Roundup
Short-nosed dog breeds may have undiagnosed breathing problems Owners of popular short-nosed dog breeds may be jeopardising their pets’ health by putting the signs of their animals’ breathing difficulties down to being ‘normal’ for their breed. Studies by the Royal Veterinary College have been published by the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) in its Animal Welfare journal, stating that dog owners of short-nosed breeds such as pugs, bulldogs and Pekingese, aren’t seeking essential treatment because they are disregarding their pets’ tell-tale signs of breathing issues as normal. Brachycephalic (short-nosed) dogs have a compressed upper jaw, which results in soft tissue being crammed within the skull. This can lead to brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), which can stop a dog from enjoying the simple pleasures of its life – exercise, playing, eating and sleeping. Rowena Packer from the Royal Veterinary College said: “Our study clearly shows that owners of brachycephalic dogs often dismiss the signs of this potentially severe breathing disorder as normal, and are prepared to tolerate a high degree of respiratory compromise in their pets before seeking help.”
Nominations open for Celebrity Dog Owner Awards Park Bench, the online social media community for dog owners, has announced the advent of the Celebrity Dog Owner Awards. The awards are a chance for people to nominate their favourite responsible celebrity dog owner. The winning celebrity will receive £2,000 to donate to their favourite animal welfare charity, while anyone voting will get entered into a prize draw in which 25 people will receive a photo shoot experience worth £145. To be in with a chance of winning, the celebrity dog owners will have needed to have communicated the importance of responsible pet ownership through their involvement with dogs and the media. Once all the nominations are in, a panel of judges, including National Pet Month and Dr Scott Miller, will help to decide who will be crowned Celebrity Dog Owner of the year 2012. Phil Sketchley, chairman of National Pet Month, remarked: “We are delighted to support Park Bench’s campaign to find the UK’s favourite dog-owning celebrity. During National Pet Month we look to promote responsible pet care in addition to raising money for pet charities, and highlighting celebrity role models will help communicate all of our positive messages about pet ownership.”
Three minute interview
Simon Wisson, owner, Simon’s Rodents Describe yourself in three words Positive, friendly and energetic.
When you were at school, what did you want to be and why? I’ve always had aspirations of being a livestock breeder of some type due to my family connections of being traditional livestock farmers.
Which was the first music album you bought? Bryan Adams.
What was your first job? Farm labourer.
What is the best advice you have been given? My careers advisor said: “Don’t bother trying to start a business breeding hamsters Simon, it won’t work.” I chose to ignore him!
What is the most important thing that your job has taught you? Anything is achievable with perseverance, dedication and by keeping focused on the goal post at all times.
How did you get into the pet trade? Hobby.
Dates for your diary 6 – 8 July
16 September
The East of England Show, Peterborough www.eastofengland.org.uk
Pet Industry Awards Dinner Harrogate Yorkshire www.petcare.org.uk
29 July Suffolk Dog Day, Helmingham Hall, Suffolk www.suffolkdogday.co.uk
4 – 5 September PetEx, Dublin, Ireland www.petex.ie
PET GAZETTE
16 – 17 September PATS Harrogate IC Yorkshire www.patshow.co.uk
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Who has been the biggest inspiration to you in your professional life? My father.
What are you hoping to achieve at Simon’s Rodents? To build a company to be proud of that fills a very difficult niche market that future generations may want to expand and develop further.
Do you have any pets? One Patterdale terrier due to have puppies soon!
June 2012