Pets Magazine September 2014

September 2014

Saving Susie-Bellea story to inspire...

How to shape up with your POOCH!

Celeb vet JOE INGLIS on his passion for pets News & views, expert advice + top product picks!

Celeb & Pets Interview Did you have pets as a child?

We had cats, which were mostly quite wild as I grew up out in the country in an old water mill. My first experience with a vet was taking one our wild cats to have an abscess drained on his face after getting into a scrap with another cat – and despite it being a bit gruesome, it didn’t put me off becoming a vet!

What are your pets now?

We have a dog called Jack and two cats called Kaspar and Cuddles (named by my children!). We’ve had Jack for Joe and Jack, about 8 years now after we What are your top tips for pet took him on from a rescue health? centre when he was about 4 Make sure you provide years old, and the cats are just appropriate diet, housing and coming up 2 year old. environment. Many pet health What inspired you to become a problems are a result of owners not providing the right food, or vet? the wrong kind of environment, As with many vets of my so getting these key things right generation, I was inspired by is the foundation of keeping reading the James Herriot your pets fit and healthy. books and watching the TV series back in the 1980’s What’s the best way to protect What advice would you give to your pet against fleas? someone thinking about getting This year has been a particularly bad one for fleas as a pet?

Make sure you do your research a result of the long period of and only consider pets that are hot weather we’ve enjoyed. The rate at which fleas breed is really appropriate to your directly linked to the ambient lifestyle. Remember that most temperature and humidity so pets are a really long term commitment so you have to be when it’s warm, unfortunately we tend to see more flea 100% sure you can support their needs and look after them, problems and it can be harder in sickness and health, for 10 or to bring infestations under control. During the warmer 20 years or more. months, fleas can also breed

This month, Pets Magazine meets celebrity vet JOE INGLIS. Joe has teamed up with Frontline Spot On to raise awareness of protecting pets against fleas and ticks.

outdoors, so there is lots of potential for your pets to be exposed and bring fleas into your home. It’s also worth bearing in mind that most modern flea treatments don’t repel fleas, so you could still see a few if they jump onto your treated pet, but each new flea will be killed soon after jumping on. If you think you may have a home infestation, keep persisting with monthly treatment using proven products like Frontline SpotOn and make sure you are treating all pets that live in or visit your home. The flea population will come under control but bear in mind that heavy infestations can sometimes take several months to resolve.

For more information: www.facebook.com/ FrontlineSpotOn Pets Magazine

Saving Susie-Belle...

By Janetta Harvey, author of Saving Susie-Belle: Rescued from the Horrors of a Puppy Farm, One Dog's Uplifting True Story Susie-Belle Schnauzer has been living with us for three years and during this time has undergone a remarkable transformation from a timid, hurt, damaged soul to the loving, peaceful being that she now most certainly is.

For years she was confined in a puppy farm so that those who kept her could make easy money by breeding her to within a shadow of death and selling her puppies to satisfy the modern demand for cheap or fashionable puppies. While her offspring lined the pockets of the people who saw her as a commodity, she suffered years of loneliness and fear but her spirit stayed strong and awaited the day she might be free.

It is her deep spiritual strength that we see shine brightly each day as we live our lives together, and write about in order to help others see what suffering lies behind the mass commercial scale of puppy breeding. And why it must end. Susie-Belle's journey through life has been hard, but far from remaining imprisoned by her past she has allowed herself to be coaxed and loved into her new life, one she now enjoys fully as a free, special companion, not a commodity, not an object to make money from.

showed real enjoyment when it came to her gourmet life.”

- Chapter 11 “As we headed down through France, we were excited about it being her first trip. The incongruity of a puppy farm survivor turfed out of a barn in a state of shocking neglect holidaying in France warmed our hearts.

New life: Susie-Belle These excerpts, taken from our book Saving Susie-Belle: Rescued from the Horrors of a Puppy Farm, One Dog's Uplifting True Story give a taste of Susie-Belle's journey to happiness:

concrete pens never seeing the sun, or in cages stacked several high, exposed to the harshness of the outdoor environment."

- Chapter 24

"An early sign of Susie-Belle "When Susie-Belle first arrived starting to feel comfortable in the home was in her eagerness at her foster mum's she had to participate when we were never walked on a lead and preparing meals. As soon as most likely had never been activity in the kitchen began outside in the open air for any she became noticeably engaged length of time. Dogs in commercial breeding places are and keen to take part in the process. often kept indoors their entire lives and even those with access “It was a stroke of good fortune to the outdoors are kept that she landed in the home of confined to cages or kennels, a professional chef, who loves frequently with no protection nothing more than cooking for from the elements. us at home after his day in the “With no shelter from wind, rain and cold, or the heat of the sun, they live in misery and it’s hard to imagine what is worse: being kept indoors in narrow

“Our house is located in a perfect region for a family of foodies: the Perigord, or as the British know it better, the Dordogne which is renowned for its cuisine. We were sure that Susie-Belle would thrive during her time there, not only because of culinary indulgence but also because it is such a peaceful place.”

- Chapter 15

“Access to the river was awkward but once there we were richly rewarded. The dark river ran at the base of overhanging limestone cliffs, along which perched high up above the water was an ancient troglodyte village. Hot and sticky from our scramble through the fields we setted ourselves, hearing only birds kitchen at work. There is and the soothing sounds of the always culinary activity in our water and in cool, dark house to entertain Susie-Belle seclusion, stripped off and and keep her mentally engaged. plunged into the refreshing waters.

In the early days with us, she Pets Magazine

“Susie-Belle waded in to join us but stopped just as she got waist-deep. She was keen to join us but couldn’t bring herself to move out of her depth, she had never swum in her life and didn’t know that she could do it. So I lifted her up and carried her with me and together we floated in the softly moving, magical waters under overhanging cliffs.

Pets Magazine reviews

This is a truly inspirational book and one that can be recommended to any animal lover. But be warned, it’s hard not to be moved to tears when reading the back story of Susie-Belle, a “Never before had this little dog Miniature Schnauzer who was used and swum but swim she did right then with me. As I released her abused by a puppy from my arms, her paws started farm. paddling, smoothly, confidently This is a story with a and beautifully; she was a natural in the water and it was happy ending however and one that is a moment we will forever testament both to the cherish. On land she was still courage of one little stiff and awkward but in the water she was fluid, graceful dog and the care and and wonderful to watch. How tenderness of her new far away she was that day from owners. the horrors of her past, how far Susie-Belle now lives with Janetta and her chef-husband Michel. she had travelled with us.”

It tells how slowly but surely she learns to trust them and -­‐ Chapter 19 overcome her anxieties. The patience, love and kindness of the Harvey family shines through, as does the ‘courage’ and strength Excerpts from Saving Susie- of this lovely dog.

Belle by Janetta Harvey © 2014 the author. Published by John Blake Publishing Ltd. We campaign vigorously to raise awareness of what goes on in commercial scale puppy breeding, and do all we can to bring an end to the suffering of dogs like Susie-Belle. Our campaigning efforts and Susie-Belle's life with us can be followed on Facebook, Twitter and our Blog.

Desperately traumatised at first, the family gradually succeeds in coaxing Susie-Belle from her shell and she learns to be a dog as part of a loving family. The bond between her and the family, grows and she starts to show her real personality which is that of a loving little dog with lots of character.

Saving Susie-Belle is a remarkable book, not least because it shines a light on the dark underworld of the puppy farming trade.

It’s difficult not to read it and feel utterly saddened and perplexed by how our fellow human beings can be so cruel.

Please see Janetta’s links and also visit Pup Aid for more information on puppy farming and how you can help campaign against this evil trade.

Pets Magazine

TV star Barry finally finds his

forever home After appearing on ITV’s This Morning in March the RSPCA launched a rehoming appeal for Barry and he has now found his perfect home.

English mastiff Barry was first brought into the RSPCA animal centre in South Godstone, Surrey in January 2012 after being abused as a young puppy.

He was rehomed in June that year but unfortunately his new owners’ circumstances changed and this January he found himself back at the centre. He has since had a cruciate ligament operation and was just waiting to find the right person.

The RSPCA was determined not to give up on brave Barry and launched a national appeal to find him a home.

He featured in two national papers as part of the RSPCA’s Game of Homes campaign in which he was paired with doppelganger The Hound played by Rory McCann.

As well as featuring in several national and regional rehoming appeals, Barry even appeared on This Morning back in March and spent the day with Eamonn and Ruth. Fortunately, for Barry on August 4 Lynn

Barry with new owner Liz Forbes-Dale

Bakewell who lives on a farm in South Godstone visited the RSPCA centre and was taken with the three-year-old.

“He loves the space we have here and playing with Sandie.

He can be quite lazy and doesn’t get up until about 9am.

Mrs Bakewell who lives with husband Alan as well as their daughter, son-in-law and two grandchildren said: “I have recently lost our beloved rottweiler Sid and I didn’t think I would get another dog.

“He can sit and roll over but we are working on his recall. He is a wonderful character.There are so many dogs out there needing homes, I would urge anyone to look into adopting instead of buying dogs from breeders.”

“We have a female English mastiff cross Doberman called Sandie and after Sid died she was very down so thought we would have a look.

“Barry was the first dog I saw and I fell in love with him. He has a lovely temperament and enjoys human company.

Liz Forbes-Dale who works at RSPCA South Godstone said: “We are delighted Barry has found his home.

“He had a tough time after surgery and had to have lots of rest. I’m sure he will have a lovely life with his new owners.”

Pets Magazine

Barking up the wrong tree!

Leading canine behaviourist ADEM FEHMI on problem

barking.

The domestication of wild canids was originally encouraged in part because of their ability to bark and therefore to alert humans against threats. In the right circumstances, barking is a useful behaviour which dogs have been selectively bred for. Dogs, like crying babies, bark for a reason. Persistent barking, The following are the predominant reasons however, can be a nuisance and needs to be controlled. for relentless barking: But, in order to stop the behaviour we must first understand why the dog is barking.

• Territorial guarding • Alert barking • Barking in order to instigate a human reaction • Anxious barking/howling • Boredom • Excitement

In order to prevent territorial barking an owner must manage the territory! Don’t allow your dog to sit in windows, charge at the front door or give him or her constant access to the garden. Guarding breeds are more likely to cause a problem with this type of barking but it can happen with any type of dog.

Try to control territory using stair gates or a dog crate to restrict the dog’s access and reclaim areas where the dog

believes he has control and so barks.

Other tools such as a lead and a radio may be useful for territorial barkers; a lead can be used to block the dog from running at the window, fence or down the garden whilst a radio is the perfect distraction to prevent the dog from noticing sounds which may start a territorial barking episode.

Alert barking is completely natural and personally I consider it acceptable as long as the dog realises that once I arrive his job is done - ‘I’ll deal with it now, thank you Fido’. Remember a dog can’t manage a human situation so it is unfair to let him think he can.

Demanding or instigating barking often suggests the dog has learnt how to move his owner. The dog may become very demanding and can bark in order to make the owner deliver food, attention, play or open a door for example. To prevent this type of barking an owner must demonstrate to the dog that he or she is not going to move at the demanding behaviour even if the barking is extremely high pitched and persistent. This type of barking often happens with the more observant individuals such as working breeds but can happen with all dogs.

Anxious barking is most commonly associated with separation anxiety, fears and phobias.

Remember dogs like us are social mammals and need company not just a box of toys and lots of treats. I have a In order to stop this type of rule: I never leave my barking the owner has to help two Labradors Yogi the dog understand about the and Penny for more process of being alone and for than four hours - they fearful responses the owner are adult dogs and they must locate the source of fear would be fine for a and set up an action plan longer period of time. often a behaviourist is required.

If I am unable to get This will help the dog back to them I will ask understand how to cope with a family member or the fear, which could, for dog walker to pop in. example be a noise, another dog or even an object.

Excitement barking is often seen before a walk or on Boredom barking is very an owner’s return. It is often common in kennels and with unintentionally rewarded by dogs that have been left alone owners “get down, I am back” for long periods of time. or “do you want to go for a walk?” To stop this type of Separation anxiety barking an owner must teach happens for a number of the dog that high levels of reasons but in general it’s excitement or energy will not because the owner has not be rewarded. set the dog up to deal with being left alone.

Exercise your dog before going out (drain energy and make your walks count) Give him something to do (he must value this something) Set up lots of practice sessions whilst you are in (use stair gates and maybe a dog crate to help you!)

Control/manage your personal space (you instigate affection/play)

visitors and even passers by but it does not have to be accepted.

By understanding just why your dog is barking and putting in time and effort, perhaps with the help of a behaviourist the situation can be addressed, not only will you be happier but your canine friend will be too.

Working across London and the South East, canine behaviour specialist Adem Fehmi BSc (Hons) FMCFBFBA/FMGODT from Dog-Ease (www.dogease.co.uk) also runs classes in obedience and agility as well as working with gun dogs from his Hertfordshire base. Describing his training methods as practical, plausible and positive, Adem gives over much of his free time to working with rescue Nuisance barking is just that, a dogs as well as visiting hospitals with his own black nuisance, not just to the dog’s Labrador Yogi.

Use taught commands such as down to help you calm the dog and a lead can come in handy in order to stop the dog from winding itself up (dogs find it harder to bark in the down position). Only give the dog attention or a walk once the dog is quiet and relaxed although this requires patience and consistency from the owner.

owners but to neighbours,

Pets Magazine

How to get fit with your pooch!

Research shows that people with pets, and dogs in particular, are generally healthier, happier and fitter than those without a pet1. The reason for this is simple – if you have a pet dog, you’re probably taking them for regular walks.

Taking your dog out for a walk is a fantastic way to keep them happy; however, you don’t need to limit your outdoor activities to a simple walk in the park.

Here’s Jayne McPherson from evolution to wellbeing introducing her new work-out guide in association with Petbarn to keep your pooch pal entertained while keeping you both fit and active.

1

study from the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), found that dog owners who regularly walked their dogs were more physically active and had a reduced chance of being obese than those who did not own or walk a dog. Source: http://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2009/ February/feature1.htm

settled, repeat the sequence between three and five times for a great cardio and body workout.

Two people and a pet work-out: This routine is designed for two people.

What to do: The first person throws the ball and runs against the dog to catch the ball Raise your heart rate with Rex: Interval training is the perfect activity for dogs as they have short bouts of energy.

What to do: Throw the ball up a hill (or across flat ground) and sprint/jog/power walk in same direction as the ball with your furry friend – even challenge yourself and race your dog to get the ball!

After each sprint, switch up the activity in order to create an active rest. Give your legs a break by working on your core. Jayne says that bodyweight exercises are a simple and effective way to improve fitness, strength and flexibility.

Use a bench or the ground to do any of the below exercises in between each

sprint or throw of the ball.

Your pet can also join in by being part of your sit ups or even step ups. (If appropriate, hold your pet for some extra resistance.) o o o

o o

16 x step ups (8 on each leg) 16 x push ups 16 x squat jumps (or squats if you can’t do jumps) 16 x tricep dips 16 x sit-ups or crunches

After you have completed the above exercises, take a rest by playing fetch with your dog until you catch your breath. If your pooch looks parched make sure to give them plenty of water and adequate rest.

Make sure you do this for yourself as well.

After your breathing and heart rate have

Meanwhile, the second person performs a body weight exercise using the sequence below which alternates between lower and upper body: o o o o

o

16x lunges (8 on each leg) 16 x push-ups 16 x squats or squat jumps 16 x running m o u n t a i n climbers 16 x sit-ups or core exercises

When the first person returns they swap roles, and the second person throws the ball and runs against the dog, while the first person performs their body weight exercise Aim to complete one full round each (i.e. working through all the above exercises).

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Smaller breeds: The advantage of having a smaller breed is that you can use your pooch as a power prop. When doing this, ensure both you and your dog are comfortable and your posture remains the priority.

Larger breeds: •

• •

Squats – To create added resistance, cradle

-

Dog treats Water and a container Your best friend

Squat - with dog sitting in front of you. Hold squat position and ask Tips to keep your work-out dog for paw. Stand up interesting: and repeat with other paw.

Find an area with varied terrain i.e.

Push ups - with dog combination of hills and sitting in front of you. flats. You’ll also need a Perform a push up and bench or solid surface.

Perform the different exercises by holding the position for longer, going through the movements faster or slower changing the rate at which you perform each movement and /or change the amount of repetitions (reps) i.e. 14 reps, 12 reps, 10 reps.

your pet in your arms against your chest.

•

•

Sit Ups – Hold pup against the chest for added resistance.

come back up to starting position for a wet sloppy kiss or ass a pat / treat.

•

Sit ups – Command dog to sit at feet, assume sit up position and give a treat every five sit ups.

Elbow plank (on knees or toes) – Come up into a straight arm plank Important work-out tips: position, reach out and pat your dog for a few Where to work-out: - A dog-friendly park seconds for an added challenge. Reset, hold and repeat with other What to bring: - A ball hand.

- A ball thrower - Leash - Poo bags

When performing any exercise (which includes walking your dog), ensure that your posture is strong. This means: a. standing tall b. relaxing the shoulders c. keeping the head back and the chest lifted.

This will ensure that you and your pooch get the most out of your workout and maximise the amount of calories burnt.

If your dog has to be on a lead then a harness is a better alternative as they distribute pressure over a wider area and minimises the risk of neck injury.

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Product Picks Bespoke pet-themed stationary We absolutely love the darling range of pet themed stationary from Honey Tree Publishing, the UK’s leading online boutique of original illustrated and bespoke stationary.

The Cavalier King Charles Thank You cards with envelopes are priced at £20.00 for eight.

Chickens As Pets

By Andrew Hinkinson Price: £14.99 Published: September 2014 The UK Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association estimates there are now half a million British pet chicken keepers, with numbers going up all the time. As they grow in popularity, attitudes to chickens are changing. Once regarded only as livestock, chickens now have friends among humans who see their flocks as pets, not food.

In Chickens as Pets, Andrew Hinkinson breaks down the misconception that you need to be a farmer or live in the countryside to keep hens. Passionate about pet chickens and the role they can play as educators and entertainers, he has written the book he wishes had been available when he got his first hens: a guide that is informative, but also funny and easy to understand.

Including over 100 full-colour photographs, this book is filled with the author’s personal chicken stories and advice based on questions from an online community of over 7,000 pet chicken keepers across Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and the Chicken As Pets website - www.chickensaspets.uk.com. www.petsmag.co.uk