Westies & Besties - May 2021 by Westies & Besties Magazine

MAY 2 0 2 1

ISSN 2634-4149

I SSU E 9, VOL 1

Win the War Against Dog Theft With Tips from British Ex-SAS Soldier

Mark 'Billy' Billingham MBE

Westies & Besties - May 2021

Our May edition of Westies & Besties covers a broad spectrum of topics this month. Jenny Roberts talks us through her experience of Westie Jaw (Craniomandibular Osteopathy,) and reveals the symptoms to watch out for as she continues her health journey with her Westie, Wendy, who was diagnosed with the disease last year. Brendan Clarke, Senior Vice President of the Raw Feeding Veterinary Society explains the symptoms of pancreatitis, how to spot the signs, and what course of action to take. Have you ever considered feeding your dog a plantbased diet? This month, Kelly Rose Bradford looks at the brands and companies creating vegan dog food and the benefits of it while Faye Andrews puts her opinion across as to why dogs should be fed meat. It was an absolute pleasure to talk to Ex-SAS Soldier, Mark ‘Billy’ Billingham MBE for our Cover story this month as he reveals his top tips on how to keep our Westies safe as dog theft across Britain continues to rise. In keeping with the Vegan theme, we’ve put together a range of vegan pet product pages for both you and your pal to keep you both looking and feeling your best. If you and your pooch are having anxiety attacks at the thought of your next trip to the vet, check out Steffi McIntyre’s suggestions on how to calm down your dog…and yourself!

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WE LC O M E

EDITOR’S NOTE 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 Senior Writer Chantelle Horton Email: info@westiesandbesties.com Columnists Mark Randell Faye Andrews Design Vavoom.co.uk Photography Front Cover image: Supplied courtesy of ©Johnny Ring Printing Warners Midlands PLC Westies & Besties Magazine is published by Westies & Besties Ltd (the “Publisher) and printed on behalf of the publisher by Warners Midlands PLC. Westies & Besties Ltd is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office. Westies & Besties Magazine and the Westie & Bestie logo/ masthead 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 be held responsible for the accuracy of the information herein, or any consequences arising from it. The Publishers accept no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or other materials, in the case of all product reviews. Judgements have been made in the context of the product tested. (All pictures have been supplied unless otherwise mentioned.) Advertisers in this publication must adhere to the rules and regulations of the ASA. Westies & Besties Ltd is not responsible or liable for a company or individual’s advert.

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CONTENTS

6-7 OPINION

8-13 HEALTH

14-21 NUTRITION

22-25 OPINION

Jenny Roberts reveals what’s involved in having a Westie suffering with Westie Jaw disease

Brendan Clarke, explains the signs of Pancreatic disease

Find out what our experts have to say about feeding West Highland Terriers a vegan diet

Faye Andrews, a human & canine osteopath on why she disagrees with feeding puppies a vegan diet

26-28 PET PRODUCTS

30-40 COVER STORY

42-43 FASHION

44-45 BEAUTY

Check out our Editor’s choice of vegan brands for your bestie

Mark ‘Billy’ Billingham MBE, on why dog theft should be classed as kidnapping

The latest accessories from fashion brand, Deux Mains

Check out the latest vegan beauty products to stay feeling fresh in all weathers

46-47 BEHAVIOUR

48-49 GROOMING

50 COMPETITION

How to make trips to the vet less stressful

Get your Westie all spruced up for spring with tips on how to groom your pal

Win a bundle of goodies from Mark ‘Billy’ Billingham MBE

Westies & Besties - May 2021

A D VERTO RI AL

A SMELLY DOG DILEMMA This smelly (and adorable) dog is 12 year old Rudi, who never had an odour problem – until last year, when he developed a notable ‘hum’. It wasn’t his fur: stroking him didn’t result in stinky hands. It wasn’t his breath. He visits the groomer every 6 weeks, so it wasn’t for lack of pampering. A 50kg Labradoodle, he’s a big boy – and that meant a lot of ‘hum’. You could tell he was in the room by the waft alone. Pet parent, Vicky, knew something needed to be done, but she couldn’t put her finger on the cause of the ‘hum’. Vicky decided to start Rudi on Hug’s Senior Herb Blend. A special

mix of British organic herbs, it’s formulated to care for the needs of mature pooches. Within 3 days of giving Rudi the supplement, the ‘hum’ disappeared. Vicky attributed this turnaround to one of the powerhouse ingredients in the blend: milk thistle, which is known for supporting and detoxifying the liver. Hug’s Senior Blend offers a whole host of extra benefits. It’s packed with goodies such as alfalfa, rose hips, and calendula petals, which are rich in immuneboosting antioxidants. One of these, vitamin C, excellent for

cell repair and stronger teeth, bones, and cartilage. Hawthorn, lemon balm, and psyllium husks aid healthy digestion, while Avena Sativa and hawthorn make for improved heart health. Ashwagandha acts as an antiinflammatory, great for seniors with stiff joints and mobility issues. Impressive, right? HUG loves herbs. In fact, they created an entire range of premium blends. AND they top every HUG meal with a carefully selected blend of parsley, dandelion leaf and root, plantain, moringa, chlorella, chia seeds, fennel seeds, pumpkin seeds, and coconut oil. The perfect daily supplement to keep pets healthy.

OPINION

Puppy Pain WHEN WENDY, A HAPPY, PLAYFUL WESTIE CHANGED INTO A LETHARGIC DOG THAT WOULDN’T EAT, JENNY ROBERTS KNEW SOMETHING WAS WRONG. HERE, SHE RECALLS THE TIME WHEN HER VET DIAGNOSED CRANIOMANDIBULAR OSTEOPATHY - WESTIE JAW DISEASE.

Until Wendy was 8 months old, she had the typical Westie spirit – she was stubborn, strong willed and found joy in everything - but one day she didn’t want to get out of her bed, her jaw began to open less, and she struggled to eat her kibble. My family and I took her to the vet after two days of lethargy to be told she may have Westie Jaw - a buildup of bone around the head of a dog which can be fatal if the jaw joints become fused. X-rays revealed that her jaw was double the size it should be and the fact that she could even slightly open her jaw surprised everyone. We were given a week of anti-inflammatory drugs and told to return when Wendy had finished them. Due to her having the most severe case of westie jaw any of the vets had seen, they suggested experimental treatment which could include her whole lower jawbone would be removed and replaced. I didn’t feel it would be fair for her to go through this. When we returned the following week, she was a completely different dog. It felt like she was making up for her lack of chaotic puppy, bouncing around and showing interest in everything. It was clear that she had been in pain for a long time.

Westies & Besties - May 2021

PHOTO CREDIT shutterstock_76680811

endy has always been cuddlier than your average Westie. She slept most of the time as a puppy instead of darting around causing mayhem. As the smallest, fluffiest and most timid of the litter, I knew she was meant to be mine.

OPINION

During her first year she spent a great deal of quality time with us, receiving nonstop attention. She flourished during this time and her personality blossomed. It was clear that she was happier now. She began talking in the Westie “woo woo” language and has since never failed to put a smile on my face. By her first birthday she had been completely weaned off her medicine

As a first-time dog owner, I found this ordeal tough as I had no prior experience with dogs, let alone a puppy with a rare genetic disease. The uncertainty was almost unbearable as I could not imagine losing what had already become a huge part of my life. It was a desperate search through social media that brought me to a lady whose own Westie had suffered too. Both our Westies had similar encounters with this disease. Due to the rarity of Westie Jaw I struggled to find someone else who had any knowledge. Advice from someone who has experienced this firsthand was encouraging because we could talk through our emotions and in the end, we agreed that the bond with your Westie becomes stronger when you get through something like this together. It was comforting to know that Wendy was not alone and the support we received from the Westie community was remarkable. I have spent the last year offering help and guidance to those who like myself have a puppy suffering from Westie Jaw and are unsure on symptoms and remedies. Westie Jaw is fortunately very rare, however, this means that there is limited research on treatment and a lack of knowledge surrounding the nature of this disease. As of now there is no treatment, only pain management. However, the bone growth does recede up until the dog is two years old. During this period small fragments of bone break off and dissolve leaving the dog with the same

PHOTO CREDIT Wendy the Westie supplied by Jenny Roberts

Wendy’s symptoms included excessive dribbling, a very hot jaw, a painful lump on her head and difficulty yawning to name a few. What really stood out were the small cyst-like lumps around her neck when she was 4 months old. They were squishy but seemed to disappear after a week. Looking back on it all, she could have been diagnosed earlier if I knew what to look for. Westie jaw, otherwise known as lions jaw or craniomandibular osteopathy, can affect all dog breeds but is more present in the Westie bloodline. It can go unnoticed, or it can cause extreme pain for the dog.

symptoms as when the bone was forming. Unfortunately, there is no way of predicting this disease but if the pain can be managed your Westie will live a long and happy life. Since her diagnosis last May, Wendy has regained her Westie spirit and our bond has become stronger than I could ever imagine. Her second birthday is in September and by then she should be free from any pain caused by her Westie jaw. Despite her occasional off days, she enjoys long woodland walks and trips to the pub - living life the way a Westie should.

H E A LT H

Pancreatitis: WHAT IS IT AND WHY MIGHT MY WESTIE BE AFFECTED? Right: Brendan & Pebbles

DR. BRENDAN CLARKE, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF THE RAW FEEDING VETERINARY SOCIETY ADDRESSES DISEASES OF THE PANCREAS AND REVEALS HOW TO MONITOR YOUR WESTIE LONG-TERM

The pancreas is an organ that is found in the abdomen of dogs and sits resting between the stomach and small intestine (duodenum). Its main function is to produce enzymes to aid the digestion of fats and proteins, but it also releases chemical signals (hormones) into the blood stream to influence how energy is used or stored in the body. This hormone is insulin, and we will discuss this more in the monitoring of pancreatitis later. In order to enable the enzymes to digest food and not the body itself they are produced in a bound or wrapped form which is inactive and only activates in the intestine on being secreted out of a duct into the duodenum close to the secretion of bile from the gallbladder of the liver. This is timed to coincide with the stomach emptying food broken down by the acid to form chyle.

“

Pancreatitis is seen as generally an under diagnosed condition and in milder forms is often mistaken for inflammatory bowel disease, liver and gall bladder problems, gastritis, and undefined colic

The production and release of the enzymes and bile is influenced by the detection of food types and presence in the stomach.

Westies & Besties - May 2021

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PHOTO CREDIT shutterstock_275574854

H E A LT H

“

It can appear to come and go and in the long term, low grade pancreatitis may result in scarring and a lack of digestive enzyme production (maldigestion) and poor insulin production which may cause diabetes mellitus

PHOTO CREDIT shutterstock_171905741

PHOTO CREDIT shutterstock_1020103849

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Westies & Besties - May 2021

Most interestingly following many scientific papers around the turn of the century it has been shown that high blood triglycerides are often fueled by starch and sugar rich food metabolism

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H E A LT H

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Diseases of the Pancreas These generally reflect inflammation due to infection, immune mediated conditions, inflammation in other tissues close by, injury from an accident or growths within the organ itself. The result of such disease can result in the devastating activation of the digestive enzymes in the wrong place and cause the self-destruction (autolysis) of the pancreas’s own tissues leading to a cascade of further inflammation and further enzyme activation. The results of this devastation can be pain, colic, fever, vomiting and diarrhea. If left uncontrolled it may lead to dehydration, blood clots, organ failure and death.

H E A LT H

Pancreatitis is seen as generally an under diagnosed condition and in milder forms is often mistaken for inflammatory bowel disease, liver and gall bladder problems, gastritis, and undefined colic. It can appear to come and go and in the long term, low grade pancreatitis may result in scarring and a lack of digestive enzyme production (maldigestion) and poor insulin production which may cause diabetes mellitus. How Pancreatitis is Diagnosed It is diagnosed by following symptoms and then blood testing and imaging the pancreas with ultrasound. Although your vet may be suspicious of pancreatitis if there are raised liver enzymes, raised digestive enzymes (amylase and lipase), raised white blood cells and ultrasound shows a brighter pattern to the pancreas. An active level of disease can only be identified by a specific canine pancreatic lipase (cPL) or DGGR Lipase found to be raised in a current bout of acute Pancreatitis. If this enzyme is within normal limits, then other causes of the symptoms must be ruled out. The reader should note that reliable blood tests require a standard sample of blood after 12 hours of fasting and preferably tested in the morning. Causes of Pancreatitis These are often cited as high fat diets causing raised cholesterol and blood triglycerides. However, treatment remains symptomatic as no one cause has been identified. Conditions due to chronic inflammatory conditions including gingivitis and leaky gut syndromes through to immune mediated or autoimmune conditions, infections and tumors. Also, high blood levels of triglycerides, calcium or zinc have been identified as possible reasons for episodes of Pancreatitis. Most interestingly following many scientific papers around the turn of the century it has been shown that high blood triglycerides are often fueled by starch and sugar rich food metabolism. It is therefore important to understand why the myth of high fat diets having an effect on Pancreatitis is still considered important to this day. It is thought that during an acute crisis the feeding of fats may stimulate more fat digesting enzymes to be produced by the pancreas. If the pancreas is inflamed, then these will also be activated in the inflamed tissues and add to the burden of damage in and around the pancreas. Read further for appropriate nutrition.

If Your Dog has Pancreatitis Firstly, check with your vet for appropriate pain relief and supportive therapy as they may need medication and intravenous fluids to avert a crisis. Once stabilized then re-establishing nutritional support is important and for the reasons above considered support for easily digestible protein and lower fat (less than 10%) is considered appropriate with some support with vitamins and prebiotics. Other useful additions also considered in the support of chronic Pancreatitis and/or poor pancreatic activity are the replacement of pancreatic enzymes either through the feeding of raw pancreas or as found in digestive enzyme supplements. Further support for reducing gut inflammation and the promotion of friendly healing gut flora is the use of bone broth. These are really dosed in small amounts frequently to allow quick transition through the stomach and limit the evocation of pancreatic stimulation. More support can be given through remedies such as Iris Vers in low potency 6x to 6c three times daily. Consider other organ support as often the liver and kidneys can be affected by the level of tissue damage so herbal support with milk thistle, dandelion and berberis tinctures can be helpful. Also, the anti-inflammatory effects of Turmeric or Boswelia can assist and some of these are even included in mainstream veterinary treatments. In the longer term as any acute bouts fade then general advice is to return to a biologically appropriate diet based around raw foods which are easier to digest and use than processed foods. Consider the reduction of starches and sugars in the diet as these can cause raised blood triglycerides. Supplements with digestive enzymes and if appropriate antioxidant and microbiome support will reduce generalized inflammation and be sure to take care of their teeth. Monitoring for the Long Term This should include the monthly check of urine samples for signs of diabetes mellitus, liver and kidney problems. Check faecal consistency does not show up excess fats or loose faeces. Blood tests can be considered if there is any suspicion of relapse or secondary complications and your vet can consider trypsinogen like immunoreactivity (TLI) to look at poor pancreatic enzyme production alongside cPL and general liver and kidney monitors.

Westies & Besties - May 2021

PHOTO CREDIT shutterstock_94698286

H E A LT H

NUTRITION

Full of Beans or a Dog’s Dinner? VEGANISM, VEGERARIANISM AND CLEAN-EATING, HAVE BEEN AMONG THE FASTESTGROWING LIFESTYLE TRENDS FOR SOME TIME, AND WITH A FLURRY OF MEAT-FREE PET FOODS NOW HITTING THE SHELVES, WE’VE GOT THE LOWDOWN ON PLANT-BASED EATING FOR POOCHES. KELLY ROSE BRADFORD EXPLAINS.

With almost all supermarkets, restaurants, and familiar high street brands now offering up vegan alternatives for everything from milk to bacon, it’s not surprising to learn that not only is the pet food market getting in on the act, but many consumers are supporting meatreducing and meat-free options for their pets. Mintel research from 2020 found that 43% of UK dog food buyers thought it was healthier to limit the amount of red meat their pets eat, and 34% believed it was beneficial for their animals to regularly have plant-based meals.

Westies & Besties - May 2021

PHOTO CREDIT Daniella Dos Santos, Senior Vice President at BVA

ccording to a 2019 Ipsos Mori poll commissioned by The Vegan Society, the number of people following an animalfree, plant-based diet in the UK quadrupled between 2014 and 2019, and current statistics suggest that vegans now account for 1.16% of the population.

Francine says it is great to see ‘so many new and exciting plant-based companion animal food products and businesses popping up’ but does recommend owners do their research before radically changing their pet’s regime.

So what is fuelling the trend? A desire to live a cruelty-free life? Environmental concerns? Or the belief that a dog’s diet should mirror its owner’s, in terms of clean, plant-based eating, be that on a full-time vegan basis, or as a vegetarian or flexitarian, ‘meat-free Monday’ style routine?

“We would always encourage vegans to consider feeding their companion animals a plant-based diet, but of course only after carrying out sufficient research and consulting the move with a veterinary professional.”

Francine Jordan from The Vegan Society (vegansociety.com) tells us. “Being vegan is about living in a way that causes the least suffering to animals as possible. For many vegans, this includes feeding vegan food to companion animals such as cats and dogs who would normally consume animal products.”

NUTRITION

While veggie pet food has been around for some time – the first commercially produced and marketed vegetarian dog food, Happidog (now V-dog) launched in the UK in 1980 – it has until recent years been something of a niche product with limited availability and choice. However, many brands are now branching out and adding in vegetarian, if not vegan alternatives, and recent projections from business analysts at Data Bridge Market Research predict that the international vegan dog food market will experience a compound annual growth rate of 12% between 2021 and 2028.

“Animals, just like people, need specific nutrients rather than specific ingredients,” she says. “Dogs can certainly thrive on a plant-based diet and there is no scientific evidence demonstrating that dogs fed wellplanned and nutritional vegan diets are less healthy than the norm.”

Jo Amit is the co-founder of HOWND, a plant-powered ‘superfood’ for dogs. She says that ‘cruelty free’ and ‘vegan’ is not a marketing trend for HOWND, but the ‘core ethos’ of the brand. “We were already working in the pet industry in 2013, and we wanted to create a more natural, 100% cruelty free certified pet care

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‘cruelty free’ and ‘vegan’ is not a marketing trend for HOWND, but the ‘core ethos’ of the brand.

Above: Jo Amit Co-Founder of HOWND

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NUTRITION

range,” she explains. “It’s taken many years to build up to where we are today.” Jo, who is vegan herself, tried other plantbased brands for her own dogs, but found she needed to alternate with a fish-based diet to make them nutritionally complete. “HOWND has been formulated by veterinary and pet food nutritionists,” she says. “And while it will take people time to digest the science behind plant-based food for dogs, they can thrive on it. It is often – wrongly – believed that dogs are obligate carnivores, but they are biologically omnivorous, and have evolved from their ancestors alongside humans, eating scraps and starchy root vegetables.” Jo acknowledges it is personal choice when it comes down to choosing what to feed pets but believes that even adopting a ‘flexitarian’ approach to their diet will have a positive impact on their health, and the environment. “It’s been well documented at least 20 times more land is required to feed a meat-eating dog than one on a plant-based diet,” she says. “And we can make great change, even if that means meat-based pet food companies add plant-based options to their ranges.” And research undertaken by her company suggests that not only are the numbers of vegan customers growing, but general interest in plant-based dog food is, too: “We conducted research on over two thousand British dog owners and 87% said they wanted to make changes to help reduce their global carbon paw print,” she says. “And almost 50% who had never heard of vegan dog food said they would try it if it had health benefits for their dogs.” Another brand to launch a plant-based menu after researching consumer feeding habits is Barking Heads. Their Plant-Powered Pooches range came about research revealed one in five of their customers already added fresh or cooked vegetables to their dog’s dinners. The products contain egg powder for vitamin D, alongside vegetables, fruits, herbs,

and botanicals, so are vegetarian rather than vegan. The company says their recipe give customers the flexibility of making meat-free choices. Dr Scott Miller, the brand’s veterinary spokesperson told us while he does not recommend a completely plant-based feeding regime for dogs, the occasional meat-free meal is a great way to enhance a dog’s diet. “We know veg is an awesome source of power and nutrients for us all, including our pooches, and dogs are naturally omnivores, which means they have always eaten both meat and vegetables to provide the vital nutrition they need”. “Plant-Powered Pooches was developed to address the concerns that many people have about wishing to reduce their own meat consumption,” he explains. “The production of red meat does take a toll on the planet, so if we can all work to reduce our consumption of it, it is an environmentally responsible response to the climate change emergency.” However, he warns against frequently changing your dog’s diet, or suddenly introducing a new regime. “Dogs don’t have a particularly sophisticated palate,” he continues. “And as a clinical vet I constantly see gastro-intestinal upsets in my patients when diets are changed suddenly. Find a good quality diet and stick to it, carefully adding in new protein sources and monitoring bowel motions to ensure it has been well received by your pet. Consistent feeding generally leads to poo with good consistency!” “Many owners don’t think about it enough and offer their dogs all sorts of food, believing that they are being kind,” he adds. “It is important to always research what foods to feed your dog and do so judiciously, to ensure that it is not a morsel that both you and your dog will regret. Keep it simple, good quality, and limit treats and titbits which can upset the gut and lead to weight gain.”

Westies & Besties - May 2021

NUTRITION

We asked the British Veterinary Association for their thoughts on meat-free diets for dogs. Here’s what they told us: “As an animal welfare-focused profession, we welcome pet owners taking an interest in the sourcing and ethics of their dog’s food, but it is important to remember that when feeding our pets, a nutritionally balanced diet is essential,” BVA’s senior vice president Daniella Dos Santos told us. “Meat contains vital vitamins and nutrients needed by dogs. Although we would not recommend it, it is theoretically possible to feed a dog a vegetarian diet, but owners would need to take expert advice to avoid dietary deficiencies and associated disease, as it is much easier to get the balance of nutrients wrong than to get it right. A dog on a vegan diet may also need synthetic supplementation. “Any changes to a dog’s diet should only be undertaken under advice of a vet with in-depth nutritional knowledge.”

Above: Daniella Dos Santos, Senior Vice President at BVA

NUTRITION

Plant-Based, Veggie and Vegan Brands to Try Yarrah Organic Dog Dry Vega A dry vegan option made with organic coconut oil and added vitamin B12, as well as Omega oils from seaweed, from a longestablished organic pet food brand. £14.99 for 2kg, www.ethicalpets.co.uk/ HOWND Plant Powered Superfood Hearty Quinoa & Pumpkin Casserole Packed with prebiotic superfood ingredients including organic hemp protein and antioxidant Moringa, this canned 100% vegan food is also naturally hypoallergenic. £2.95 for 375g from dogslovehownd.com Barking Heads Plant-Powered Pooches Nutritionally balanced, plant-based protein blend for meat-free Mondays or to add plant-power to your dog’s meaty meals – contains egg powder so is vegetarian, not vegan. £6.50 from selected supermarkets, or at barkingheads.co.uk

Yarrah Vega Dog Food £14.99 for 2kg ethicalpets.co.uk

Westies & Besties - May 2021

NUTRITION

HOWND Plant Powered Superfood £2.95 for 375g dogslovehownd.com

NEW

NUTRITION

Barking Heads Plant-Powered Pooches £6.50 barkingheads.co.uk

Westies & Besties - May 2021

NUTRITION

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We get lots of compliments about how healthy and full of life Milly and Jack are.

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IT WORKS FOR US Sole Chirco from Surrey, has two rescue dogs, Milly, two, and Jack, three. Sole is vegan, and both her dogs are fed a vegan diet. “Before adoption, both Milly and Jack were on a meat-based diet at the rescue centre and presumably before being rescued too. Now, they eat a vegan kibble in the morning, and again in the evening with a generous scoop of wet vegan food. We switch up the wet food to keep things varied, and alongside their chews and biscuits, they also enjoy peanut butter, banana, and other dog-suitable fruit such as blueberries, plus peas and sweet potatoes. I find cost-wise, their diet is comparable with other good dog food brands, and definitely cheaper than buying fresh meat, and as far as meeting their nutritional needs, the kibble is well balanced, high in protein and wheat-free. I would be more nervous about home-cooked food but using good quality dry and wet food gives us peace of mind. We get lots of compliments about how healthy and full of life Milly and Jack are, and neither have any issues with allergies or sensitivity to food – they both have great digestion and bowel movements, and heaps of energy! The only disadvantage to their diet is having to source the kibble online as it can’t be purchased at the supermarket or at most pet shops.”

OPINION

Bone Versus Botanical VEGANISM IN DOGS HAS BECOME POPULAR THANKS TO CELEBRITIES LIKE F1 RACING DRIVER LEWIS HAMILITON, AND MORE CLIENTS ARE FEEDING DOGS EITHER A VEGAN OR VEGETARIAN DIET. WHEN ASKED IF A VEGAN DIET IS THE CORRECT CHOICE FOR OUR FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS, MY HEART SINKS. FAYE ANDREWS EXPLAINS.

While us humans may benefit from vegan diets (and I’m not convinced we should solely be vegan or vegetarian) there are many reasons why our furry friends shouldn’t be.

FACT

Firstly, dogs are carnivores, and their teeth reflect their meat-eating ancestry. They have 12 incisors which are fantastic for chewing and nibbling, four canines which are great for ripping meat off a bone, 16 premolars and three molars each side at the bottom and two each side at the top. Molars are sharper than premolars and are useful in chewing hard objects likes bones.

Adult dogs have 42 teeth whereas puppies only have 28 milk teeth as they do not have molars and only 12 premolars

Any animal that is not a carnivore will not have a canine as we know it. Just look at the teeth of a horse, their teeth are flat and blunt, which is great for chewing grass and hay, whereas a dog’s teeth are sharp and jagged, and designed for ripping meat off a bone and grinding the bones themselves. Just look at the big cats in a zoo at feeding time...are they fed kibble? No, they are fed huge chunks of meat, this not only meets

their nutritional requirements but also matches their natural dentistry and food instincts. One of my favourite phrases I use when clients and dog owners in the park ask me about food is this: When was the last time you saw a dog in the wild with a camping stove? Meaning they are developed to hunt and kill prey and eat the meat from the bone. Now here’s the real deal or bigger issue, a dog’s digestive tract has not changed, or at least very little, since they became domesticated 20,000 years ago. With this in mind we should be mindful of their diet, not just because of their digestive tracts but even more so as growing puppies, and not forgetting the nutritional requirements of adult dogs. Nutrition is an extremely important part of a puppy’s life. The correct diet can help a dog to grow up healthy and strong while avoiding some common musculoskeletal disorders such as elbow/hip dysplasia and osteochondritis dissecans. Nutrition is also important in maintaining a healthy adult dog too. As puppies, their bones have growth plates at either end of each long bone. Ossification (bone formation) occurs in the centre and at each end of a long bone, the centre of the bone grows towards the growth plates and vice versa.

Westies & Besties - May 2021

PHOTO CREDIT shutterstock_1171422634

OPINION

OPINION 24

Westies & Besties - May 2021

OPINION

During the growing process the skeletal system is highly susceptible to physical, metabolic and nutritional insults. If the bones do not ossify properly, it leaves the bone weak and vulnerable. Any injury to the growth plate can lead to malformation. It is worth remembering that large and giant breed puppies grow slower. Small breeds reach maturity at 12-18 months whereas large or giant breeds take 18-24 months. There is a period of rapid growth between three-six months. Closures of the growth plates occur between 11 and 12 months. The skeleton provides a structural frame for muscles, ligaments, and tendons to attach, it also protects organs and stores minerals that are used in numerous functions throughout the body. Calcium, Phosphorus and Magnesium found in bone are used for coagulation (clotting), nerve conduction and other functions. Feeding poor quality diets that are high in plant based phytates that bind to calcium may result in calcium deficiency leading to pathological fractures and softening of the bones, which can lead to bowing during growth. Although phosphorus deficiency is relatively rare, it may occur when there is an excess of calcium due to supplementing the diet. This results in a widening of the growth plates and therefore elbow/hip dysplasia.

PHOTO CREDIT shutterstock_1711941643

VITAMIN D

Vitamin D is essential in maintaining calcium and phosphorus homeostasis. It also helps dogs maintain healthy bone formation during and after growth. Vitamin D rich foods include:

Beef liver Fatty fish (sardines, herring, salmon, mackerel) Cheese Egg yolks Red meat

It is therefore important to feed our dogs a diet that is nutritionally balanced and of good quality to maintain skeletal health and aid proper bone growth in younger dogs, but most of all let them be dogs, let them use their primal instincts and rip the meat off the bone that is what their mouths and teeth are designed to do after all.

P E T P R O D U C TS

Walk the Natural Route LOVING AND LOOKING AFTER YOUR WEST HIGHLAND TERRIER ALSO MEANS PURCHASING THE BEST PRODUCTS ON THE MARKET TO ALLOW YOUR CANINE COMPANION TO LIVE HIS BEST LIFE, WRITES KIM LATHAM

Westies & Besties - May 2021

PET PRODUCTS

Organic Grooming Duo (opposite) This luxurious duo features the highest quality natural, hypoallergenic Shampoo and Conditioner to leave your beloved Westie fresh, clean and super soft. Infused with therapeutic grade essential oils, and nourishing extracts of Coconut, Argan, Willow Bark and Aloe Vera, these products are formulated to care for even the most sensitive canine skin. Vegan, cruelty-free, no nasties, and packaged in glass with biodegradable labels; these products really are kinder to our dogs, and kinder to our planet. £28.50 wildfordogs.co.uk

Organic Dog Wash How important are ethical dog products to you? K9 Organics’ award-winning range is made with only certified organic and natural ingredients. From shampoo to care and conditioners, calming spray (ideal for separation anxiety, traveling, trips to the vet etc) to fragrance sprays that will help freshen your dog’s bedding and help your house come up smelling of roses. From pups to elders, nose to paw. All products are eco/vegan friendly, biodegradable and sustainable. The shampoo starts at £6.00 for a 100ml. Calming spray £8.00 Fragrance spray £10.00 Care and Conditioner £12 k9organics.co.uk

P E T P R O D U C TS

Toiletry Gift Set This toiletry gift set for dogs arrives in a robust wipe-clean wash bag, made from upcycled fabrics. Great for storing your pooch’s toiletries or for travelling, the vegan gift set includes a natural pet shampoo bar, a pet wonder balm, and a room fresca spray. £24.99 ethical.market

Shampoo Bar Designed specifically for our 4-legged friends, this natural dog shampoo leaves a very subtle scent after rinsing and helps protect against fleas and itchiness. It’s 100% cruelty free and made with plant-based ingredients and is SLS and paraben-free. The small amount of gentle and organic essential oils (lavender and lemongrass) will help reduce itchiness without interfering with your dog’s nose. £5.00 earthbits.com

Hypoallergenic Shampoo A hypo allergenic shampoo, ideal for a Westie’s sensitive skin, is fragrance-free, colour-free, and Vegan-friendly. 500ml costs £5.00 mutneys.com

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Who Dares Wins DOG THEFT IS ON THE RISE. LEARN HOW TO PROTECT YOUR WESTIE WITH TIPS FROM DECORATED EX-SAS SOLDIER AND FORMER BODYGUARD TO HOLLYWOOD MOVIE STARS, MARK ‘BILLY’ BILLINGHAM MBE. BY KIM LATHAM

og theft in the United Kingdom is reported to have increased by 250% during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a report produced by the BBC. Many insist this is due to greedy breeders hiking up puppy prices while others take the view that social media influencers are flaunting ‘designer’ dogs and in doing so are highlighting just how expensive pedigree pups can be, causing thieves to become more brazen in Britain’s towns and cities.

PHOTO CREDIT (Opposite) Supplied courtesy of ©Johnny Ring

“Thieves should do time and I mean like a proper 10-15 years. These people who are stealing people’s dogs should be charged with kidnapping. There’s no reason why people won’t go out and try and make a fast buck in Britain, there’s no deterrent, it’s easy pickings,” says Mark ‘Billy’ Billingham MBE. “Some people haven’t got any morals and will do it and they’ll sell, breed, or use the pet as dog bait. It’s what these creatures do,” states the ex-SAS soldier who has been decorated by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, on two separate occasions, once for leading a rescue mission in Iraq to bring home a British hostage. Britain’s Dog Theft Crisis The theft of a dog in Britain is currently a criminal offence under the Theft Act 1968 and carries a penalty of up to seven years in prison. The reality,

however, is that this maximum penalty never appears to be enforced and one of the reasons for this is because dogs are seen under the law as ‘property’ meaning the theft of a dog is counted in the same way as the theft of a handbag or a mobile phone and therefore attracts a lesser sentence. “When a theft takes place, it’s not just a dog, it affects an entire family, not just one person. It has a ripple effect that isn’t taken into consideration when sentencing is handed out by the courts,” he states. “I think thieves should be treated as kidnappers. Many people suffer with mental illness and one of the best cures for anybody who’s suffering or who is lonely, is an animal, mainly a dog. So that little dog is not just a pet he is a lifeline for people. If a little old lady has her dog stolen, she’s probably just been sentenced to death herself. The dog is an absolute member of the family and it’s more than that. In families that are having a bit of trouble, the dog brings peace and unity to everybody, it bonds a family,” says Billingham. Billy, as he’s been known since his army days, is in day two of lockdown in Australia at the time of this interview. He says he’s ‘imprisoned’ in his room and is training three or four times a day for the next two weeks as he prepares to film the

I don’t care how tough somebody thinks they are – when somebody is up to no good, they don’t even realise it. They sort of do small things like twitch or they can’t keep still. They’re on edge, they’re not normal, and you can see those traits

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Australian version of SAS: Who Dares Wins. Billy and his wife, Julie, (a fashion designer) are pet parents to British Bulldog, Alfie. “Alfie is our life, he’s our everything. He’s our baby. I don’t think anybody is stupid enough to try and take Alfie off me, but you never know. When Alfie is with me, I allow him to be off the lead because he’ll listen to me more than my wife, he knows he can get away with stuff when he’s with Jules, so I always make sure she’s got him on a lead all of the time,” he says. “When we first got Alfie, (Alfie is one and celebrates his birthday on St. Valentine’s Day), we had a deal – he can’t eat at the table, he can’t come into our bedroom. I can tell you that today he’s eating salmon which should tell you something,” he laughs. Many people say that Bulldogs are lazy, but Alfie loves to be out on walks, according to Billy. “One of the things he does is, I’ll get his harness and call him, and he’ll run under the table, roll on his back, and play dead! but he loves going out and he’ll jump in my suitcase if he thinks I’m leaving – as it turns out we pretty much take him everywhere with us when we can. He has this big baggy face”.

The Best of British in America Alfie is currently at home in America, a nation that Billy says is totally clued up when it comes to providing quality outdoor spaces for dogs. “The Americans are brilliant with dogs, they’ve got so many brilliant parks, they’ve got water parks for dogs, it’s immaculate, people pick up their poop and it’s cleaned every night and the dogs get to meet each other and it’s amazing. If I had enough money, I’d open dog parks,” he says. “Alfie gets to meet all the dogs and he’s always the smallest there so it’s hilarious to watch him… when I think about it, he just brings joy to us. Sometimes he’s like a drunken paratrooper as his snoring is unbelievable, I’d come home and think there’s somebody in bed with my wife…and it’s Alfie. It’s just brilliant, he’s just such a character,” he reveals. While Alfie is clearly the celebrity in Billy’s world these days, he has spent part of his life working with the human kind. “The last celebrity I worked with was Sir Michael Caine – what an absolute pleasure. He’s such a brilliant guy. Down to earth, a legend at what he does and such a nice charitable person as well. He’s such a humble guy and you wouldn’t believe

Westies & Besties - May 2021

PHOTO CREDITS Gordon Poole Agency Ltd

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Sir Michael Caine used to walk the streets of London when I worked with him as his security. He didn’t really need security in terms of somebody attacking him. It was more so that he wasn’t overpowered all the time, but he’d talk to everybody and he remembers everybody, he’s brilliant. He really was a pleasure to work with. He is a national treasure and rightly so. Alright he’s an actor and he does great things for entertainment, he’s not a politician, but he’s a real good guy”. Safety Tips So, what tips can this ex-military man who spent over 27 years in the British army including nine years in the Parachute Regiment and 20-25 years in the SAS Regiment give Westie owners?

Carry a walking stick – it will protect against other dogs and if someone wants to come at you, swing the stick and scream and shout – bring attention to yourself. Keep your dog out of your front garden - don’t let your dog go into your front garden all the time. Keep him in the back and make sure the gate is closed and that your garden is completely secure. You don’t want to overly advertise your dog to people walking by. People are opportunists and these thieves are now doing recces of people’s houses and they’ll just sit in a car and watch or do a little walk past your house a few times and they’ve got time to make a plan of how they’re going to get in and out of your garden or your house, so don’t give them help! Walk on the opposite side of the road - with the vehicles coming towards you. If somebody wants to take your dog it will normally be in a vehicle that is just crawling behind you, and they’ll just pull in and you may not even notice it until they’re suddenly right beside you. If the traffic is in front of you and a car slows down, you can see them, and even if you’re a bit suspicious you’ll have time to prepare your personal protection

“

Thieves should do time and I mean like a proper 10-15 years. These people who are stealing people’s dogs should be charged with kidnapping. There’s no reason why people won’t go out and try and make a fast buck in Britain, there’s no deterrent, it’s easy pickings.

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PHOTO CREDITS Gordon Poole Agency Ltd

“We all kind of think that celebrities are a bit stuck up but to be honest all the ones I’ve worked with are not. They have to be guarded and have to have a different way of living because of their lifestyle unfortunately, but they’re not the way we tend to think they are.

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what he’s done and stuff. He’s really good at what he does and he’s humble with it. A lovely, lovely bloke,” he says.

PHOTO CREDIT Gordon Poole Agency Ltd

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alarm or have time to turn around. You could even walk on the road as you’ll have plenty of warning when a car is coming, and it will give you the chance to go left or right and you’ll be able to see what’s happening on both sides of the street. Make sure your dog is chipped - I know chipping isn’t the be all and end all and many dogs that are chipped are still never returned to their owners, but it gives you an opportunity. Keep it real - Look, the last thing you want to do when you’re planning on going for a nice stroll with your dog is to go out looking like you’re dressed for battle, you have to keep it real and simply make sure you’re aware of your surroundings. We can’t avoid everybody; we’ve got to be normal. Just be aware of your surroundings and if it doesn’t feel right turn around and go another way. It’s sad to say but we’re not going to avoid all of this, some of it is still going to happen. Change the direction and timings of your walks. Try not to stick to a routine all the time. I know this is hard and we’re all guilty of this to some degree but if you can’t afford to change your

route just change your times. Just take a minute or two to be aware and to look around. Nine times out of ten something you’re suspicious of might be nothing but you need to be aware of it so that you’re ready to react if there is going to be a problem. Try to walk your dog in pairs – with your partner or a friend and take a torch. Avoid dark or unnecessary alleyways - Just because you’ve lived in your area most of your life doesn’t mean you should walk down the alleyways at night on your own with your dog. Don’t forget that thieves are opportunists. Stay where it’s light. On your phone - If you must take a phone call, do it, but look up and around and not down at the floor. I see people doing this all the time. Knives & violence - What I would say is if somebody is coming at you with a knife, I wouldn’t get into a fight with them. The biggest weapon you’ve got is noise. Scream, shout, hit the car next to you and hopefully you’ll set off the alarm. Create as much of a scene as you can and

Westies & Besties - May 2021

Feeling suspicious - If you don’t feel comfortable and are getting spooked, jump into somebody else’s garden and slam their gate, make a noise, and then hopefully somebody will come out quickly and it will deter the thieves and now you’ve got a barrier between you, the dog, and the thieves too. This is what I call a jumping off point in case something should happen. Be observant – When Jules goes for a walk, Alfie likes to sniff and pee everywhere, it’s roughly every 10 metres and his face is always on the ground, and I say to my wife, let him have his sniff and at that stage you should have your head up and be looking around because I’ll tell you what happens and I see it all the time, when you go for a walk with your dog – walk your dog. Stop

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they’re going to think twice. It will give you a few seconds whereby hopefully a decent person will see or hear you and get help.

talking on your phone or doing your work, people need to get into the habit of simply walking their dogs and being aware of their surroundings. It’s only for 15 or 20 minutes maybe if you’re walking your dog at night-time so put your phone in your pocket and make sure you’ve got it in your pocket so you can call someone if you need to. Try to have your camera ready on your phone so if something does happen you can quickly take some pictures or video which will help you get someone’s ID or vehicle registration number and vehicle type. This is the worst-case scenario but it’s good pre-preparation. As one would probably expect, one of the most important tips from Billy is, Trust your Instincts. “Around 99% of the time when something unusual is going to happen your body will tell you. You’ll start to feel that something isn’t right and it’s that classic case of ‘Oh, I knew something was

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wrong’, and if anybody says that to me again, I’m going to give them a slap! Look, if you start to feel something isn’t right, it probably ain’t! It’s better to be wrong and survive another day than to be in a situation where you’re beaten and knocked to the ground and have your dog stolen from you,” he stresses. “I don’t care how tough somebody thinks they are – when somebody is up to no good, they don’t even realise it. They sort of do small things like twitch or they can’t keep still. They’re on edge, they’re not normal and you can see those traits”. And Billy should know. After being a bodyguard for the likes of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Tom Cruise, Russell Crowe as well as Kate Moss among others, he knows all about people that stand out from the crowd. “When I was doing bodyguard work, there were crowds of hundreds of people, around 99% are all smiling and happy but so and so over there doesn’t seem to be smiling like everybody else. When I think back to my days at school and when I had fights, which there were plenty of as a kid, even though I thought I was a little tough guy and I knew I was probably going to win it, I was always, without even knowing it then, rocking and on edge. It’s just human nature so if somebody’s about to steal your dog, and they could be high on drugs or something, there’s a strange behaviour so be aware of that as there are always little traits,” he urges.

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I had a cross-Boxer Pitbull called Harry. When I was in the SAS Regiment, he had his own seat on the helicopter. He was the most hideous looking dog you can imagine but he was brilliant. He would sit right in the centre of the Chinook helicopter and I’d put ear defenders on him as it was so noisy, and he’d just sit there while all the lads were sitting down the sides of the helicopter

Anyone that’s seen Billy on the Channel 4 show, SAS - Who Dares Wins, has probably winced while he puts contestants through their paces as he

Westies & Besties - May 2021

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PHOTO CREDIT Gordon Poole Agency Ltd

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orders them to run up mountains, leap off bridges, and dip into freezing cold waters. But when it comes to discipline what’s he like with Alfie? “I think dogs need discipline, but my wife will say, ‘Oh Alfie don’t do that,’ after he’s just bitten through a cable, and I’m like you can’t just say he’s naughty you have to be firm and tell him as that cable just cost us £3,000 quid or something. I’ll give him basic commands, sit, stay, and he’ll do it. Not so much for my wife, says the number one Sunday Times best-selling author of The Hard Way.

my own over the years, I had a Dalmatian who was bonkers, I had a boxer who was also bonkers, but funny, and I had a cross-Boxer Pitbull called Harry. When I was in the SAS Regiment, he had his own seat on the helicopter. He was the most hideous looking dog you can imagine but he was brilliant. He would sit right in the centre of the Chinook helicopter and I’d put ear defenders on him as it was so noisy, and he’d just sit there while all the lads were sitting down the sides of the helicopter,” he recalls.

“I don’t do it very often but I’ll raise my voice at just the right time so it shocks him a little bit and then he starts to listen. I’ve said to my wife that we’ve got to discipline him, you have to be responsible for your dog otherwise he’s going to attack people or dogs.”

Healing Haiti In 2010, 250,000 people died following a lifechanging earthquake in Haiti. Billy flew to the island to help build a hospital and ended up staying for three years as he fell in love with the people and the ‘oldest culture in the Western Hemisphere’ and this is where he met his wife, Julie. While being an ambassador for charity, REBUILD globally (https://rebuildglobally.org/) was already a good step in helping to rebuild the foundations in Haiti, Billy wanted to take things one step further and together with Julie they launched the Haitian business, Deux Mains, (https://deuxmains. com/) to help create jobs for the women of Haiti by creating modern products from locally sourced and recyclable materials.

Billy has grown up with dogs and therefore has a good understanding of what caring for one can entail. “Only people who are dog owners will understand. I think unless you’ve been a dog owner you don’t really get it. My wife never had a pet before Alfie and now she can’t imagine not being with Alfie. Our friends must be bored of us as we’re always talking about him and how funny he is,” he smiles. “I grew up with German Shepherds and Alsatians. My dad loved them and then as we got a little bit older, we had staffies because my cousin breeds them and Bulldogs which is where we got Alfie. I’ve always had dogs and I love having a dog. We had dogs and cats actually. I’ve had a few dogs of

“ PHOTO CREDITS Gordon Poole Agency Ltd

We should all make a difference and we are all here to give back if we can afford to do that

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PHOTO CREDITS Gordon Poole Agency Ltd

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“Haiti really showed me the real resilience of people and what they really go through and I wanted to give them a chance to stand on their own two feet and to give people a job as that’s what they want, and so I stayed there and that’s where I met my wife. I raise the money and awareness to get street kids into education and for them go to school for five years and then they get a year of job training which I pay for and after that my wife gives them a job,” he shares. There remain numerous challenges for Haiti even 11 years on with poverty still being top of the list.

PHOTO CREDIT Supplied by Gordon Poole Agency Ltd

“The initial challenge was raising the money and raising the awareness and you’ve still got problems in Haiti, there are still a lot of troubles out there with the government and people are very poor and are not getting the basics like electricity and water and yet we have more billionaires in the world than ever, what the hell is that all about? We should all make a difference and we are all here to give back if we can afford to do that,” he says. Despite not being in the military these days, Billy is clearly as busy as he ever was, if not more. An author of three books, an autobiography called The Hard Way, and his first novel “Call to Kill” which is out this month, and which will be part of a series of novels, all make for tales of a lifetime that most people can’t even dream up.

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People are very poor and are not getting the basics like electricity and water and yet we have more billionaires in the world than ever, what the hell is that all about?

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Westies & Besties - May 2021

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FA S H I O N

FASHION FASHION BRAND, DEUX MAINS, WAS CREATED BY JULIE COLUMBO-BILLINGHAM FOLLOWING A DEVASTATING EARTHQUAKE IN HAITI IN 2010. JULIE TRAVELLED TO THE ISLAND AS A VOLUNTEER AND LAUNCHED THE COMPANY TO HELP THE LOCAL RESIDENTS GET BACK ON THEIR FEET. BY KIM LATHAM

Westies & Besties - May 2021

FA S H I O N

While doing a food distribution in a tent camp, a woman told Julie, “I don’t want a bottle of water. I need a job.” This was the message she knew she must listen to, so Julie decided to quit her job, sell her home in the United States, and move to Haiti permanently, where she set out on a mission to create sustainable jobs. By making ethical and environmentally friendly sandals and fashion accessories, she was able to do just that. Deux Mains now handcrafts some of the island’s most unique and comfortable sandals, using repurposed tires as the soles and top grain leather uppers. And each season new thoughtful handbags and small leather accessories are brought to life in the Haitian factory that is not only 100% women owned, but completely solar powered.

With each Deux Mains (deuxmains.com) product purchased, you get a handcrafted leather staple and become a part of the story that makes the world a better, more just place.

BEAUTY

A Natural Beauty

PHOTO CREDITS Supplied by ethical market

TOXIN-FREE, NOT TESTED ON ANIMALS, 100% NATURAL – WHAT ELSE CAN YOU ASK FOR IN A BEAUTY PRODUCT ASKS BERNADETTE ROBERTS

Zero Waste Luxury Pamper Gift Set This vegan gift set is perfectly presented in a wooden box that can be re-used at home. The set includes three full-size natural soaps, a soothing cleansing balm, an organic lip Balm and a luxury body butter bar. £49.99 https://ethical.market/zero-waste-luxury-pamper-gift-set-vegan-cruelty-free-skincare.html

Westies & Besties - May 2021

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BEAUTY

Customisable Face Care Pamper Set This customisable vegan face care pamper set is handcrafted, vegan, 100% natural and cruelty free. Set includes cleanser, antioxidant facial oil and lip/skin balm. £44 (including roller) https://ethical.market/fais-customisable-face-care-pamper-set-facial-roller-facemassage-spa-handmade-vegan.html

B E H AV I O U R

Does your Westie Hate the Vet? MANY DOGS (AND OWNERS) SUFFER WITH ANXIETY WHEN IT’S TIME FOR A TRIP TO THE VET. EASE THE TENSION BY FOLLOWING THESE TOP TIPS FROM STEFFI MCINTYRE

The world is not an ideal place, and we are living through the strangest of times. In addition, many do not have the dog from puppyhood so the positive experience cannot be built. Choosing a vet can be very tricky and a lot will depend on what your priorities are. As someone who has always had rescues and rehomes my priority is to have a vet capable of gently handling a fearful animal.

vet. In non-Covid times it is easier to implement the following suggestions. The first thing many vets do on a visit is weigh the dog, but lots of practices will have a free weighing session that a nurse may run. That is a good place to start. Take your dog to be weighed and reward it for sitting on the scales, this trains two things; one it helps accept being weighed and two that not all visits end up with something uncomfortable happening. If the surgery isn’t too far from home, walk past it regularly and let the dog smell the outside of the building without

It is essential to start to make our dogs’ encounters less frightening. There are several factors that will exacerbate the dog’s anxiety not least is our own worry and stress. Dogs are very good at picking up on feelings so if we are tense when taking them to the vet, they are likely to become more anxious. They also have up to 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses compared to about six million in us. Therefore, they will smell things in the vets that we cannot smell and this can trigger a negative response if it reminds them of something where pain was caused. There are however ways in which we can help our dogs become less anxious about seeing the

Westies & Besties - May 2021

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n an ideal world all our dogs would be used to going to the vet. There is a lot to be said for starting when a dog is still a pup. Happy visits to the vet for things like puppy parties will help to build a positive experience. If the only meeting a dog has is of been poked, prodded, having a needle stuck in it or getting its temperature taken then the mere smell of the vet’s surgery can trigger a negative reaction. Okay that is all quite simplistic.

If you do have to take your dog to the vet, one suggestion is to try and go early in the day with as little time in the waiting room as possible. The likelihood is you won’t be the only one in the waiting room and the sight of another dog, cat, or the smell of the bags of food can be enough to escalate a dog’s excitement. The best approach is to try and keep the dog calm. I have been known to drive to the surgery, park up, and go for a walk before going in so the dog has a more pleasant experience. You can prepare your dog for the handling it may receive during an examination simply by practising at home. If you check its teeth, paws, tail, ears regularly, (daily if possible), then it won’t come as such an unpleasant experience when the vet touches them. Reward your dog for being calm when it is being touched don’t forget lots of praise will also help. When you are in the surgery with your dog stand at your dog’s head, talk to them, and even give some treats unless you’ve been told to fast them. Uncomfortable interventions like having their temperature taken deserves extra treats and praise and maybe even a favourite toy. A squeaky toy could divert attention if it is used at the same time as a potentially painful procedure.

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going in, or if you can drive and park nearby and still walk up to it again the dog will realise that being there doesn’t always mean going inside. Reward your dog for being calm around the building - it’s all about building a positive association. Again, during more normal times many vets will allow you to pop in to reception just for a ‘hello’, they understand that this will help when a dog needs to be seen by them.

There are some dogs that really do need more than this in order to be able to be seen by a vet, occasionally dogs are so fearful that some form of medication is the only option. Vets can prescribe anti-anxiety drugs that you give your dog before a visit but that would be for extreme cases. For mild cases there are anxiety relieving natural supplements and preparations that may help. Dogs cannot learn if they are highly anxious so it is up to us to bring their fear and anxiety down to a level where the dog can respond. Whatever we do dogs will not get over the fear without us being patient. As with all training being calm and consistent is key. Many vets now have a member of staff who also has a background in behaviour and if you are struggling to get an anxious dog through the door it may be worth contacting them first. As ever I would also recommend you find a behaviourist if you continue to struggle as they can be impartial and give you the tools in order to remain calm to help your dog. Those of us who have had the misfortune of having to use our vet during Covid will know how different this experience has been. If, like me, you have been lucky enough to have a good relationship with your vet then that has made it easier. While not being able to always go into the surgery with the dog has been hard, my own vet has told me that many animals have been calmer without their owners there. Which relates back to the point about dogs picking up on our stress. That said, I would always rather be with my dog during an examination.

My other big tip, and one many people don’t seem to like, is to muzzle train your dog in order to keep the vet safe and to reduce your own anxiety. If you know your dog cannot bite the vet that’s one less thing to worry about. Any dog is capable of a bite if it is in pain, extremely anxious and stressed. Get the dog used to wearing a muzzle when it isn’t stressed, like any training it needs a slow build up. Regularly popping a muzzle on while lavishing your dog with praise and rewards will mean it is something positive for the dog. Waiting until you are about to go to the vets or are actually there before introducing your dog to the muzzle will mean it quickly associates it with unpleasant experiences and he will begin to fear it.

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Once you have finished with the vet, my routine is to take my dog back to the car settle my dog then return to pay my bill and collect any medication. That way I limit the amount of time the dog is physically in the vets.

GROOMING

Top Tips for Westie Grooming SPONSORED BY BOTANICA

WHETHER YOUR WESTIE LOVES IT OR LOATHES IT, GROOMING IS A MAJOR PART OF ITS HEALTH AND WELLBEING WRITES MICH DALE

our West Highland Terrier will require some coat maintenance, whether you trim your dog yourself or take him/her to a professional groomer. Trimming is best done on a regular basis every four to eight weeks depending on the method of trimming and also if you intend to show or not. It is important to introduce puppies to this regime at an early age as it then becomes the norm rather than something horrid and frightening. I would introduce my puppies to grooming as early as eight weeks of age.

I personally bath my dogs every two weeks to maintain a crisp white show coat using a really good quality shampoo and conditioner. Please DO NOT use human shampoo products as your dog’s skin PH is different to a human and could cause problems for your dog. I also find it easier to Hand Strip or clip a clean coat and would never use clippers or scissors on a dirty coat as this will ruin your blade. Below are the regimes and equipment I use.

Pet Trim (Clipped) Every Six to Eight Weeks Equipment Needed:

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Shampoo & Detox Mask High Velocity Dryer Finishing Dryer (or handheld dryer) Absorbent Towel Slicker Brush Double sided comb Clippers 5F Blade 15 Blade 3mm Comb attachment 7” Curved Scissors Thinning Scissors Nail trimmers/file

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GROOMING

As with any trimming on a Westie, first things first, preparation is key to a good trim. I start with two shampoos and a conditioning treatment followed by a THOROUGH blow dry using a slicker brush. The westie’s coat tends to hold on to moisture and when you think it is dry it probably isn’t, so carry on for another 10 mins or you will end up with a curly coat that is difficult to get a good finish on. Now you have your dog’s coat properly prepped, brushed, and combed thoroughly you can begin to trim and style your dog. Chest With a 5F blade try not to expose the rosettes at the top of the legs to give a straight, flat front …. Westies should not have a keel like a scotty. Body With a 5F blade, or longer, clip the jacket and tail following the coat growth and blend into the furnishings (legs and skirt) at the widest point of the dog.

Feet Trim around the feet and if necessary, trim some hair from the legs depending on the overall look required. Head Set the head shape by firstly trimming the tips of the ears into a pyramid shape (not following the leather of the ear) as this will determine the length of the hair on the finished head. Then with straight scissors, create the chrysanthemum shape from ear, under the jaw, back to the other ear. Now you can create the rest of the chrysanthemum by bringing the hair in between the ears together in the middle and trim with thinning scissors (Not straights at this point as you want it to look more natural and not like a Bichon.) Then trim a little from the sides but not too much to create the round shape. If you have any doubts about grooming your own Westie or have little experience of it, Westies & Besties Magazine suggests you do some research on qualified groomers in your local area and leave it to the professionals.

Legs and Skirt Blend body coat into furnishings using thinning scissors.

Botanica’s Natural Herbal Cream can be beneficial on a wide range of skin conditions i.e.: cuts, grazes, rain scald, mud rash, cracked sore heels, girt scaled etc. Wounds recover very quickly. It helps keep skin texture smooth and supple. It relaxes sore tendons and soothes muscular aches. The cream contains a natural insect repellent.

PHOTO CREDIT Botanica

The Benefits of Botanica

COMPETITION

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PRIZES

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QUESTION:

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COMPETITION RULES: ONE ENTRY PER PERSON ONLY. ENTRANTS MUST EMAIL THE ANSWER TO INFO@WESTIESANDBESTIES.COM AND THE FIRST PERSON TO EMAIL IN THE CORRECT ANSWER WILL BE CHOSEN AS THE WINNER. THE WINNER WILL BE NOTIFIED BY WESTIES & BESTIES MAGAZINE BY EMAIL AND THE PRIZE WILL BE SENT OUT TO THE WINNING RECIPIENT. THIS COMPETITION RUNS FROM 1ST MAY UNTIL 31ST MAY 2021

Westies & Besties - May 2021

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