Imaging after stumbling across the company during one of my modules at university,” said Stephanie. “I was instantly intrigued to learn more about thermal imaging and its use as a diagnostic tool. After researching the technology and reading about its effectiveness, I contacted Helen (Morrell) and have since joined the team to continue my passion. Naturally, I have always had a keen interest in equine anatomy and physiology, which has been a valuable asset within the work I do now.” Stephanie will take on the role of veterinary thermographer and will be based in Oxfordshire.

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

Taking stock

Measom Freer Measom Freer has just launched its new, easy to navigate ecommerce website, containing clear information, product data and images with prices of Measom Freer’s ranges available to registered users. Customers can now download a full catalogue in PDF format with all product sizes and dimensions. Directors Andy and Mark Freer explain: “We see it as a natural progression for our customers to order online 24 hours a day, knowing that they will still receive that attention to detail that Measom Freer has built its reputation on.’’ Delivery is available throughout the UK and to all EU countries. Information: 0116 288 1588, sales@measomfreer.co.uk or www.measomfreer.co.uk

Natures Grub As well as offering an extensive range of dried insect-based koi and pond food, Norfolk-based company Natures Grub offers a comprehensive range of koi and pond pellets, sticks and flake. Its lightweight and low waste pond sticks are available in Natural, Mixed and Peaches and Cream varieties, and are offered in 2.5 litre, 5 litre and 10 litre buckets. The pond flake is offered in the same pack sizes and a pond mix containing flake and pellet is also available. Also within the pond range is the sinking winter pellet, available in three and six millimetres, great for feeding at low temperatures and while the fish are not surfacing. Information: 01485 517 177 or www.naturesgrub.co.uk

Dapper Pets Red Dingo’s multi-purpose leads are growing in popularity in the UK, as dog trainers follow the lead of those in Europe who have been using them for years. This six-in-one training lead provides different configurations for every need. The three D-rings give handlers the flexibility to use the lead as a short, medium or long lead, as well as a double lead for two dogs, a shoulder lead for hands-free walking or a temporary tie. Red Dingo’s multi-purpose leads are tough and the clips have been proven, through breaking strain testing, to be stronger than others on the market. Information: 01992 524 077 or sales@dapperpets.co.uk

Sneyd’s Wonderfeeds Sneyd’s Wonderfeeds is well on the way with its new site in Scunthorpe. Although aware of a tough year ahead, managing director Phil Judson is confident of the family business moving forward and is excited about the company’s future, both with the quality of dog and small animal feeds it produces, and its ability to deliver small mixed pallets straight to your pet shop. “With over 30 years of experience, Sneyd’s Wonderfeeds produces working dog food unrivalled in quality and value.” For samples and prices please contact the company using the information below. Information: 01405 740 428 or www.wonderfeeds.co.uk

Taking stock

Tropical Marine Centre Tropical Marine Centre has just launched its V2 Auto Top Up – a safe, low voltage auto top up system incorporating a high quality float switch. It is “ideal for topping up evaporated water” in both marine and freshwater aquariums and is “simple to install, using its unique mounting bracket.” Supplied complete with an energyefficient pump and two metres of flexible hosing, it is available in two versions. The ‘standard’ incorporates one float switch and the ‘plus’ has two, with the extra float switch functioning as a back-up, “giving you additional peace of mind.” Information: 01923 284 151 or www.tropicalmarinecentre.co.uk

Burgess Pet Care From March 2012, Supadog is running a special price marked promotion across its 15 kilogramme chicken, beef and Active Sacks. The packs will be available from national wholesalers from March and are available while stocks last! “Talk to your local representative now for more information on how you can drive sales with this deal,” says Burgess Pet Care. Information: 01751 474 123 or consumercare@burgesspetcare.co.uk

Burns Pet Nutrition “Adverse reactions to ingredients in the diet may well be one of the commonest yet least recognised causes of ill-health,” explains Burns Pet Nutrition. “In theory, any dietary ingredient could cause intolerance. In practice, protein such as beef or milk or carbohydrates like wheat or lactose are the more likely causes, although it is possible that chemical additives such as food colourings and preservatives could also cause a reaction.” Burns products are hypoallergenic and free from wheat, dairy, soya and artificial colours and preservatives. The range includes a wide range of protein and carbohydrate sources, ensuring there is something to suit even the most sensitive animal. Information: 01554 890 482, 0800 083 6696 or www.burnspet.co.uk

Bow Wow Meow Pet ID tag sales and ordering is made easy as Bow Wow Meow launches its unique coupon system and online ordering website. “No need to fill in and fax forms; your customers can purchase coupons from you and then visit Bow Wow Meow’s website to place their own order,” explains the company. “This will save you and your staff valuable time and eradicate errors once and for all. The new website will also make your account management and order tracking easier than ever.” Information: 0845 680 0780, marina@bowwowint.co.uk or www.bowwowtags.com

Taking stock

3P Enterprise Ltd 3P Enterprise Ltd has launched a classically-styled range of dog coats and dog beds in the UK market. The product range, marketed under the Country Pet brand name, features a range of insulated waterproof dog coats, waterproof dog mats and dog beds, aimed at the country and working dogs sector. The coats feature a waterproof breathable outer layer and soft comfortable inner layer. They have a chest strap for warmth and reflective trim all round for security. Rear leg loops ensure the coat stays in place for even the most athletic dogs and the coat is available in six sizes. 3P Enterprise Ltd will be exhibiting the Country Pet range at BETA 2012 along with other new products from the Maelson and Petmate brands. Information: 01594 810 990 or www.3penterprise.co.uk

Farewell My Pet Farewell My Pet is adding to its already extensive pet memorial range with the new silk flowers available in two types of arrangements – either a spray or posy. There is a choice of colours and concealed in the arrangement of the spray is a candleholder with candles supplied with pets’ names. Also new to the range are the Memorial Pillar Candles, which are available in two sizes. A small message, name and motif can be applied to the candles with an opaque background of pink or blue to enhance them and make the memorial more personal. Information: 01440 709 040, info@farewellmypet.co.uk or www.farewellmypet.co.uk

Betty Miller Betty Miller’s pet food bakery can be found in the heart of Northamptonshire in Daventry. It was founded to oven-bake pet foods and treats and uses many similar ovens and make-up lines found in a human bakery. Its products are not mass-produced and by oven baking its pet foods and treats, Betty Miller obtains a natural taste without the need to add anything artificial. “Just stand outside our bakery and you can experience the wonderful aromas that come from baking – but remember it is for dogs!” Information: 01327 315 310 or betty@bettymiller.com

Burgess Petcare Burgess Excel is pleased to announce the launch of Excel Complete Food Cubes – “the UK’s first truly complete food for fibrevores.” These compressed cubes of Timothy Hay, high fibre nuggets, supplements, prebiotics and flowers are “100 per cent guaranteed complete as they cover dental, digestive and emotional health.” With good cash and percentage margins, these new products “will drive turnover and profit” and come in an easy-to-store and easy-to-sell, all-in-one solution. They are available from March from all major wholesalers. To find out more and to pre-order, contact your local Burgess representative. Information: 01751 474 123 or consumercare@burgesspetcare.co.uk

Taking stock

JMC JMC prides itself on not only stocking a full range of ornamental tropical and coldwater fish, but for having “everything you need for the pond season!” With the recent acquisition of the livestock division of Pedigree Wholesale, JMC can stock an even larger selection of pond fish such as koi, rudd, bream, orfe and snails, and coldwater manager David Smith will soon be going over to Israel to hand select fish. The company also offers a consolidation option “to save you even more money!” Information: 01246 415 275, jess@jmc-aquatics.co.uk or www.jmc-aquatics.co.uk

Collarways XYZ Toys are the latest addition to the Katie’s Bumpers fire-hose dog toys, distributed by Collarways. “Fire-hose toys are the number one choice for many dog trainers, because the material is strong but soft on a dog’s mouth, which makes them ideal for fetch and tug games,” explains Collarways. Made from pre-consumer recycled American firehose, Katie’s Bumpers toys include different shapes and sizes with and without squeakers to suit all dogs. They are available in four bright colours, float and are machine washable. Information: 0845 456 8395 or www.collarways.com

Armitage Pet Care Developed with leading dermatologists and vets, Wafcol Salmon & Potato “has been changing dogs’ lives for over 30 years.” Made with a single protein (salmon) and carbohydrate (potato) source, the new and improved sensitive recipe includes increased amounts of the salmon and potato ingredients (up to 71 per cent), the addition of glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM for joint health, and the use of two prebiotics (MOS and FOS) to improve digestion. Information: 0844 375 7001

Easy Animal “Stuff our stylish 100 per cent cotton dog bed duvet covers with blankets, pillows and your old clothes to make a great eco-friendly dog bed,” says Easy Animal. “These Molly Mutt dog beds create comfortable, stylish dog beds that are easy to maintain and wash.” Fully gusseted and zippered, Easy Animal’s dog bed duvets are a great way to create a “durable and fashionable” dog bed. Information: 0800 849 8844 or sales@easyanimal.co.uk

Comment

Understanding the growth offering Michael Bellingham, chief executive of the Pet Food Manufacturersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association, offers pet retailers advice on choosing the right food for their customers

cientific advancements in pet nutrition mean that manufacturers are now not only thinking about meeting the nutritional needs of pets but also how health and wellbeing can be supported by using added beneficial ingredients. Pet retailers are likely to see some long-term trends continuing this year, such as products for different life stages and health-supporting products, growth in organic products and an increased demand for provenance of product. Even during these challenging economic times the demand for super premium pet foods and treats is set to continue. Here is a summary of different life stage foods and health supporting foods for different breeds, summarised below.

Life stage foods

Life stage nutrition (in dogs, often also linked to size), is the practice of feeding pets specific foods designed to meet their needs at a specific age or during a specific physiologic state such as pregnancy, ensuring pets are provided with optimum nutrition. Today, life stage diets are not only available for cats and dogs but also iguanas and bearded dragons. Puppies and kittens: These become adult at roughly one year of age (depending on size or breed and species). Puppies also need roughly twice as much energy as an adult dog. However, some large breed puppies are susceptible to bone problems if too many calories and/or calcium is given. Pregnancy: A bitch does not need any more food than usual until the six week stage when her energy intake should be increased by around 30 per cent until the puppies are born. In comparison, a pregnant cat needs more calories from mating onwards. Lactation: While producing milk about two to four times more calories are needed compared to a non-lactating dog. A puppy food would be appropriate for this. A queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nutritional requirements actually peak five to six weeks after birth. Adult cats and dogs: Obesity is the major

nutrition-related problem facing the adult cat and dog population today, particularly after neutering, but there are diets specifically designed to help reduce the risk of weight gain in adult animals. PFMA has developed a SizeO-Meter for cats, dogs and rabbits based on Body Condition Score (see www.pfma.org.uk). Senior dogs and cats: By about seven years and older, dogs and cats start to experience a decline in the function of certain organs, including the immune system. There are foods available for older dogs and cats which have an adjusted nutritional composition such as added antioxidants.

Breed-specific diets

Today there is a greater understanding of the dog species and the various differences between the breeds as detailed below: Digestive fragility: Certain breeds are known to have a fragile digestive system such as German shepherds, boxers, Great Danes, bulldogs and English setters. Highly digestible foods with specific fermentable fibres have been designed to help these dogs. Pre-disposition to skin problems: Some breeds have very sensitive skin, including German shepherds, boxers, English bulldogs, pugs and westies, while others may spend a lot of time in water such as labradors and spaniels. Specific diets are available that contain omega 3 fatty acids or mixtures of B complex vitamins and minerals.

Pre-disposition to dental problems: Some dogs have overlapping teeth including poodles and pugs, or small jaws like Yorkshire terriers and shih tzu, which can mean a tendency to produce tartar. After toothbrushing, the most effective way to combat this is through food by including polyphosphate salts, zinc salts and polyphenols in the diet. Kibbles are good too. Specific facial structure: Brachycephalic breeds (breeds with a compressed face) including the boxer, bulldog and pug, have small jaws and grasp their food in a different way to other dogs. Other very large breeds such as German shepherds and rottweilers have wide jaws. Adapting the size and shape of kibbles to suit the anatomical characteristics of these dogs is helpful. Pre-disposition to weight gain: Certain breeds are renowned for their gluttonous appetites including labradors and beagles, although this affects many other breeds too. Food with a moderate energy density is available, although a vet should be consulted for weight management advice.

The role of the pet specialist

The array of tailored pet food products is vast and most pet owners will need help and explanation, with the pet retailer frequently the first port of call. Further advice about specific pet food can be sought from the manufacturer.

About the PFMA The Pet Food Manufacturersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association is the principal trade body representing the UK pet food industry; a key focus of activity is to promote animal welfare and responsible pet ownership. Its 60 members account for over 90 per cent of the market and produce a wide range of products for cats, dogs, rabbits and other pet animals. To find out more or download some useful information sheets for you and your customers, please visit: www.pfma.org.uk

BARF diet

A raw deal

Andreas Dauer is founder of BARF Pet Foods UK Limited based in Sittingbourne, Kent. Here he takes a look at the principles behind the raw food diet, the products available and why dog and cat owners are increasingly turning to this method of feeding

BARF diet

ver the past few years there have been a number of new pet food companies springing up in the UK which are supplying a range of products to cater for dog and cat owners who want to feed their pets in a ‘natural’ way. BARF, which stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or Bones and Raw Food, follows the evolutionary principle that dogs are descended from wolves and other wild dogs. Dogs belong to the family of carnivores – they are meat eaters with sharp incisors designed for more than just grinding vegetables and grain. Cats in the same way are descended from wild animals and have teeth designed to kill and eat their prey. The basis of the BARF diet is that meat is seen as a natural, healthy food source which can then be rounded off with a portion of vegetables which can be mixed in a blender, or offal can be added. Many homeopathic vets view this as the most natural way of feeding a dog or cat and can contribute to a healthy, long and contented life. Serving the BARF diet is also viewed by many as being great for weight control because there are no fillers in the food such as wheat or grain. It is also suitable for pets that suffer from intolerances or allergies. Between 60 to 80 per cent of the BARF diet for dogs should be made of raw, meaty bones and the other 20 per cent made of meat, offal, vegetables and some dairy products, providing the dog is not allergic to them. Bones provide

a lot of the vitamins and minerals that a dog needs. They are also good for their teeth, exercise the jaw and provide stimulation. There are a range of BARF products now on the market including complete recipes for convenience. Owners can also mix and match meat products, offering more variety for the pet by using different cuts of meat together with a range of different types of bones. I moved to the UK from Germany a few years ago and was looking for a local supplier of BARF products so that I could feed my Bernese Mountain Dog a raw food diet. In Germany, the BARF diet makes up 30 per cent of the dog food market and there is a wide choice of products. Unable to find what I was looking for, I decided to set up BARF Pet Foods UK Limited, sourcing top humangrade free-range meat from suppliers that I was familiar with. Our range not only includes meat products in vacuum-sealed packs but we have also sourced frozen vegetable discs which can be defrosted and blended with the food to make a complete meal. Marrowbones are particularly popular with dog owners and marrowbone jelly is packed with essential vitamins such as thiamine. For larger dogs, your customers can give them hock or neck bones with chicken wings ideal for smaller dogs. It is important to give pets variety and the mix and match approach offers greater flexibility for both the owner and the animal. We also suggest that pet owners give their cats

and dogs a good nutritional supplement on top of this diet, of which there are a vast array on the market from herbal tonics through to normal vitamin and joint supplements. The main benefits of feeding the BARF diet are believed to be as follows: • Tartar build-up on the teeth is eliminated, breath is improved and a dog will have stronger teeth. • Itchy skin conditions associated with allergies will be alleviated. • Chronic diarrhoea often disappears and stool volume and odour is significantly reduced. • A dog’s weight will be brought into line and it’s easy to maintain a leaner, fitter body. • The immune system is strengthened and owners will begin to see increased mobility in arthritic dogs. • A dog’s health, wellbeing and vitality will generally improve. At BARF Pet Foods we hear of many dog and cat owners who have seen a marked improvement in the health of their pets having fed them on this diet. It may not be for everybody but we certainly think that more pet owners will turn to this diet for their cats and dogs in the future. If you want to find out more about the BARF Diet you can contact Andreas Dauer at BARF Pet Foods UK Ltd on 0808 197 2702, andreas@barfpetfoods.co.uk or www.barfpetfoods.co.uk

On the shelf

Cater for your customers who want to feed their pets the BARF diet by stocking up on the following foods and supplements… The exclusive distributor in the UK and Ireland for ORIJEN and ACANA, Bern Pet Foods can now offer retailers ACANA’s newly launched Chicken and Burbank Potato complete dry dog food. The latest addition to Canadian producer Champion Pet Foods’ range, it continues the company’s 25-year tradition of “producing biologically appropriate pet foods from fresh ingredients.” High in protein and low in carbohydrates to mirror the dog’s natural diet, ACANA Chicken and Burbank Potato is made with free range Cobb chicken, Burbank potatoes and

wild-caught flounder from North Vancouver Island. In place of high glycaemic grains such as rice and corn, it contains fresh, whole fruits and vegetables from British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, plus steel-cut Alberta oats as a hypoallergenic, single source of grain. ZiwiPeak is a complete natural range of premium meat pet products equivalent to a raw diet. Formulated on the same balance of meat ingredients that cats and dogs would find by hunting in the wild, ZiwiPeak Cuisine is produced and prepared in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty beneath Mount Maunganui, where ZiwiPeak has its own facility. Free from colours, preservatives, fillers and grains, it is suitable to feed to pets at any stage of life and the company says: “Animals fed on ZiwiPeak’s air-dried or moist food demonstrate a substantial improvement in their general health and wellbeing, with clear eyes, healthy

coats and skin, healthy gums, long-term joint health and huge energy levels.” Albion Meat Products believes that “feeding dogs raw meat that is free from additives, colourings, preservatives and fillers is not only healthier but also closer to their natural diet.” The company offers a conveniently packaged range of pet food products including pre-packed mince meats, which can be thawed and fed on their own or mixed with vegetables, pasta, rice or traditional wholemeal biscuit. The company also stocks a chunky meat range which is ideal for the BARF diet including raw beef bones, chopped pieces of heart and liver and fish fillets.

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BARF diet

While the BARF diet looks to whole raw foods to supply essential nutrients, dogs can benefit from supplements which can be added to their diet. Barfer’s Best from award-winning German food supplement company Canina is an optimal supplement to the daily ration for pet owners following the BARF diet. It contains natural vitamins and minerals, including calcium, which a dog fed with raw feed needs every day to stay strong and healthy. Calcium is essential for the bone metabolism, the teeth and claws, for maintaining the musculature and for the protection against decalcification of bones in older age. In addition, it activates many enzyme systems and controls nerve impulses and the action of heart. Barfer’s Best also contains natural seaweed (ascophyllum nodosum) to support the metabolism with essential amino-acids and a high content of enzymes, natural minerals and trace elements like zinc and fluorine to protect the skin and coat and complement the BARFdiet of dogs.

Dorwest Herbs’ Easy Green is a simple way of adding the benefits of green leaf plants to a natural diet in powder form, saving the owner from preparing raw green leaf vegetable matter every day. Easy Green is rich in anti-oxidants, vitamin C, chlorophyll, calcium and magnesium. Keepers Mix is a complete herbal supplement designed to be fed with a natural diet, originally based on an old formula from a Dorset gamekeeper and brought up-to-date by Dorwest’s modern herbal knowledge. Keepers Mix contains kelp seaweed for minerals, coat growth and pigmentation; celery seed for suppleness; lucerne (alfalfa), a source of vitamins A, C, E and K; nettles which are rich in chlorophyll and vitamin C; rosemary for digestion and to maintain a healthy heart; psyllium husks for a healthy bowel; clivers, to maintain healthy skin, kidney and bladder function; and wild yam, useful to sustain a healthy intestine.

Hilton Canine Seaweed & Rosehip supplement is a balanced blend of vital nutrients to help support a dog’s digestive, nervous, and circulatory systems ensuring great coat and skin condition plus strong nails. Research has confirmed that nutrition plays a major role in the development and maintenance of strong healthy bones, nails, hair, skin, connective tissue and the nervous system. The Seaweed and Rosehip formula is the natural way to provide a balanced blend of vitamins, trace elements such as iodine, iron, sulphur, calcium, copper, magnesium and selenium along with vitamins beta carotene, B1, B2, B12, C, D and E, plus 20 amino acids. The company uses only the outer shells of the rosehip, plus seaweed (ascophyllum nodosum), known for its ability to maintain optimum health. Natural Rearing Garlic Plus from Hilton Herbs is a tried and tested product formulated by the original animal herbalist, Juliette de Bairacli Levy. This fine-cut herbal supplement for dogs helps maintain a healthy resistance to internal parasites.

Supplier Listing Albion Meat Products: www.albionmeatproducts.co.uk BARF Pet Foods UK Ltd: www.barfpetfoods.co.uk Bern Pet Foods: www.bernpetfoods.co.uk Canina: www.canina.de/ Dorwest Herbs: www.dorwest.com Hilton Herbs: www.hiltonherbs.com Phytoforce: www.phytoforce.ie ZiwiPeak: www.ziwipeak.com

Food allergies

A shock to the system In the first of a new series of monthly veterinary advice columns, Ray Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Mahony MVB MRCVS MAVH discusses food allergies, from the common irritants and symptoms they produce to the remedies available to dog owners

What is a food allergy?

An allergic reaction is an immunological reaction. An individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s immune system recognises the allergen in question as foreign and mounts an inflammatory response against it. The allergen is the particle that the immune system responds to, for example pollens in hay fever, wheat gluten in coeliac disease or milk protein in dairy allergies. Allergens are always proteins, but as in the case of wheat gluten (gluten is a group of proteins in wheat) a dog can still be allergic to a carbohydrate source, something to remember for later when choosing an appropriate diet.

How might a dog with a food allergy present?

Food allergies in people range from the benign such as skin inflammation or hives, to the potentially life-threatening such as anaphylactic reactions to nuts. In dogs, reactions are usually limited to the skin and/or digestive tract inflammation,

although, occasionally, swelling of the face and head with resulting breathing difficulty can occur. Skin inflammation is itchy and the resulting biting and scratching often leads to secondary infections that can ooze or become crusty. Digestive tract inflammation may occur with or without skin involvement and recurrent intermittent diarrhoea due to inflammatory bowel disease is common. Colitis or inflammation of the colon gives rise to droppings that may contain blood and/or mucus and may have a sausage skin-likecovering. Food allergies are the third most common reason for skin inflammation and itching in dogs, after atopy and flea allergies. Allergies can develop to any food source and the most commonly implicated are some of the most common food ingredients such as beef, dairy and wheat. The increasing prevalence of chicken as a protein source in dog foods has led to an increase in allergies to what was once

Certain breeds of dogs are more susceptible to food allergies including Dachsunds, cocker spaniels and retrievers

Food allergies

considered a hypoallergenic ingredient. There is no hard and fast rule for diagnosing food allergy-related skin disease but if a dog is also showing digestive tract signs, then it is likely that a food allergy is partly responsible. Another good indicator that a dog with skin disease may have a food allergy is they often do not respond well to corticosteroid medication. Even for vets, definitive diagnosis is not always straightforward because the available allergy screen blood tests are insensitive for food allergens, giving unreliable results. The only way to truly diagnose a food allergy is to carry out a dietary control test.

How can we help dogs with food allergies?

If a food allergy is suspected all the components of the dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s diet, including treats, must be looked at. Owners may also consider choosing a complete food with a single protein source and a single carbohydrate source that the dog has not been exposed to previously. This reduces the variety of proteins the dog is faced with and thus, the likelihood of a reaction. More obscure protein-source diets are now widely available utilising meats such as rabbit, venison and duck. In our clinic we recommend foods containing potato as a carbohydrate source, as we feel dogs digest them better than grain-based diets. A fish and potato diet is often the best place to start, provided of course these ingredients have not formed part of the diet to date. Although many foods are now labelled as wheat-gluten-free there can be cross-reactivity with other members of the wheat family like spelt, rye and barley. Rice is another common carbohydrate source in hypoallergenic diets but it does not suit all dogs. It can take up to 10 weeks for an animal to respond to the removal of dietary antigens, however a marked difference is normally seen in most dogs after three or four weeks. The dog must get absolutely nothing other than the selected food for the entire period, and this includes treats and titbits. Once the condition has settled, individual foods can gradually be added back into the diet, one at a time. A few weeks should be allowed between each new addition so that if the dog begins to react, the offending item can be identified and permanently removed from the diet.

Food allergies

Some vets advise using a sacrificial protein source for a couple of months until all clinical signs settle down, then to introduce a new protein source on which to maintain the dog. Theoretically, when the sacrificial protein is initially introduced, the dog’s immune system is still in a heightened state and may react to it. It is not a strategy we have found necessary but that may be due to our use of herbs with a change in diet, which shifts the immune system back into a normal state more quickly.

Non-allergic food related problems

Food intolerance occurs when a dog lacks the necessary enzymes to digest a particular food source – dairy intolerance is a good example. An affected dog would be unable to digest lactose, the sugar (carbohydrate) present in milk. It should be digested in the small intestine but instead ends up in the large intestine and disrupts the bowel environment causing bloating, flatulence and soft stools or diarrhoea. The immune system is not involved here and signs are confined to large intestine malfunction. A dairy allergy on the other hand is an immune response directed against milk proteins and will cause more severe reactions. Sensitivities and other nonallergic reactions also take place, for example to food additives like colourings or preservatives. Some of these can be relatively violent with vomiting and diarrhoea but most are fairly mild, giving

rise to poor digestion, large volumes of droppings, a lack lustre coat or maybe poor energy levels.

Retailer’s role

As a retailer the most important thing when dealing with food allergies is to know your foods intimately. Know the products you carry and know what is in them. Don’t just accept a hypoallergenic stamp on the front. Hypoallergenic only means less likely to cause allergy, however, as we saw above, if a dog with an allergy to chicken eats a hypoallergenic diet with chicken as its protein source, it will react to it. Look for single protein and single carbohydrate foods and stock at least two different varieties and avoid grains if possible. Stocking good quality foods that adhere to the latest FEDIAF guidelines on pet food labelling will allow you and your customers to choose the food that best suits their dog and avoid unnecessary additives. Ray O’Mahony MVB MRCVS CVH is a veterinary surgeon and specialist in veterinary herbal medicine. He qualified from University College Dublin in 1996 and now runs his own practice in the south west of Ireland. A founding member and former president of the British Association of Veterinary Herbalists (BAVH), he has fully integrated this ancient art into conventional practice. A particular area of expertise has been the use of herbs to combat chronic inflammatory disorders and he regularly teaches about the benefits of herbal medicine to both vets and the public on courses in Oxford.

Supplier Listing Albion Meat Products: www.albionmeatproducts.co.uk Arden Grange: www.ardengrange.com Armitages Pet Care: www.armitages.co.uk Bern Pet Foods: www.bernpetfoods.co.uk Burgess Pet Care: www.burgesspetcare.co.uk Burns Pet Food: www.burnspet.co.uk Doggy Things: www.doggythings.co.uk James Wellbeloved: www.wellbeloved.com Natural Dogs: www.naturaldogs.co.uk Natural Pet Products: www.naturalpetproductsltd.com Nestle Purina: www.purina.co.uk Roger Skinner: www.skinnerspetfoods.co.uk Royal Canin: www.royalcanin.co.uk Wafcol: www.wafcol.co.uk

Training aids

Walkezee

Top dog Pet behaviourist Claire Arrowsmith discovers there are many ways that owners can correct their dogs’ behaviour, utilising some simple techniques and training aids currently on the market

ogs are part of daily family life for many. However, owning ‘man’s best friend’ is probably more complex and demanding than ever before. Owners of dogs have increasing legal pressures regarding the behaviour of their pets and are expected to ensure their pet is under control at all times. Of course, achieving this requires time dedicated to training and socialisation. Owners with dogs that do not behave in an acceptable manner are faced with options: do nothing and live with the difficulty; re-home the pet; or attempt to address the problem. For the majority of common misdemeanours, implementing appropriate training will improve matters. Owners can seek professional support or try to train by themselves, though the latter can be a daunting prospect. Current economic pressures have impacted upon pet owners and the choices they make. While many would like professional support in the training of their pet, this may no longer be financially viable, therefore the decision to invest in the purchase of training aids is an important one. Thankfully our growing knowledge of pet behaviour and training techniques has made it possible to make appropriate training aids and instruction available to owners.

Attempting any job without the correct tools is difficult or even impossible. If owners try but don’t see results, then it is likely they will soon give up. If they invest their cash in the wrong tool they often lose hope in successfully training their pet and are often reluctant to try again. They may be led to believe their pet is untrainable and therefore may leave the problem unresolved or take the decision to re-home the animal. Neither decision makes for a happy owner or dog and rescue shelters are already full to capacity. Clearly, there is no training aid that will resolve all problems. Owners must be prepared to invest their time, which is arguably the most difficult challenge. Owning tools that do help will lead to owners spending more time training their pet and to an increased likelihood of continued ownership and investment. While there are numerous training aids available, some are useful for the most common problems and could be the perfect additions to many owners’ training kits. Pulling on the lead is a common complaint and the cause for fewer walks and reduced stimulation for the dog. Dogs that pull will require training and the offer of rewards for non-pulling behaviour. However, this process can be aided by the use of headcollars or a

Training aids

harness. It’s important to recognise that different dogs will benefit from different tools. While the choice is mainly down to personal preference, tiny dogs tend to benefit from harnesses, as do those with flat faces or neck problems. Giant dogs may be too strong for a harness to be effective and may be better controlled by a headcollar. Some serious pullers may require both to begin with! In comparison to a general buckle harness, a training harness provides added control by giving the dog different feedback when pulling or walking on a loose lead. For example, the harness may physically tighten or steer the dog back around towards the owner when it attempts to pull. This helps the dog to learn that in order to progress on its walk, pulling is not the most successful strategy. Owners of aggressive dogs may consider a headcollar. While a headcollar can certainly reduce a dog’s ability to lunge forwards and bite, a well-fitted muzzle is much more effective for a dog with a bite history. Owners of aggressive dogs that require a muzzle should also secure the animal on a lead when in public places. A house line is a useful tool for young puppies and dogs that require some extra control while indoors. This is a light line that attaches to a buckle collar. The line trails behind the dog and can be stepped on, or used to gently guide it away from undesirable situations. This allows effective training because the dog doesn’t get to practice or experience the undesirable activity and does not associate this with any threat or action by the owner. This means the owner’s presence is not the inhibiting factor for the dog not performing the activity again. Some puppies may try to chew the line and so the owners should reduce this likelihood by providing plenty of alternative activities such as toys and chews. These should not be seen simply as treats for the dog as they really are essential items. If the dog has already learned to enjoy chewing it may be useful to try a taste deterrent on the line. These lines can also help to reduce the dog’s ability to jump up and are safer than techniques that frighten the dog such as air sprays or horns. A long training line is not the complete solution to a recall problem but it will prevent a dog from learning to run off and ignore an owner’s whistle while the training is being implemented. Line lengths can vary depending on the size of the dog and the stage of training. It is sensible to use a harness with a long line to reduce the risk of jarring the neck.

Clearly, there is no training aid that will resolve all problems. Owners must be prepared to invest their time, which is arguably the most difficult challenge

A popular training technique is clicker training. This involves conditioning the dog to associate the sound of the click with the arrival of a reward. By pairing up these events, it is possible for the owner to pick out specific actions to encourage. Dogs pick up the association extremely quickly and the technique involves no threat. Novice and professional owners alike benefit from this useful tool. One common problem is that the clicker is often misunderstood. Owners often click to get their pet’s attention instead of using it to mark and reward desirable behaviour. While the novel noise will attract the dog’s focus a few times, eventually it will learn to ignore the noise as it has no consequence, especially if it is performing an activity it is strongly motivated to do. As a professional behaviourist and trainer I know that punitive methods are unnecessary in training and I’m delighted that owners have so many fantastic training aids available to help their dogs. These product aids, together with a commitment to spend time training, offer a rewarding path to success.

Claire Arrowsmith is a well-known pet behaviourist, accredited with a BSc (Hons) Zoology & Masters Degree in Animal Behaviour. Her knowledge and practical experience has benefited many pet owners and she is an award-winning author – Sit, Down, Come, Heel, Stay won the USA National Best Books Award. Now the principal consultant of the Pet Behaviour Centre and a qualified puppy school tutor, Claire has appeared on BBC’s The One Show and local radio.

Training aids

On the shelf A range of products to help pet owners deal with common dog behavioural problems

ccording to the Kennel Club, “dog owners have an obligation to their dog and to their community to ensure that their pet is a happy, socialised, well-trained animal.” There are two very different schools of thought on how best to achieve this goal with dog behaviourists and trainers favouring either positive or negative reinforcement. Positive reinforcement essentially rewards the dog either with a treat or through praise when a specific task has been carried out. Negative reinforcement will punish a dog for bad behaviour so the dog may receive a tug on the lead or a jab in the hind leg if he pulls Mikki towards another dog. The dog then associates this behaviour with something unpleasant and stops the bad habit. The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) argues that any training technique based on the idea of inflicting pain is not only detrimental and old fashioned, it can actually make dogs fearful and aggressive. It clearly states: “We find it sad and incomprehensible that some trainers are still using harmful and damaging equipment, for instance prong, Mikki choke and electric collars, along with training techniques such as alpha rolls, lead jerks, kicks and other punishing methods.” Instead, pet owners should be looking to solve their dogs’ behavioural problems using up-to-date training methods that are “kind, fair and effective.” Many suppliers and manufacturers in the pet trade have recognised this move towards reward-based training methods and there is now a wide range of products on offer that can help owners train their dogs without the need for pain or punishment.

The Canny Company

Training and behaviour specialist The Company of Animals says that even the most experienced dog owner can benefit from starting from a blank canvas when it comes Mikki to training their new dog or puppy. It has launched a Dog Training Kit for Dummies to help dog owners to create a bond with their canine companion. The kit includes a simple-to-follow guide together with practical training aids designed to make dog ownership a pleasurable experience. The adult pack contains a CLIX Whizzclick (combined whistle and clicker), Coachies treat bag, CLIX 2.5 metre training line, weekly progress tracker and training guide that covers key commands for clicker training, including sit, down, stay and recall. It also incorporates ways of eliminating poor behaviour such as pulling or jumping up. The puppy kit includes a CLIX multi clicker with volume control, puppy Mikki Coachies treat bag, CLIX 2.5 metre puppy housetraining line, weekly progress tracker and training guide that teaches key commands including sit, down and stay together with ways of housetraining and methods of socialising and handling the puppy. Liz McGuinness, marketing and business development manager of Company of Animals, says: “Dog Training Kits for Dummies contains everything a dog owner needs to get the best results from training their pet pooch. The guide explains in easy steps how to train a dog or puppy for best results in line with the world’s leading dog trainers’ methods.” For dogs that pull on the lead, the Canny Company offers a kind, safe and effective solution in the shape of the Canny Collar. With its ‘behind the head’ design, it is both easy to fit and simple to use, and the company says it can “transform even the worst pullers into happy, well-behaved pets.” Voted ‘Best New Product’ by the Pet Product Retail Association when it was launched, the collar has since been used by a quarter of a million dog owners worldwide. The inspiration for the design came from a horse controller developed by Brian Smith which he used in his work to combat equine behaviour problems. He developed the special slip line collar for a difficult stallion and scaled down the design for use on his daughter’s own boisterous dog who insisted on taking her owner for a walk.

Training aids

The Canny Collar fastens behind the head rather than under the chin, which has the immediate benefit of ensuring the dog’s head is not yanked to one side and the collar does not ride up into the eyes. It is also a training collar rather than a restraining collar and can easily be switched into a regular dog collar and lead by alternatively flicking the slip line on and off the dog’s nose. Barker and Barker’s healthy training treats and supplements have been made in Britain EzyDog for 30 years. This small family business is passionate about pet health and believes that a trained dog is a happy dog. The small, low fat and non-messy treats are ideal for repeat rewarding during training or general anytime treating. The company says: “Dogs adore the mouth-watering selection of varieties too, which include liver, garlic, cranberry, arctic fish, chicken and vegetarian.” Tasty Toppers and conditioning powders are also available. Barker and Barker is offering new retailers free delivery on their first order. The Mikki Walk-Ease Headcollar has been designed to help owners teach their dog to walk to heel without pulling, controlling the animal in a kind and gentle way. The ‘easy-steer’ system (patent pending) offers the dog complete comfort, while allowing the owner to maintain control. A floating lead attachment allows the dog to be led from either side and helps prevent lead tangles if the dog spins around. The headcollar comes complete with a padded, reflective noseband (with a doggy paw print design) and has been tested on a wide variety of breeds and dog sizes. Mikki also offers the Anti-Pull Harness, which it says is “perfect for short nose breeds, those with delicate facial features or nervous dogs, as the harness is not fitted to the face.” It comes with an adjustable reflective collar, easy-fit snap lock and neoprene tubing to give dog owners strong but gentle control. Both the headcollar and anti-pull harness can be used in conjunction with the Mikki Clikka which can help teach dogs basic commands, tricks and friendly behaviour. It can stop a dog from pulling, reinforce eye contact and keep dogs’ attention so they avoid bad habits such as not listening, play biting or chasing other animals. EzyDog has recently announced the launch of its half check collar, the Check Mate collar. The limited slip available on this collar is enough to increase tension on the neck of the dog without the harsh choking action of the old fashioned choke chains. In keeping with the EzyDog ethos of strength and style, the Checkmate collar comes with heavy stainless steel rings and a high strength side release buckle. It is available in five colours and three different sizes covering neck measurements from 26 to 65 centimetres. EzyDog was also responsible for the original Shock Absorbing Lead and this continues to be one of its most popular lines. Available with either a rigid triangular handle for maximum comfort or with a Barker & Barker

Red Dingo

soft neoprene loop handle, the lead comes in a variety of lengths and a mix of colours from sober black to a dazzling pink camouflage. The elasticated core is a great aid to both dog and owner by reducing the load taken at shoulder level when a dog pulls violently and by creating a steady backward tension to help bring the dog back under control. The company also offers the Vario training lead, made from a soft blend of nylon which is then doubled up for extra strength. It can be changed from one to two metres long in seconds to give greater freedom or control and can be clipped around the owner’s body for hands-free use. Red Dingo’s Multipurpose Leads are growing in popularity in the UK, as dog trainers follow the lead of those in Europe who have been using them for years. This six-in-one training lead provides different configurations for every need. The three D-rings give handlers the flexibility to use the lead as a short, medium or long lead, as well as a double lead for two dogs, a shoulder lead for hands-free walking or a temporary tie. They are tough and the company adds: “The clips have been proven – through breaking strain testing – to be stronger than others on the market.”

Supplier Listing Barker and Barker: www.dogtraininginfo.co.uk Collarways: www.collarways.co.uk Dapper: www.dapperdogsonline.com Ezydog: www.ezydoguk.co.uk Mikki: www.mikkipet.com The Canny Company: www.cannyco.co.uk The Company of Animals: www.companyofanimals.co.uk

Collars and halters

Under control David Chamberlain BVetMed MRCVS veterinary consultant for Petsafe, looks at the considerations owners need to take into account when choosing collars for pets

ost dog owners will purchase a collar for their pet – in fact, the law dictates this for the majority of dogs. For most cat owners the decision is not as clear cut, as many cats never wear a collar there is no law requiring them to and there is a common perception that they are more at risk of becoming entangled in a collar. There are many factors an owner should take into account when choosing a collar and this includes the health and safety of the animal. Breakaway collars are unfortunately something that owners discover only after an accident with a conventional collar. Having seen accidents where two playing dogs have managed to get their jaws trapped in each others collars, I always remove my dogs’ collars when they are unsupervised. Breakaway collars for dogs have a weak section that will part under tension. This is spanned by two D-rings joined by a clip from a leash when the dog is being exercised. This means the collar will breakaway under tension when the dog is off the leash, but is secure when the dog is supervised and on the leash. Breakaway collars for cats are not required to resist parting when the cat is on a leash, so can be quite simple in construction. I consider cat breakaway collars safer than elasticated collars because I have seen many cats thread one front leg through an elastic collar so that the collar passes around one side of the neck and under the opposite armpit. This can cause the cat to panic, run off and remain undiscovered for days, in which time the collar cuts into the soft skin under the armpit and harms the cat. Illuminated collars enable both owners and their dogs to be seen by vehicle drivers when they are walking on footpaths during the hours of darkness. They also enable owners to exercise their dogs off the leash while still being able to see where they are. Sporting dog collars are also available in bright, fluorescent colours to help huntsmen avoid shooting their own pets. Locator and tracking collars are useful for owners who have lost their pets. There are three different strategies that are used in locators and tracking collars: radio frequency (RF); global positioning systems (GPS); and mobile phone technology, or combinations of all three. Directional radio tracking collars use RF transmitters on the collar which emit a radio signal. The owner uses a handheld directional antenna in order to pick up the signal from the dog collar which indicates its direction. The strength of the signal indicates the relative distance to the dog. RF tracking collars are useful in remote and wooded environments. • GPS/RF dog collars use a combination of both technologies. The GPS device within the dog collar determines its exact position relative to a GPS satellite. GPS is the same technology that is used in car SatNav systems, so it

will not work if the collar is not exposed to the sky. The collar then transmits this information by RF to an owner’s handheld device and this then indicates the dog’s position. • GPS/mobile phone technology uses satellite location when the collar is exposed to the sky and mobile phone technology when it is not. Mobile phone technology allows the collar to be located by employing triangulation from mobile phone masts and this can work indoors. In rural locations – where there are few mobile phonemasts – this part of the system is limited. The location can be transmitted to a handheld device using mobile phone technology too. It is possible to use a smartphone to view the collars’ location using a downloadable application (app). Mobile phone technology alone is used in some location collars and works best in urban environments where there is good mobile network coverage. Magnetic collars have been very popular in the last 10 years to treat a number of ailments. Practitioners of magnetic therapy say that subjecting select parts of the body to permanent magnets has beneficial health effects. In the veterinary world, treatments are being driven more by evidence-based veterinary medicine (EBVM) and there is currently little robust science to support these claims. Despite this, many clients believe magnetic collars have helped their pets in one way or another and there is no evidence that they do any harm. Copper collars have been used on dogs for many years to treat arthritic conditions. I suggested that a client try this on one occasion, with some success, though this was possibly coincidental. Like magnetic collars, there is little hard evidence to suggest they have any benefits and little to suggest they do any harm. Hypoallergenic collars can be very beneficial to dogs with allergies. Webbing collars can harbour allergens which irritate an allergic dog’s skin around the muzzle, head and neck. Detritus and allergens – possibly from food, house dust mites or storage mites – become lodged in the webbing and provide a constant source of irritation. Washing the collar, or changing it for a hypoallergenic collar, may result in a gradual improvement in the skin over a four to six week period. I saw a case where a labrador had chronic dermatitis around the muzzle and dulap, and replacing the webbing collar with a hypoallergenic collar resulted in a substantial improvement within six weeks, which even surprised me. Self-trauma prevention is very important following surgical procedures – vets hate to see all their work undone by a nibbling or licking pet. Elizabethan collars have been around for years but now there are soft versions which are more comfortable for pets to wear and less painful for owners when their pet catches them with the edge of the collar. Owners must ensure their pet can feed and drink while wearing an Elizabethan collar. If owners take collars off their pets they must supervise them constantly because a sutured wound can be opened up in seconds when an owner’s back is

Collars and halters

turned. Now there are alternatives to the Elizabethan collar which include stiff cylindrical collars or blow-up rubber rings, which prevent the pet bending its neck to reach its body. Choke chains were popularised by Barbara Woodhouse in the 1980s but had previously been used for many years to train dogs. While they possibly still have a role for large, hairy breeds – particularly if they are adept at escaping from flat collars – their popularity is waning. Some animal welfare organisations, such as Dogs Trust positively discourage the use of choke chains or check chains and some training organisations believe they cause more cruelty than any other training tool. There is little doubt that any collar that tightens under tension – particularly if it has hard metallic edges – can damage the structures of the dog’s neck in the hands of a rough handler. Small and thin-skinned dogs are particularly vulnerable to neck injuries. Choke chains are still widely used and freely available and in the wrong hands could do dogs a lot of harm. However, there has not been a properly conducted study to establish the degree or extent to which choke chains harm dogs and, without this, it is impossible to make reliable recommendations. Combi-collars or Martingale collars are a cross between a flat buckle collar and a choker. They usually have a flat wide collar with D-rings at each end, with a chain or material loop linking them that draws the D-rings together under tension. The collar cannot tighten any further once the D-rings are brought together. They are a compromise and are favoured by many dog trainers and sight-hound owners. However, like any training tool they can still do damage in the wrong hands. Remote training collars use aversive stimuli to discourage undesirable behaviour and, more importantly, enable owners to gain their dogs’ attention. Aversive stimuli are simply things that a dog would prefer to avoid, such as a scented or unscented spray, ultrasound, static electricity or vibration. Many remote training collars can also deliver a tone that can be used as a positive associated reinforcement, like a clicker, to encourage good behaviour. There are three main advantages of remote training collars: • Stimulation can be delivered in a timely manner, enhancing the dogs’ learning process. • Stimulation is not associated with the trainer, so preserving the pet/ human bond. • Learning acquired through avoidance is not extinguished with time unlike learning acquired through positive reward-based training. While the use of remote training collars is not favoured by some animal welfare organisations, at least the stimulus is controlled as opposed to a harsh yank on a choke chain from a very strong trainer. Slip leashes are a combination of a leash and a collar. There is a loop handle for the owner and a slipping loop on the other end that goes around the dog’s neck. If the dog pulls, the loop around its neck become tighter but at least the collar consists of soft rope or cord. Slip leashes are favoured by many kennel staff and veterinary nurses who handle many dogs during a working day because they are simple to apply to friendly dogs and simple to remove. They are commonly used in agility competitions when the leash has to be removed and replaced quickly. Headcollars and halters have been used to lead livestock and horses since their domestication tens of thousands of years ago. The first dog headcollar – the Halti – was invented by the behaviourist Roger Mugford in 1984. Since then many variants of the canine headcollar have been developed. The principle of most is that they move the point of attachment of the leash further forward under the muzzle of the dog. This enables the handler to have far more control over the dog’s direction of movement, which is exactly what headcollars are used for in livestock and horses. This is particularly useful for controlling dogs which pull owners when they are walked with a collar and leash. Many dogs are not keen on headcollars and will rub the nose band or try to pull the nose band off with their forepaws and dewclaws, particularly when they are first worn but most dogs will ultimately accept them. Owners who use headcollars must be told never to suddenly pull on the leash, jerking the dog’s neck. For the same reason headcollars should never be used with long or drag lines, which could become snagged.

Let there be light

Supplier Listing Armitage Pet Care: www.armitages.co.uk Batleys Bestpets: www.batleys.co.uk Collarways: www.collarways.co.uk Dapper Pets: www.dapperpets.co.uk Ezydog: www.ezydoguk.co.uk Petzcrazee: www.petzcrazee.com The Canny Collar: www.cannyco.co.uk

Focus on

Focus on…

cat litter

From the first manufactured cat litter consisting of Fuller’s Earth to today’s more eco-friendly varieties made from pine wood and orange peel, Naida Ally looks at the development of this essential purchase and the products available for today’s pet owners

ommercial cat litter as we know it originated in the late 1940s, prior to which a number of other materials were known to have been used. These household materials such as sand, ashes and sawdust had insufficient absorbency and were messy. In 1948, an American named Ed Lowe, whose factory developed industrial absorbents, introduced a kiln-dried clay material known as Fuller’s Earth. Intended for oil spills, Lowe had originally attempted to expand distribution and market the product as nesting material to chicken farmers. Although this bid was unsuccessful, he did eventually manage to sell the product under the brand name ‘Kitty Litter’ – the first commercially available brand of cat litter. The type of litter above is the traditional, non-clumping litter, which replaced its sand counterpart by being more absorbent, heavier and larger in consistency, therefore reducing the amount of material being

transported from the litter tray via a cat’s paws. Clumping cat litter was developed here in the United Kingdom by the Fuller’s Earth Union (FEU). Made from calcium bentonite – more recent versions are made from bentonite clay – it binds together when wet and separates from the dry litter in the tray. In more recent years, biodegradable litters, made from various plant resources such as recycled newspaper, pine wood pellets, barley and dried orange peel have gained in popularity as they can be composted at home. Different cats and kittens will have individual preferences when it comes to litter, and it is advisable (and cleaner) to select a type they are happy with. Different materials and textures will appeal to some and not to others – some cats prefer clumping, some will prefer clay and some will use just about anything! While scented cat litter can mask smells and be pleasant to the pet owner, it is not necessarily attractive

to cats and an aversion to using certain kinds of litter will lead to all sorts of untidy mishaps. While it’s obviously important for the customer to select a litter that works well for them, choosing the right litter needs to be about meeting somewhere in the middle – a balance between what is easy and convenient and what is appealing to the cat. When it comes to changing to a new type of cat litter, advise your customer to do so gradually and to ensure the cat is still using the box normally. By putting out the new litter in one tray – but keeping a tray of the old one nearby – your customer can monitor how well the new one is faring against the older one. Once the cat begins to adjust, the amount held in the older litter tray can slowly be reduced until it can be completely removed. Another option is to mix the new and old litter together in one tray and gradually reduce the older one over time. Here we look at some of the litters currently available on the market…

Focus on

Bern Pet Foods Purr & Simple cat litter from California has been scientifically tested “to absorb and eliminate odour up to seven times more effectively than other leading brands.” Purr & Simple is an allnatural and fragrance-free cat litter, made from fibrous plant material (including nutshells). It is completely biodegradable and comes from annually renewable resources. It is also low dust, low tracking, long lasting and highly flushable. Colin Rodger from distributor Bern Pet Foods says: “We were so impressed with Purr & Simple and manufacturer Eco-Shell’s company ethics that we became the European distributor in order to share the benefits of this cat litter with other cat and kitten owners. Being biodegradable and from sustainable sources, it would be hard to find a more eco-friendly product.” Information: 01737 767 679 or www.bernpetfoods.co.uk

Friendship Estates Ltd Friendly Natural Cat Litter has been developed to provide a highly absorbent, environmentally-friendly, yet economical litter. Made from processed British straw, which is a rapidly renewable resource, the litter has a fresh natural mint scent that provides excellent odour control. The company says the litter is up to three times more absorbent than traditional clay litters, so only one centimetre is needed in the bottom of the litter tray, making it an economical alternative. The product is 100 per cent biodegradable and can be flushed away or composted.

Batleys Bestpets cat litter is currently available in lightweight and wood-based 30-litre sacks. The Lightweight Cat Litter quickly absorbs moisture and controls unpleasant odours, helping to keep pets happy and healthy while its effective absorption makes it very hygienic. The Wood Based Cat Litter is ultra absorbent and also biodegradable. It has a pine fragrance to keep homes smelling fresh and is produced in the UK from 100 per cent recovered sawdust.

Information: 01302 700 220 or info@friendshipestates.co.uk

SmartBedz ii

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

Natural Litter Products “We pride ourselves on providing a friendly service and sourcing all natural products for the conscientious consumer. Whether your customer is a home user, cattery or rescue centre, we have the products for you,” explains Tom Middleton of Natural Litter Products. “Eco Care Cat Litter is our retail brand, Cat Country is our trade-use litter, and Little Friends is for small mammals, birds, and lizards. Our animal litters are manufactured from wheat straw and are natural, biodegradable and user-friendly, all with natural odour control – so no need for strong perfumes or added chemicals; responsible, ethical, sustainable.” Information: 01298 873 153, info@naturallitterproducts.co.uk or www.naturallitterproducts.co.uk

Universal Bedding & Litter Nigel Bateson of SmartBedz explains: “Choosing the right litter can be a complicated process since there are so many and everyone has their own particular preferences. SmartBedz cat litter is made purely from straw which means that it is not only amazingly absorbent and effective at preventing smells, but it is completely sustainable and renewable. The absorbency factor of up to 400 per cent means it is long lasting and economic to use.” A recent independent review of SmartBedz cat litter said: “The litter had good odour-absorbing qualities, almost no smell at all and it was easy to remove soiled litter. A very good, odour free, eco-friendly litter.” Information: 01473 356 134 or www.smartbedz.co.uk

Fibrevore foods

Rough customers

Image: Martha Fardoe

Naomi Chatterley of Burgess Pet Care looks at the special dietary requirements of fibrevores, from the need for both long and short fibre and extruded nuggets to healthy snacks such as herbs and flowers

abbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas are all small pets that fall into the fibrevore category, because they share a unique physiology which sets them apart from other small animals. Fibrevores have a very specific need for high fibre foods in their diet, without which their dental, digestive and emotional health will suffer.

Dental health

Fibrevoresâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; teeth grow continuously and quickly and to promote dental health, owners should feed lots of long fibre such as grass or Timothy hay. When fibrevores chew this, their jaws move from side to side and it is this crucial chewing action from eating long fibre that keeps the back teeth (molars) the correct length. If the teeth arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worn down properly by chewing abrasive plants (grass and hay) the teeth crowns grow too long. As a result,

the correct chewing motion is lost. Next, the top and bottom teeth start pressing together when the mouth is closed and the teeth can no longer grow upwards. Instead, they grow backwards into the jaw. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s these overgrown tooth roots projecting into the jaw and skull that cause so many problems for fibrevores. There are some excellent, high quality, long fibre grass and hay products on the market that cater for the various needs of fibrevores. Oxbow offers a variety of hay products including oat hay, alfalfa, botanical and even organic meadow hay. All these hays are high in fibre but offer different levels of protein and other vitamins and minerals, depending on the needs of fibrevores. Likewise Excel Herbages and Forage are high quality, long fibre hays that are specially dust-extracted to prevent health problems such as breathing difficulties or runny eyes. Some also include additional dried herbs to promote foraging and stimulate appetite.

Fibrevore foods

Digestive health

Fibrevores need long fibre to keep their guts moving continuously. Short fibre is fermented in the fibrevores’ caecum and covered in friendly bacteria and nutrients to produce caecotrophs, which are then eaten directly from their bottoms. By eating these caecotrophs a fibrevore gets additional essential nutrients in its diet. Commercially-produced nuggets and hay provide the short fibre that fibrevores need. Extruded nuggets are best, as they prevent selective feeding and usually contain additional prebiotics, vitamins and minerals to help feed the friendly bacteria in the caecum. Lack of long and short fibre in the diet can lead to serious issues for fibrevores including gut statis, malnutrition, sticky bottom and diarrhoea. These can sometimes even be fatal. There are a range of commercially-produced concentrated products available on the market that can be fed in addition to all-important hay. They tend to fall into two categories: mueslis and extruded nuggets. Mueslis have received a bad press in the past because they can promote selective feeding. This is when fibrevores only pick out the bits they like (usually the more tasty sugary/starchy bits), leaving the more healthy elements that contain fibre and additional vitamins and minerals. Of course, there are healthier mueslis than others on the market – look to stock mueslis that are higher in fibre and contain less sugary/starchy elements. Some even contain highly palatable extruded nuggets to encourage feeding up to a totally extruded product. Mueslis need to be fed alongside a large volume of hay and grass, but owners need to understand the correct volumes to feed and ensure their pet eats a whole serving before replacing with a new serving, otherwise they risk their pet getting an unbalanced diet and the dental and digestive problems that can result from this. Extruded nuggets contain everything fibrevores need in each mouthful. Each nugget looks and tastes the same to prevent selective feeding. There are different standards of nuggets on the market but the best ones contain short fibre, prebiotics and vitamins and minerals to aid digestive health. Some products on the market are baked as opposed to extruded to try and increase the fibre content. However, these can be problematic due to the fact they become too dry and brittle from the baking process and then break down into dust very easily. Extruded nuggets are the best option of concentrate to cater for digestive health, although some owners can be put off by the fact they all look the same. However, it is worth noting that because they are prey animals, fibrevores’ eyes are located on the top of their head so they can’t actually see what they are eating anyway.

What retailers need to look for in quality fibrevore products • Fibre – the most important part of the diet • There are two types of fibre both essential to fibrevores Long fibre (indigestible) = teeth/gut mobility/emotional health Short fibre (digestible) = fermented in the caecum for additional nutrients • The correct mix of long and short fibre is very important. Too much of one, or not enough of another, can be dangerous. Look for brands that give a measure of both long and short fibre. • Crude fibre is just a measure of long fibre (indigestible) only. • The average fibre content of grass and hay is between 20 to 25 per cent – any food that claims to contain over this amount will have been artificially bulked up.

Emotional health

In the wild, fibrevores are kept busy and stimulated by foraging for food. Therefore, to keep them emotionally healthy, owners need to recreate this behaviour in captivity. Shaped food, toys and healthy snacks like herbs and flowers scattered in and around their hay and home can promote this behaviour. Unstimulated, bored fibrevores can often become depressed and exhibit stereotypical behaviour such as aggression or fur plucking. It can even lead to a loss of appetite, which can be fatal. There are some excellent healthy snacks and treats on the market which contain dried herbs, flowers and vegetables. Rosewood’s Naturals Small Animal Treats offer a huge range of healthier treats that can also be used to prevent boredom for small animals. Excel Nature Snacks are also high fibre, healthy snacks specially designed to be hand fed or hidden around the home to encourage bonding and foraging for the pet. Treats with high levels of sugar and starch should be avoided at all costs. Fibrevores’ digestive system depends on a fine level of balance and can be easily upset if high levels of sugar or starch are introduced suddenly.

Image: Martha Fardoe

Fibrevore foods

The future of fibrevore diets

In today’s fast paced and busy world, consumers are always looking for the easiest and most convenient ways to feed their pets. It has never been easy to find a solution to do this for fibrevores, without compromising their health. Seventy two per cent of vets say that any food labelled as ‘complete’ for fibrevores should cover dental, digestive and emotional health. Eighty two per cent of vets also felt it was misleading to label any food as complete, as hay and water should also be fed. Burgess Pet Care is currently conducting food trials in conjunction with Edinburgh University to investigate the effects of different types of diets on rabbit health. While the results will not be known until later in the year, we are hopeful that they will provide the scientific evidence that has been so lacking to date.

On the shelf A range of foods specially designed to cater for fibrevores

Image: Martha Fardoe

The Burgess Excel Feeding Plan was created to ensure fibrevores get all the fibre, vitamins and minerals they need across a range of complementary foods, including Excel Hays, Excel Tasty Nuggets and Excel Healthy Snacks. Greens and fresh water are also promoted as an essential part of the plan. Brand new to the market is the launch of the Excel Complete Food Cube which, the company says, is “the UK’s first truly complete food for rabbits and guinea pigs.” It consists of compressed cubes of long fibre Timothy hay, high fibre tasty nuggets, supplements and prebiotics and is topped with flowers and beneficial herbs. While not intended to replace the Excel Feeding Plan, these cubes aid dental, digestive and emotional health in a convenient and allin-one product. In addition they are in an easy-to-store format with easy-to-feed portions. Rosewood Naturals Small Animal Treats are prepared with the minimum of processing, additives or added sugars. The company says the “Naturals treats with high palatability offer the healthy option that can be fed daily.” They provide essential vitamins, minerals, oils, bioflavonoids and fibre to aid digestion, help wear growing teeth and promote good health. The range includes Meadow Hay and Cloverleaf Cookies for rabbits and a Chinchilla’s Special to a selection of ‘boredom breakers’ such as the Fragrant Parsley Bell and Carrot and Coneflower Roller designed to last longer and prove a challenge to eat. Manufacturers of the Mr Johnson’s range of quality pet foods, My Pet Foods offer a comprehensive range of dry food for rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas. This includes both flaked and extruded varieties with essential vitamins and minerals for health and vitality. A popular brand, Mr Johnson’s Supreme Rabbit Mix is a high protein mix ideal for growing rabbits and includes crunchy biscuits to help wear down constantly-growing teeth. The Everyday Advanced rabbit food is a single nugget which the company says “can help prevent selective feeding.” It contains a probiotic to aid digestion, added herbs, a balanced mix of vitamins C and D, and phosphorus and calcium. Oxbow offers a variety of hay products and one of its most popular grass hays is the Western Timothy Hay, which is high in fibre, low in protein and is widely recommended by veterinarians. The company adds: “Oxbow Animal Health was the first pet food company to introduce Timothy hay as a staple in the small animal diet. It is now an industry standard.”

Supplier Listing Burgess Pet Care: www.burgesspetcare.co.uk My Pet Foods: www.mypetfoods.co.uk Natures Grub: shop.naturesgrub.co.uk Oxbow Animal Health: www.oxbowanimalhealth.com Rosewood: www.rosewoodpet.com

Spring pond care

Test the waters Now is the time to start stocking up on the products that your customers will need when they come to spring clean their ponds, says Lucy Bearman, aquatics brand manager at Interpet Educating customers

Spring is the time of the year we all start looking forward to, with the arrival of longer, warmer days. This is also when attention turns to the great outdoors. Customers will want to make the most of their outdoor space and as ponds are a vital element of many gardens, it’s a great time to take advantage of these extra sales opportunities. Providing friendly, trustworthy advice and educational material on best practice pond management really helps to retain business, as well as helping to build lasting relationships with customers. Fish keeping and maintaining a pond can be a highly rewarding and enjoyable experience. It can also result in a lifelong hobby for many outdoor enthusiasts. It’s important for retailers to nurture relationships with customers in order to provide mutually rewarding long-term benefits for both parties; retailers can create a strong and loyal customer base, while customers are more likely to enjoy looking after their pond and fish, maintaining the hobby longer term. Whether customers are interested in constructing a new pond or simply looking after an existing one, spring is the perfect time to ignite or revive a passion for pond keeping.

Pond maintenance and cleaning

Many pond keepers are unaware that the ideal time for a spring clean is after the frost but before the frogs spawn. Remind customers that spring is a good time to carry out comprehensive checks on ponds in order to maximise enjoyment over the warmer, summer months. Retailers should employ careful stock management procedures to ensure that all potential preparations are in place for the ‘cleaning season’. The following points provide a good outline of what to consider when carrying out pond checks: • Water quality and fish health. Testing kits can help with this, as well as looking for physical signs of ill health. • Cleaning the bottom of the pond may not sound like the most appealing job but it’s an essential part of maintaining its health. • Debris, plant matter, uneaten food and fish waste can also collect at the bottom of the pond, creating an unhealthy layer of sludge. • Thoroughly cleaning the pump and checking all parts have survived the winter is vital to remember in the spring. Customers should also carefully check the impellor – descaling if necessary – and also look at perishable parts such as o-rings.

• The UV lamp should be checked to ensure it is in full working order. Ideally, this should be replaced annually for it to remain as efficient as possible. • All hosing should be examined for leaks and replacements and repairs should be carried out as soon as possible, as these issues will only get worse with time. • Treating blanketweed early to keep it at a short crop will ensure easy management for the long term. Opt for a product that changes the salt in the water, making it impossible for blanketweed to grow, helping to maintain a clear, clean pond. Pond cleaning can bring to light a number of issues that may have been ignored over the winter months, such as parasites, single cell algae and blanketweed. Pond keepers will be looking for simple, in-store solutions and treatments to ensure their pond is kept clear, clean and looking great. If a problem or issue is spotted early on, the result will be a pond that is healthy and easy to maintain. One of the best and most simple pieces of advice you can offer existing, or potential pond keepers is to carry out regular water tests. The results will speak for themselves as pond carers will quickly know if there is a problem that needs solving – any element of uncertainty and guess work will be instantly removed. Simple solutions can be added to the water to stabilise fish through temperature changes and help to fight off disease.

cross-selling opportunities

When caring for a pond, it’s often the case that one change will have a wider affect, so customers need to be prepared for this. For example, if a customer is adding or replacing new media to a filter, or has had a filter turned off over the colder months, it can take a significant amount of time for the environment to turn into a living ecosystem. Adding a treatment to help re-seed the filter with good bacteria to encourage a healthy environment for both fish and wildlife is essential. Any changes to the water also require a re-balance of chemicals to ensure that wildlife and fish aren’t negatively affected. It’s advisable that whenever fresh water is added, a solution should be included to eradicate any harmful chemicals and preserve a healthy balance in the water.

Spring pond care

Wildlife and fish stock

Changing seasons, from winter to spring, can be a difficult time for livestock. Be prepared to offer fish owners and pond keepers the support and advice they need about how to best manage the transition. A healthy pond will almost certainly attract an abundance of other wildlife, which can be ideal for those wanting to create their own haven of nature close to home. However, precautions need to be taken to ensure that fish are kept safe. Herons, for example, can present a threat to fish if they aren’t protected effectively – especially throughout the breeding season, which can begin as early as February. A simple solution is to protect a pond with a net, which can be incredibly discreet and easy to attach.

Plants and flowers

Staying on top of plant life by removing or replacing failing or diseased plants – as well as dividing and replanting any that have outgrown the space – will help create an ideal pond that is a real pleasure to tend. Flowering and floating plants such as water hyacinth can be a welcome addition to any pond for aesthetic and practical reasons, however it is important to remain in control, as they can grow quickly and overshadow the pond.

Top tips

When speaking to pond-keeping customers in the spring time, always remember to ask them the following three questions: 1. How often do you test the water quality of your pond? This should be done regularly. 2. When was the last time you cleaned and checked all the electrics and hose? Spotting and fixing problems early on is essential. 3. When did you last replace the UV system? Spring is the best time to replace this as it will be in optimum condition in order to fight the growth of algae as it gets warmer. Encouraging and supporting customers in taking care of their pond, especially in the spring time, can result in pond keepers being able to sit back and enjoy all the benefits of having a pond, worry-free through the summer months. For more information about how Interpet can help you and your customers please visit www.interpet.co.uk

Supplier Listing Batleys: www.batleys.co.uk ECO Pond: www.eco-habit.co.uk JMC Aquatics: www.jmc-aquatics.co.uk Natures Grub: shop.naturesgrub.co.uk Tropical Marine Centre: www.tmc-ltd.co.uk Vetark: www.vetark.co.uk

E quine

Roundup

Equine enthusiast Alastair Stewart to appear at BETA International ITV news presenter Alastair Stewart is to appear at BETA International 2012 to talk about his love of horses, his hopes for the Olympics and his new role as British showjumping ambassador, in an afternoon of interviews with commentator Philip Ghazala on 19 February. Visitors to the trade fair will be able to take part in question-and-answer sessions with Alastair, a national newscaster since 1983 and moderator of television’s first party leaders’ election debate last year. He will also present the Virbac Equine SQP of the Year Award to the winner of this national competition set up to reward the suitably qualified person judged to offer the best advice and service to his or her customers. “We are thrilled that Alastair Stewart has agreed to take part in the trade fair, which this year has a London 2012 theme,” said Claire Thomas, commercial manager of Equestrian Management Consultants (EMC), organiser of BETA International. “He has been a familiar face on television for many years and his work as a broadcaster is well-documented. “Some people, however, may have been unaware of his involvement with equestrianism and his mission to raise the profile of equestrian sport. I am sure Alastair’s discussion will be both informative and entertaining, and our visitors will enjoy hearing what he has to say.”

New deal is struck New Equine Wear is delighted to announce that Trilanco Ltd will be distributing its products from mid February 2012. “We’re really pleased to be working with Trilanco,” said Richard Balfry, managing director of New Equine Wear: “We feel that the company’s network of retailers and distribution channels will really complement our existing network, while making our product more easily available to retailers up and down the country.” New Equine Wear’s range of horse boots and accessories are designed and manufactured in the UK. The range includes brushing boots, cross country boots, tendon boots, fetlock boots, tail guards and more.

Pioneering study into equine supplements Researchers at the University of Nottingham are carrying out a study into equine nutritional supplements and how they can affect the performance of dressage and event horses. The team at the university’s school of veterinary medicine are hoping to improve the information available about these supplements and what riders would like to see on the market. Associate professor and European specialist in large animal surgery Dr Sarah Freeman who is supervising the project, said: “Despite widespread use, there is little information available about which supplements are used and why. Research in human athletes has helped to understand what type of supplements athletes want and the best ways of passing on information and advice. However, this is the first time that this type of research has been done in horses.”

Cotton prices are set to stabilise in 2012 Outdoor clothing specialist Dock of the Bay says that cotton prices finally look set to stabilise after a turbulent year. The company that produces attire for those involved in outdoor pursuits, including riding, reported last year that cotton prices had hit an all-time high due to poor harvesting conditions, increased freight charges, huge cotton demand and higher VAT. Managing director of Dock of the Bay, Michael Stanley said: “Our close relationship with the cotton mills and clothing manufacturers, together with keeping our own overheads to a minimum, ensured we did everything possible to restrict price increases to our customers despite last year’s cotton price inflation.” Dock of the Bay clothes are made from a high percentage cotton content and with costs now set to steady the company adds that this will come as “a relief for both retailers and the general public who enjoy Dock of the Bay’s clothing.”

A design innovation

A new innovation from Norfolk-based company, Roadland has been given the seal of approval by the National Equine Crime Database (NECD). Adrian Keeling, managing director of NECD said: “Any equestrian product of worth needs to consider security as a key factor and the Roadload Rampless Horsebox, with its unique design, not only embraces this aspect, but also takes horsebox design into a new dimension.” MD at Roadland, Keith Jones added: “Following the successful introduction of the concept to the commercial world four years ago, we wanted to develop a horsebox that embraced 21st century technology, as well as offering versatility and safety.”

E quine

Taking stock

Copdock Mill “Ensure you are well-stocked to cater for your customers” says Copdock Mill. “A mild start to the winter has led to slower feed sales than is typical for this time of year. Although there is very little feed value in the grass at this time of year, horse owners are leaving animals out and feeding on whatever grass is available. Copdock Mill has noticed the trend is for customers to look at either highend balancers or value rations. The company has a huge range of feeds, supplements and bedding to cater for all equine needs. Information: 01473 730 246 or info@copdockmill.co.uk

Nurtured Pets The Equine Anti-LickStrip is a nose and taste deterrent to deter horses from repeatedly biting or chewing protective wraps, thus promoting healing time. The strip is impregnated with cayenne pepper and should be placed over dressings to stop licking, biting and chewing. The strip has also proven useful in stopping cribbing for short periods of time. “Place the adhesive strip onto the stable door to break the obsessive crib cycle,” says Nurtured Pets. The plasters are available in packs of 10.

Hilton Herbs Bye Bye Itch and Bye Bye Itch Lotion are two new products from Hilton Herbs, formulated to combat seasonal itching in equines. The supplement contains herbs with anti-histamine actions that support natural resistance to allergens and irritations and herbs to improve skin integrity and coat condition. The lotion can be used topically on affected areas and will help reduce itching and encourage hair re-growth. “After extensive trials in the United Kingdom, 93 per cent of trial participants felt using the products significantly helped their horse or pony,” report Hilton Herbs. Information: 01460 270 701, tradesales@hiltonherbs.com or www.hiltonherbs.com/useful-articles

Information: 024 7630 2222, sales@nurturedpets.co.uk or www.nurturedpets.co.uk

Net-Tex Taking the lead from modern, human wound care, Net-Tex has developed a gel product that helps with all manner of scrapes and cuts for horses. Equine Septi-Clense Wound Gel is an advanced barrier gel that adheres to the horse’s skin, encasing cuts, abrasions or scratches. Once the wound is cleaned and dried, the gel is applied without need for antiseptic creams and it begins to help the wound heal from the inside. The gel is formulated with anti-bacterial and cleansing agents that kill any microbes and keep the wound moist and in a perfect environment for swift healing and hair re-growth. As it has flexi properties once applied and sealed, it is ideal for difficult areas such as hocks, knees and fetlocks. Information: www.net-tex.co.uk

The Animal Health Company No Bute is the liquid form of Devil’s Claw feed supplement, which can be used safely with none of the potentially debilitating side effects associated with bute. Launched in 1996 by SP Equine Health & Herbal, it has since achieved acclaim for attaining and maintaining healthy joints, bringing “comfort the natural way.” With safe, long-term use, and manufactured without alcohol, the “proven success of No Bute and No Bute Premium makes it widely regarded as the market leader.” It is available in a wide range of sizes from one to 20 litres. Sp Equine Health & Herbal manufacture a full range of vitamins and supplements, all available through its website. Information: 01787 476 400 or www.equinehealthandherbal.co.uk

Spring horse care

Stepping into spring

Looking ahead to the arrival of spring, we preview the range of products that retailers can offer horse owners from lightweight rugs and feeds to treatments for worms

or retailers, spring is a lucrative season in the equestrian sector, as customers stock up on all the essentials for riding and seasonal care. Knowledge is power and for retailers, this can also mean more sales. Spring can be an important season for horse owners, with the competition season getting underway and the change in weather, which should allow many horses to be turned out. Adjustments may need to be made to feeding regimes to allow for changes in work and daily routine. Whatever the time of year, though, good quality forage should always provide the basis of any equine diet. HorseHage offers four varieties of dust-free bagged forage, with an option to suit all types of horses and ponies, from laminitics – which can safely be fed the Timothy and high fibre varieties – to performance horses in hard work, which may require the optimum levels of protein provided by the ryegrass or alfalfa HorseHage. Good quality chaffs, such as Mollichaff, can help to bulk out the hard feed and, by stimulating the production of saliva and slowing the passage of food through the gut, can help to promote good digestion and will satisfy a stabled horse’s psychological need to chew. There are several varieties but one that is very popular for the show season is Mollichaff ShowShine – a cherryflavoured, high oil chaff for the ultimate show condition.

As spring arrives, most horses will be more active as turnout and ridden exercise is increased. The onset of warmer weather brings with it a new set of ailments and injury risks. It is vital that first aid kits are well-stocked and the products in them are geared towards treating ailments and injuries that are more likely to occur as the weather improves. Knocks and bumps are not uncommon and cold therapy is commonly used for the treatment of inflammation and soft tissue injuries, ideally administered immediately after an injury occurs and then, subsequently, for the next 48 hours at regular intervals. Due to the frequent nature of its use, cold therapy involving water may lead to cracked heels or other skin problems. Koolpaks from Robinson Animal Healthcare provide dry cold therapy and are ideal for emergency and routine use as they require no refrigeration. They are suitable for providing fast, effective treatment for tendon injuries, inflammation, knocks, strains, bruises and swellings. Spring usually means rain and as it is not always possible to prevent horses from standing in muddy patches, especially around gateways and water troughs, problems such as thrush in the hooves and mud fever can result. Activ Wash is a mild, antibacterial cleanser which gently removes scabs and debris caused by mud fever or rain scald and targets the causative bacterium.

Spring horse care

It is also a good idea to stock up on treatments for thrush and foot abscesses. Animalintex Hoof Treatment is the only veterinary-licensed poultice on the market for equine treatment. It contains an antiseptic to clean and prevent re-infection and a natural poulticing agent – tragacanth – which, when it reacts with water, draws out any infection and creates a clean area for the wound to heal. Make sure first aid kits also contain items for treating wounds such as dressings, wound gel and bandages. Storage is important – most first aid items should be kept at normal room temperature but check packaging before advising customers. Well-known for its feed balancers, blends, chops and additives, the TopSpec range has been developed to meet the total requirements of any horse or pony. With spring just around the corner, some owners will be looking for solutions when faced with overweight animals. Products to help include TopSpec Lite Feed Balancer, which combines a broad-spectrum supplement and a hoof supplement with a high-fibre. This low-calorie feed does not promote weight gain when given as part of a calorie-controlled diet. TopSpec AntiLam is a palatable, pelleted multi-supplement designed to provide nutritional support for animals susceptible to, being treated for, and recovering from, laminitis. It contains a range of highly effective supplements on a high fibre, low-calorie base. New additions to the TopSpec range include the Cool Balancer – designed for horses and ponies that need extra topline and condition but no ‘fizz’ – and the Performance Cubes, which provide energy for work. Key developments are also taking place in the design of horse rugs as the top manufacturers unveil their collections for spring and summer 2012 with a wide range of styles to keep rug rails looking cutting edge over the coming seasons.

Technological advancements and unreliable summer weather have resulted in buying habits changing. Horse owners need peace of mind that the investment they make on a rug will ensure their horse is warm, fly-free and comfortable throughout summer. Owners are also always looking for easier and faster ways to rug their horse. Front fastenings and surcingles need to be simple, quick to do, hard wearing and adjustable. Buckle and clip front fastenings are ideal. Rugs need to be flexible and comfortable to ensure a horse enjoys being turned out. This is where the material a rug is made from is really put to the test. The denier is the weight of yarn used in the fabric – the higher the number, the stronger the rug. Ripstop is the pattern created within the fabric, giving the appearance of lots of little squares, and these ensure that if the rug rips, it will only go through one square, instead of the entire rug. The fit of a rug is also a key factor, so the horse has freedom to move. As horses come in all different shapes and sizes, elements to check are gussets in the right place, a welldesigned tail flap and a secure fit without being too tight or gaping. Fixed-necked rugs are proving popular, as they are easy to put on and ensure the horse stays clean and warm. Checks are the musthave for this season – the brighter the better but bear in mind that traditional colours will always have a place in the market. This season’s travel and summer rugs have tended to be single-layered knitted or woven fabrics, like fleece or cotton, or for the luxury option laminates such as shell fabrics are being used. Fabrics can also be treated with special outer coatings such as Teflon, which improve stain removal, or special UV-resistant chemicals for protection against sunburn. Masta offers a good range of rugs to protect horses and ponies in a range of styles, colours and prices to fit every owner’s budget.

Supplier Listing HorseHage: 01803 527 257 or www.horsehage.co.uk Masta: 01274 711 101 or www.masta.co.uk Robinson Animal Healthcare: 01909 735 000 or www.robinsonhealthcare.com TopSpec: 01845 565 030 or www.topspec.com

The worm has turned Dr Emma Batson from global animal health company Merial says: “Many people believe that worms and worm control are complicated topics, so to make it more straightforward, we have developed four simple rules for people to help them plan an effective worming programme for 2012.”

Rule No. 1

Horse owners know that targeted worming is the most effective. For example, in spring there is a possible threat from tapeworms; so, treat for tapeworm in the spring and then monitor the roundworm population every eight to 10 weeks to help you anticipate your horse’s needs, and avoid unnecessary treatment.

Rule No. 2

Don’t aim to kill all worms. One of the most important ways to tackle the threat of resistance is to aim for control of worm populations rather than eradication. Keep a population of worms in ‘refugia’ – these pose little threat in small numbers but act to dilute the threat of treatmentresistant worms, slowing down the spread of wormer resistance.

Rule No. 3

Treat every horse as an individual. Treating all horses with the same dose of wormer at the same time could mean that some horses are treated unnecessarily and some inadequately. It is estimated that 20 per cent of horses in a group carry 80 per cent of the worm burden, so targeted individual treatments based on individual bodyweight will maximise dosing efficacy.

Rule No. 4

The only time of year you need to treat for encysted small redworm is winter – treating throughout the year is unnecessary and can be costly. Merial is offering a free Worm Egg Count kit with purchases of EQVALAN Duo. Further information on using the kit and treating worms is available at www.smartworming.co.uk

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Voice on the highstreet

Voice on the highstreet Justin Bartlett,

manager, HG Gladwell & Sons, Suffolk

How did you get into the business?

What is selling the best at the moment?

I started working for the company nine years ago as a sales assistant and was promoted to branch manager five years ago.

Poultry feed sales are increasing year-on-year. Keeping chickens myself for a number of years helps when advising newcomers to the hobby.

How many people do you have working in the store? We have eight people including myself.

You have recently returned to the old store following a fire in February 2011. What challenges have you had to face and overcome in the last year? When we had the fire I needed to find a way to be able to supply my customers with feed so that we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let them and their pets down, and at the same time not to lose their custom. We did this by providing a phone service for the first five weeks â&#x20AC;&#x201C; customers would phone their orders in, then collect their goods from the main warehouse. In late March we had a temporary store erected where we have traded from until we opened the new store on 3 December 2011. I have had to find new suppliers, order stock, make sure the store was fitted out and stocked correctly by a deadline. I then had a week in bed!

What are your biggest day-to-day challenges? Making sure the store is well-stocked and kept clean and tidy and keeping on top of an ever-increasing amount of paper work!

What is currently the most interesting pet product in your shop? Our new premium dog food, Brigadiers Choice. Being able to offer our customers a greater choice in a competitive market is imperative in keeping them coming back again and again.

Are customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; buying habits changing? Customers are looking for bargains and cheaper feeds and products. I think we face tough times in 2012 but feel positive we can supply our customers with all they need.

What do you enjoy most about your job? I enjoy all the challenges the job brings and the people I work with and meet throughout the day.

What are your hopes for the future? To open the second floor in the store and to keep expanding the product range we keep. Our mission for the new floor is to have the best tackle and bait department in Suffolk!