Pet Product Marketing June 2023

PATS Award winners

The products that took the honours in the New Product Showcase

Pet advice

● Cats: Bringing a cat home — the resources

● owners will need

● Dogs: over-arousal in a canine companion

● Small animals: tackling obesity

● Reptile: lamps have not been banned!

Business advice

● Why changing your accounts year

● end could save you a lot of hassle

● GDPR — what you need to

● be doing

5 Pages of New Products

FOOD FOR LIFE.

Welcome!

Since the last issue, we attended PATS Sandown and it was another fantastic event for the pet industry. The thing that struck me was that the market is seeing as much invention and new product development as ever.

The new product showcase was as vibrant, with ingenuity to help pets in ways I’d not even considered. There are so many great products hitting the market that are sure to excite buyers and help pet owners.

In this issue, we reveal the eight products that won in their categories at the PATS New Product Showcase. These awards are judged by industry experts so it is a real badge of honour and often a sign of a product that is going to sell very well. It’s definitely worth checking the feature out and considering whether you want to stock these award winners.

We’ve

Also in this issue, we have five pages of new products too! These have all been announced since we visited PATS, demonstrating how new products keep hitting the market.

Pet products is obviously what we are all about so it is great to bring these to your attention and we know how important the things we buy for our pets are for giving them the best life possible.

If you want even more regular and in-depth insight into what is hitting the market, visit www.petproductmarketing.co.uk or sign up for our free newsletter. You will even see our new video reveals of new products.

MikeMike Hallam - Editor, PPM. michael.hallam@warnersgroup.co.uk

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Your team Pet Product Marketing

Our email: editorial@petproductmarketing.co.uk

Our address: Pet Product Marketing, Warners Group Publications, The Maltings, West Street, Bourne, Lincolnshire, PE10 9PH

Michael Hallam, editor (for news and product releases, contact Michael on michael.hallam@warnersgroup.co.uk)

For advertising queries please contact Stephen Tanner on 01778 392404

Laura Wright, features and web editor Ellis O’Connell, marketing exec

With grateful thanks to Sarah Wright (editor, Your Dog), and Nathan Hill (editor, Practical Fishkeeping)

Nigel Fish, design and production manager

Natalie Reynolds, production controller Graham Warren, colour repro

Stephen Tanner, key account manager (advertising Pet Product Marketing/Practical Fishkeeping)

Andrea Walters, key account manager (advertising Your Dog/Your Cat)

Kay Cotterill, classified sales (all titles)

Regular contributors: Adam Bernstein, Claire Hamblion and John Courteney-Smith

Printed by Warners Midlands plc James Buzzel, publisher Subscriptions and back issues

Pet Product Marketing is available free to people who qualify for our controlled terms of circulation. If you’d like to register for a free subscription, please visit www.petproductmarketing.co.uk

images, or materials lost or damaged in the post. While every reasonable care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publisher is not responsible for any errors or omissions, nor do we accept any liability for any loss or damage, however caused, resulting from the use of the magazine.

Samosa, 6 Calliope, 12 Ethereal, 14 Wastrel, 16 Earwig,

Mars Petcare Partners with Battersea Dogs & Cats Home to publish guide on issues surrounding renting with pets

With the UK Government promising to introduce the proposed Renters’ Reform Bill during the current parliamentary session, Mars Petcare, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, and broadcaster, animal lover, and landlord Zara McDermott have joined forces to raise awareness of the challenges that tenants and landlords face when it comes to renting and letting properties with pets.

Together, Mars Petcare and Battersea are calling on the UK Government to ensure that the Bill is introduced with key provisions to make it easier for tenants to rent with their pets. Demand for pet-friendly rented properties increased by 120% in 2021, but just 7% of private landlords advertise pet friendly properties. New research commissioned by Mars Petcare has revealed that over a third (34%) of people say having an animal has caused problems for them when finding somewhere to live. What’s more, this is having an impact on animal shelters, with around one in 10 animals being brought to Battersea as a result of prohibitive rental agreements, or a lack of pet-friendly rental properties.

The new study commissioned by Mars Petcare also shows that pet owners are going to extremes to avoid being forced to move out of their home, or for fear of having to give their pet up. Research revealed that one in 10 pet-owning tenants are currently ‘hiding’ an animal from a landlord, with a further 25% having done so in the past. Of those caught out by a landlord, sadly 22% were evicted from their homes.

The Government has taken some steps to make it easier for tenants to have pets in rental properties, but awareness of the rights of a pet owner remains low. In January 2021, the Government made revisions to the Model Tenancy Agreement, encouraging landlords to no longer issue blanket bans on pets without ‘good reason’. However, polling revealed that only 12% of landlords had heard of the Government’s Model Tenancy Agreement and were actively using it.

Mars Petcare is calling all pet owners, animal lovers and everyone who believes in a fair renting system to stand together to ensure the Renters’ Reform Bill is brought before parliament in 2023, with provisions for making rental properties more petfriendly. To raise awareness of the issue, and to highlight the benefits of pet ownership — both for tenants, and for landlords — Mars Petcare and Battersea have published ‘The Petiquette Guide to Rentals and Pet Ownership,’ ensuring renters and landlords have the information they need to ensure owners and pets can live together in harmony, whether they own their home or not.

Paolo Rigamonti, General Manager of Mars Petcare UK, said: “Responsible pet owners shouldn’t be denied the right to experience the joy and benefits of pet ownership just because they rent.

“Our Petiquette Guide is a fantastic resource for landlords and tenants: arming them with the information they need in one place, and helping to ensure that no pets or renters have to face unimaginable consequences of overly-restrictive tenancy agreements.”

In partnership with Battersea, Mars Petcare is encouraging the public to get clued up with The Petiquette Guide to Rentals and Pet Ownership — a digital guide containing all the information people need to know when it comes to renting with pets.

New qualification in canine nutrition

iPET Network has launched a brand new Level 2 qualification in Canine Nutrition. The qualification, which will be taught by renowned nutrition consultant and author of ‘The Best Dog Diet Ever’

Caroline Griffith and other approved iPET Network Training

Providers, is aimed at learners who want to know more about feeding dogs, as an introduction to the more in-depth Level 3 Diploma in Canine Nutrition. Professionals who work in pet care industries, such as pet shop employees, pet sitting, and dog homes, can take the qualification, as well as pet owners who simply are interested in knowing more about their dogs diet.

The remote learning qualification is regulated by Ofqual and includes guidance in understanding the kinds of food available and portion control.

Caroline, who has worked in the canine nutrition field for over 30 years and founded the Natural Dog Expo, said: “The new Level 2 qualification is a great introduction to canine nutrition and the more in-depth Level 3 qualification. The Level 2 will enable the learner to make more informed choices about what they feed their own dog, or the dogs in their care.”

After Caroline left school, she began working in a kennels which put nutrition and fresh feeding at the heart of its care for dogs. Through this experience Caroline saw dogs with skin conditions or health complaints improve simply through the diet that they were being given, and dedicated her life and work to canine nutrition.

She added: “It was such a great initial education, and to see those poorly animals improving not only through medication, but through a good diet too was so inspiring. I hope that this course can do the same for learners.”

Sarah Mackay and Fern Gresty of the iPET Network, said: “We are so excited to be launching a Level 2 qualification in canine nutrition, and to be working with experienced professionals such as Caroline on these qualifications.

“Caroline is an inspiring and informed tutor, and all of our learners so far have come away with a real depth of knowledge in this important subject.

“Nutrition is so important in the care and longevity of our pets, and the more people that have knowledge of this in our canine care industries the better.”

To find out more go to www.ipetnetwork.co.uk

Caroline Griffith.

Forthglade sign TV’s Dr James Greenwood as vet ambassador

Forthglade Natural Pet Food have appointed popular TV vet Dr James Greenwood as pet care expert and brand ambassador.

James has become a popular and respected voice on animal health with over 10 years as a practicing vet and regular TV appearances on shows such as ‘Morning Live’, ‘Blue Peter’ and ‘The Pets Factor.’

The partnership will see James champion Forthglade’s natural meals and treats with engaging content for marketing campaigns and highlighting the brand’s quality ingredients, natural goodness, and health benefits, while also providing advice on caring for canine companions. With a large online following, James will also support Forthglade with digital content for social media activity throughout the year.

The first campaign featuring James sees a focus on senior dog care, sharing advice on age-appropriate diet, exercise, and mental stimulation. The educational campaign supports the launch of Forthglade’s new senior recipes for dogs, which like the range of puppy and adult meals, are specifically tailored for a dog’s varying needs. Commenting on the new partnership, James said: “I’m so pleased to have joined forces with Forthglade as a nutritious diet is at the heart of a dog’s health — you are what you eat and it’s no different for our dogs. As a dog owner myself, I know the importance of feeling confident in knowing you’re doing the very best for your pet, and a wholesome diet needs to be top of the list.”

David Cox, CEO of Forthglade, comments: “We’re delighted to welcome James to the team and look forward to working together as we launch our exciting new ranges of dry foods and treats in the second half of 2023 to our trade partners. James’s expert tips and advice on keeping dogs happy and healthy will really support our ongoing mission of nourishing the relationship between pet owners and their four-legged friends.”

Forthglade’s new senior recipes sit within the award-winning range of complete wet meals for dogs, with ingredients specifically tailored for a dog’s varying life stage. Made in Devon, the new grain free and wholegrain meals for seniors contain carefully selected ingredients to help dogs aged 7yrs+ stay fitter for longer.

With 15% less fat than Forthglade’s adult dog recipes, the lower calorie meals contain 60% protein. Grain free recipes, ideal for sensitive tummies, include lamb or turkey with butternut squash (for low energy density and high antioxidants for digestion), plus tasty vegetables. Wholegrain recipes include white fish or lamb, each mixed with brown rice and vegetables. The senior meals include higher levels of chondroitin and glucosamine for healthy joints and bones, omega 3 to maintain good cognitive function, plus chicory root, a prebiotic that helps older dogs maintain a healthy digestion. Available in 395g trays RRP £1.90, and cases of singles 18x395g or variety packs of 12’s.

Visit Forthglade to learn more or contact the team: trade@forthglade.com.

Burns launches major out of home ad campaign

Burns Pet Nutrition has launched its first national ‘Out of Home’ advertising campaign since 2016. The ads coincide with the brand’s 30th anniversary.

The six week-long campaign is fronted by the brand’s new tagline: “Love Your Pet from the Inside Out” and launched across the UK in April. The outdoor advertising runs via roadside poster and digital ads across the country within a ten-mile radius of local independent pet stores, with a presence throughout virtually all UK towns and cities. An ATL TV ad will also run through Sky Adsmart.

The initiative is being launched in part to

Podium Pet Products achieves King’s Award for Enterprise

Podium Pet Products is celebrating after becoming one of the first companies to be honoured with a King’s Award for Enterprise 2023.

The Berkshire-based company, whose popular brands include Dog Rocks and Be:Loved, has been recognised for its excellence in international trade.

Podium Pet Products is one of 148 organisations to receive a first-ever King’s Award for Enterprise. However, it is the second time a prestigious award of this kind has been bestowed on the company after Dog Rocks won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2016.

The King’s Awards for Enterprise was previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, and the new name reflects His Majesty The King’s desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II’s by recognising outstanding UK businesses. The Award programme, now in its 57th year, is a prestigious business award, with successful businesses able to use the esteemed King’s Awards Emblem for the next five years.

Carina Evans, CEO of Podium Pet Products, said: “This is a tremendous

celebrate the natural pet food company’s 30th anniversary. The campaign will also seek to help educate dog owners about the central role nutrition plays in the overall health of dogs.

Burns Pet Nutrition was launched in 1993 by veterinary surgeon John Burns. John saw the positive impact a natural diet could have on our pets. Determined to tackle a variety of health problems, he developed Burns’ now award-winning range of products.

Burns Pet Nutrition founder, John Burns, said: “We are so excited for our new campaign to mark our 30th anniversary. It’s a special landmark and one that we are very proud of, so we thought it would be best to make it even more special! “Given how many people are owning dogs for the first time, we want to ensure they see our message too. We want to continue to educate owners about the importance of nutrition for another 30 years and beyond.”

For more information visit www. burnspet.co.uk

honour for the company and recognition of the hard work, innovation and inspiration of a talented team.”

Carina and the team have worked hard at the exporting side of the business, which now makes up more than half of the company’s sales.

“Export is now a joy but to begin with it was a minefield, especially in America,” admitted Carina. “Europe is becoming less traditional and regional with younger English-speaking buyers and savvy marketeers so therefore a more attractive market to us as well.

“Being honoured with a King’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade 2023 will help us grow the business in all our markets, and it is an accolade to be treasured.”

For more information about Podium Pet Products, visit www.podiumpetproducts. com

Carina Evans.

Dr James Greenwood.

PIF releases Business of Pets conference agenda

The Pet Industry Federation (PIF), the UK trade association for pet businesses, has announced the programme for its two-day Business of Pets conference.

Sponsored by MHA MacIntyre Hudson, the Business of Pets conference is a brand new event designed to help pet businesses take that vital step to the next level. It will take place from Wednesday 7 — Thursday 8 June at the Cranfield Management Development Centre near Milton Keynes.

The programme will cover important topics for those businesses considering investment to grow their business, but who are looking for advice and guidance to do it successfully.

Topics include:

● Getting your business ready for investment

● Avoiding compliance pitfalls

● Discovering the right investment options for your business

● Safeguarding your brand

● Hearing from those who have invested and what worked for them and what did not

● What the UK pet market is looking for in terms of investment

● Latest market research

Participating companies include Kantar, Serjeants, Innovate UK Edge, Natwest Accelerator, British Business Bank, SFC Capital, Piper, Cliverton, Sprintlaw and Watersheds.

Nigel Baker, CEO of PIF, commented: ‘This exciting agenda covers a whole raft of considerations for pet companies who are thinking about how to get investment for growth into their company. It can be time-consuming and challenging to research all the various options, and costly if it goes wrong, so we have designed this conference to cover all bases for pet service and product companies at every level of the investment journey.’

The two days of learning and networking are aimed at business owners, directors, and decision makers and the programme allows for networking opportunities, including an evening social BBQ after the first day.

Tickets are strictly limited to ensure that delegates can make the most of their attendance. To purchase tickets, and for more information, please visit www.petfederation.co.uk

Pooch & Mutt joins Cheddar to deliver healthy cashback for your furry friends

Cashback and payments app Cheddar has announced a new partnership with online healthy pet food supplier Pooch & Mutt.

The partnership will see Cheddar app users earning up to 20 per cent cashback on purchases made through Pooch & Mutt, joining a growing list of online retailers on the app, including BooHoo, All Plants, and Green Man Gaming.

The cashback will be available in the app’s balance within 14 days. App users can redeem their cashback at any time, depositing it directly into their linked bank account instantly.

Luke Ladyman, Chief Operating Officer and Co-founder of Cheddar, says: “Partnering with Pooch & Mutt marks yet another milestone moment for us as we continue to focus our efforts on extending our cashback offer to an even wider audience.

“Cashback and loyalty reward programs are hugely effective ways to help our retail partners attract new high-intent customers, increase the loyalty of existing ones, and reengage lost customers despite the current pressures on consumer spending.”

Cheddar users can earn up to 20% retail cashback on the app, online, and in-store at some of the UK’s favourite retailers. Unlike other cashback platforms, Cheddar’s free app requires no link clicks or codes from users. Simply connect your existing bank accounts, Apple Pay, or Google Pay to the app and start earning cashback instantly, while you spend on your debit and credit cards.

For more information, visit www.poochandmutt.co.uk and www.cheddar.me

Increase in PATS visitors

Atotal of 1,837 visitors attended this year’s PATS Sandown, representing an increase of 2.5% on the number (1,794) who attended the exhibition in 2022. Retailers and buyers turned out in force to discover hundreds of new products being launched at the show.

Exhibitors agreed the quality of visitors to their stands was exceptional this year and felt there was a great degree of confidence being shown within the UK pet industry. New business COYA Pet used PATS Sandown to launch its freeze-dried raw pet food and treats, and founder Peter Roy said he was very pleased with the response from visitors. “The level of interest in our products has been extremely high, and it has come from the people that matter — the decision makers. The show gave us an ideal opportunity for face-to-face chats, and explain the benefits of our food and treats.”

The high quality of visitors came from independent pet retailers, major pet chains, garden centres, groomers, kennels, vet practices and farm shops.

PATS is now looking forward to its September showpiece at Telford International Centre, Shropshire, and already many companies have booked their stands.

All the latest news and the exhibitor list can be found on a new-look website www. patshow.co.uk

Johnson’s report explores what customers want

ohnson’s Veterinary Products has been caring for the nation’s pets for more than 100 years, building a successful business on a huge range of pet healthcare products available from pet shops and pet stores. But what products do pet owners want to buy and where do they want to buy them?

The answer to these questions and more besides were elicited from a purchasing habits survey of over 1,000 pet owners, representing every corner of the country, every type of pet, and a broad demographic of the British consumer.

Paul Gwynn, Managing Director of Johnson’s, explains: “We have always been a business that prides itself on producing the products people need, for the pets they love. Making sure these products are not only of the highest quality, but are costeffective and readily available remains at the core of the Johnson’s ethos.

“We work hard to support the pet trade, recognising the importance of pet shops and pet stores, where advice is on hand for those pet owners who need it. But we need help in understanding the relationship between Johnson’s, our pet shop customers and ultimately pet owners, if we are to continue innovating and manufacturing the products pet owners want to buy.

“This survey, the first of many we hope to produce, has helped us understand the purchasing habits of different groups of pet owner, by their age, region of the UK in which they live and even by the pet or pets they own.

“The overwhelming support for a return of the dog licence may be the big surprise story that grabs the headlines, but the valuable information in the report will help us make decisions about the new products we introduce and shape our service to the pet trade.

“It is clear that the relationship between pet owners and pet shops is important and strengthens over the years. Our role is to help nurture this bond with affordable, effective, high-quality products that resolve problems, like fleas and worms in cats and dogs, while also offering hamsters a treat.

“There are many valuable insights contained within this report, any of which are worthy of further detailed study, but all show the value of pet shops and pet stores to the pet owning public, explaining the rude health reported by the majority, if not all of our customers.”

To read the report, visit https://johnsons-vet.com/pet-owner-survey-report

Pedigree Wholesale invests in new fleet of delivery trucks

Pedigree Wholesale has invested £1.1m in a brand-new fleet of delivery trucks this year in order to refresh their current assortment of vehicles, with the overall aim of providing better service to their customers.

Depending on availability, Pedigree plan on replacing their entire fleet of vehicles over the next three to four years, working to continuously improve process and strategy in operations. This continued investment plan is part of their commitment to becoming the wholesaler of choice for their customers.

Gerard O’Mahony, Managing Director of Pedigree Wholesale, said: “Our customers are at the heart of our business and finding ways to improve and serve them better is key. This year, our main priority is ‘Raising the Bar’ across the business, and updating our fleet of delivery trucks helps us do just this from an operational perspective.”

Pets Choice acquires Bob Martin and Felight brand ownership for UK and EU

Pets Choice have announced the purchase of various brands and trademarks for the UK and EU from the Martin Family, including Bob Martin, Felight, Kitzyme, and Vetzyme.

Tony Raeburn, Pets Choice CEO, comments: “In late November 2019, we purchased the Bob Martin Healthcare and Cat Litter factories after Bob Martin (UK) Ltd entered into administration and at the time agreed a license with the Martin family to sell their brands.

“In the last three years, we have considerably grown the Bob Martin and Felight brands and now the purchase of the ownership of these helps secure their long-term future and allows Pets Choice to invest further.’’

The Martin family commented: “We have worked closely with Tony Raeburn over the past few years and are delighted that Pets Choice have purchased various brands that we own for the UK and EU. We will continue to market the Bob Martin brand outside these areas and work with Pets Choice on various supply agreements.’’

PIF launches directory of pet businesses

The Pet Industry Federation (PIF) has launched an online directory of PIF members, enabling the public to find pet services located near them, simply by entering their postcode.

Accessed via the home page of the PIF website (petfederation.co.uk), the Find A Pet Business directory links directly to PIF’s own database, giving the public peace of mind that the businesses shown in the search results have signed up to the PIF Charter which prioritises customer service and animal welfare. With automated links between the directory and PIF database, businesses appear in the listing as soon as they become a member.

Nigel Baker, CEO of PIF, explained: “We are delighted to have launched the Find A Pet Business directory to enable the public to find PIF members operating near them. We wanted to give those businesses that have signed up to the PIF Charter more exposure to the public and the directory couldn’t be easier to use, with results showing the distance from the search postcode both by map and in text. The public can then contact the business easily through links to its website or email address which are supplied by the PIF member.”

To access the Find A Pet Business directory, visit www.petfederation.co.uk/find-a-petbusiness

To be listed in the Directory, join PIF and take advantage of all the other great business benefits that are available to PIF members, including a legal helpline, fuel card, payment processing rates from Lopay, IT discounts from Dell, and local authority help and advice — visit https://petfederation.co.uk/

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New necessities&

Natural Cornish Pet dog treats

Natural Cornish Pet has introduced a tasty range of fish-based and sweet potato treats to reward your dog with. The treats are available to buy in new re-branded pouches designed to appeal further to the retail trade.

Fish treats

Fish is a great source of Omega 3 which is an essential fatty acid. It has antiinflammatory properties which help to condition the coat and skin and aid in joint mobility and cardiac health. The omega oils contained in fish are also good for brain development as well.

Fish treats are great for dogs’ dental health as the rough texture of dried fish skin encourages dogs to chew and remove any tartar from their teeth. It aids in digestion as fish protein reduces the growth of unwanted gut bacteria and is a help for dogs with sensitive tummies and older dogs with slower digestive systems. Fish is also low in fat so it is perfect as a tasty treat, avoiding any obesity issue which is so important in aging dogs.

The fish treat range includes bags of natural dried sprats, fish finger chews, salmon potato cookies, white fish cookies, and white fish cubes. All are available to buy in a range of bag sizes from small treat pouch size up to 5kg bags.

Sweet potato treats

Packed full of chewy goodness, Sweet Potato Chunks and Fries offer a natural low fat treat option for dogs. Perfect for training and rewarding good behaviour, they provide the ideal snack and are suitable for dogs of all shapes and sizes.

Sweet potato is a rich source of vitamins C and B6 as well as being a good source of manganese, potassium, and other B vitamins. Vitamin C can help to reduce inflammation in dogs and can also be helpful in improving their cognitive function. Vitamin B6 is absolutely vital in the functioning of the red blood cells that are responsible for carrying oxygen around your pet’s body and is also essential in maintaining a healthy central nervous system, as well as helping to regulate hormone distribution. Potassium aids electrical function in the brain and nervous system in your dog and manganese aids in the preservation of strong bones and cartilage. Sweet potato can also help to balance blood-sugar levels so is a good alternative treat for those dogs suffering from diabetes.

Prices start from RRP £3.50 for a 75g pouch.

For further information, visit www.naturalcornishpet.co.uk. For trade enquiries, visit: naturalpetwholesale.co.uk

Pedigree Multivitamins

Mars Petcare is making its debut in the supplements category with the launch of Pedigree Multivitamins — a trio of soft chews formulated to address three key pet needs: immunity, digestion, and joint care.

Each supplement contains 100% natural chicken, at least eight vitamins, and are designed with active ingredients to help deliver specific benefits. The vitamin blend, which has been developed with the Waltham Petcare Science Institute team, vets, and pet nutritionists, aims to support overall dog health with three key need states which includes joint care, digestion, and immunity.

Continuing its mission to make a ‘Better World for Pets’, the launch from Mars Petcare follows findings that revealed that only 10% of the category is currently in chew format, with the majority of products being perceived as unpalatable. As an accessible brand for all dogs, Pedigree is making it even easier for pet parents to offer their pets supplements with Multivitamins that are both easy to feed and dose in a small soft chew format, but are also designed to be safe for all dogs no matter their size or breed.

Pedigree Multivitamins will be available in three variants including joint care, digestion, and immunity with an RRP of £6.50 for an 180g pack. The launch will be supported by in-aisle and out-of-aisle POS to drive awareness and disrupt the shopper as well as online POS which includes banners, category pages, and check out page media.

For more information, visit www.uk.pedigree.com/dog-multivitamins

Henry Wag dog travel accessories

Henry Wag, the dog accessories brand focussed on providing product solutions for pet parents with an active outdoor lifestyle, have four new products hitting the market.

The new products are a Paw Cleaner, Water bottle with drinking bowl, the Easy-Roll Travel bed, and the Snaffle Pack folding travel food and water bowls. These new products are the result of customer feedback and continue to provide adventurous pet parents with solutions to the problems experienced on expedition days out and nights away from home.

● The Water bottle, available in two colour options, holds 500ml and comes with a flexible plastic sleeve to provide an instant drinking bowl.

● The Easy-Roll Travel Bed folds neatly into a pouch with a strap making it easy to carry.

● The Snaffle Pack Food and Water Set folds small enough to fit in a pocket allowing pet parents to feed and water their pets on the move.

● The Paw Cleaner, with a little added water, removes mud and dirt from paws before the journey home, keeping car interiors nice and clean.

For more information, visit henrywag.com or for trade enquiries, contact enquiries@henrywag.com

All for Paws dog and cat toys

All for Paws toys are fun, interactive, and engaging. They are designed with dogs and cats in mind and aim to break down boredom and solve everyday problems.

New to the All for Paws portfolio for 2023 is a range of interactive, plush and fetch toys that have landed just in time for summer. The range also includes three great additions to the Chill Out summer range!

Additions to the All for Paws existing portfolio include the Interactives Treat Frenzy Roll, Enjoy the Meal, and Rolling Laser Ball Cat toy; the perfect toys for keeping pets entertained for extended periods.

The range also includes a selection of adorable treat mats, including the Sea Turtle and Raccoon treat mats, as part of the All for Paws Dig It collection. For the dogs who struggle with separation anxiety, the range includes two new Calming Pals, the Lavender Scent Sheep and Sloth. Brand new ranges for 2023 include the Bone Appetit interactive treat toy range and the Safari range, a portfolio of adorable plush and rope toys great for playtime bonding.

To shop the new collection and see the whole All for Paws range, visit the Pedigree Wholesale website, www.petproducts.co.uk

Forthglade soft bites treats

Forthglade, makers of natural pet food, have introduced three new treats to their popular multi-functional soft bites range.

The range is designed for a dog’s needs, from supporting good health through to aiding training. As with all Forthglade recipes, the natural treats are free from any junk or fillers.

Joints & bones is a new salmon recipe containing salmon oil, chondroitin, and glucosamine, and can be easily fed on a walk. Digestive health treats include tempting chicken with parsley, ginger and chicory which is ideal for after meal times and Forthglade’s new plant-based Rewards contain irresistible honey and banana, perfect for rewarding good behaviour while training.

The full range of treats are suitable for dogs aged 2+ months and available in 90g re-sealable pouches, RRP £2.25. Packaging is recyclable and the treats are also available in boxes of 8x90g pouches.

The new treats are added to the current range which also includes Chicken with liver Rewards, peppermint & parsley Fresh Breath, and camomile, lavender & lemon balm Calming treats.

To find out more, visit forthglade.com or for stockist information, contact trade@forthglade.com

Burns Wholesome Turkey

Back by popular demand! Burns Pet Nutrition is pleased to announce the return of its ever-tasty turkey wet food following its initial debut over the festive period as a limited-edition product.

Following its sell-out status, Wholesome Turkey is now available as part of their super-popular wet food range and introduces a new tasty variety to the Burns wet food family and is here to stay.

Crammed with protein and pure goodness, Burns Wholesome Turkey wet food nourishes your dog from the inside out and like the rest of the extra tasty varieties, Wholesome Turkey contains ingredients to provide dogs with optimal health, and absolutely no nasty fillers.

Made with real ingredients and a single protein source, this hypoallergenic wet food offers the perfect balance of nutrients, keeping your pet in top condition. This complete wet food contains only wholesome ingredients such as turkey, wholegrain rice, carrots, vitamins and minerals, with no hidden surprises, ensuring that your dog is getting only the very best.

Burns Wholesome Turkey wet food is a complete diet, so it’s perfect as a meal on its own. However, this versatile product pairs perfectly with any of Burns’ dry food recipes too should you want to add a little crunch to your canine companion’s dinner!

Wholesome Turkey will be made available in 150g and 396g trays, and in multipacks of both sizes.

For more information, visit www.burnspet.co.uk or for trade enquiries visit trade.burnspet.co.uk

Coffee Wood Chew

Natural Cornish Pet has introduced a boredom busting new Coffee Wood Chew to its range of treats.

With zero calories and a tough texture, the new Coffee Wood Chew is great for cleaning teeth and gums. Coffee wood is the perfect wood for the production of chews as it breaks down into manageable and digestible fibres, so a dog will have no problem gnawing all day long if they wish to. Coffee wood is also a particularly strong and durable variety of hardwood, meaning it can be enjoyed by a dog for a long amount of time, no matter how hard they bite, nibble, or gnaw.

Coffee Wood Dog Chews are made from nothing but the coffee wood itself and contain no additives of any kind, no sugars, or caffeine either. The chews are carefully curated, dried, lightly sanded and sent straight out to Natural Cornish Pet. The Coffee Wood Chews are also hypoallergenic making them a superbly suitable alternative chew for dogs with allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients.

They are also a great way to keep a dog’s dental health in tip-top condition too. They are a brilliant way to strengthen a dog’s dental muscles as they masticate and ruminate. As well as this, the fine fibres of the coffee wood, once the chew has been chewed for a while, act as a natural toothbrush, removing tartar and plaque on any furry friend’s teeth and gums.

These chews can also be a great stress reliever for those dogs who suffer from anxiety and separation problems, allowing them to have a delicious distraction that will easily last when they are left to their own devices.

Coffee Wood Chews are sustainably sourced, meaning their production makes no lasting impact on the environment from which they were procured. They are sent to you in completely recyclable packaging, reducing the need for unnecessary plastic and non-recyclable packing methods. Coffee Wood Chews are

completely natural and therefore require no energy-hungry industrial processes to produce them either. The chews are, of course, vegan too.

They are available in three sizes:

● Small: 13-14cm long, 2-3cm wide RRP £9.45

● Medium: 16-18cm long, 3-4cm wide RRP £12.45

● Large: 19-20cm long, 4-5cm wide RRP £15.45

For further information, visit www.naturalcornishpet.co.uk or for trade enquiries, visit naturalpetwholesale.co.uk

Butcher’s Nourishing Food For Dogs

Butcher’s Nourishing Food For Dogs has announced the launch of a brand-new product that will join its existing Natural Health Support range.

Butcher’s Butcher’s No of a brand-n rang

The Health active ingred be The recipe of the omeg and Taurine

The Healthy Heart recipes contain the right amount of naturally active ingredients to support the heart muscle function, helping to keep our beloved friends healthy.

The recipes contain algae oil, a naturally rich plant-based source of the omega 3 fatty acid DHA to help support a healthy heart and Taurine and L-Carnitine which are essential to support the heart muscle function.

Vitamins C and E are antioxidants that help strengthen natural immune defences, while vegetables such as spinach and butternut squash are a great source of omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fibre, all of which are contained within the

Vitamins C natural imm and butternu antioxidants recipes

For more in Hea heart-health co.uk/conta

For more information on Butcher’s Nourishing Food For Dogs Healthy Heart, visit butchersdogfood.co.uk/product-category/ heart-health or for trade enquiries, visit butchersdogfood. co.uk/contact-us-retailers

Pedigree Ranchos

Mars Petcare has expanded its portfolio of treats with the launch of Pedigree Ranchos Lastin’ Layers and Reward Centres. Recognising that more pet parents are looking for treats that provide their dogs with something to keep them entertained and occupied for longer, the latest additions provide a fun but safe solution when it comes to treating. As the latest treat in the Pedigree range to be endorsed by the EVDS, it offers owners reassurance it’s safe for their dog’s teeth.

Pedigree Ranchos Reward Centres are deliciously long-lasting chews, filled with 100% natural chicken using new IP technology that delivers layers of fun and enjoyment; available in both mini and maxi sizes. Lastin’ Layers are made using a wonderfully crafted blend of dog friendly ingredients such as safe rawhide for a crunchy outer, with chicken & carrot or beef flavour inners.

Dogs use their mouths to explore the world and their surroundings, chewing for multiple reasons, to aid teething pain, to play and to learn. This activity keeps their jaws strong and their teeth clean. However, dog’s teeth are more fragile than many people might think. Chips and fractures are hard to spot and are often missed by pet owners. It is estimated that one in four dogs have a tooth fracture, many of which are the result of chewing objects that are too hard. Endorsed by the EDVS and in line with guidelines from FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry federation) who advise to avoid excessively hard chews, the tough but safe texture of both Lastin’ Layers and Reward Centres will cater to those consumers looking for a moment to entertain and treat their animals without worry.

Lastin’ Layers, available in 40g packs, and Reward Centres, available in 80g packs with an RRP of £2, will bring shoppers a

Haloex and Bacterlife new bottle sizes

Waterlife has introduced new smaller size bottles of their popular water conditioners Haloex and Bacterlife. Haloex neutralises chlorine, chloramine, fluorine found in tap water which are damaging to fish’s bodies and gills. It also binds toxic heavy metals. In addition, Haloex contains the soothing powers of aloe vera, helping tissue damage.

Bacterlife is a bacteria culture that helps to breakdown ammonia (fish waste) and plant debris in filter and gravel. Bacterlife can also be used to start new filters, as well as maintaining existing tanks.

The attractive new mini merchandisers were designed with the environment in mind. Smaller bottle sizes reduces plastic waste, also these bottles treat up to 200 litres, making them much better than alternative single use plastic offerings.

During tough economic times, everyone is looking for better value. This new offering from Waterlife does exactly this and more, with an RRP of just £1.75 per bottle. Both merchandisers are available now and contain 12pcs of either Haloex or Bacterlife.

For more information, contact your local wholesaler or Waterlife direct at info@ waterlife.co.uk or call 01753 685696.

Paw and Nose Balm for Dogs

Johnson’s Veterinary Products, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of pet healthcare products to pet shops and pet stores, has increased its extensive range with the introduction of a new Paw & Nose Balm for dogs.

This 100% natural and vegan-friendly product contains British aloe vera, vitamin E, and UK-grown lavender to create an ultra-nourishing balm designed to be massaged into paws before and after walks to soothe sore, cracked pads. It is also recommended to help moisturise dry dog noses too.

Paul Gwynn, Managing Director at Johnson’s Veterinary Products, commented: “Modern life, with salt on the roads, waterlogged walks, and warm dry houses can take their toll on even the hardiest of dog breeds. We have designed this balm to help soothe sore pads and nourish dry noses.

“Understanding our responsibility to deliver an ever-increasingly sustainable range of products, while reducing the carbon footprint associated with their supply and manufacture, we sourced UK-grown lavender and aloe vera. The product is manufactured in the UK with re-useable and recyclable packaging.

“This is the first of many new products we have in the pipeline as we look to strengthen our presence in pet shops and pet stores by extending our current ranges. But we also now have new products on the drawing board that will take Johnson’s into new and exciting markets.

board that will take Johnsons into new and markets or

For more information, visit johnsons-vet.com or for trade enquiries, visit johnsons-vet.com/trade-log-in

ohnsons-vet .com/trade -log-in

for

different way to reward, train, and bond with their pets.

All for Paws Chill Out range

The All for Paws Chill Out range is back with some great additions to the cooling portfolio.

All for Paws products are developed with pet needs in mind, and the Chill Out range is no different. From innovative design and practical solutions, the range has it all.

● The soft toys in the Chill Out range are easy to use; soak them in water and let dogs chew them to keep them cool and hydrated; the Chill Out Shark, Sea Turtle, and Octopus plush designs are the perfect companions this summer.

● The Floating Flying Disc is a great way to keep pets hydrated as they exercise and play.

● The cooling mats from the collection have a range of innovative features, such as the Fresh Breeze Mat, which allows air to flow underneath dogs to keep them cool as they lay, and the Always Cool Mat, which contains a special cooling gel.

● The Sprinkler Mat makes playing in the sun even more fun; attach it to a hosepipe and let dog’s play!

● The Splash and Fun Dog pool also makes a comeback for summer 2023 and is easy to fill and empty and features an anti-slip bottom to help prevent accidents.

● Brand New for 2023 is the AFP Papaya Cooling Mat; this cute design brings a new meaning to keeping pets cool this summer.

● For keeping pets cool on long walks or travelling, the Chill Out Ice Bandanas and Cooling Vests are perfect and easy to use; soak them in water, put them on the dog, and let the material do the work.

● The Cooler Bowl with a gel inner to keep food and water cooler for longer and the new Silicone Chill Bottle, making fresh water accessible on all adventures.

● The Chill Out Cooling Feast is a new addition for 2023, featuring an innovative ice ball cruncher perfect for quenching a dog’s thirst!

To shop the new collection plus view the rest of the All for Paws range, visit www.petproducts.co.uk and search for All for Paws.

Carnilove Cat True Fresh recipes

Cats are notorious for being fussy eaters, so Carnilove has produced three irresistible formulas to ensure lasting taste appeal for all adult cats.

Carnilove Cat True Fresh Turkey, Carnilove Cat True Fresh Fish, and Carnilove Cat True Fresh Chicken.

Carnilove True Fresh Cat is made with innovative new processing methods that enables the kibble to be made with only fresh meat, no meat meal and perfectly preserves the properties of fresh meat. Grain and potato free, they contain natural ingredients that are functional and work well together allowing for easy transition from one variety to another and making them ideal for rotational feeding.

To find out more about Carnilove, visit www.carnilove.co.uk or for trade enquiries, contact sales@bsbproducts.co.uk

Rosewood Pet Products New Ranges

Rosewood Pet Products has recently expanded its innovative and popular small animal ‘Naturals’ range into the cat market.

Cat Naturals

The Cat Naturals range offers all the benefits of their small animal collection and features several toys and scratchers all designed with a focus on natural materials, offering enrichment for both consumers and their pets. Some of the stand out products from the collection include the Back to Instinct Fun-Park, ideal for foraging and retrieving treats, and the Activity Tree which encourages their natural instincts to scratch and climb.

Eco-friendly Cat Toys

Also new to the market is the Rosewood eco cat range, featuring four toys all made from recycled bottles, giving plastic a second life. Choose from a giraffe or elephant grab toy, a lion kicker and a flamingo toy — all guaranteed to keep kitties entertained for hours!

Collapsible Canopy Bed

Rosewood has recently introduced a brand-new cat bed, the Green Velvet Collapsible Canopy Bed. Not only does it look stylish and modern, it is made from soft luxurious velvet, with a reversible inner cushion velvet on one side and plush fur on the other — everything a feline needs for a good night’s sleep!

Primarily sold in pet specialty stores, Rosewood has been a provider of pet toys, bedding, treats and accessories for over half a decade.

To view the latest products, visit www.rosewoodpet.com/new-products or for trade enquiries, contact enquiries@rosewoodpet.com

Time to make a change?

drawing up accounts to 31 December 2023, they could draw them up for the 15-month period ending on 31 March 2024.

She says that the best time to make this change may be during the transitional year 2023/24. This is because “special rules applying in that tax year may allow them to ‘spread’ any excess profits they have to bring into account as a result over up to five years — something which isn’t available if they make the change in any other tax year.”

Beyond that, Rawson explains that “another advantage of changing in 2023/24 is that the normal rule, which says a set of accounts can’t be longer than 18 months, is disapplied in that year. This means that they can draw up one long set of accounts to make the change.” So, if the current year-end is 30 April, they could change this by drawing up a single 23-month set of accounts for the period from 1 May 2022 to 31 March 2024.

Make the change?

Unincorporated businesses, such as sole traders or partnerships, who don’t already draw up their accounts up to 31 March or 5 April each year should give serious consideration to changing their accounting date to avoid tax complications in the future.

From 6 April 2023, how income tax payable by unincorporated businesses is calculated changed under new rules brought in by HMRC. However, the tax body is worried that many businesses still seem to have not heeded its warnings about how it’ll impact their business. Put simply, some could pay much more in tax and be burdened with extra unnecessary admin too.

The change to what is known as the ‘basis period’ rules will make little or no difference to the many businesses that already have a 5 April or 31 March year end. But as Emma Rawson, a technical officer at the ATT, points out: “for those with accounting years that do not align with the tax year, the impact will be significant.”

Unfortunately, she says that “many businesses who could be hit by this change remain unaware of it. The resulting temporary increase in their tax bills, and ongoing additional admin burdens, could therefore come as a nasty shock.” She adds that while there is little that can be done about the additional tax, “taking steps now to change your accounting date could help make your life easier in the long run.”

What changed?

Currently, once established, sole traders and partnerships pay income tax on the profits of

their accounting year ending in the tax year. For example, if a trader draws up accounts to 31 December each year, in the tax year 2022/23 it will be taxed on profits for the year ended 31 December 2022.

From April 2024, Rawson says that this all will change and they will instead pay tax on the profits they actually earn in any one tax year – i.e. from 6 April to the following 5 April.

She notes that “tax year 2023/24 is a ‘transitional year’ in which the tax system swaps over from the current basis to the new tax year basis. To achieve this, special rules apply to calculate taxable profits and tax. Effectively, those that have a year-end other than 31 March or 5 April, will be taxed on their normal basis period plus an extra amount of profits to bring them up to the end of the tax year.” Rawson gives the example of a business with a 31 December year end that will be taxed on their profits for the year ended 31 December 2023 plus their profits for the period from 1 January 2024 to 5 April 2024.

Rawson highlights that this will result in more than 12 months’ worth of profit being taxed in 2023/24. To help ease any additional tax arising as a result, she says that “businesses can offset any ‘overlap profits’ they may have from their early years of trading (when they may have been taxed twice due to how the old basis period rules work). They may also be able to spread any remaining ‘excess profits’ over up to five years.”

The problem outlined

As noted above, the transitional year rules could see a temporary increase in the tax payable by businesses without a 31 March or 5 April year-end. However, for Rawson that is not the end of the story as these businesses will also experience ongoing additional admin burdens.

In particular, she warns that once these changes come in, those that draw up accounts to something other than 31 March or 5 April, will have extra work to do each time they complete their tax return: “To get

to the profits for a tax year, they will need to combine amounts from two separate sets of accounts and depending on how late the accounting date falls, the second set of accounts may not be ready by the time they come to file their tax return.”

By way of example, Rawson details that if the trader has a December year-end, to calculate the profits for the 2024/25 tax year, they will need to take amounts from their accounts for both the year ended 31 December 2024 and the year ended 31 December 2025. However, as the deadline for filing the tax return for that year is 31 January 2026, Rawson thinks it highly unlikely that they’ll have the second set of accounts ready in time.

Where this is the case, she says that “they will have to estimate the amount of profi accounts and include a ‘provisional figure’ on the tax return. They will then need to amend the return to correct that provisional figure within one year of the original fi by 31 January 2027 for a 2024/25 return).”

Irritatingly, these extra steps are not a one-off but will recur every year when they prepare their tax return.

Making the change

So, with the change set out, Rawson says that the best way to avoid these ongoing administrative burdens is to change accounting date to 31 March or 5 April.

Luckily, for the moment, Rawson says that it’s possible to change the accounting date by drawing up a set of accounts for a shorter, or longer, period than usual, ending with the new accounting date. For example, if the trader normally has a 31 December accounting date, instead of

Unfortunately, moving the accounting date will not help the trader escape any temporary increase in tax as a result in the change of the basis period rules. However, from Rawson’s standpoint, it will greatly reduce their ongoing admin burdens as they won’t have to worry about splitting accounting figures between tax years or estimating and then correcting provisional figures. This will clearly save time and effort and, says Rawson, “may also help avoid a significant increase in fees if they pay someone to prepare a self-assessment return.” And then there’s the issue that tax return fees are likely to increase for businesses with an accounting date other than 31 March or 5 April, as tax agents will have to do more work to calculate the profits for the year, as well as having to amend returns to correct any provisional figures used.

So, in Rawson’s view, “changing an accounting date to 31 March or 5 April will undoubtedly make a trader’s life easier from a tax perspective.”

Before making any business change, good advice is necessary to weigh up what’s best for the business overall alongside the tax-related issues. Time spent with an accountant or tax adviser in seeking more help and information would be a wise investment.

Adam Bernstein Writer/researcher for independent businesses.

“

“From 6 April 2023, how income tax payable by unincorporated businesses is calculated changed under new rules brought in by HMRC.

Bringing your accounts year-end in line with the tax year could save you a great burden.

PATS

New Product Showcase Awards

These are the products that took the honours at the recent leading pet industry show…

Each PATS show sees a brilliant display of new products. Visitors can get their hands on the new releases and judge for themselves what they think will be big sellers. The showcase is also judged by an independent panel of experts across eight categories. A win at PATS is prestigious and often a sign that a product will be a big hit. The winners at PATS Sandown 2023 were…

Dog Food

Vets Menu Tasty Gravy Topper

These delicious toppers are popular with dogs and were a hit with the PATS judges. They come in two flavours: Roast Chicken with Vegetables and Roast Lamb with Vegetables.

The Roast Lamb with Vegetables Gravy Topper is made with a delicious natural lamb flavour and only the finest quality ingredients. It contains prebiotic fibres to help feed friendly bacteria and support your pet’s digestive system.

The Roast Chicken with Vegetables Gravy Topper is made with a delicious natural chicken flavour and only the finest quality ingredients. It contains a blend of Omega Fatty Acids and Vitamin E to help support your pet’s skin and coat health. With 100% natural ingredients, it contains flaxseed oil and salmon oil which provide omega 6 and 3, as well as turmeric powder which has anti-inflammatory properties.

Vets Menu has been carefully crafted with the expert help of vets and nutritionists to develop great tasting healthy toppers for pets. Simply pour between 20 to 35ml per serving on to dry or wet food. Or even freeze it for a cooling treat or warm it up depending on what your pet prefers!

For trade enquiries, contact beth@macahl.com

Judges said:

“Containing natural ingredients, this product promotes good dog health. Great for fussy dogs, it has a good price point and has eye-catching packaging.”

Dog Accessories and Toys

Henry Wag Easy Roll Travel Bed

3P Enterprise

The Henry Wag Easy-Roll Travel Pet Bed provides your dog with a comfortable place to rest on active days out. The waterproof base gives extra protection from the cold ground. It has been perfectly designed to remove the barriers to travelling with your dog to new and interesting places for a more active lifestyle. The bed can be easily unzipped from the carry bag.

Designed to be lightweight and easy to pack away into its own outer bag, it’s the perfect dog accessory for outside adventures. Washable at 30 degrees.

It can also be used at home to provide a target

Dog Treat Products

Doodle’s Deli Natural Treats Pedigree Wholesale

Doodle’s Deli tasty rewards and natural treats are brought to you by Pedigree Wholesale. The Doodle’s Deli range features over 70 air dried, loose treat lines such as nose, ears, feet, across more than eight different proteins that are 100% natural.

The product range is delightfully varied and ranges from Beef, Pig, Chicken, and even Camel treats along with Lamb, Fish, Rabbit, Ram, and Goat. There is also a range of British-made sausages, such as Beef with Liver, Pheasant, and Partridge and new for 2023, Chicken Linked Sausages.

The treats in the range are naturally long-lasting and free from any artificial ingredients making them perfect dental chews. They may help dogs across various problem areas, such as supporting the removal of plaque and tartar build-up, promoting healthy joints, and helping strengthen jaw muscles. Doodle’s Deli treats are naturally low in fat. Many products contain naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids, which is a great healthy add-on during treat time. Some treats in the range, such as rabbit ears, are hypoallergenic.

The Doodle’s Deli range is a carefully considered addition to Pedigree Wholesale’s owned and exclusive brand portfolio, which is exclusive to the specialist pet retail sector. The range comes with free instore support and display solutions so retailers can sell the range with a strong first impression and impactful merchandising.

Interested in stocking the range in your store? Speak to the sales team at sales@petproducts.co.uk or call 0115 982 3900.

Judges said:

“With sustainability high on consumers’ needs, this product is very eco-friendly. It is 100% natural and is very well priced. Dog owners will love these treats.”

Grooming Products

Oatmeal Dog Shampoo Buddycare

Buddycare’s Oatmeal Dog Shampoo is specially formulated to soothe skin and give a layer of protection from harmful irritants. The colloidal oatmeal also locks in moisture giving your dog’s skin a chance to rehydrate.

The Buddycare Dog Shampoo has a mild formula that is kind to the skin, while the aloe vera and pro-vitamin B5 enhances, conditions and looks after your furry friend’s coat.

For trade enquiries, contact emily@wrimes.co.uk

Judges said:

“An amazing fragrance, vegan and cruelty-free, eye-catching branding, and great value – there could only be one winner of the grooming category.”

sleeping area for your dog or alternatively in the rear seat or boot area of your car for more comfortable travel.

Features: -

l Waterproof base

l Lightweight and easy to carry

l Easily rolls into the carry bag

l Washable at 30 degrees

l Size: 90 x 65 cm

RRP: £27.99

If you are interested in becoming a stockist, please contact enquiries@henrywag.com or 01594 810990.

Judges said:

“We’ve not seen a product like it. It’s perfect on days out for owners and their pets. Compact and well-priced.”

Dog Harnesses, Leads and Clothing

Comfort Rope Lead with New Screw Lock Long Paws

Long Paws continuously strives to improve their products so they always live up to their lifetime quality guarantee. According to Long Paws, it was the following enhancements to their Comfort Rope Lead hooks that all helped secure the award:

- changed the latch from a slide lock to an even more secure screw lock

- installed stronger long-lasting springs

- made subtle changes to the metal to add even more strength and rust resistance

- added 10cm to overall length

- started engraving the Long Paws name into the hooks

- removed the cable ties from the packaging, helping to further reduce single-use plastics.

The Long Paws Comfort Rope Leads have long been a favourite with customers, and having listened to feedback and in tune with their aims to continuously improve their offering, Long Paws believe the enhancements made to the Comfort Leads will help

Small Animal and Bird Products

Little One Range of Tasty Maze Tunnels

Mealberry GmbH

The Little One has won in the Small Animal and Bird Products category showcasing the new Little One Range of Tasty Maze Tunnels. Little One “Tasty Maze” tunnels — fully edible, engaging treat-toys. Each one has its own unique recipe which helps to diversify and enrich the daily diet of small mammals.

l The Small tunnel is suitable for hamsters, rats, mice and gerbils and is covered with crispy puffed grains, tasty dried fruits and various vegetables. This rectangular play-tunnel will captivate the pet‘s attention for a long time, giving them all in one: new adventures, a tasty treat and a place to hide and rest in. It gives the pet the feeling of being in its natural habitat and enriches the diet with beneficial vitamins and minerals.

l The Medium tunnel is covered with tasty, varied, puffed and flaked ingredients. This tunnel is ideal for guinea pigs, rats, and other omnivores. This crunchy treat-toy is perfect for dental care, long-term entertainment and is a great place to play and sleep in. It will enrich the pets’ diet and will give them the feeling of being in their natural habitat.

l The Big tunnel is great for rabbits, guinea pigs and other herbivores. It is covered with a variation of pieces of tasty fruits and vegetables which makes this treat-toy very attractive for pets. It is made for playing, gnawing, peeping out and crawling through. It can be a cozy place to rest and sleep in. The big tunnel supports instinctual hiding behaviour, while fruits and vegetables enrich the diet with vitamins and minerals.

Tasty Maze Tunnels are available at Pedigree Wholesale, visit www.petproducts.co.uk

Pet Care Products

Judges said:

“A great idea that hasn’t been seen before. It also offers good value for money. Another attraction is the choice of flavours and sizes.”

Pet first aid kits personalised to pet businesses ProTrainings Europe Ltd

ProTrainings Europe Ltd offers a range of personalised pet first aid kits and pouches that allows customers to create bespoke first aid kits tailored to their specific needs, ensuring that they have the right equipment on hand in case of an emergency. These are a must have for every pet owner.

The personalised first aid kits and pouches are designed to meet the unique needs of individuals and organisations, offering a flexible solution that can be customised to fit any situation. Customers can choose from a range of products and equipment, including bandages, gauze, wound dressings, and more, and can select the items that they need in their kit. The personalisation can also include your logo, your website, and a QR code that goes directly to your site. This means by personalising your kits, you can also promote your business.

These personalised pet first aid kits and pouches are perfect for individuals, families, and organisations of all sizes. Whether you need a kit for your home, office, or school,

make the Comfort Lead one of the best leads you can buy.

The Long Paws Comfort Lead measures 1.2m in length, has padded handle for extra comfort, an O-ring for attaching poo bag dispensers and other accessories, is made from strong climbing rope with just a tiny bit of stretch to protect your shoulders, has a secure screw-locking karabiner for ease of use and extra safety, has a swivel to prevent the rope twisting, and is available in six colourful designs.

For trade enquiries, call +44 (0)207 175 6403 or email trade@longpaws.co.uk

Judges said:

“This product has a great safety feature, making it extra safe for walking. It’s also comfortable when in use. Dog owners will also love the fact it has a great price point.”

Cat Food and Products

Carnilove True Fresh Cat Foods

Carnilove True Fresh Cat offers a unique formula as a fresh meat dry kibble. It is made with innovative new processing methods that enable the kibble to be made from 100% fresh meat, no meat meal and perfectly preserves the properties of fresh meat.

Cats are notorious for being fussy eaters, so Carnilove have produced these irresistible formulas made with only fresh meat, to ensure lasting taste appeal for all adult cats. They are grain and potato free and contain natural ingredients that are functional and complement each other, allowing for easy transition from one variety to another and making them ideal for rotational feeding.

Carnilove True Fresh Cat comes in three delicious recipes enriched with beneficial fruit and herbs:

l Carnilove Cat True Fresh Turkey enriched with sea buckthorn, cranberries, and ginger root for weight management

l Carnilove Cat True Fresh Fish enriched with lemna, blueberries, and chicory root for skin and coat

l Carnilove Cat True Fresh Chicken enriched with cranberries, thyme and rosemary for immunity support

All recipes are suitable for sterilised cats with minerals and healthy ingredients to support normal urine pH. Fresh meat combined with cranberries, sea buckthorn and blueberries helps to maintain optimal urinary pH and healthy urinary tract. Carnilove True Fresh Cat is available in 340g, 1.8kg bags.

If you are interested in becoming a stockist for Carnilove True Fresh, or any of Carnilove’s other ranges of cat foods, dog foods or treats, please contact the BSB Products Team on 01737 488400 or at sales@BSBproducts.co.uk

Judges said:

“This product contains good ingredients and is super nutritional. As well as being sustainable, it comes in appealing packaging.”

ProTrainings can provide a tailored solution that meets your specific requirements.

ProTrainings Europe’s personalised pet first aid kits and pouches are a must-have for pet owners who want to be prepared for emergencies. These can also go hand in hand with our pet first aid gift cards. With the right supplies on hand, you can quickly and effectively respond to injuries or illnesses and potentially even save your pet’s life.

Judges said:

“Every pet home should have one. This product is a great idea, offering businesses the chance to personalise it.”

For trade enquiries, contact supplies@protrainings.uk

Preparing the Environment

You’re bringing a new cat home, but have you got all the equipment you need?

Clare

Hemington makes sure you’re ready.

We’ve all seen those homes on social media, the ones that have had their human living space turned into a giant cat playhouse. Those that have cat shelves adorning every inch of the interior walls, ceiling height walkways leading to cat-sized holes that allow the feline residents to move seamlessly from one room to the next, wooden rope bridges running across rooms, cat trees galore, and floors adorned with so many toys that you can barely walk across them without getting your foot caught in a cat tunnel. You get my drift.

As cat-parents to be, it is of course very important to have the right cat resources in place to help your new feline friend settle in quickly when he arrives, but you don’t need to go to these extremes, although if you have the inclination, money, and the space, be my guest.

Initially, it’s more about getting the basics right based on an understanding of what a cat’s fundamental needs are. In time, as you learn more about your cat’s individual temperament and idiosyncrasies, you can respond to these accordingly.

So, let’s take a look at what resources your new cat will need in place when he arrives to make him feel comfortable, safe, and which will allow him to perform his species-specific behaviours.

Essential Items

Cat carrier — this is top of the list because it is the first thing your cat will be introduced to when it’s time for you to take him home, unless of course, he’s just wandered into your house and decided to stay. In my opinion, the best type of cat carrier is one that allows for the upper half to be removed. At some point soon, he’ll be having a trip to the vet’s and this type of carrier means an anxious cat can stay in the bottom half of the carrier while being examined.

Food bowls and water bowls (two of each) — you might not think there’s much to choosing these but a word to the wise, some plastic bowls have an odour which can be off-putting for cats. I’d opt for ceramic bowls for both. Just make sure that drinking bowls are nice and wide — cats can suffer from whisker stress and won’t want to get them wet. Senior cats might find it uncomfortable to lower their heads to the floor, so I would recommend raising their food and water bowls to account for this. Each of the bowls should be placed in a different location and well away from the litter tray.

Food — you’ve heard the phrase you are what you eat, and this applies equally to our pets. You can’t go wrong with a good

between a clean and odour-free home and one in which you are regularly having to mop up cat wee. These days, litter trays come in all shapes and sizes with some even claiming to ‘self-clean.’ Cats really don’t need anything that fancy. A kitten will require two basic kitten-sized litter trays in different areas, while for adult cats with no mobility issues two high-sided trays in separate, discreet corners of the home will offer some privacy while taking account of cats that raise their bums when weeing. If you like the idea of a covered litter tray, my advice would be to buy these only for a solo feline. For homes with multiple cats, the lids make great ambush points! Remember that the ideal litter tray

size is one and a half times the size of your cat from the tip of his nose to the base of his tail. For senior cats, a large shallow tray will allow him to enter and exit more easily. Litter — what goes in a litter tray is just as important as the tray itself. For kittens, don’t buy litter containing sodium bentonite as this is poisonous if ingested. During their settling in period, you might want to maintain the same litter material as was used in their rearing environment. Thereafter, and if applicable, a new litter material can be gradually introduced. For adult cats, a fine, soft clumping cat litter will make toileting a comfortable under-paw experience and the clumps will allow for the removal of all the urine, leaving the tray nice and clean for your cat’s next visit and reducing smells for you. Try to avoid fragranced litters, these have been designed with us humans in mind, but with their more sophisticated sense of smell, some cats find it off putting. For the same reason, don’t be tempted to buy any scented litter deodorisers. And when your new cat starts using it (and thereafter), make sure you remove deposits at least twice daily — no-one likes using a dirty loo.

Many years ago, I used to run a small cat-sitting business and I can’t tell you how much time I spent trying to clean litter trays using badly designed scoops through which the litter simply fell straight back into the tray. Thankfully, these days there is more choice, but my advice would be to buy one with small holes!

Whether or not you choose to buy litter tray mats is entirely up to whether or not you mind walking in litter that has been deposited around the trays as cats scrape, rake, and jump out. If you do, those that trap and hold the litter are, in my experience, quite effective at reducing tracking.

Cat beds — beds can be as simple as a blanket on a chair or as sophisticated as a thermo-heated cat pod (yes, really). I wouldn’t necessarily buy a cat bed to start with but use what you have in your home. The exception to this would be for senior cats who, with less fat on their old bones, will require a dedicated heat source, such as a low voltage heated pet pad.

High places — when your new cat comes to live with you, he is probably going to feel a bit, or a lot, anxious. Providing him with a high place where he can feel safe and out of harm’s way is essential. This could be a shelf, the back of a sofa, a windowsill, or other high object-free perch. If he is extra nervous then having dedicated hiding places, both in the room where he is placed on arrival, as well as in the rest of the house, is equally important. It is good practice to maintain a number of hiding and high places throughout your cat’s life with you.

Scratching posts — scratching is an instinctive behaviour and serves a number of purposes for cats. One of these is territory marking. When cats scratch an object, they secrete fatty deposits from the scent and sweat glands inbetween their toes on to the scratched surface. The more of their scent they can spread throughout their territory in this way, the more secure they feel.

So, if you adopt an adult cat, he will likely make himself feel in control of his new environment by leaving as much of his own scent around as possible, and unless you provide dedicated outlets for this, you’ll be looking at ruined furniture.

He’ll need two sturdy scratching posts which are tall enough to allow him to scratch at full stretch. Those that have levels or perches serve multiple purposes, they provide height, somewhere to scratch, and if placed in front of a window can provide a safe vantage point from which your new furry addition can view the outside action.

Kittens will benefit from a kitten-height post but make sure that as they grow, so does the size of their scratcher.

An elderly cat may find it difficult to scratch vertically, in which case try him with a horizontal cardboard scratcher.

Toys — when it comes to toys, in time it’ll probably become evident which type your new cat enjoys playing with, unless he’s a kitten in which case it’ll probably be everything! But to start off with, you could try a mixture of toys of different sizes and with different textures, as

well as those with natural scents such as catnip, valerian, silvervine, and honeysuckle wood.

Grooming tools — if you acquire a long-haired cat, a good grooming tool will be essential. A bristle brush is a standard tool that can be used on all cat fur types. Bear in mind that you may need to spend some time habituating your new cat to the tool.

While the super-creative cat-homes mentioned at the start of this article might be great for cats, they’re not really very practical or achievable for most of us. What cats do need are resources that allow them to perform their instinctive cat behaviours and with the right understanding of what these are, you can create an environment that will

a long way to ensuring your cat has exactly what he needs right from the start of his new life with you.

RESOURCES GOLDEN RULE

If you are going to have more than one cat in your home, remember the golden rule for resources: one per cat, plus one extra, all in separate locations. Where this isn’t practical, look to see which of your cats have formed a social group, in other words those that have a bond and are happy to share resources. In this case, one of each resource per social group is appropriate.

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Scratching is an instinctive behaviour...

Calming body and mind

You may have heard trainers and behaviourists talk about arousal or over-arousal in dogs. But what is it, and what can you do about it? Animal behaviourist and Tellington TTouch instructor Toni Shelbourne explains.

In very simple terms, arousal is a state of readiness or alertness in body and mind. If you and your dog didn’t experience arousal you just wouldn’t get out of bed! However, when a dog is exposed to a lot of sensory input, adrenaline and cortisol are released. That’s not necessarily a bad thing in small doses, or if your dog is competing in a sport, but too much can push a dog into over- or hyper-arousal, which is counterproductive, and could impair your dog’s ability to listen and learn. Overarousal can manifest in several ways, for example:

● Vocalisation.

● Zoomies.

● Pacing, circling, or restlessness.

● Lunging.

● Mouthing.

● Humping.

● Fear responses like reactivity to a dog, person, or environment.

● OTT greetings and play.

● Not being able to calm quickly.

● Physiological reactions like panting, increased heart rate

What causes over-arousal?

Social — a dog may become over-excited in social settings, for example around other dogs or people. It can be common in young, adolescent dogs, but some never seem to grow out of it and can be a real pest to others.

Sexual — every species is influenced by the basic need to procreate, and unneutered dogs are no different.

Fear — many dogs have suffered a frightening experience, resulting in PTSD-type symptoms. They can lunge and bark at others, becoming over-aroused and hyper-vigilant on walks. They feel the need to protect themselves from a

TOP TIP!

Over-arousal is a state of both body and mind. As they are linked, working on how your dog moves will help calm his mind too.

perceived threat, and can struggle to settle even once back at home.

Physical issues — others, who are experiencing a physical condition that results in discomfort, may seem hyper-active, but actually it’s a physical manifestation of the pain. If you suspect your dog is suffering from a condition or injury, the first thing to do is contact your vet for help. Hormones — as well as sexual hormones, other hormones play a part in how aroused your dog can get. Dealing with the root cause of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, by not constantly exposing your dog to scary or exciting stimulus, can help reduce these surges and be the first step to helping settle his behaviour.

What can you do to help?

Several types of dogs can succumb to over-arousal: adolescents, working dogs or those who compete in sports, as well as fearful or under-stimulated pets. My ‘go to’ training method for canines needing help to regulate themselves is the Tellington TTouch method (TTouch for short). If your dog finds it hard to sit still, pulls or lunges on the lead, spins, barks, or finds it hard to retain instructions, TTouch can be instrumental in calming both the body and mind.

TTouch works with all the sensory systems, particularly the proprioceptive system, which tells us how to organise our body and how it relates to the space around us; in simple terms how we move and negotiate the environment. Because over-aroused dogs often seem unaware of their size or objects around them, and appear clumsy, TTouch can help them calm down and move in a more appropriate manner. As movement and posture can directly affect behaviour, dogs often start to manage themselves in a more

mindful and measured way, and there are many tools to help them.

The beauty of balance

Everything we do in TTouch training aims to bring an animal into physical, mental, and emotional balance. We do this with the aid of tools like body work, equipment, and movement exercises.

Because over-aroused dogs often struggle to sit still and can find body contact challenging, starting with movement is often the best option. We can do this by using the confidence course.

TOP TIP!

Your dog isn’t deliberately being naughty or ignoring you. Stay calm and look at the factors that affect his behaviour.

As your dog starts to interact with the elements of the TTouch confidence course you may notice moments of improved concentration, body awareness, and cooperation. He will become more mindful in his actions, start to slow down, and be able to pause in a balanced, still stance. His brain and body are starting to come back into a rational thinking state where he can learn and regulate himself.

Setting up a course

This can be done in the garden or house. Use different objects and surfaces that your dog can easily walk over, around, or on. These should be low, have different textures, and be laid out in patterns that encourage him to move in ways he wouldn’t normally. Here are some suggestions

of everyday items you can use, which you may have lying around the house and garden:

● Brooms or garden tool handles — don’t take the actual head off as when laid down the height difference it creates requires added awareness as your dog steps over it.

● Old bicycle tyres, hoopla-hoops, rope, or a garden hose curled in loops. Set up a few next to each other in random patterns; you want to see if your dog can walk through without stepping on or tripping over them.

● Flowerpots, buckets, or large filled bottles of water can be set out as weaves, but make a note at what distance your dog can easily bend his body around them. Start wide and then reduce the gap if needed.

no equipment on him, try this first. You can add the lead as he settles down. Walk through the elements of the confidence course slowly and pause often for a few seconds in the middle of an element. This could be as you walk through the tyres, on a bend of the weaves or labyrinth, or even with two front feet on one side of a pole and the hind legs on the other. Don’t worry if initially your dog is a little fast, clumsy, or distracted. Stay calm and perhaps use a little food incentive for a short time, placing the treat just a short distance in front of him on the ground using slow hand movements. Don’t vocally cue your dog. This is about bringing awareness to his proprioception, not following obedience cues.

TOP TIP!

Change the posture and you can influence the behaviour. Your dog will then be able to listen and learn more effectively.

● Mats, cardboard, old garden lounger cushions, pillows, tarpaulin, and any other non-slip surfaces — is your dog willing and able to walk over them confidently, slowly, and in balance?

You want your dog to stand in as natural an outline as possible, not looking up at you when you stop, or turning towards you. Try to position yourself up by his head and shoulder. If he’s on-lead, have only a very slight slack in the lead so you can influence his movement. When you want to stop, give a gentle signal, and then soften or melt your connection so your dog comes into a balanced standing position. At first, he may instantly start to move; gently ask for the pause again, but only for a second or so before allowing him to move on. The longer pauses will come in time as he starts to organise his body better. Try to glide in and out of these transitions smoothly, thinking about and starting to initiate the stops through gentle lead pressure and your body position a few steps before your intended pause.

The length spent doing the groundwork exercises will depend on your dog’s fitness and concentration level; 10 to 15 minutes may be ample for a busy dog. Note that this exercise can be mentally, as well as physically, tiring. You are not just activating the physical body here, but influencing the brain too. This means this exercise is perfect for high-energy dogs who can’t normally settle and can become worse if given high-energy exercise.

● Garden canes or long lengths of wood — can you create a labyrinth for your dog to negotiate, moving around the bends smoothly and efficiently?

● A wide scaffold plank or a dog car ramp laid flat, for

Use your imagination and adapt whatever you have lying around; it just needs to be size appropriate,

Tackling the course

Pop your dog on his lead or better still a harness with two points of connection, at the chest and top of the shoulder. You could add in a TTouch Harmony

Leash or TTouch Connector to give your dog a sense of more freedom of movement. If you struggle with your dog’s behaviour onlead, but he can follow your hand movements off-lead with

Once your dog is calmer, you will then be able to introduce the TTouch body work, which will further influence his physical balance and shift him towards the rest and digest side of his nervous system, positively impacting his mental and emotional state and relaxing him further.

You may also find a body wrap brings added composure and body awareness, helping him regulate his movement and ability to listen.

Whatever the reason why your dog struggles to control himself in exciting situations, or just can’t settle at home, the TTouch tools can be a great first step towards influencing a calmer demeanour.

Images: Toni Shelbourne.

As your dog starts to interact with the elements of the TTouch confidence course, you may notice moments of improved concentration, body awareness, and cooperation.

You can use anything you have lying around to build a TTouch confidence course, as long as it is size appropriate, non-slip, and safe.

often start off pulling and out of balance, having little connection with their handler.

These pictures show dog and handler negotiating the TTouch labyrinth; it encourages self-carriage, which is linked to self-confidence and self-control. The handler is using a TTouch Harmony Leash.

This dog is anxious about another dog in the distance.

The confidence course gives him a focus and he starts to relax.

Claire Hamblion Marketing Director at Supreme Pet Foods

Recent figures from UK Pet Food have highlighted the continuing growth in the small pet population. This is in contrast to cats and dogs where numbers have decreased by eight percent. Owners are prioritising the care of these small pets and are prepared to invest in their health and well-being. However, there is one area where they lag behind their canine and feline friends, and that is when it comes to preventative health. According to the PDSA Paw Report 2022, only 55 percent of rabbits received regular booster vaccinations, compared to 79 percent of dogs and 61 percent of cats.

Not only does this mean that nearly half of the UK’s pet rabbit population are not protected against diseases like myxomatosis, but they are unlikely to be receiving expert veterinary advice on other aspects of health and husbandry. Specialist pet retailers are ideally placed to fill some of the gaps in knowledge that exist while also highlighting the importance of appropriate veterinary care.

A growing problem

One of the areas where retailers can have a big input is in helping to tackle the growing problem of small pet obesity. The topic has to be approached with a degree of care, as pet obesity can be an emotive subject, often complicated by feelings of guilt. However, by starting conversations around weight and obesity, and providing advice that is both accurate and reliable, retailers can have a significant positive impact on the health and well-being of small pets, as well as fostering customer loyalty.

Ask the right questions

When it comes to maintaining a healthy weight, there is nothing more important than diet, and of course with small herbivores, feeding an appropriate fibre-rich diet is essential for supporting dental and digestive health too. Data from the PDSA Paw Report states that while 32 percent of rabbits have constant access to hay and grass, 29 percent are offered less than a body sized amount, or none at all each day.

Owners are much more likely to give the full picture

Pawsitively healthy: communicating with owners about small pet obesity

surrounding their pet’s diet if questions are asked in an inviting manner. For example, closed questions such as ‘What do you feed your rabbit?’ will often yield one or two word answers, and limited information. Getting as much detail as possible from pet owners will help guide any dietary recommendations, and a more open style of questioning is often more rewarding.

Tip:

Using open questions encourages owners to divulge far more information. Moreover, using time points such as ‘morning’ and ‘evening’ provides owners with structure to their response which can help with recall.

Dietary recommendations

Many rabbits and other small herbivores that are overweight, or obese, will be fed a diet that is lacking in fibre. A good guide is that rabbits and guinea pigs should be offered a body sized amount of hay each day, although in reality an unlimited supply is best. Encouraging a rabbit or guinea pig that is unused to much hay to increase its intake can be tricky and the problem is made worse if that pet is already suffering from dental disease, as this can make chewing fibrous vegetation difficult.

For any small herbivore that is reluctant to eat their hay, it is always best to advise a check-up with a vet. With the veterinary all-clear, retailers should focus on emphasising the importance of feeding high quality, highly palatable hay like Science Selective Timothy Hay. With large tasty seed heads, it is harvested from the first cut of the year and its long large blades encourage increased chewing time. For rabbits or guinea pigs that are unused to eating sufficient quantities, poor quality hay is much less likely to tempt them.

What about nuggets?

Portion control is crucial when it comes to the nugget part of the diet and a maximum of 25 grams of nuggets or muesli mix per kilogram of body weight per day should be offered. This should be split into two meals, morning and evening. The nuggets should also be high in fibre, and no added sugar diets such as Science Selective Adult Rabbit are preferable, not only for weight management, but also for dental and digestive health.

The nugget portion should be reduced depending on body condition score. However, it is important not to reduce the quantity too much, to avoid deficiencies of important dietary ingredients. Lower bulk density, higher fibre diets like Selective Naturals FibaFirst have a nutritional profile similar to hay and are a good option for rabbits with a little more to lose.

Vital vitamins

Just like humans, it is fairly common knowledge that guinea pigs have a requirement for Vitamin C in their diet, as without adequate levels of this vitamin, signs of deficiency (scurvy) will develop, which can include swollen feet or joints, and a reluctance to move. However, it has also been suggested that due to effects on mobility, guinea pigs that are deficient in vitamin C may be more at risk of weight gain.

This essential need for vitamin C is one reason why good quality food, formulated specifically for guinea pigs, should be recommended. Vitamin C is relatively unstable and tends to degrade over time, especially if it is exposed to light, heat, and moisture. Therefore, it is important that owners follow the manufacturer’s storage and ‘use by’ instructions. Some diets, including all of Supreme’s guinea pig diets, contain vitamin C in a stabilised form to prevent it from degrading.

Exercise and enrichment

Of course, to maintain a healthy weight, adequate space to exercise is crucial. In fact, one of the PFMA’s Annual Reports highlighted that vets consider insufficient exercise to be the root cause of weight gain in 35 percent of small mammals. The Blue Cross recommend that two rabbits should have a minimum area of three metres by two metres, and it should be at least one metre high, while for guinea pigs the equivalent area should be around 1.5 metres by 0.6 metres.

Environmental enrichment, as well as being important for well-being, can also help to encourage exercise through natural foraging behaviour. Owners can try:

● Scatter feeding nuggets

● Hiding nuggets in Science Selective Timothy hay, to

encourage hay intake

● Encouraging foraging behaviour with no added sugar, high fibre treats such as Selective Naturals Berry Loops

● Filling empty egg boxes with hay and a few tasty herbs

● Hiding some leafy greens in a cardboard tube

Indoor living

While rabbits and guinea pigs that live mainly, or entirely indoors, may have access to enough space to exercise, especially if they are allowed to free roam, this is not always the case. In addition, living indoors, with the benefit of central heating, means small pets do not need to expend energy to keep warm, increasing the risk of weight gain. Tailored diets, such as Science Selective House Rabbit, ensure the needs of indoor rabbits are met — as well as being fortified with vitamin D and high in fibre, Science Selective House Rabbit has a low calorie content to help prevent weight gain and obesity.

Communication is key

effective tool, as owners are often keen to try before they buy. They are particularly successful with brands which perform well on taste tests, such as Science Selective and with this in mind, Supreme now offers free samples of all life stage diets. When used alongside money off next purchase coupons this can help to set up and reinforce habits, starting pets on a lifelong journey of optimum nutrition.

And finally…

Remember that many overweight rabbits and guinea pigs will have underlying medical problems, such as arthritis, poor gut health, and even liver disease. The expertise of a knowledgeable pet retailer is invaluable, but owners of obese animals should also be advised to seek veterinary advice to ensure these pets get the very best possible care. besity. b

There is no doubt that communication is key to reducing the prevalence of small pet obesity. It is also worth bearing in mind that if recommendations are clear and concise, owners are much more likely to follow your advice.

Supreme has a long-standing ethos of providing strong retailer support, and offers a comprehensive range of POS material from traditional barkers and wobblers to care guides, free samples, and loyalty cards. These can be incorporated into eyecatching in-store displays to start conversations around small pet obesity, the importance of diet, and more.

Free samples are a particularly

Small pet obesity is a sensitive topic.

Exercise is so important to keep small pets in shape.

The principles of data protection

Organisations and businesses, no matter the sector they operate in, will collect, process, and store data. And whether it’s about staff, customers, or suppliers, this data is protected by the law. Firms that choose to ignore their obligations risk serious penalties and negative publicity.

The UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) sets out the data protection regime applicable in the UK, which is supplemented by the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA).

Personal data is any information relating to an identified or identifiable individual. In overview, if an individual can be identified, directly or indirectly, from the information, then it may be personal data; this includes their name, location data, and online identifier.

Different obligations apply to a data controller or a data processor (with controllers shouldering the highest level of compliance responsibility). A data controller is the natural or legal person which determines the purposes and means of the processing of personal data. Processors process personal data on behalf of, and on the instructions of, controllers. All organisations will be controllers of the personal data relating to their employees,

and any customers or clients that they service. Third party service providers such as payroll providers may act as processors on behalf of a controller who is their client.

Principles of data protection

The principles are crucial to data protection compliance as they underpin all of the rights and obligations set out in the GDPR. Article 5 of the GDPR outlines the seven data protection principles. They are the need for lawfulness, fairness and transparency, purpose limitation, data minimisation, accuracy, storage limitation, integrity and confidentiality (security), and accountability. Firms must consider and comply with the above principles in all decisions and actions relating to personal data.

Lawfulness of processing

Article 6 of the GDPR

A controller must have a valid legal basis for processing personal data. Under article 6 of the GDPR, there are six lawful bases available – if none apply, the processing will not be lawful. There is no single basis that is ‘better’ than the others.

Under article 6, personal data may be processed on the basis of an individual’s consent; a contractual necessity; legal obligation; protection of vital interests; a public task; or legitimate interests (either the controller’s or a third party’s).

Article 9 of the GDPR

This covers special category personal data (SCPD) — any personal data which reveals an individual’s racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs or trade union membership, data concerning an individuals’ health, sex life or sexual orientation, or genetic or biometric data. In order for the processing of SCPD to be lawful, the controller must have an applicable legal basis under article 9 (as well as the initial legal basis under article 6).

SCPD includes sensitive types of personal data and processing these types of data can be much more intrusive to the individual concerned. As such, the potential legal bases that may be relied upon for this type of processing are more limited and specific. They are an individual’s explicit

consent; for employment, social security, and social protection; the protection of the vital interests of the data subject or another individual; for not-for-profit bodies; matters made public by the data subject; for legal claims or judicial acts; for reasons of substantial public interest; for health or social care; for public health; and archiving, research, and statistics.

Individuals’ rights

Where an organisation processes an individual’s personal data, they will have rights in relation to such data — the right to be informed; to have access; to rectification; to erasure; to restrict processing; to data portability; to object; and rights in relation to automated decision-making and profiling.

Registration

Under the Data Protection (Charges and Information) Regulations 2018, controllers must pay a fee to the Information Commissioner’s Office unless they are exempt, and thereafter will be entered onto the ICO’s Data Protection Public Register. The exemptions are very narrow. In any event, if those that use CCTV must be registered with the ICO, and the exemptions will not apply.

Compliance framework

A controller is responsible for, and must be able to demonstrate compliance with, the data protection principles in the GDPR. The GDPR does not prescribe how such compliance should be achieved or demonstrated, but it is advisable to implement an appropriate internal compliance programme. To get the best protection this should cover:

Oversight with clear responsibilities and lines of authority for staff in relation to dataprotection activities.

Policies and procedures, and staff training to provide clarity and consistency by communicating what individuals in the business must do and why they must do it.

Transparency which means compliance with the requirement under the GDPR to provide certain information to individuals about how controllers process their personal data. The standard form for this is in a privacy notice.

Records of processing in accordance with article 30 of the GDPR, including the type of personal data processed and the legal basis relied on in each case.

Contracts and data sharing rules so that where controllers share personal data with any third-party processor, the parties must have a contract in place which includes all of the requirements under article 28 of the GDPR. These may be included within the applicable commercial contract or put into an addendum to update an existing commercial agreement.

A Data protection impact assessment (DPIA) in place where any data protection processing is likely to result in a high risk to the rights and freedoms of individuals (such as processing criminal convictions data on a large scale).

Direct marketing

Direct marketing is any advertising or promotional material aimed at a particular person, including notifications about the latest products or services, or other campaigns. Under the Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003 (PECR) strict rules apply to communicating direct marketing by text or email to an individual, in that firms must have the individual’s consent before they can market to them (unless the soft opt-in applies).

The soft opt-in applies where a business has sold a product or service to an individual (or has collected personal data in negotiations for a sale), the direct marketing subsequently sent markets similar products or services, and the individual is provided with the opportunity to opt out of the marketing both when first collecting their details, and in every message after that.

Consent is not required for postal marketing (either to a corporate entity or individual), or marketing by email or text to corporate subscribers, but businesses must process any associated personal data in line with the obligations under data protection legislation.

Enforcement, penalties and liabilities

In relation to a breach of data protection legislation, individuals have the right to lodge a complaint with the ICO; an effective judicial remedy against a controller or processor; and compensation from a relevant controller or processor for material or nonmaterial damage (distress, for example) resulting from infringement of the GDPR.

The ICO has many enforcement options, including criminal prosecution and noncriminal enforcement. In relation to direct marketing breaches, under the PECR, the ICO may issue a fine of up to £500,000.

Also, under the GDPR, the ICO may impose fines for infringements, based on two tiers:

Either the higher maximum amount of £17.5 million or 4% of the total annual worldwide turnover (whichever is higher) including for breaches of the basic principles for processing personal data and infringements of data subjects’ rights; or standard maximum amount of £8.7 million or 2% of the total annual worldwide turnover (whichever is higher) for infringements of other provisions, such as administrative requirements, of the legislation.

The biggest fines issued by the ICO relate to security breaches leading to loss or unauthorised access to individuals’ personal data (such as the £20 million fine issued to British Airways in 2020, and the £18.4 million fine issued to Marriott Hotels). The most frequent fines relate to breaches of the direct marketing rules in PECR.

With the principles of data protection set out, it is important that organisations fully understand their obligations.

Adam Bernstein

Writer/researcher for independent businesses.

As we all know, the whole world is trying to drive down energy use and reduce the amount of single use waste, while also trying to reduce the use of some potentially hazardous materials. This is leading to a global reduction in the production of, sale of, and use of many of the existing types of lighting, and a root and branch legislatively enforced move to LED solutions in the home. This is great news for both homes and the workplace. However, it is the existing methods of lighting and the spectrum contained within them that are so essential to the health and well-being of reptiles and their ongoing long-term care.

OK, so the first paragraph can read as a shock horror news of an impending ban that will cause the slow progression of sickness and lead to avoidable death of hundreds of millions of captive reptiles all around the world… and in a sense this is true. If these bans were enforced and became total, it would indeed mean that we would be left very quickly without access to essential lighting products that produce heat and UV. However, there are formal exemptions within the existing directives that allow products that adhere to certain output stipulations to continue to be made and sold while the world searches for solutions that require less energy to run.

As keepers and traders, we have little to fear in terms of not having access to these essential lamps right now, but there are other limitations that we should be aware of, such as inevitable increases in price, and of course there will most likely be a barrage of products becoming available that simply cannot provide well in terms of maintaining life, no matter what the sales guff may suggest.

It is already now common to see on market place type websites examples of ‘UV-B LEDs.’ Currently, these should be avoided with no acceptable UV LED solution yet being available (I will explain why in a second), but plenty of these fittings and lamps being independently tested to show dangerous wavelengths (UV-C and very low wavelength UV-B), incomplete spectrums, and some being electrically

Reptile lamps have not been banned…

dangerous (I have seen one already that earthed to the metal casing of the lamp, at 240v that is critically dangerous).

Sadly, reptile care products are not regulated nor require any registration other than the electrical safety testing and the goodwill testing of the brand issuing the lamp. Sadly, there are companies now, mostly from Asia, that have zero knowledge about reptiles or their care, therefore they have no idea what the D3 cycle is, nor the complex process of self-regulation and self-recycling that is so vital, all of which is bound to the spectrum of the light source. Great care should be taken. I have seen nothing, myself being a leading lighting specialist, to suggest that UV LED is in any way suitable for reptile care as yet, but I have promised for over 10 years that when it is, that the brand that I care for will be the first.

‘The provision of sun-like energy for captive reptiles and birds is paramount to their health and well-being. Without access to the full-spectrum of terrestrial UV-A and UV-B, animals would not be able to utilise the wholly natural and self-regulate vitamin D3 cycle. As keepers, we know that the improper, under or unbalanced provision of terrestrial UV leads to wholly avoidable diseases that terminate with death after a long period of sickness and pain’.

Why cannot LED be relied upon yet to provide fullspectrum+UV-B energy? LEDs have very many benefits, huge amounts of light (photons) for a small amount of energy being used. They have a long life and can be easily controlled. They do, however, have a couple of major limitations when it comes to reptile care. The most obvious is within wavelength availability or spectrum.

LEDs emit photons within a very tight group of wavelengths. This is measured in nanometres within the electromagnetic spectrum. We need to provide energy in the same way as the sun from around 295nm right up into visible light and infra-red. To cover even just UV, we have to have UV-B and UV-A provided in escalating levels of energy but with every point of that terrestrial spectrum represented. UV LEDs may only cater for 5-10 points within

the spectrum. A 308nm diode may provide only 306-315nm and so on. This means that very many diodes are required currently to cover the spectrum in UV from 295-440nm and then be repeated in series all along the lamp so that we have a homogenous flood type output. Good quality diodes that represent even this small portion of the spectrum are around $40 each at the moment. To make it even worse, diodes are not yet available that cover the whole spectrum, they will be, but not at the point of writing. This means that to release a UV LED solution now means a high level of compromise, very high buy-in costs, and they would almost certainly require more energy than the fluorescent solution that we have now, being proven safe and effective for over 10 years.

The same is true for heat lamps. We need bright heat sources that are flood in nature but remain infra-red-A rich. This is exactly the job that tungsten and halogen lamps do so well. This is deeply penetrating and highly bioavailable energy that covers visible light right up into IR-A and some IR-B, just like the sun. For an LED solution to be made, it would have to once again use many differing diodes to cover the spectrum from 600nm upwards into 1900nm or more. In truth, the tech is just not available yet, and where parts of it are, it remains brain meltingly expensive and to do correctly, would again almost certainly require more energy than the solutions that we have now.

We are therefore grateful for the exemptions that exist within the directives, but still remain conscious that we must work with legislators to ensure that the lives and well-being of captive and pet animals are provided for well. If a total ban were to have been enforced, there would not be a single keeper, be they pet, study collection, or zoo that could possibly fulfil the mandated ‘five freedoms.’ Animals would suffer and the whole hobby vanish. It would be like selling frozen foods but banning ovens! It would be informal prohibition with a smile, on a global scale. We should always look forwards to new tech, but not at the expense of core animal welfare.

John Courteney-Smith MRSB FLS Arcadia Reptile; Head of Science and Innovation/Author/Herpetologist

The once-in-a-lifetime dog

a dream to train and we bonded instantly.”

Taught to detect drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, and ecstasy; money, including sterling and euros; and guns and ammunition, Stella found £200 in cash hidden in a drawer during her first live search and located £25,000 in cash in her first week on the job.

“Different breeds have different jobs in the police but Stella’s size gave her an advantage,” continued Claire, whose special Staffie has also helped people overcome their fear of dogs during school and community talks. “She was able to easily get into car footwells and on top of kitchen cupboards.

“Stella is a wonderful ambassador for her breed and proves that with the right training and right owner, Staffies are incredible dogs who can achieve anything.”

No stranger to receiving national recognition, Stella was voted Public Service Animal of the Year in the Daily Mirror’s 2015 Animal Hero Awards. But being presented with The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award at this year’s Crufts was the icing on the cake for Claire, and even brought a tear to her eye.

drive, Sue contacted PC Lee Webb from Avon and Somerset Police, who came out to assess the one-year-old Staffie.

Meanwhile, Gloucestershire Constabulary dog handler PC Claire Todd was in need of a new canine partner when she first heard about the talented rescue in 2014.

“PC Webb contacted me and told me to keep an open mind,” recalled Claire, who had dreamed of becoming a dog handler ever since her mum took her to see a police dog display when she was 11.

Immense drive

But it didn’t take long for Claire to be impressed by Stella’s qualities.

“We did all the tests, such as throwing a tennis ball into long grass and hiding it,” explained 50-year-old Claire, who currently owns five other dogs: German Shepherd rescue project Vader, pet Pointer X spaniel Flame, retired Springer Spaniel Barney, German Shepherd general purpose police dog Quest, and trainee Belgian Malinois Maisie.

“We were looking for a dog determined to keep going until they found the ball — Stella’s search drive was immense.

“I was gobsmacked as all the other finalists were such worthy winners,” continued Claire. “We are so grateful to everyone who voted — we are over the moon and had the most amazing time!

“Stella made my job easy and has been worth her weight in gold to me. I am so incredibly proud of her — it’s so nice to be able to show the breed and police in a positive light.”

After giving a glimpse of her cheeky personality by trying to snaffle the microphone cover following her win, Stella has taken the whirlwind of media attention, including appearing on ‘BBC Breakfast’, all in her stride.

Having fun

While the super Staffie has been enjoying her retirement with lots of cuddles on the sofa and long walks, she isn’t ready to put her paws up completely just yet.

As broadcaster Kay Burley ripped open the gold envelope on the final evening of Crufts, you could hear a pin drop.

The audience in the packed Resorts World Arena at Birmingham’s NEC was waiting with bated breath to hear which of the five worthy finalists would win the prestigious Kennel Club Hero Dog Award (formerly known as Friends for Life).

Would it be 13-year-old Ashley Owens, who has spent more than 650 nights camped out with his Springer Spaniel Bertie to raise money for Ukrainian pets and their owners? Or Dogs for Good assistance dog Albert, who has restored Jemima Banks’ independence after eight years of chronic pain?

Perhaps the winner would be Dr Claire Guest’s medical detection dog Asher, a rescue Cocker Spaniel previously labelled ‘naughty’ and ‘neurotic’, who has gone on to detect human diseases, including Parkinson’s, malaria, and even COVID-19? Maybe black Labrador Beauty, who has seen the Bellamy family — including 11-year-old leukaemia sufferer Lily — through tough times, would be top dog?

In the end though, it was former RSPCA rescue turned police dog Stella, and her owner/handler PC Claire Todd, who claimed the coveted prize after securing the lion’s share of the 121,000 public votes.

Found roaming the streets of Taunton, Somerset, as a stray, the now 10-year-old Staffie was the first of her breed to become a police dog.

Before her retirement in September, Stella served eightand-a-half years as a drugs, cash, and firearms recovery dog with Gloucestershire Constabulary, sniffing out thousands of pounds worth of contraband and helping to bring criminals to justice.

Despite her sad start in life, soon after arriving at RSPCA West Hatch Animal Centre in Taunton, Stella was talentspotted by kennel supervisor Sue Dicks, who has discovered more than a dozen future police dogs, including four Staffordshire Bull Terriers or crosses who have gone on to become sniffer dogs. Impressed with her excellent search

“I didn’t know anything about Staffies other than the breed was receiving some bad press at the time, but Stella was very friendly and wagged her tail and licked my face. She stole my heart so I said: ‘Yes — I’ll give her a go!’”

Claire picked up the raw recruit on a cold Monday morning in January and immediately started some basic training before their six-week course was due to start in March.

“Stella was a bit unruly to begin with — she’d had no training,” said Claire, who soon realised she had a quick learner on her hands after the Staffie attained her Kennel Club Good Citizen Bronze Award and completed the police training course in just four weeks, a fortnight ahead of schedule.

“She picked everything up really quickly — she was a natural — and was very eager to learn and please. Stella was

“We are members of the East Anglian Staffordshire Bull Terrier Display Team, which we joined in 2017,” added Claire. “It is so much fun to be a part of this lovely family of people and dogs.”

Claire and Stella were presented with their award and a cheque for £5,000 from The Kennel Club Charitable Trust, to be donated to a canine charity of their choice. Claire chose to split the money between four causes close to her heart: WAGS (Wiltshire, Avon, Gloucestershire and Somerset) Retired Police Dog Charity, Scottish Staffordshire Bull Terrier Rescue, Friends of West Hatch, and the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals.

“All four charities mean so much to us,” said Claire, whose star Staffie has 30,000 Twitter followers.

“I am so lucky Stella came into my life. She is very special — dogs like her only come along once in a lifetime.”

Image: Beat Media and The Kennel Club.

From RSPCA rescue to police dog extraordinaire, Staffordshire Bull Terrier Stella has been voted the nation’s top canine hero. Joanne Bednall reports.

The five finalists in The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award.

Stella made my job easy and has been worth her weight in gold to me.

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