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K9 Magazine Issue 155

K9 Magazine — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 15:00:23 GMT

In This Issue... Behaviour: Understanding Different Types Of Dog Barks Interview: Stacey Jackson Talking Point: 7 Dogs Who Like Other Dogs Who Need A New Start Behaviour: A Simple Way To Teach Your Dog To Count Nutrition: Gut Health (Why It's So Important For Your Dog's Wellbeing) Review: Bissell Icon Cordless Vacuum Cleaner Health: Health Apps For Dogs - Do They Work? Best Dog Products: 4 Great Dog Health Products You Should Know About Health: New Year's Resolutions For Dog Owners Nutrition: The Incredible Benefits of Fish For Dogs Lifestyle: Poems That Capture What It Means To Be A Dog…

Stacey Jackson: “Dogs Are Life Changing”

K9 Magazine — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 10:15:42 GMT

Stacey Jackson is a singer, songwriter, entrepreneur, TV presenter & mother of four. She became an inspiration for stay-at-home moms when she shot to fame, having launched her music career at age 40. Following the chart success of her debut single, Stacey has gone on to release four albums & over a dozen singles, recorded a track “Live It Up” with legendary rapper Snoop Dogg. The record recently celebrated its 10th anniversary and has been rebooted & relaunched in June 2021. She has also worked with Papa Levi & prolific dance music producers & remixers such as C-Rod and Dave…

7 Dogs Who Like Other Dogs Who Need A New Start

K9 Magazine — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 08:36:49 GMT

For many people who own a dog, the thought of adopting a dog can often be clouded with a singular, all-encompassing doubt that can prove difficult to overcome; will the rescue dog get on with my existing dog? It's not only an understandable question to ask, it's a vital one. Fortunately, most rescues have a similar mindset. They do not want to rehome dogs to people or households that are unsuitable. This means they do lots of testing, assessing and analysing of the dogs in their care. So adopting a dog that is already well predisposed to getting along with…

Is Fish Good For Dogs?

K9 Magazine — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 07:20:37 GMT

More and more dog owners are asking is fish good for dogs as a high quality diet and alternative to meat based dog foods. Our guide explains why fish is not just good for dogs, it's actually one of the best foods for dogs with some incredible benefits.

Health Apps for Dogs – Do They Work & What Are the Benefits?

K9 Magazine — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 06:48:00 GMT

Ever wondered if your pet could benefit from a dog health app? As we continue our digital pet tech series, we're looking at one of the most advanced dog health tracking apps to learn how it works.

BISSELL ICON Cordless Vacuum Cleaner Review (3 Top Reasons To Buy)

Kim O'Meara — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 05:12:29 GMT

K9 Magazine's BISSELL ICON cordless vacuum cleaner review covers the pros and cons of using this vacuum from a pet owner's perspective. We tested over a two month period to get as in-depth a view of the cleaner and its performance on pet hairs, dust and debris to help you choose your next vacuum cleaner with confidence.

Teach Your Dog to Count in 5 Steps

K9 Magazine — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 00:17:12 GMT

Have you ever wondered if your dog can count? According to a new study conducted by Emory University and published in Biology Letters, dogs use a similar part of their brain to humans to process numbers of objects shown to them so your dog certainly can count.

Could These 4 Products Be the Answer to Your Dog’s Health Concerns?

K9 Magazine — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 23:44:57 GMT

If you're anything like me, to feel at your best as a pet parent you need to know that whatever the situation, you've got a solution at home. My dogs even have their own cupboard with potions, lotions and supplements just waiting in case they're ever called upon, if interested in this topic, click here to find out more. Of course, this may sound mad but it's as much for peace of mind as anything. In the latest instalment of our 'Best Dog Products' series, we're focusing on four dog health products, each a little different, covering some of the…

Poems That Sum up What It Means to Be a Dog Owner

K9 Magazine — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 14:57:50 GMT

I’d never have written these poems if Claudia hadn’t drawn the drawings first and neither of us would have been interested if it weren’t for our dogs (hers Toffel, mine Tess) taking us out and showing us this wonderful world of dogs and their humans, writes Matt Harvey. I hadn’t been keen to get Tess – my early dog experiences weren’t encouraging. When I was four we got a Collie who we called Alfie after Sir Alf Ramsay, which dates me pretty accurately. My Grandfather came over from Lancaster saying he’d train him for us. After one week of his…

Why Do Dogs Bark? 10 Dog Barks Translated

K9 Magazine — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 14:19:00 GMT

Have you ever wondered what your dog is trying to tell you when they bark? Have you ever wondered why dogs bark at all? This guide translates dog language so you can have better conversations with your dog.

Hookworm Warning For All Dog Owners

Jasmine Kleine — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 08:53:20 GMT

Worming your dog is important all year round, however, for one hookworm in particular, Uncinaria stenocephala, there is a sharp rise from July to September.

In heavily infested pups, it can have nasty results such as diarrhoea, anorexia and lethargy.

There’s something even worse you need to know about this particular canine nasty. Ready?

You can actually catch hookworms from your dog.

Dog worms are a blight on the health of dogs. They cause numerous health problems and even death in some cases.

Our friends at K9 Magazine recommend worming your dog as often as four times per year, more if necessary.

If you haven’t wormed your dog recently, now would be the time to correct that. Hookworms are present in the UK. You can catch them from dogs. That’s all you need to know.

Is It OK For Dogs To Drink Tap Water?

Jasmine Kleine — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 08:34:26 GMT

With all the concerns about what’s in our food and our water, many of us are paying even more attention these days to what we are giving our pets. You can’t blame pet owners for taking a few precautions.

After all, pet food recalls raised concerns about chemical contamination; even treats have been scrutinised. So, should we resort to bottled water for our canine companions?

According to a study in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, that won’t be necessary.

Tap water, the study suggests, doesn’t cause bladder cancer in dogs. Long-term consumption of disinfected tap water — the stuff that flows from our faucets after being treated with chemicals such as chlorine — has been associated with bladder cancer in people.

But the study, which was led by Dr. Lorraine Backer of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, found that there is no such association in dogs. There may be more than one reason why dogs that drink tap water don’t have an increased risk of bladder cancer, even though people apparently do.

First, a dog’s exposure to drinking water disinfection by-products — the chemicals that are produced when things like chlorine interact with natural organic matter — is different from that of its human owners.

Dogs don’t gulp down a big glass of water like people often do. Their water usually sits in a bowl for hours, which allows the chemical concentrations to decrease over time. Second, dogs don’t take long showers or baths like people do. And showering and bathing are important routes of human exposure to chemical by-products of tap water. The study focused on 200 dogs living in residential settings, 100 of which had bladder cancer and 100 of which did not.

While the results showed that dogs with bladder cancer were exposed to higher total chemical by-product concentrations than the control dogs, the difference wasn’t significant enough to draw a connection between tap water consumption and bladder cancer, the study says.

The AVMA and its more than 76,000 member veterinarians are engaged in a wide variety of activities dedicated to advancing the science and art of animal, human and public health. Visit the AVMA Web site at http://www.avma.org/ for more information.

Dog Dental Care: An Expert Guide to Caring For Your Dog’s Teeth

Jasmine Kleine — Wed, 22 Apr 2020 14:27:24 GMT

What goes on in your dog’s mouth has a profound effect on how happy and healthy they feel all over.

We know this. We know it from our own experience. Problems with our teeth can cause us great anguish, discomfort, pain and generally have us feeling miserable.

In many way, it’s worse for dogs.

Their mouth is not just used for eating. They chew, play and generally use it in much the same way we use our hands.

So our pals over at K9 Magazine have teamed up with Pedigree to produce an expert guide to dog dental care.

Did you know that:

According to an independent scientific study published in the Journal of Veterinary Dentistry in 2013, scientists developed a ‘clean mouth’ test model where they divided 60 dogs into two groups of 30 and daily dental chews were given to one group of dogs daily for 28 days.

Well, now you do.

You can learn more – here.

How to Entertain Your Dog While You’re At Home

Jasmine Kleine — Wed, 22 Apr 2020 07:40:15 GMT

With the nation’s dog owners set to spend National Pet Month (April 1^st – May 10^th) indoors, Dogs Trust is issuing some top tips on how dog owners can keep their dogs happy – all with simple household items – a cardboard box and toilet roll tubes!

Jenna Kiddie Head of Canine Behaviour at Dogs Trust, said:

“We understand that owners may be looking for ways to keep their dogs occupied, especially when the current advice is to go outside just once a day for exercise with your four-legged friend. Whilst physical exercise is important for your dog, mental stimulation is also essential to help keep them happy. You can make it fun for them, and because they’re using their brains, it’s just as tiring as physical exercise.

“It’s really easy for you keep your dog’s brain busy from the comfort of your own home using simple household items. From activities involving their favourite treats, to games using things you may have left over from online deliveries, there are many ways you can keep your dog active, without stepping outside your front door.”

Dogs Trust has come up with eight fun ways to entertain your dog with a cardboard box and tubes whilst you’re staying indoors, and asking people to share their pictures and videos using the hashtag #MyDogIsForLife and tagging @DogsTrust on Twitter and Instagram.

Tutorial videos for the eight games will be released during National Pet Month on the charity’s social media pages, with the first one ‘the paw-fect figure 8’ launching today so dog owners can get started.

The paw-fect figure 8 – Get two boxes and set them out a little distance apart. Hold your dog’s treats or a favourite toy in one hand and slowly start to move them in a figure of eight around the two items, swapping the reward into your other hand at the centre point. One arm will guide your dog around the item to the left and the other arm will guide your dog around the item to your right. Repeat several times until you’ve got the movement smooth and well-rehearsed!
Digging deep: Shred or scrunch up newspaper or any paper items and pop them in an empty box. Drop in some treats or toys, and watch your dog dig away!
Paws-up: Can you get them to put their front feet on the box? Their back feet? Can you get them to run round to the left, to the right? Can smaller dogs sit in the box? Think outside of the box and we’re sure you won’t be able to contain yourself with all this fun!
Bowling balls: Create a 10-pin bowling alley with spare kitchen roll tubes. Have a competition and see how many pins you can knock down vs. your dog!
Tunn-els of fun: Cut the sides of a few boxes and line them up to make your very own DIY tunnel. Encourage your dog to go through with the promise of treats or their favourite toy at the end of the tunnel!
Jog your dog’s memory: Lay out multiple boxes in a semi-circle and pop a treat in one of them, making sure your dog is watching. Hold up a sheet to block your furry friend’s vision, drop and then see if they remember which box the treat was in! Repeat the game and change the box with the treat in, see how many times they get it right!
Snoot challenge: next level – remember the original snoot challenge where you had to make a circular shape with your hands and wait for your pooch to run up and put their nose through the hole? Building from this, cut a hole out in your box and see if you can get your dog to poke their nose through it! *boop*
Teach your dog to read – for starters write different words (e.g. sit, down, paw) on different boxes that you want your dog to learn. Say the word that’s on the specific box in front of them, and ask them to do what the word says. When your dog does as you’ve asked, reward them with a tasty treat and repeat several times until your dog has associated the new word, with the specific box!

An Amazing Story About a Three-Legged Dog

Jasmine Kleine — Wed, 22 Apr 2020 05:07:28 GMT

You absolutely, simply, positively must watch this.

All the way to the end.

It’s life-affirming stuff.

Animal Charities Reveal Coronavirus Funding Crisis

Jasmine Kleine — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 14:08:54 GMT

UK animal rescue centres have lost up to half of their income during the coronavirus pandemic, a new survey reveals.

The Association of Dogs and Cat Homes (ADCH) revealed their members were facing huge staffing and funding pressures, with nearly half admitting they may not survive the crisis.

Representing 150 member organisations across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland (England, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Scotland and Wales), the ADCH findings revealed that coronavirus posed a huge threat to the sustainability of the dog and cat rescue sector, potentially creating an animal welfare timebomb.

All of the country’s largest animal welfare organisations including RSPCA are members. David Bowles, the charity’s head of public affairs and trustee for ADCH, said: “Everyone is feeling the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, and the charity sector, which includes animal charities and rescue centres, is having to step up during this difficult time, despite facing severe pressures.

“Although most of the country is on lockdown, animals still need rescuing, feeding, walking, taking care of – and all of that is extremely expensive. All animal rescues that responded to the survey said fundraising activities have been paused or postponed, but expenditure remains as much of the work continues. This has left many, particularly smaller, charities in the sector at risk of imminent closure with nearly half saying they may not have funds to survive the lockdown. We have set up an emergency fund to help our members but we will still face a situation when we emerge from this tough time with much-reduced capacity in the sector with the serious knock-on effect on animal welfare in the future.”

To assess the impact of coronavirus on the rescue sector, ADCH conducted a survey of all its members between 7 and 10 April, receiving responses from 99 members (65%). It found that 95% of organisations had seen an impact on their work or ability to operate while over 90% have taken contingency measures to deal with coronavirus.

The survey found that a worrying 48% of members do not have funds to ensure they can continue to operate for more than three months, with 18% reporting that they face the risk of imminent closure due to the impact on fundraising. All respondents said that the Covid-19 lockdown has had a negative impact on fundraising with 57% reporting a drop in income of more than 50% while 60% have been forced to close their shops and all have cancelled fundraising events.

The survey also found:

87% have stopped rehoming animals and 71% have closed their shelters to the public;

54% have stopped taking in animals while 46%, including the RSPCA, are still taking animals in, meaning the numbers of dogs and cats will continue to rise as they continue to be accepted but opportunities to rehome are limited;

members employ over 6,200 full time and 2,100 part time staff;

more than 60% of members have reduced staffing levels with a majority of staff being furloughed under the Governments’ schemes and 85% of rescues have seen a reduction in volunteers;

65% have reported more people wish to foster dogs or cats and 35% wish to rehome a dog or cat.

In 2019, ADCH members took in a total of more than 72,000 dogs and more than 90,000 cats. While many of the rescues have ceased rehoming due to the lockdown, members are currently speaking to Defra about re-starting some rehoming and fostering in the coming weeks.

Despite seeing falling donations and increased pressure on reduced staff, centres are still taking in thousands of animals needing help. The survey found 16% of rescues reporting more cats being abandoned during the current lockdown. The impact on dogs seems to be more limited.

David added: “We’re concerned that this increase in cats needing help could be just the first signs of an impending crisis. Organisations who work hard to take in injured stray cats and run neutering programmes are unable to operate and a rise in the cat population is highly likely.”

Holly Hedge, an ADCH member based in Somerset, has taken in two dogs whose owner had Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Hannah Goodwin-Sharman from Holly Hedge said: “Whilst his children had been helping to take care of the dogs, when he had to move he could not take Dougie and Daisy with him and with kennels closed we were pleased to take them. They are now doing well in the care of fosterers.”

What Happens to My Dog If I Get Divorced?

Jasmine Kleine — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 10:33:11 GMT

52% of divorcees are willing to spend time with an estranged ex purely to visit a beloved pet. According to research , animal loving Brits admit they’re more likely to argue over the custody of a much-loved dog during a relationship breakdown than the ownership of the house. When partners begin to fight, the question will often be: who keeps the dog in a divorce?

The study of more than 2,000 adults, conducted by Norwich Union, revealed that seven in ten of us would choose our dog over ownership of the house in the event of leaving our partner – 71% versus 65%.The findings also reveal pets are becoming a more complex part of relationship dynamics.

Over a third of young women attempt to make partners jealous by going behind their back to win the favour of a pampered pet. More alarmingly, one in five of those approaching childrearing years (16-24) use the purchase of an animal to vet a partners potential parenting skills.Pet behavioural expert, Carrie Evans, commented on the findings.”

A household pet can function as a third person in a relationship, a role which enables them to manipulate the behaviour of both parties and disrupt the balance. This has been evident during TV reality show Big Brother with the housemates forming close bonds with the resident chickens.”

While a third of respondents admit pets and their upkeep can be a cause of arguments, it’s surprising that almost a quarter of those questioned are prepared to commit to a pet by the time they move in with a partner,if not earlier.”With the number of divorces on the increase – rising from 166,737divorces in 2003, to 167,116 in 2004, Norwich Union would suggest the owners of the 15 million pets in the UK think about the future provisions of their pets by considering creating a “pet-nuptial”agreement.

Over a quarter of respondents said they would sign a “pet-nuptial” to outline the roles and responsibilities of pet ownership and prevent the potential heartache involved during an acrimonious split. Making custody decisions puts extra strain on parting couples demanding visiting rights, with over half (52%) willing to spend time with an estranged ex purely to visit a beloved pet.

And it’s not just the couple who can be affected. Paul Fowle at Norwich Union explains:

“When a relationship breaks down it can be a difficult time for everyone concerned – and this includes the family pet. If youfind your pet is pining it may be because they are missing one of their owners. Your vet may recommend a consultation with an animal behavioural specialist. Check if, like ours, your insurance will cover this treatment.

“Even celebrity couples have not escaped the bitter battle of custody arrangements. Recent disputes include Amanda Holden’s and Les Dennis’s fight for their “surrogate children,” West Highland Terriers Nobby and Fudge. Football legend George Best also took on his ex wife Alex for the parental ownership of Irish Setters Rua and Red.

How Can I Teach My Dog to Stay?

Jasmine Kleine — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 07:04:26 GMT

Charity Issues Dog Weight Loss Challenge

Jasmine Kleine — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 05:38:43 GMT

PDSA Challenges Fat Dogs To Loose The Flab.Kevin Adams prepares to help chubby dogs beat the bulge PDSA challenge gives chubby pets the chance to get into shape.If you think your dog may be carrying one two more pounds than he should, then the UK’s leading veterinary charity, is offering the chance to take part in a unique diet and exercise challenge.PDSA Fit Camp is launched in response to new research that suggests the nation’s pets should be fighting the flab due to their couch pet-ato ways.

Nearly half (48%) of all pet owners spoil their pets daily with extra snacks and human treats outside of their regular mealtimes, including chips, cheese, chocolate (which contains theobromine that can poison some pets) and marshmallows, while a quarter also fail to give their pet regular exercise.

The charity is looking for eight pets across the UK to take on the challenge of PDSA Fit Camp. Selected by celebrity health and fitness expert Kevin Adams and PDSA senior veterinary surgeon Elaine Pendlebury, these eight lucky pets will follow a 100 day diet and exercise programme that will be regularly monitored by their local PDSA PetAid hospital. At the end of the programme, the pet with the greatest proportional weight loss who best stuck to their new exercise regime will be crowned PDSA Fit Camp Champ, winning the owner and their pet a weekend away at Knoll House Hotel at Studland Bay in Dorset www.knollhouse.co.uk .Even the pets that aren’t selected for the challenge will be able to benefit from PDSA’s expertise as every entrant will receive a free diet and exercise guide, including tips from Kevin and Elaine on how to enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle.

PDSA Fit Camp judge and contributor to the diet and exercise guide, Kevin Adams, said; “We’re more aware than ever before of the importance of a healthy balanced diet and regular exercise, but PDSA’s research shows how we can let bad habits creep in when caring for our pets. My advice to owners who are worried about their pet’s weight is that a few simple steps can make a big difference. If you have a dog, why not both enjoy the exercise of a regular walk or run, or play indoor games with a small pet or house cat?”

PDSA senior veterinary surgeon Elaine Pendlebury added; “While it’s tempting to share the odd snack or treat with our furry friends, it’s so important for owners to take a responsible attitude toward their pet’s diet as they could literally be killing their pets with kindness. When it comes to weight loss, the same principles apply whether you’re a human or an animal – reduced and controlled portion size and regular exercise. I’m really looking forward to giving our eight PDSA Fit Camp challengers the support and advice they need to kick start a healthier lifestyle.”

K9 Magazine Issue 129

Jasmine Kleine — Mon, 20 Apr 2020 18:23:06 GMT

In This Issue…

Talking Point: National Dog Adoption Day 2019: What Is It and How Can You Take Part?
Hot topic: 5 Things That Should Be on Your Dog’s Bucket List
Lifestyle: The World’s Biggest Fashion Brands Want These Dogs to Work for Them
Health: 5 Ways to Improve Your Dog’s Gut & Keep Them Healthy
Best Dog Products: These 5 Pet Brands Should Be on Your Radar
Real Life: This Man Is Cycling 300 Miles to Help Dogs in Rescue Find New Homes
Nutrition: Is a Raw Diet Good for Puppies?
Talking Point: Can You Find the Dog Who Stole Something From His Owner?
Book Club: Why Do Dogs Love Humans? We Have the Answer!
Travel: A Hidden Gem in the North Yorkshire Moors National Park
Talking Point: Why Breed Specific Legislation Has Failed
eBook: Why Does My Dog Ignore Me?
….& Reviews & Lots More Inside Exclusively Online HERE!