Westies & Besties - February 2023 by Westies & Besties Magazine

The UK'S Only West Highland White Terrier Magazine

ISSUE 30. VOL 1

Febuary 2023

ISSN 2634-4130

BANISH BOREDOM Keep your Bestie

RECIPE TREATS FOR YOUR SWEETS THIS VALENTINE’S DAY

entertained at home this winter with fun & games

Heart & Soul

Readers share their stories of the impact their Westies have had on their lives

Love WHAT’S

GOT TO DO WITH IT? www.westiesandbestiesmagazine.com

Itchy Skin? It could be house dust allergy Up to 80% of allergic dogs have an allergy to dust. Symptoms include red, itchy skin and scratching that can lead to secondary skin infections. Although insecticidal environmental sprays can help kill dust mites, proteins in the dust mite faeces and on the bodies of the mites can still cause an allergic reaction in sensitive pets. Allergone Spray is a unique environmental spray that coats dust particles that include the mites and their faeces. By doing so it alters the chemical structure and helps inactivate and neutralise allergens found in house dust, helping to reduce the symptoms of house dust allergy.

@NextmuneUK

The innovative microcapsule technology helps bind the dust particles together into larger particles that don’t float in the air, making it easier to remove them when cleaning. To find out more about Allergone and other products that help manage the symptoms of allergy go to www.nextmune.com

@nextmuneuk

nextmuneuk

Nextmune UK | Oakridge House, Cressex Business Park, Wellington Rd, High Wycombe, HP12 3PR Phone: +44 01494 629979 | salesenquiries.uk@nextmune.com | www.nextmune.com

EDITOR’S NOTE

HEART TO HEART Stories, myths, and legends teach us a soul mate has to be another human being. I would have been inclined to agree with this until we got our Westie, Buffy. Now I know that animals and humans have an intertwined connection that is inexplicable to many but to those of us that truly, deeply love our added family members it’s obvious to us.

Kim Latham Editor

The bond is strong, and I really am convinced that our Westie somehow knows me like no other…and I him. He understands our close family members too and somehow knows when they need him for comfort, for laughter and for companionship. It’s true that dogs really are man’s best friend. So, in this month of love, in whatever shape or form that means to you, I wish you all joy, fun and peace and encourage you to listen to your little white dogs with your hearts, because I believe they can teach us things about life that will live on long after they’ve left us. Perhaps that’s why we’ve been given this wonderful gift of animals so that they can teach us and remind us of all that is good…of all that is love. Enjoy this Valentine’s edition. Buffy, Chief Cuddles Officer Photo credit: Image supplied by Kim Latham

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Publisher Westies & Besties Ltd Fidlas Road, Cardiff, CF14 5LZ Editor Kim Latham Tel: +44 7496 310169 Email: Info@westiesandbesties.com Commercial Director Alex Griffin Tel: +44 7496 310173 Email: alex@westiesandbesties.com Front Cover Image Image supplied by shutterstock_1456757753 Design Jayden Ali Printing WPG Group Westies & Besties Magazine is published by Westies & Besties Ltd (the Publisher) and printed on behalf of the publisher by WPG Group. Westies & Besties Ltd is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office. Westies & Besties Magazine and the Westies & Besties Masthead/logo is trademarked and are marks of Westies & Besties Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without prior written permission of the Publisher. The views and opinions expressed within Westies & Besties Magazine are not necessarily those of the Publisher or those of its contributors. While every care has been taken in the preparation of this magazine, the Publishers cannot/ will not be held accountable for the accuracy of the information here therein, or any consequences arising from it. The Publisher accepts no responsibility for unsolicited articles or manuscripts in the case of all product reviews. Judgements have been made in the context of the product tested. (All photographs have been supplied unless otherwise mentioned.) Advertisers in this publication must adhere to the rules and regulations of the Advertising Standards Authority. Westies & Besties Ltd is not responsible or liable for a company or individual’s advert. Readers are advised to see a fully qualified veterinarian before attempting to try any of the suggestions made by a contributor.

8 22 28

36 6 RAW FOOD

One of Britain’s biggest supermarket chains are now offering several frozen raw food options for dogs

8 BANISH BOREDOM

Learn how to keep your Westie entertained at home during the dark winter nights with top tips from the PDSA

10 TOUCH OF A BUTTON

A new app created by Tuft Global aims to make the lives of pet owners and pet businesses simpler and easier with its new technology

18 SPECIES APPROPRIATE

The way to a Westie’s heart is definitely through his or her stomach so what are you feeding your bestie?

22 PREVENTION BEFORE

CURE Osteopath, Faye Andrews, explains why seeing an osteopath before your pup has any problems and as part of a regular routine can save thousands in vet bills

28 PROVE YOUR LOVE!

We all love our Westies but do we know enough and are we actually doing the right thing when it comes to the wellbeing of our dogs?

42 32 WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO

DO WITH IT? Why not treat your Bestie (and yourself) to some well-earned gifts during the the season of love – you both deserve it!

36 HEART 2 HEART

Join our wonderful readers as they share their stories on how their own Westies have impacted their lives through both good times and bad

42 MARATHON MAN

Vidivet CEO, Ben Sweeney, on climbing the Yorkshire three peaks and why his chosen charity is so close to his heart

46 A SPRING CLEAN

Why getting your Westie groomed is a vital part of your dog’s overall health and wellbeing and the sooner you start, the better

50 TREATS FOR YOUR

SWEETS Spoil your Westie this Valentine’s Day with this sweet treat recipe by Beco Pets

www.westiesandbestiesmagazine.com

50 5

Asda News

Launches Multi-Partner

in UK Supermarket First Frozen raw pet food has become increasingly popular with Britain’s pet owners, with nutrition and locally sourced ingredients being at the forefront of customers’ minds This is the first-time leading brands Poppy’s Picnic, Wilsons Pet Food, Billy & Margot and Nurture Them Naturally will be stocked in a supermarket

Image supplied by ASDA

Strategic Pet Care Partnerships Lead at Asda, Chris Richards, said: “The launch marks a significant innovation milestone in the evolution of ASDA Pet Care. As more customers look for high quality and nutritious alternatives for their pets, we’re delighted to be collaborating with our partners to offer an exciting range of frozen raw pet food. Along with YuMove, the UKs leading Pet supplement brand, usually only available to be purchased from specialist retailers.

Westies & Besties - February 2023

sda has become the first UK supermarket to launch a multipartner frozen raw pet food proposition. Shoppers will now be able to select from a range of high-quality pet food for their dog – all they need is a spare drawer in their freezer. The supermarket has teamed up with several pet food partners, including Poppy’s Picnic, Wilsons Pet Food, Billy & Margot and Nurture Them Naturally. The new frozen bays have been implemented in six Asda stores.

News

Pet parents in Minworth, Queslett, West Bridgford, Gateshead, Eastlands and Caerphilly, will be able to pick up products such as Bubble & Squeak, Turkey Dinner, Pork & Beef Complete and Duck for their furry friends. If customers are considering exploring raw food for the first time, Asda will also be stocking frozen ‘Power Balls’ from Poppy’s Picnic, perfectly portioned balls of meat which are ideal for embarking on a raw diet with their pet. As well as introducing the new frozen bay to its stores, Asda is also expanding its ambient ranges, including new partners YuMove, who offer joint supplements

for dogs, and a selection of treats and rewards from leading pet food brands.

The n partne ew multiwill sto r freezer bay ck pet foo frozen raw ds from £ tarting 1.95.

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News

To Keep Your Westie Entertained this Winter

ark nights, wet weather, and chilly temperatures are sure signs that winter is well and truly upon us. When the weather turns, you might find your Westie is less inclined to brave the outdoors – so how can we keep them entertained and ensure they get enough exercise during the colder months? Nina Downing, vet nurse at the UK’s largest veterinary charity PDSA, shares her five top tips for keeping your four-legged friend moving. Nina said: “When pets don’t stay active, they are at risk of piling on

Image supplied by shutterstock_1957296238

extra pounds that could endanger their overall health – not to mention boredom, which can put them in mischief’s way! Luckily, there are lots of fun ways to keep furry friends entertained this winter, even on a rainy day.” Snuffle roll “This is a tried and tested favourite for any playful pooch and is very easy to set up. All you need is a small towel or blanket, your pet’s normal food and a treat or two. Lay the material on the floor and scatter the food over the top. Then, roll the mat up, making sure the treats don’t fall out of either end. Now your pet can snuffle and sniff out Westies & Besties - February 2023

their food, keeping their brain and nose active! Practice training and agility What better time to brush up on your pup’s obedience training than when you’re stuck inside? Whilst indoors you can teach your pup some new tricks or practice ones you both enjoy, using food or treats as a reward is a great way to keep them engaged and let them know they’ve mastered a trick. Another fun way to get them excited and build their fitness is to set up an indoor obstacle course. Whether it’s using chairs and a blanket to create a tunnel, a small foot stool for the perfect hurdle, or pairs of shoes for them to

News

weave in and out of, the possibilities are endless and can provide furry and human family members alike hours of fun.

As your dog becomes better at finding you, you can start to hide in more difficult places, like behind a door or curtain.

Hide and seek A childhood classic, this game also helps to train your dog, as they become attuned to listening out, as well as sniffing around for you in order to find the location where you’re hiding. Ask your dog to sit and stay before moving around or leaving the room. At first, stand or crouch in more obvious places and call your pooch to come find you. Not only will they use their eyes, ears and nose to seek you out, they will also engage their brain and employ mental energy.

Toys, toys, and more toys All pets have a preference for their favourite toy, whether that be a squeaky ball or teaser on a stick. Utilising items that encourage their natural instincts is a great way of keeping your pet entertained – just make sure you swap the toy every few days, so they don’t get bored of it! DIY Homemade toys work just as well as those available in shops. You can create a teaser with www.westiesandbestiesmagazine.com

strips of fabric from old clothes, blankets, or towels - simply tie them together at one end, leaving the rest to trail behind for your Westie to chase. The same technique can be used to make a tug toy – just make sure to knot all the pieces together every few centimetres from end to end, as this will add strength and provide something that you and your pet can both grip. Boxes are another favourite as they can be used in many ways, from making hidey holes through to creating tunnels. You could even cut out holes and connect several boxes together to create a maze for your bestie to find their way through. 9

PET TECH

Image supplied by Tuft 10

Westies & Besties - February 2023

PET TECH

New App to Help Dog Groomers

Reach New

Tuft Global sets ambitious targets for 2023

Instead of Chasing Tails with No-Shows

www.westiesandbestiesmagazine.com

PET TECH

I’m so proud of everything we’ve achieved this year — from being shortlisted for the Great British Entrepreneur Awards to expanding into Spain— 2022 has been a significant milestone for Tuft. It is particularly rewarding to hear the impact our innovative software has had on helping grooming salons” - Founder of Tuft, Chloe Smith

uft Global, the innovative app-integrated salon management software that gives dog groomers a convenient way to manage their business and reach new clients, is celebrating significant growth since the start of the year. Since January, Tuft has welcomed over 13,000 new dog owners and 387 groomers. What’s more, the pet tech brand has expanded into Spain following a 9% month-on-month growth. Supporting groomers to take control of their salon is a key focus for Tuft. One grooming business that has accelerated its bookings thanks to the software is Allbreeds Grooming. The Tonypandy-based grooming salon has been successfully operating for over 15 years with over 450 customers but has faced problems with no-shows when it comes to people keeping their appointments. Prior to Tuft, Allbreeds Grooming used its own bespoke solution to hinder no-shows, which involved manually booking appointments and responding to requests via phone calls, texts, emails, Google, and Facebook. This exhausted vital operational time and led to customers missing appointments.

Commenting on the transformation of the business, Tom Horton — owner of Allbreeds — said: “We are live on the app and taking multiple requests, bookings, and deposits. Hand on heart, I can say that implementing Tuft has been a real turning point for the business and the customers love the ease of requesting appointments and paying deposits. “I couldn’t be happier with the impact Tuft has made on Allbreeds Grooming, and I’m looking forward to seeing how this will develop as we continue to use the software in 2023.” Founder of Tuft, Chloe Smith, added: “I’m so proud of everything we’ve achieved this year — from being shortlisted for the Great British Entrepreneur Awards to expanding into Spain— 2022 has been a significant milestone for Tuft. It is particularly rewarding to hear the impact our innovative software has had on helping grooming salons. “Our vision has always been helping groomers take control of their salon and streamline their business better than ever before. So, while Tuft does all the hard work, groomers can concentrate on what they do best: making pooches look pretty!

However, since implementing Tuft to its business in October 2022, the salon no longer worries about manually keeping track of its appointments as Tuft monitors the schedule and sends automatic SMS reminder texts to customers — giving groomers more time to focus on growing their business.

Westies & Besties - February 2023

“We are excited to develop Tuft further in 2023 as we prepare to launch new innovations including an e-commerce shop to give groomers additional income streams as well as updating our capabilities by offering unlimited SMS and pet specific pricing. Watch this space!”

PET TECH

Tuft desktop www.westiesandbestiesmagazine.com

PET TECH

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Westies & Besties - February 2023

PET TECH

The Next Generation of

Parents How technology is making life simpler for dog owners and pet businesses By Chloe Smith, Founder of Tuft Global

www.westiesandbestiesmagazine.com

PET TECH

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Westies & Besties - February 2023

PET TECH

Solutions such as Tuft, which have developed an end-to-end user experience for both pet groomers and owners, are among the first SaaS (software as a service) solutions to disrupt what will be our new normal in pet care in years to come”

welcomed by pet service providers who are aiming to offer their clients the best possible user experience, and more importantly the best service for our nation’s pets.

A new generation of pet parents are entering the market — younger Millennials and the older Gen Z’s — many of whom are choosing pet ownership over human parenting. And, are coming into their prime years of consumerism, expecting, no, demanding a friction-free user experience.

A digital revolution is on the doorstep of many care providers, and failure to embrace a new way of working will see a slow decline in new business, and existing clients looking for more convenient ways to buy services through apps. Gone are the days of calling your local groomers, only to find they are busy with a dog, leaving to you record a voice message and hope they call you back when you aren’t also too busy to answer. This is just one example of a frustrating user journey that simple no longer fits a modern lifestyle.

he proliferation of technology has fundamentally changed the way we interact with service providers and no industry can hide forever behind “this is the way we have always done things”. The pet industry is no exception and is on the cusp of technological innovation.

What does this mean for the pet industry? The pet industry, as many industries before, will witness an explosion of technological solutions for their business, many of which focus on customer journeys and automation. This growth of individual tech solutions is always followed by a period of consolidation, bringing about so-called “super apps” (or unicorns, depending on which news you follow) which become a one stop shop for pet parenting needs. Pet service providers utilising technology for their business will see a boom in enquiries as old ways of working become obsolete and younger generations start to control the buying power. A sharp decline in the phone “ringing” will signal this shift and will be seen in the way pet parents interact with service providers - taking to digital first experiences to book essential appointments such as grooming, walking and other pet care services. This shift in the way a consumer will find and choose services for their pets should be

But technological innovation in the pet space shouldn’t be seen as a negative, in fact, leaning on technology to look after the admin of your business will give you more time to tailor your customer experience (another essential our new generation look for) helping you to focus on what you do best, looking after the nation’s pets. Solutions such as Tuft, which have developed an end-to-end user experience for both pet groomers and owners, are among the first SaaS (software as a service) solutions to disrupt what will be our new normal in pet care in years to come. Take heed Pet businesses, for a consumer convenience revolution is upon us. Who knows, with all that extra time, you may even get a chance to learn the name of the human on the other end of the lead!

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Nutrition

The Way to

is through

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Westies & Besties - February 2023

Nutrition

o a Westie’s

h his stomach By Sue Makepeace

www.westiesandbestiesmagazine.com

Nutrition

FOOD, THE LANGUAGE OF We’re now two months into 2023. I wonder how many of us have made changes, not only to our lives, but to the lives of our Westies? Did you decide that the time had come to lose a few pounds, do a little more exercise, focus on your mental well-being, take time out to focus on yourself, drink a little more water and less alcohol, to try and do as many acts of kindness as you can, in fact try to totally overhaul your lifestyle? How do you show your love? Valentine’s Day is the 14th of February in the United Kingdom, and this is the day we show love for our partners. Generally, this always seems to centre around food, a lovely home cooked meal, or a night out and a delicious dinner, feed the stomach and you find love in the heart as the saying goes. Family get togethers also seem to centre around feeding your loved one’s good food. So, we know that good food makes us feel happy and well, and good food is the lynchpin to love and a healthy life. Dogs, like us, thrive on fresh food, just like they have done for centuries. Over the years they seem to have become a huge dumping ground for poor quality ingredients, synthetic vitamins and hidden sugars that are making our dogs sick. Remember dogs are carnivores, yes, they may choose to eat a little fruit and veg, nuts and seeds, but the majority of the diet comes from meat, offal, and bone.

Have you ever cleaned up your act and started a healthy eating regime? How good did you feel? Were you more energetic, more focused, and clear-headed and able to sleep better? Did you feel less stressed or anxious? Was your skin clearer? Were your eyes bright and did your hair shine? Well, it’s the same for our dogs, the right diet is the key to their health and well-being. A diet of kibble (dry food), or even the latest trend of feeding your dog a vegan diet is just highly processed poor-quality ingredients, cooked at very high temperatures under pressure, it’s then pushed through a metal die machine at high pressure to make the biscuit shapes. When it’s cooled the manufacturers spray it with flavour enhancers to make it palatable to your dog. Some dogs, when fed on this diet for most of their lives actually fail to recognise real food, they only know this highly processed offering. This is such a sad situation that our precious pets can go through their whole lives without ever experiencing the taste, joy, and love of proper food. The health of your Westie The best and most bioavailable diet is exactly as Mother Nature intended and how our precious pets have survived for centuries. One of my favourite sayings is “if you weren’t in Fido’s life how would he survive?” The answer is very simple, on anything he could catch and forage. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind

that a raw diet is the healthiest for your Westies. Its not called species appropriate for nothing! In the United Kingdom we are incredibly lucky in that we have several exceptional raw food producers; their food is well balanced and ethically sourced. It’s competitively priced coming in at around 90p to £1 per day to feed a 10kg Westie. In 2023 take the time to read a book on canine nutrition. The very first one I ever read was the Honeys Natural Feeding Handbook for Dogs by Jonathan Self, it’s a quick easy read, easy to understand and actually quite mind blowing. You will come away with a huge amount of nutritional knowledge and understanding on how to feed your Westie a healthy diet. If you aren’t ready to make changes at this stage, then think about adding fresh food to your Westie’s meals. Over the last year I have written several articles about adding fresh foods to give your Westie a health boost. These have included the benefits of broccoli, blueberries, mushrooms, manuka honey, eggs, ginger, dandelions, and sardines. Just remove 35-50% of the processed food and add some fresh foods. So, as we go into the month of love, think about how you can make some changes and feed your dog the best diet, as the saying goes, “feed the stomach and find the love.”

Sue Makepeace is the Founder of the Westie Advice Group (WAG) on Facebook. Sue is also a qualified raw dog food nutrition specialist. 20

Westies & Besties - February 2023

Nutrition

There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that a raw diet is the healthiest for your Westies. It not called species appropriate for nothing!” www.westiesandbestiesmagazine.com

HEALTH

All images supplied by Faye Andrews 22

Westies & Besties - February 2023

HEALTH

BY FAYE ANDREWS

www.westiesandbestiesmagazine.com

HEALTH

We all want what is best for our dogs but how do we go about that? With a young dog or puppy, we want to give it the best start in life and look out for anything that may cause problems down the line, for an older dog we want to help improve their quality of life, and then there are all those dogs in between – the family pets, the working dogs, sports dogs and so on. So how can osteopathy help?

Osteopathy has several principles that osteopaths believe in and work with, however there are three main principles behind it:

1 2

The rule of the artery reigns supreme; meaning we look for good blood flow to an area of concern to help bring in healthy nutrients to help with healing Structure governs function and function governs structure; If the structure of the joint has deteriorated as in arthritis, then the function of the joint will be compromised causing biomechanical and physical deficit, if the function of the joint is the problem (it isn’t moving as it should) then it can cause bony remodelling which can cause lasting effects on the area The body has its own medicine cabinet; the body has an amazing ability to heal itself, but we need to know how to tap into it in order for this to happen, this can be with the advice of cryotherapy to help reduce swelling, exercises or massage work to improve blood flow.

So now we have that covered, why should owners look to utilise the benefits of osteopathy if there is no obvious problem? Clients usually seek osteopathy once they have pain. This can be due to injury, post operative care or postural deficits. Dog owners usually make contact when the dog is struggling with lameness or stiffness, notice how all these scenarios are linked by there being a problem. Yes, osteopathy can be great at fixing the issue and reducing pain/discomfort, but the true premise of osteopathy is prevention rather than cure. Wouldn’t it be better to stop something from hurting rather than wait for the breakdown of the body and its compensation network to cause pain? I have several clients both human and canine that visit me on a regular basis to maintain a healthy functioning body, these appointments can be anywhere between two to eight weeks apart depending on lifestyle factors, but the average would be four to six weeks. A healthy functioning body will allow for a better fluidity of movement through the joints and body, it can help to ease digestive issues, maintain good neurological pathways to muscles and a stronger body and mind. With young dogs and puppies, osteopathy can look for correct biomechanics whilst the dog is developing, incorrect biomechanics will put strain on joints and muscles and may result in long term issues.

Westies & Besties - February 2023

HEALTH

Image supplied by Faye Andrews www.westiesandbestiesmagazine.com

HEALTH

Yes, osteopathy can be great at fixing the issue and reducing pain/discomfort, but the true premise of osteopathy is prevention rather than cure”. With older dogs that are perhaps slowing down due to arthritis, osteopathy can help keep the joints lubricated and the muscles loosened, tight muscles will compress the two bony joint surfaces causing further deterioration of the joint and greater stiffness and discomfort. For dogs that lead a working or sporting life where they need to be in peak physical condition then osteopathy can look for any slight “kinks” in the movement pathways and iron those out to prevent injury and allow for optimum movement which could mean the difference between first and second! Then there are those family pets that don’t fall into the puppy or older pet category, these dogs are usually running for miles in the park every day. I wrote in a previous issue that I believe in giving dogs a day off from the park (other exercises can be done and enrichment games can be given which will tire the dog out just as much), for them, running around a park everyday would be the equivalent of us running a marathon a day and asking your dog to do this without any therapeutic intervention will eventually lead to injury at some point. Why would we want to risk that and then huge vet bills, followed by medication etc when all the dog wants to do is have fun. Osteopathy can keep them in optimum physical condition for them to have a happy, active, and hopefully pain free life.

Types of osteopathic treatments The use of soft tissue massage to reduce muscular tightness is a huge part of how I work along with articulation of the joints in the limbs and spine. These treatments are aimed at improving the range of motion in joints and flexibility in the muscles. We also use manipulation, if a joint is restricted it will have an effect on the muscles, by using manipulation we can free the joints and improve function. Osteopathy will also look at imbalances and weaknesses between paired muscle groups (front/back, left/ right etc) and exercises can be given where and when necessary. All of this can be applied in varying degrees to any dog, young, old, recovering from surgery or even those looking to maintain a fit and healthy dog. 26

Westies & Besties - February 2023

For more information on osteopathy visit www.bodywiseosteopathy.net

HEALTH

Image supplied by Faye Andrews www.westiesandbestiesmagazine.com

Behaviour

Ways to Prove to your your

love

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Westies & Besties - February 2023

Step 1:

Behaviour

It goes without saying that we love our dogs, but it can be hard to know the best way to show them just how adored they are.

Choice Having some degree of control over their lives can go a long way to bolstering our dogs’ mental health and building their confidence.

By Jessica Barber

We control so many aspects of our dogs’ lives, often without thinking, but giving back some of these decisions can help to empower our dogs. This, in turn, fosters a strong, trusting relationship between dog and owner. The choices you give your dog don’t have to be on a grand scale – think: choosing the direction or route for a walk, choosing whether or not to interact with another dog or person, and choosing which chew or snack they’d prefer.

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www.westiesandbestiesmagazine.com

Behaviour

Advocate for them A large part of advocating for your dog involves acknowledging and appreciating their individual quirks, preferences, and personality - understand and respect who they are, help them to be safe and feel confident in the world. It is important to remember that our dogs aren’t tiny furry humans, yet still experience a wide range of emotions, have their own preferences and drives. Strive to keep your dog physically safe from harm (e.g., walking with a suitable harness and lead, giving them the appropriate level of exercise) and try to ensure they feel safe as much as possible. Consider whether they will enjoy a certain outing you’re

planning to take them along to – just because you can take your dog, doesn’t mean you should. Read their body language and stop interactions that make them uncomfortable (think, being approached by off lead dogs, being touched by strangers, being in crowded places and so on). This fosters trust and cooperation, the foundations of a strong and close bond. When facing a situation that worries your dog but is essential (e.g., vet visits), take time to plan and acknowledge your dog’s feelings, rather than just expecting them to ‘deal with it’. Proactively address these areas of your dog’s life and gradually build their confidence in situations that worry them.

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Westies & Besties - February 2023

Keep their brains active and flexible and build their confidence through rewardbased training Reward-based training is a fantastic way to spend some time with your Westie, as well as building their confidence and fostering the bond between you. It has been demonstrated to be the most effective and efficient form of training (e.g., Makowska, 2008) and reduces the risk of behaviour issues developing. Research has demonstrated that dogs trained using aversive methods showed

a weaker and more volatile attachment to their owners, while those trained using reward-based methods had a more secure relationship (Fernandes et al., 2017). By refraining from aversive or punishment-based training methods, your dog can develop trust and feel secure and safe around you. Training becomes a fun adventure rather than something to be frightened of. Training can also help your dog develop new skills that can help them cope and feel confident in new situations, further bolstering their confidence. Be a safe base: Communicate clearly and listen with your eyes Set your dog up to succeed as much as you can – if it is unlikely that they’ll cope with a situation, try to avoid putting them in it, or make the necessary adjustments so they can cope. Communicate clearly with your dog by putting in the time with reward-based training and being consistent with what you’re asking of your dog. It is much easier to feel safe when you know the parameters of a situation and the world feels somewhat predictable – this is no different for our dogs. It’s easy to assume we’re communicating with clarity because we know the message we’re trying to convey, but it can be worth checking that you really are conveying your intended meaning in a way your dog is able to understand. Being a safe base for your dog also involves heeding their communication – while dogs can’t talk to us, they tell us an awful lot via their body language. Listen with your eyes and pay attention to what your dog is telling you and your bond will grow ever stronger.

Behaviour

Engage in shared activities that your dog enjoys Make a list of activities your dog enjoys and try to take some time to engage in these alongside them on a regular basis. This could mean exploring a new place together, playing their favourite games, going on a treat treasure hunt around the garden, being bathed and brushed, snuggling on the sofa or just hanging out together. Shared activities can also be more structured in the form of pursuits such as scentwork, agility, cani-cross or flyball. The key is to ensure that your dog does truly enjoy the activity you’ve chosen – while some dogs enjoy being touched and cuddled, others prefer a bit more personal space. While some dogs will thrive off the adrenaline rush of dog-sports, they can feel too overwhelming for others. Taking time to think about your Westie and their favourite kinds of activities can help you begin to make a list. When trying out a new activity, be sure to regularly check in with your dog and keep a close eye on their body language to ensure they’re not feeling worried or stressed.

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1. Provide options when it comes to resources like chews, resting places, and toys 2. Let them decide if they want to go out and if they do, let them lead the way (safely) 3. Let them choose if, when, and where they would like to be touched 4. Let them choose when to start and when to stop an activity 5.Let them stop and investigate the world around them

accessories

Love WHAT’S

GOT TO DO WITH IT? Absolutely everything! So, get in the mood this season and shower your Bestie (and yourself) with a little extra sweetness…

Westies & Besties - February 2023

accessories

Rolled pink fleece throw Available from Dobbies Garden Centres £9.99 www.dobbies.com

Mug and Pet Bowl Set Available from the Card Factory £4.99 www.cardfactory.co.uk

Image supplied by Dobbies Garden Centres

image supplied by The Card Factory

Keyring and Collar Charm Available from the Card Factory £2.99 www.cardfactory.co.uk image supplied by The Card Factory

Photo Frame Available from Getting Personal Photo frame £16.99 Available in A3, A4, or A5 size. Two names can be printed on the frame. www.gettingpersonal.co.uk Image supplied by Getting Personal

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Pet Bandana accessories

Available from Card Factory Your pup will be the talk of the town as he hits the streets in this cute and fashionable pet bandana. £1.99 www.cardfactory.co.uk Image supplied by Card Factory

Peonies and Berries Artificial flowers Available from T.K.maxx Get in the mood and brighten up your home with these beautiful artificial blooms. £14.99 www.tkmaxx.com Image supplied by T.K. maxx

Personalised Terramundi Multiple Heart Money Pot Available from Getting Personal Put your pennies away for your pooch with this beautiful stylish heart money pot. £26.99 www.gettingpersonal.co.uk Image supplied by Getting Personal

Heart Cushion

Cookie Cutter Set

Available from HomeSense Enjoy all the comforts at home this Winter and take the ultimate plunge in relaxation with this heart-shaped cushion brought to you by HomeSense. £24.99 www.homesense.com

Available from HomeSense Cook up a storm in The kitchen and show Your canine pal how much you care with these fabulous cookie cutters. £5.99 www.homesense.com Image supplied by HomeSense

Image supplied by HomeSense

Westies & Besties - February 2023

Velvet Pink LED Candles accessories

Available from Dobbies Garden centres Light up your life and fill the air with romance with these Velvet pink candles. You won’t have to worry about any nasty scents for your Westie as these candles are battery-operated. £19.99 www.dobbies.com Image supplied by Dobbies Garden Centres

Mug Getting Personal Surprise a dog mama with our personalised mug! Available in standard or heat change, you can add a name of your choice, alongside the words ‘Best Dog Mama’. £9.99 www.gettingpersonal.co.uk

Personalised Wooden Keyring

Image supplied by Getting Personal

Getting Personal Keep your furry friend close at all times with this personalised Wooden Key Ring. It’s shaped like a dog’s bone and it can be engraved with your special message alongside a paw print to represent your dog! £9.99 www.gettingpersonal.co.uk

Dog Placemat Available from Matalan Simply wash away any doggy leftovers with this fun placemat from Matalan. £33 www.matalan.co.uk

Image supplied by Getting Personal

Image supplied by Matalan

Vivian Pet Bed Available from Dunelm Treat your Bestie to a life of luxury with this stylish comfortable bed that is sure to keep your hound snoozing until dawn. £99 www.dunelm.com Image supplied by Dunelm

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community

Image supplied by Leandra Mallinson

Westies & Besties - February 2023

community

Our wonderful readers share the impact their Westies have had on their lives Compiled by Kim Latham

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community

pplied by Image su damski Janice A

. r with me no longe to e r a ld r s o y o w hole My b w a p u d ne ople They ope e friends with pe am because me. I bec orld and w e h t d un s I took from aro tiful pup u a e b o d tw as invite of these time! I w fe t li n a e f p o s I m. a trip d Kingdo ds that I e it n U e to th g frien ks visitin of my boys. five wee e e becaus nI met onlin cotland and the . S in o bottom I started om top t fr d n e la ir g h n nd Wilts toured E ornwall a nding my trip C in g in y Sta nd. E humberla for my boys, I and Nort ’t n s a . If it w ip! My in Ireland ’ve taken that tr ld u never wo ys. l bo s beautifu ited State amski, Un d A e ic n Ja

Image supplied by shutterstock_1 93408217

Westies & Besties - February 2023

community

Image supplied by Kay Katsivas

What do I love about Jasper? W hat impact has I love how indivi he had on my lif dual he is, how e? he sits with me keeping me com but not ON me, pany whether I qu ietly am on the compu I love how he ra ter or reading. rely barks but is nevertheless al me when I com ways pleased to e home from be see ing out, as he bu and wags his ta tts his head agai il. ns t me I love the way he chases a ball fo r me, these days every time and bringing it back even finding an d bringing back thrown to him sp balls that haven’ ecifically…and al t been ways doing it w a cheery manne ith a HUGE smile r. and And I really LO VE the way he co mes to me in th (often when ne e middle of the eded) to snuggl night e under the quilt providing love, and press up to kindness and se me, cu rity – as if to sa you!” y “I am here with And as for impa ct…he has been with me for over time, my grown12 years and, in up, barrister da that ug hter developed treated, recove breast cancer, w red, got married as … and then the ca reappearing pr ncer metastasize imarily in her br d, ai n… through it all, m before finally dy y little Westie ha ing in 2021. And s been by my si with me to Brisb de - initially flyin ane and then to g Melbourne from the monthly 1,45 Adelaide; throug 0km round trip h dr ive from Adelaid for chemothera py sessions and e to Melbourne ul timately stayin the end. He wou g at her house un ld lie on her bed, til sit with us watch provide such ex ing television an cellent, suppor tiv d e company…so hi a HUGE impact s presence has on my life. We ar ha d e almost always to best friend. gether…he is m y Kay Katsivas, A ustralia

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community

fulness. and play , e v lo , y lt was The loya when she er had ie n n o B t I go moth s old. My k e e w e nin and half ay three w a d sband e s s pa so my hu , s u io v e uld weeks pr ting me a dog wo t e g p for thought g to get u in h t e m o g give me s ing and somethin n r . in the mo nel my grief into an d in I could ch just what I neede t. s a e y h ar Bonnie w ed heal m er in lp e h d n my life a alking h friends w y basis. I w e n t e m I dail park on a l a c re and lo r u o dog befo a d a h r e , love, had nev at loyalty h w w e n bring never k ey could h t e s o p r and pu life. into your , United Kingdom n o n r Lina Ve pplied by Image su on Lina Vern

Image supplie d by Dave Collins

Mutley was a gift from God . When he was one, I ha d an operation on my fractured spin e. I had to wal k sl owly with him, he w as so gentle an d sl with me. ow As you know, Westies are kn own for their behaviou r, which means most Westies are do ing everything the way they wan t to do it! Mutley was so good to me, it was as if he knew what to do to get me well enough to walk him. I mis s him so much he tr uly was an ange l and I think of him ev ery day. Now we have a puppy called Penelope Pit St op (Penny) an da puppy boy calle d Muttley. We think Mut ley has come ba ck in Muttley. Ha! Dave Collins, U nited Kingdom

Westies & Besties - February 2023

community

reasons why my westie makes my life so much better: Whenever I feel sad, he makes me smile, he seems always happy to see me, how could I not be? Every day we go out for a long walk which is very good for my mental wellbeing, we especially both love the beach because he can run free there and play with his friends. Sometimes I am alone because my husband works late but I am never lonely anymore because I have my dog to cuddle with and keeping me company. Tommie is just the sweetest and most beautiful dog in the world, just look at him! He is the best friend you could have. I couldn’t image life without him anymore because life is so much more fun with a dog, this little clown makes me laugh all the time. Even when he has been a little rascal or when he is very smelly and dirty, we still love him because he actually can’t really do anything wrong, it took some time to get used to each other but now he is often a very easy doggie. Eveline Bos-Postma, Netherlands

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Q&A

Why Ben Sweeney, the CEO of Vidivet, is taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Marathon to raise funds for charity, Vetlife, which cares for vets in times of crisis By Kim Latham

Westies & Besties - February 2023

Q&A Image supplied by shutterstock_2186464431

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Q&A

I have personally known 25 veterinary colleagues in my career who have taken their own life, and countless others who suffer from burnout, financial crises, stress, strain, depression…the list goes on”

Ben Sweeney CEO of Vidivet 44

Westies & Besties - February 2023

What do you think needs to change in the industry to prevent further suicides? I don’t believe there is a quick fix to the plethora of challenges facing the veterinary profession. One place we can start is better education and engagement for

pet owners. Many of the most stressful conversations and emotionally charged cases come with the burden of financial implications for the pet parent and the impact that can have on the vets. This may come as a surprise to many, but for years and years, despite people saying how high vet bills are, many vets don’t charge for the full extent of their work. Vets can be an easy target at an emotive time for pet parents. This can create the perfect maelstrom for people to release all of their stresses and strains in the direction of the vet from time to time. I think as a society in general, not just in relation to our veterinary teams, we need to heed the phrase ‘be kind’. No vet wants to see an owner in a position where they have to choose between their pet and paying a bill, we will always strive to help people to ‘find a way’. The digitalisation of veterinary services allows us to alleviate some of the burden on the teams delivering care in practice and also to enhance the experience for pet parents who are often stressed on site. Ultimately, some of the major issues facing us are the same as our NHS are facing but come with the additional burden of a price tag to pay for people. We are overworked, understaffed, and chronically exhausted as a profession. There are more vet schools opening and we are working to keep the experience in the profession, but at the moment, nearly half of vets leave the profession before they have been qualified for five years. Time will, I am sure, lead to innovation and evolution in how we deliver care to our pets, but in the meantime, I ask everyone to simply be kind to their vet teams: they don’t like some of the conversations we have any more than you do! When will the marathon take place and how can people help? The marathon is on 29th April in

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the North Yorkshire 3 peaks. It involves three mountains and over 2,500m of ascending in the race. I picked this race as it mirrors so many of the patterns of work life: the highs and the lows, the ups, and the downs. There will be moments when I maybe think I can’t get to the finish and my race is run, but with my support team I hope to make it! People can donate via the just giving page https://www. justgiving.com/fundraising/ vidivetlife2023 What I would ask is to just think of your own vet. In life, we often don’t see the struggles of others. Indeed, for me, I have been surprised by some of the colleagues in the profession who have taken their lives. Most pet parents have great relationships with their vets and vet teams, so any small donation may just be the sum that saves your own vet in their hour of need! What will the funds help with exactly? The use of the funds is at the discretion of the charity Vetlife: they know how to use it best! The organisation costs around £1 million a year to run, so I am hoping to raise a minimum of £10,000 to cover 1% of their costs. As a vet yourself have you seen first-hand in your profession the effects of depression among colleagues? I have been blessed with building a couple of successful businesses to support the veterinary profession and pet parents. Do you have measures set up in your own company, VidiVet, to help employees that may be suffering from depression? We have an open-door policy, a very close-knit team and support on hand (as well as the obvious availability of Vetlife for any of the team who may be struggling what a comfort that is). 45

Q&A

Tell us why you have chosen this particular charity and why raising funds and awareness for them is important to you. Like many professions, the veterinary profession is under considerable pressure now. There is almost a perfect storm of massively increased pet ownership in recent years, escalating costs of supplies and business rates for the vet practices themselves, a staff shortage for vets, vet nurses, and veterinary receptionists all clashing with a cost-of-living crisis for pet parents. Over the years, society has been led to believe that all vets are wealthy and cuddle puppies and kittens all day. The reality couldn’t be further from the truth. This job is hugely emotional and would leave the most severe rollercoaster in the world look as flat as a pancake. It takes a massive toll on our veterinary teams and that all contributes to four times more vets and nurses taking their own life than the national average. I have personally known 25 veterinary colleagues in my career who have taken their own life, and countless others who suffer from burnout, financial crises, stress, strain, depression… the list goes on. Vetlife supports the people in the veterinary profession who support every pet parent and animal who step foot in our practices across the UK, so my desire is to support them to be able to look after those veterinary professionals who need support, who are at their lowest ebb, who are burnt out and need somewhere to turn to. After all, if we don’t look after the vets and nurses, then who will look after our besties?

Feature

Brush Away the Winter Blues and Give your Westie a Spring Clean Your Westie will love you for it! By Tom Horton

Substantial matting can cause sore skin and bruising due to the tightness and because the skin cannot get any air circulation. Matting also hides issues that might be lurking underneath, such as yeast infections and fleas.

Westies & Besties - February 2023

Feature Image supplied by shutterstock_2191323117

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Feature

It’s always good to get any dog into a good, regular grooming routine no matter what breed of dog you have, and a West Highland White Terrier is no exception. Dog groomers always recommend carrying out a regular grooming routine on your pooch at home, such as brushing and eye cleaning, whether they are a puppy or an adult dog. It is crucial to start visiting the grooming salon from a young age. Being a pup is an important time in their lives, especially when they are officially allowed to venture into the big wide world with you! Puppyhood (typically under six months) is a pivotal time for your pup to start making positive associations. Giving them the ability to become confident, well-mannered dogs in the future, this can be achieved through introducing new environments, socialising with other dogs, and the allimportant dog groomers! Puppies should ideally visit a grooming salon every four weeks to help desensitise them to unfamiliar sounds, to get used to being brushed, bathed, and being handled. Your pup will also get used to having their nails clipped, and (almost!) allow a groomer to trim around their eyes, feet, and hygiene area; although that’s easier said than done when all they want to do is give you puppy kisses. One of the best parts of the job! Some parents can be apprehensive when their puppy reaches adulthood. Doing research to see what type of style you’re looking for, whether you prefer hand stripping, the body clipped short whilst maintaining the Westie head or the all-fashionable, traditional Westie cut. It’s important to keep to a regular routine of appointments (roughly six to eight weeks on average) to help avoid matting. We have had several Westies come to our salon for a number of years now; some since they were puppies themselves. A few of them would probably put their grooming appointment at the bottom of their list of priorities, but often this is because they’re nervous, they don’t like being away from their owner or because they don’t like being handled. Grooming is a vital part of maintaining your Westie’s health Despite their reservations, grooming is an essential part of their care, and is something they need in order to maintain good health, keep a well-maintained coat, be free from knots and matting, as well as stopping fleas and ticks (alongside regular treatment from your vet practice). Regular trips to your groomer will help to prevent these issues from occurring or at the very least, help to spot issues that might need addressing by a vet. Like humans, Westies are not immune to health issues. Your dog groomer may find lumps, bumps, warts and even know when your dog might be tender in legs. They will advise you if they notice anything you need to be made aware of. Where necessary, they will most likely 48

advise you to make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as you can. Should you notice anything whilst grooming your Westie at home, again, it is important that you consult your veterinarian as soon as possible. They may well prescribe appropriate medication and could even recommend a replacement shampoo for you (or your dog groomer) to use. It’s not as uncommon as you may think, and dog groomers will do what they can to accommodate your Westie’s needs. Alongside the grooming appointment itself, it’s vital for owners to maintain regular brushing at home. One of the common issues your groomer could advise you of is that your Westie’s fur has become matted, and, for the welfare of your dog, the best solution is to

Westies & Besties - February 2023

Feature Image supplied by shutterstock_2191323117

shave it off and let it grow back, whilst aiding you to find the right grooming regime for your Westie. We do get a lot of stick for doing this but starting again is done for your dog’s best interests. Substantial matting can cause sore skin and bruising due to the tightness and because the skin cannot get any air circulation. Matting also hides issues that might be lurking underneath, such as yeast infections and fleas. A good groomer will answer any questions or concerns Don’t be afraid to ask questions and for a demonstration on the

best way to use the brush to avoid creating knots and tangles. A good groomer will be happy to advise and help you keep your Westie’s coat in top condition because we all want what’s best for you and your pooches! A regular brushing routine doesn’t take very long, especially for a Westie and their wiry coat. Not only do these routines help to maintain it, but it’s a good way to bond with your pooch too. Your Westie will enjoy spending some “one to one” time with you, and they will thank you for it – perfect for St Valentine’s Day! www.westiesandbestiesmagazine.com

Tom Horton is the owner of Allbreeds Grooming. For more information visit: www.allbreedsgrooming.co.uk 49

recipe

TREATS FOR MY SWEETS Words and images supplied by Beco Pets

PEANUT BUTTER DOG COOKIES

Image supplied by Beco pets

Ingredients 1 cup of oat flour 0.5 mashed banana 1 tbsp peanut butter ½ tsp cinnamon 1 cup of water 1 bag of Beco Peanut with Coconut & Tumeric dog treats

Method

Image supplied by Beco

Preheat oven to 180 degrees. Simply add all ingredients to a bowl and mix well. Add spoonfuls of the batter to a tray and pop on a single tray. Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool until treating your Westie. Store in an airtight container.

Westies & Besties - February 2023

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Available online with free delivery at fish4dogs.com or at independent pet shops.