The number of dogs stolen is on the increase
Losing a pet is every owner’s worst nightmare and unfortunately the daily number of dogs going missing has increased considerably in the past year. According to figures, last year about 10 - 15 dogs a day were reported as missing, however this has increased to around 30 in 2011. The main blame for this could be down to our current economic climate as puppies can sell for hundreds or even thousands of pounds. Working breeds are especially targeted as they can be used for working and for breeding as well. All owners are advised to get their pets microchipped which will make tracing and identifying pets easier.
If you just collected a puppy from a Dog Breeders Association registered breeder, then make sure you activate your 12 weeks FREE insurance by calling 0800 181886 or visit www.dog-breeds.co.uk.
Jack Russell survives being stuck down a rabbit hole for 16 days
Aptly named Jack the Jack Russell fell into a rabbit hole whilst out for a walk with his owners in the Pennines, and miraculously managed to survive down there for 16 days without food or water.
Jack was chasing a rabbit when he fell down the hole, and owners Erika and Carl Toutenhoofd began to get worried after a few minutes when he did not return. They had searched high and low for Jack to no avail, and after two weeks gave up hope of ever finding him, even after asking their local pub customers to keep a look out for him.
16 days later, friend Louise Bedford was out walking when she heard a whimpering in a patch of brambles, and managed to dig Jack out of the rabbit hole.
Owner Erika said: ‘I thought I was never going to see him again, it was awful. When I got downstairs and she was standing there with Jack wrapped in her jumper I just burst into tears.’
‘I can’t believe he was alive after 16 days,’ she said. ‘I can’t believe a dog could survive underground for that long without food or water.’
Jack was taken to a vet straight away and given glucose for severe dehydration. He may also lose an eye from the ulcers he developed whilst being underground, but Jack is now recovering very well.
Mrs Toutenhoofd has said that she will never let him off the lead again. ‘He’s put the weight back on that he’d lost and has perked up a lot. We will definitely keep him on a lead from now on.’
After purchasing a puppy from a Dog Breeders Association registered dog breeder, make sure you activate your 12 weeks FREE insurance within 48 hours of collecting your puppy. To regsiter for the FREE insurance visit www.dog-breeds.co.uk or call 0800 181886.
Hot Dogs across the pond take matter into their own hands
So the British Summer might be turning into a stop start affair, one day the sky is clear, the next the heavens seem permanently open.
There is no such worry over the pond where temperatures seem to have been turned up and left on a constant high setting.
Temperatures across the states closed in on the 100 degree mark this month and some very hot canines did their best to keep cool.
One of the best hot dog attempts came from Bulldog Gus, whose actions have seen him become a You Tube sensation.
Uncomfortably hot, Gus spotted a paddling pool in his owner’s back yard.
Not wanting to stay outside in the scorching temperatures, but also in need of a quick dip Gus decided there was only one thing for it.
The Bulldog grabbed the paddling pool in his mouth and attempted to pull it into his owner’s house, deterred only by the narrow door opening.
Gus’ owner filmed the episode and was quick to get it on You Tube.
Dogs never cease to amaze owners with their ingenuity and Gus is just another example of this. Adding a puppy into a household can bring a lot of joy to the whole family. If you have recently purchased a puppy from a breeder registered with the Dog Breeders Association you could benefit from 12 weeks free insurance. For more information visit www.dog-breeds.co.uk.
Social Networking for pets
Sites such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube have increasing numbers of profiles of pets, in fact, one in ten of pets in the UK have either their own Facebook or Twitter profile or YouTube channel. Owners are normally on these social networking sites themselves and so choose to open a separate account for their pets also, just for the fun of it. I’m sure that everyone who hasn’t got a profile for their own pets, will know of someone who has. The demand is there and even Mark Zuckerberg has a Facebook profile for his dog called Beast. A social media specialist commented: ‘ We use sites like Facebook and Twitter as an extension of our real-world selves and when we think of our pets as part of the family we want them involved too.’
Have you got a Facebook/Twitter profile for you pet or did you put a video clip of your pet on YouTube? Do you think it is a good idea?
If you have just collected a puppy from a Dog Breeders Association registered breeder then make sure you register your puppy for the 12 weeks FREE insurance within 48 hours of collection. To register visit www.dog-breeds.co.uk or call 0800 181 886.
The Border Collie that is scared of sheep
Sheepdogs are fast, confident and have been bred to round up sheep. Ci, the Border Collie, on the other hand has been scared by sheep since he was a puppy. The flock of sheep quickly picked up on Ci’s body language and started to bully him: ‘Sheep can be quite aggressive if they think they have the upper hand – they stamp their feet and gang up in numbers and act like an army.’ Ci only seems to be intimidated when the sheep are facing him; so when the flock is running away from him instinct kicks in and he will go after them and act like a sheepdog. He needs to be helped out a little by the owners, but they would not change him at all, as Ci is a part of their family.
If you have just collected a puppy from a Dog Breeders Association registered dog breeder then make sure you register your puppy for her/his 12 weeks FREE insurance within 48 hours of collection. Visit www.dog-breeds.co.uk or call 0800 181 886.
The Skyhoundz Disc Dog European Championship
In the early 1970s dog owners invented a Frisbee game involving their canine friends. It takes time to train dogs to understand the concept of the game and handlers start by training dogs to first catch the disc thrown straight at them, then advancing onto running after a disc thrown in different directions. Once hounds are more advanced, the height the disc is thrown at can be increased and in competition categories nowadays dogs can chase multiple discs and complete short choreographed routines to music.
This year, dogs and their owners descended in Budapest, Hungary to compete in the Skyhoundz Disc Dog European Championships. Amongst various dog breeds, many Border Collies were seen leaping high in the air, over their owner catching Frisbees and showing off the moves they have mastered during training.
It’s a lovely sight to see these dogs having fun whilst competing in this fun disc tournament.
If you have just collected a puppy from a Dog Breeders Association registered dog breeder then make sure you register your puppy for the 12 weeks FREE insurance within 48 hours of collection. To register you can either visit www.dog-breeds.co.uk or call 0800 181 886.
Owning a cat or dog could help your child with pet allergies
A study has suggested that having a dog or cat in the first year of your child’s life could improve their resistance to pet allergies.
Previously research into whether pet exposure to children could help with allergies had been inconclusive.
The study was conducted in America and was based on a sample of 600 children. When the children reached 18 blood samples were taken and analysed by looking at the antibodies and antigens. The researchers then correlated the results against the exposure the children had to dogs and cats in their early years.
The young men who’s families had owned a dog in the first year of their life were twice as likely to be resistant to pet allergies than those who’s families had not.
The study also found that both men and women who had been around cats in their first year of their life were half as likely as developing a pet allergy.
The study helps strengthen the argument that childhood contact with cats and dogs can help protect against conditions such as asthma and eczema.
If you are looking for cat or dog insurance make sure you visit www.pet-insurance.co.uk. We offer comprehensive insurance and you can choose between standard and lifetime. For a quotation and 25% online visit www.pet-insurance.co.uk.
If you have purchased a puppy with a breeder registered with the dog breeders you could be eligable for 12 weeks free insurance. Breders registered with the association gain acess to a number of benifits. For more infomation go to www.dog-breeds.co.uk.
Brave owner rescues pet from the jaws of an alligator
Gary Murphy was devastated when his dog was snatched by an alligator whilst working on a boat on the Port St Lucie River in Palm City. One minute the little West Highland Terrier was keeping him company, the other he could hear a yelp and when he looked spotted his beloved pet in an alligator’s mouth. Without hesitation he threw himself on the back of the alligator punching its head until the gator finally released its prey. Doogie, the Westie was understandably in shock, both because of the fear and the loss of blood. He suffered several deep cuts all over his body and was also treated for liver damage and lung injuries. The veterinary surgeon advised that even though Doogie suffered serious injuries, he will recover. Mr Murphy said: ‘I wasn’t trying to be a hero. I just wanted my dog back.’ Doogie is a lucky dog to have such a brave owner! Would you have done the same?
If you have recently purchased a puppy from a Dog Breeders Association registered breeder, then make sure you activate you 12 weeks FREE pet insurance within 48 hours of collecting your puppy. Visit www.dog-breeds.co.uk or call 0800 181 886.
Population Wars – Dog numbers close to overtaking cats
For years cats reigned supreme over dogs in population numbers. However, in recent years the tables have been turning with canines threatening to claim the position of Top Dog.
Now, it would seem, the revolution is imminent with new figures suggesting that the dog population of Britain is about to overtake that of cats.
Mintel, the consumer analyst, has released a report which estimates that the dog population of Britain has grown from 5m in 1970 to 8.3m today.
Meanwhile there has been a drop in the number of cats taking up residence in peoples homes. In 2004 the cats’ population, perhaps sensing the uprising of dogs, peaked at 9.6m. However, the numbers could not be maintained and they have now dipped to an estimated 8.6m.
The data was gathered from the Pet Food Manufacturers Association. Amongst the reasons suggested for the rise in dog population is the “celebrity culture” surrounding dogs at the minute, with a rise seen in the population of so called “hand bag” dogs including Pugs and Chihuahuas.
Are you looking to add a puppy to your home? If you purchase a puppy from a dog registered with the Dog Breeders Association you could qualify for 12 weeks free dog insurance. To find out more visit www.dog-breeds.co.uk.
New tick heightens fears of Disease in dogs
A recent study of dog infestations
in the South East England and West Wales has found that a new tick is spreading across the dog population. Scientists are worried that the tick in question is, the Dermacentor reticulates tick, could increase the spread of disease in dogs.
The study, published in the journal Medical and Veterinary Entomology, found that 14.9 per cent of dogs were infested with the ticks, a much higher level than expected.
The ticks are more prevalent in Europe and scientists believe that climate change has caused them to migrate further north.
Scientists are worried because Dog ticks can carry different diseases and they think that a new tick in the population could see diseases spreading at a higher rate.
Long hair dogs are more likely to pick up ticks and breeds that are the most susceptible include retrievers, setters, spaniels and terriers.
Have you just purchased a dog from a breeder registered with the dog breeders association? You could be eligible to 12 weeks free insurance. To find out more go to www.dog-breeds.co.uk.