Dogs Monthly magazine

“My dog ate my…”

Editor — Thu, 23 May 2013 09:43:16 +0000

Patrick

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has carried out a survey to find out some of the strangest things dogs have accidentally consumed, following the arrival of a six-month-old mongrel, named Patrick, who had swallowed a kebab skewer whole.
Some of the more unusual items included a £20 note, mobile phone, earrings, rubber duck, three magnets, 110 tea lights, an industrial fisherman’s glove, net curtains and a baby’s shoe.
The charity is warning dog owners to be extra careful if their companion has a habit of eating items he shouldn’t, which could potentially prove fatal.
Ali Taylor, from Battersea, advises: “If your dog has gotten hold of something he shouldn’t, don’t attempt to chase him around the house trying to retrieve it, as he may see this as a game and give him all the more reason to swallow it. Instead try exchanging it for his favourite treat or toy. If your dog has eaten something it shouldn’t and you are worried, consult your vet immediately”
Patrick’s story can be seen in ITV’s Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs tonight at 8.30pm.

Guide Dogs launches summer Dogalogue

Editor — Mon, 20 May 2013 10:40:56 +0000

This gorgeous Labrador umbrella is priced at £11.99.

For the first time, Guide Dogs is sending out a summer Dogalogue containing a variety of gifts for dog-lovers and Guide Dogs supporters alike – and all profits go to Guide Dogs.
It features doggy gifts, such as a rawhide birthday card and various toys; present ideas for family and friends, including a pretty matching apron, oven glove, cake tin and tea towel set; and garden accessories such as folding secateurs and an ornamental twine holder.
To view the full range or order online visit www.dogalogue.com

Gundog training days

Editor — Wed, 15 May 2013 10:26:06 +0000

For anyone thinking about getting a puppy for gundog work, the Kennel Club is offering the opportunity to watch, listen and learn at the popular Gundog Training Days for Novice Handlers this summer.
    The four training days are specially designed for owners of retrievers and spaniels, helping to provide them with the skills they will require to excel in working dog activities.
    The Kennel Club has now expanded these days to include those looking into gundog ownership, or for anyone who already owns a retriever or spaniel that is too young to attend (younger than nine months).
    The training days will take place on the following dates:
Wednesday 29 May 2013 – Chatsworth Estate, Derbyshire
Sunday 16 June 2013 – Dunira Estate, Perthshire
Sunday 7 July 2013 – Orsett Estate, Essex
Saturday 3 August 2013 – Popes Oak Farm, West Sussex
    For more details and to book your place visit www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/3646

Can you offer a home to Battersea’s loneliest dog?

Editor — Tue, 14 May 2013 11:56:45 +0000

Paul O’Grady is appealing to Kent residents asking them to give a home to the charity’s longest stay dog, who has been in the care of Battersea Brands Hatch for almost a year.
The five-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier, named Alfie, arrived at Battersea when his owners were no longer able to care for him. The average stay for dogs at the home is just 35 days, but Alfie has been there more than 10 times longer.
Paul met Alfie while filming the second series of Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs. He explains: “I can’t believe this poor little guy has been looking for a home for almost a year – he’s lovely. It breaks my heart that he has been waiting for a family for so long. Come on, someone give him a home.”
If you can offer Alfie a new home please contact Battersea Brands Hatch visit www.battersea.org.uk or tel. 01474 874994.

Brew up, help a pup

Editor — Thu, 09 May 2013 11:04:53 +0000

Jerry Green Dog Rescue, which has five centres across Lincolnshire, Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire, is encouraging fund-raisers to stage coffee mornings throughout May to raise much-needed money for the charity.

“Everyone is welcome to host a coffee morning in May, from schools, societies and offices to friends and neighbours,” said Catherine Foster, head of fundraising at Jerry Green Dog Rescue.

“We’re asking people who care about animals to ‘paws’ for a cup of coffee and do their bit for their local dog rescue centre. With over 160 dogs in our care, it’s surprising the difference a fundraising cuppa can really make!”

If you plan to hold your own coffee morning please register in advance on tel. 01652 650886 or send an email to fundraising@jerrygreendogs.org.uk - or to find out where your nearest coffee morning is being held visit www.jerrygreendogs.org.uk

Make a stand against puppy farming

Editor — Wed, 08 May 2013 09:26:05 +0000

Animal welfare campaign group Pup Aid has launched an e-petition to help ban the cruel practice of puppy and kitten farming in the UK. The e-petition calls for the Government to ban the sale of young puppies and kittens unless the mother is present, as an absent mother can often indicate puppy farming.

Kept in horrific conditions, then sent long distances cross country and sold en masse to pet shops, websites, and private dealers, these puppies – who are usually poorly and riddled with painful disease – often die within days of arriving in their new home.

TV Vet Marc Abraham says: “Most dog owners say they’d never buy a dog from a puppy farm, yet a large number will due to common scams, especially by private dealers. This is exactly why Pup Aid has launched this e-petition. We need 100,000 signatures to make the Government listen and hopefully end this needless and preventable suffering for good.”

Pup Aid believes prospective puppy owners should always:
- Ask “Where’s Mum?”
- Insist on seeing the puppy and mother interacting.
- Be aware of scams, e.g. a fake mother, or no mother, present.

Click here to show your support and sign the e-petition.

Understanding canine epilepsy

Editor — Wed, 01 May 2013 08:59:35 +0000

Epilepsy in dogs is a concern for some owners. Fits can be very distressing to witness and it can be difficult to know what to do for the best, but help is at hand.
    The Veterinary Expert is running a free webinar for pet owners on the 9 May at 7.30pm. Presented by Dr Laurent Garosi, a world-renowned veterinary specialist in canine neurology, the webinar will focus on the practical information that pet owners need to know. It will cover exactly what to do if your dog has a fit, the common causes of epilepsy, treatment options and the long-term outlook for a pet with the condition.
    If you want to watch the online presentation, you will need to register at www.fightingfits.com – after the live online broadcast, a link to the recorded webinar will be sent to you, meaning you can watch it at your leisure.
    For more information on other health conditions affecting dogs, visit www.theveterinaryexpert.com

Don’t miss the latest issue!

Editor — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 14:53:29 +0000

The June issue of Dogs Monthly goes on sale 2 May. Inside you’ll find…

Buying a puppy Essential advice for choosing a new pal
Wait, stay, leave & off Step-by-step dog training for ‘teenagers’
Nail care Keep your dog’s claws trim and tidy
“Are we there yet?” Dealing with car phobia
Life’s lessons Why socialisation is simply vital
Breed focus The sociable Italian Spinone
Parasitic skin diseases Mange under the microscope
Feeding an older dog Meeting his dietary needs as he matures
Walk this way Are we, and our dogs, getting enough exercise?
All about SRMA Canine steroid responsive meningitis explained
Rescue successes Happy endings for three Blue Cross dogs
Injured parties Where do you stand legally if someone harms your dog?
Gold diggers Truffle-hunting with a dog
The Bear truth Retraining a French Bulldog with poor social skills
“My model dogs” Meet Victoria Pendleton’s duo of Dobermanns
Last resort Advice if you need to rehome your dog due to a change in circumstances
“I’m happiest around my dogs” Introducing the next contenders for the HiLife Trophy
Go green Dog-friendly eco holidays
Time for bed Make a ‘doughnut’ dog bed
Yobs with dogs How some breeds’ good reputations have been destroyed by unsuitable owners
Trail hounds Days out in Dorset
K9 Queries All answered by experts in their field on: care, health, training, insurance, grooming, breeding & puppy care, behaviour, feeding and veterinary
PLUS Many more entertaining and informative articles on all things dog!