I can personally recommends Burns. It is the only dry dog food option I will feed my Border Terriers. Go to links to visit the website.
About Burns Pet Nutrition.
How it all began… When I repeatedly saw the same pet health problems in my veterinary surgery I realised that there must be a common factor and research rapidly indicated that poor quality diet was at fault.
In 1993 Burns Pet Nutrition Limited was formed and John Burns’ range of premium quality Real Food for Pets was launched. As the name implies, Burns Real Food for Dogs, Cats and Rabbits are just that; simple foods which are intended to allow the body to function naturally. All of my pet foods are made from the highest quality ingredients and without any pharmacologically active supplements. The products aim to let the body get on with what it does best: maintain and repair itself and prevent deterioration of the organ systems.
My dog walk today with Archie was such fun! Archie’s first experience of ice, on frozen puddles! After a few tentative sniffs Archie tried to eat it. Bless him!
I kept Archie’s lead on just in case, as some of the puddles were large and deep under the ice!
To get that match just right you need to do a bit of self-evaluation first. Make a list of what you are prepared and want to do, and what you won’t be able to compromise on.
(Q) I’ve always yearned to find my dream partner. How can I meet the right dog?
(A) Battersea canine welfare trainer Nathalie Ingham says: To get that match just right you need to do a bit of self-evaluation first. Make a list of what you are prepared and want to do, and what you won’t be able to compromise on.
Is this the right time in your life to get a dog? Planning a family, climbing the career ladder, and travelling, can all have an impact on how you care for your pet.
Do you have lots of experience of owning dogs or are you new to the canine world? This, together with how much you plan on putting into training, really determines whether you go for an easier and more straightforward dog, or take on a challenging dog who needs more help and support.
Size matters — of your house, and your car! Are you house-proud? All dogs involve a bit of dirt but some can certainly leave more of an impact than others, depending on coat type and what sort of fun they like to have on their walks. Should you get a puppy, juvenile, adult, or golden oldie?
Puppies are certainly cute and hard to resist but they also require lots of patience and work.
Juvenile dogs are often in rescues because their owners didn’t realise what was involved in owning a dog and the cute stage has been and gone. They can be a bit more of a challenge but the rewards are endless.
Adults are generally calmer and their personalities are more established.
Golden oldies are often looking for a comfy quiet retirement home where they can enjoy the rest of their life and while their days away.
Finally, you must consider breed so you can understand what they were originally bred to do and therefore what their behavioural traits are likely to be.
For more information about Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, call 0843 509 4444, email info@battersea.org.uk, visit the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home website, follow them on Twitter or find them on Facebook.
Part of my regular dog walk with Max takes us along the River Allen next to Allenborne School.
At the moment it is impassable unless you have a tall pair of wellington boots! Max was happy to be carried. Quote Max .. “I am happy to paddle but I am NOT getting my tummy wet!”
Here is Ella with her puppy ToTo. Yes, it is Ella’s bed but ToTo has made herself quite at home and Ella has put a protective leg over her. Bless!
Ella is a brilliant Mum and ToTo is learning fast by example as well as the basic training that I am doing with her.
I have just started short walks with ToTo. The recommended daily amount is about 5 minutes for every month of a puppy’s life. It doesn’t sound much I know but it is important when their bones are growing not to go too far. Once 6 months plus you can use your own judgement.
Alert over flesh-eating Alabama Rot disease that has killed FOUR dogs in Britain since October
The deadly disease dubbed ‘Alabama Rot’ originates from America
It was discovered in Britain around three years ago leading to 60 cases
A vet said the recent spike in cases could be the start of an outbreak
Vets said owners should look out for key warning signs in their dogs
Warning signs include: open wounds a reduced appetite and tiredness
Pet owners are urged to contact their local vets if their dogs fall ill.
By BELINDA ROBINSON FOR DAILYMAIL.COM
PUBLISHED: 09:14, 19 December 2015 | UPDATED: 16:30, 19 December 2015
Dog owners have been put on high alert over an outbreak of a deadly flesh-eating disease which has killed four dogs in Britain since October and left others fighting for their lives.
The deadly disease, dubbed ‘Alabama Rot’ originates from America but was also discovered in Britain around three years ago. Since then there have been at least 60 confirmed cases.
But the outbreak appears to have worsened of late leading to two dogs being put down since last Friday and a vet issuing a warning that there could be ‘an outbreak.’
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Vets are warning dog owners to be on high alert as a flesh-eating disease sweeps across Britain – the signs of Alabama Rot include skin lesions or sores that appear without injury.
Vets are warning dog owners to be on high alert as a flesh-eating disease sweeps across Britain – the signs of Alabama Rot include skin lesions or sores that appear without injury.
According to The Sun, a cocker spaniel in Swindon and a lurcher in Bolton are among the latest victims prompting fears among pet owners that there could be more cases.
Veterinary specialists Anderson Moores said there have been confirmed deaths in Abbeyfield, Staffordshire, Chandlers Ford, Hampshire, Bolton, Lancashire and London since October.
Two cocker spaniels were also infected in Marlborough, Wiltshire last week, and one was put to sleep four days later because her kidneys deteriorated beyond repair.
Alabama Rot is fatal in 90 per cent of cases and can kill in just three days, but it is not known what causes it.
Owners have been told to look out for lesions appearing on their dogs’ skin and paws which can be a sign of the killer.
Experts said that the disease was first identified in America in the 1980s when it appeared to only affect greyhounds.
But worryingly it is now striking dogs in this country irrespective of their breed.
A Labrador, called Mabel, contracted the deadly contracted Alabama Rot and underwent care, and is recovering, according to her owner.
Experts have identified 60 known cases of Alabama Rot in the UK since it was discovered in the New Forest, Hampshire in 2012.
The vet who had to put down the lurcher in Bolton said the recent spike in cases could be the start of an outbreak.
Dr. Mike Nolan of the Darley House practice in Farnworth, Greater Manchester, was forced to euthanise the six-year-old pet three days after it was admitted.
He said: ‘The worry is that this might be the beginning of a cluster of cases.
‘If you think your dog might be presenting with this illness, it really is a case of drop everything and get to the vets.
‘The death rate is very high. If it’s treated very early and very aggressively then it’s possible to save the dog.
‘It comes on really very fast. It begins with ulcers on the skin, usually on the lower legs and the dog will appear to be unwell.’
The first signs of Alabama Rot are lesions and ulcers which quickly develop into sore, open wounds.
Mabel’s owner spotted an ulcer on her dogs’s paw and vets are warning other pet owners to be vigilant.
Over the following two to ten days dogs develop clinical signs of kidney failure which can include vomiting, reduced appetite and tiredness.
There is currently no known way of preventing a dog from catching the disease but they can fight it off is treated quickly enough.
There is also no way to test whether a dog has Alabama Rot when it is alive, and infection can only be 100 percent confirmed via post-mortem.
David Walker, head of internal medicines at vets Anderson Moores, from Winchester, Hampshire, who are monitoring the spread of the disease, warned owners to be ‘vigilant’ and not ignore warning signs.
He said: ‘The signs to look out for are often little lesions below the knee or elbow and circular or like an ulcer.
‘The hair will fall off which will get the dog’s attention and they may start licking it. However, the difficulty is not all the lesions will look the same.
‘Be vigilant and if people are worried they should go to their local vets.’
He added: ‘There is a suggestion that there is an environmental factor.
WARNING SIGNS OF ALABAMA ROT
Pet owners should check their dogs for lesions and ulcers
The lesions may appear on the dogs’ skin and paws which can be a sign of the killer disease
The dogs may also develop sore, open wounds
Over the next two to ten days dogs will develop clinical signs of kidney failure
Dogs may begin to vomit, have a reduced appetite and tiredness
Pet owners who see these symptoms in their pets should contact a vet immediately
There is currently no known way of preventing a dog from catching the disease
‘We don’t have clear evidence to back that up, but it can’t not help to wash down your dog after a walk.’
The owner of a cocker spaniel which had to be put down after becoming infected with Alabama Rot last Friday said she wants others to be aware of what the virus can do.
The woman, who asked not to be named, said she took her two dogs for a walk and they seemed fine until two days later, when lesions appeared on their legs overnight.
The dog was referred to specialists Anderson Moores by her local vet, before being treated at the Royal Veterinary College in London, but had to be put down on Tuesday.
The woman said: ‘It was heartbreaking but there was no other decision we could make. She was two and a half years old and had been as fit as a fiddle.
‘My dogs were both given exactly the same treatment and one went on to develop kidney failure and the other one has had nothing more than the lesions.
‘I just want to make sure that other dog owners are aware of the situation now because, up until now, even quite a few vets didn’t know much about it.’
Huw Stacey, director of clinical services at Vets4Pets, said: ‘The concern among vets in the UK is that unlike the Alabama rot that affected greyhounds in America, the disease in the UK does not seem to target any specific breed, age, sex or weight of dog.’
The Forestry advised owners to keep an eye on what their dogs are picking up, eating and chewing.
Dog owner Helen Kelly, of Marlborough posted an alert on Facebook after she discovered an ulcer on her labrador Mabel’s paw.
She said: ‘The only reason I knew to be suspicious was because I had seen things on the Marlborough notice boards about the disease in the West Woods.
‘She is a three-year-old bouncing Labrador and she was less bouncy than normal.’
Mabel was rushed to a local vet who put her on a drip before she was transferred to Anderson Moores.
Kelly added: ‘She will remain on an IV for at least five days to monitor her kidney function but frighteningly if her kidney function does start to deteriorate there is nothing they can do for her.
Mabel was described as being ‘young fit and healthy’ according to her owner. Her owner said that she is staging a recovery.
Dental disease in dogs
David Babington BVetMed MRCVS
Just imagine what your teeth would be like if you never brushed them! It’s not a pleasant thought is it? How about your own dog? Do you regularly check his teeth? Most humans look after their teeth. We visit a dentist reasonably regularly and brush/floss on at least a twice daily basis. Unfortunately in many cases our pets are not so lucky!
Dental disease is one of the most common conditions affecting pet dogs and it can have a big effect on a dog’s wellbeing and overall health. Around 85% of dogs over 4 years of age will have a degree of what’s called Periodontal Dental Disease. This is an inflammatory disease of the supporting structures of the teeth affecting the gums and other areas. It starts with the formation of Plaque. This is a combination of bacteria, bits of food, and saliva that sticks to teeth on a daily basis.
Once present plaque can only be removed by mechanical brushing or dental instruments. This plaque collects below the gum line and the gum starts to fall away from the tooth, creating what’s known as a dental Pocket. The formation of more plaque also damages the attachments holding the tooth in place and the underlying bone. At this point, veterinary attention is necessary to combat the process as simple brushing will not remove plaque from these deep areas. In time, if the plaque is left, it will become mineralized and hard Tartar or Calculus will be formed.
The first stage of dental disease in dogs is called Gingivitis. This is completely reversible with proper home care and veterinary attention. If left untreated, progression to periodontal disease will be the inevitable next stage but with appropriate dental treatment the disease can still be halted.
Stage 4 dental disease with over 50% loss of tooth attachment
Stage 4 plaque
Symptoms of early dental problems in dogs may include bad breath, red or even bleeding gums, the presence of hard calculus and loose or missing teeth. The increased levels of bacteria may cause problems elsewhere in the body if they enter the bloodstream. Major organs such as the heart, liver or kidneys may be affected.
Many dogs will continue to eat even though they have appalling mouths with sore gums and loose teeth. It’s quite common after performing a dental procedure for owners to report that their dog seems a lot brighter and happier afterwards. The presence of dental disease was obviously affecting the dog’s behaviour even though it wasn’t ‘off’ its food.
Periodontal disease in the dog – note the reddened, receding gums and presence of calculus.
Causes
Some of the smaller breeds of dog are more prone to developing dental disease as are those dogs fed a mainly soft diet. Dogs with overcrowded teeth are also more at risk, as are those with certain diseases such as diabetes and other hormonal problems.
So how to prevent dental disease in dogs?
It may be obvious, but the more a dog chews, the cleaner the teeth become. This is why hard, dry foods tend to create less plaque than soft foods. There are many low-calorie chews available now from pet shops that have been designed specifically to help reduce plaque sticking to teeth.
A dog’s teeth should ideally be brushed on a daily basis. A soft pet toothbrush with a long handle should be used or a finger brush can be a good choice. Toothpaste is available specifically for dogs which contains enzymes and fluorides. With patience and a gentle touch, most dogs will accept the process.
Once dental disease involving pocket formation is present, a dental procedure performed by a vet will be necessary to treat the disease. X-rays may be taken to determine the extent of the problem. Under an anaesthetic, the dogs teeth will be scaled clean using an ultrasonic scaler and the teeth will then be polished smooth to reduce further plaque formation. Hand instruments will be used to remove calculus and plaque from the pockets between the gums and the teeth. In some cases the pockets themselves may be surgically treated and loose teeth removed.
So in a nutshell, it’s not inevitable that your dog has to suffer from dental disease. Taking a positive role in your dog’s dental health with regular brushing and the use of appropriate hard foods and chews will reduce disease, bad-breath and potentially life-threatening heart and kidney diseases.
Fantastic dog walk with Max this morning along the River Allen, Wimborne. The sun was just coming through the trees, making the water shimmer under the mist.
Max was full of beans and enjoyed meeting his regular doggie friends on our walk. Happy days!
Dog picture to make you Smile!
Cards by Anita Jeram. Love them.
