What do you know about Lyme disease? If the answer is, “Er, what’s that?” or “Not much,” and you have a dog that you like to exercise in the countryside then you need to know more. It is a very nasty condition which, in the UK mainly affects deer, sheep, rodents, dogs and humans. Continue reading "Your Dog, Lyme Disease and You" »

Dogs have been in the news recently for undesirable reasons, namely an alarmingly high incidence of attacks on guide dogs and other assistance dogs by other dogs. Most people’s reaction to hearing this is likely to be something on the lines of, “That’s appalling! Something needs to be done to stop it!” Fair comment, but what exactly is to be done about it? Well, apparently about half of these attacks occur when the aggressor is actually on a lead. This would indicate that the human handler is either incapable of controlling the dog properly or simply doesn’t care. Assuming the latter category only accounts for a very small minority we are left with lack of training on the part of the handler and probably the dog as well and lack of experience maybe. Continue reading "Attacks on Assistance Dogs An Increasing Problem" »

Dogs are occasionally bitten by adders; although the bites are painful they are very rarely fatal. Although widespread throughout the UK adders are a protected species and it is illegal to kill or injure them...

Continue reading "Dogs 'n' Adders Leaflet" »

Being a dog owner carries responsibilities, to our dogs and to other people and most of us take those responsibilities seriously. We take care of our dogs’ needs in terms of food, health and exercise. We always use leads wherever appropriate and take the trouble to clean up after our pets when we’re out and about with them. So, as responsible dog owners we are taking care of our dogs’ health and trying to maintain god relationships with the rest of the population including the many who are not dog owners. Well done us! Continue reading "Stay Safe When Walking the Dog" »

Continue reading "Adopting a Rescue Dog" »

• - Playing rough games with your puppy, like play fighting with each other or provoking the puppy to be protective, can encourage aggressive behaviour later. 


• - Unless your puppy makes close face-to-face contact itself, keep your face away from the puppy's face. You may get your face bitten otherwise!


• - Never force attention on your puppy. If you want to play, gently encourage the puppy to join you, but don’t make it if it doesn’t want to. Understand that 'quiet time' with the puppy is important too. It needs some space and peace and quiet as well as play. 


• - Be tidy and keep toys and clothes out of reach of the puppy. If you don’t, it will probably steal them then chew them and even swallow small toys just to get attention. You don’t want your puppy to be always at the vet’s having operations to remove things from its insides. It could even die!


• - Always ask for the owner’s permission before you pet or stroke their dog. If the dog is unaccompanied, leave it alone!

To find out more, do visit:

• - Getting a dog or puppy


• - Are you ready for a dog? 


• - Safe And Sound Scheme


• - Dogs for families with children


• - Introducing dogs and children 


• - Play the Safety Factor Challenge game


• - Child Safety Around Dogs

       

Now is the time of year when people all over the country are planning their time away, either soon to get away from the cold or in the summer to escape the rain. Dog owners are no exception. The difference is that you have the extra consideration of how to ensure your dog’s welfare while you are away. Taking the dog with you is not always an option, especially if you are off to exotic locations abroad.

You might send your pets on their own holidays to boarding kennels. You do so with confidence knowing that all such establishments are licensed by the local authority and are subject to regular inspection by its officers.

There are people who will take your dog into their own home and look after it for you while you are away. They may only take one or two dogs at a time and charge a modest fee. Your pet enjoys a normal domestic situation. You may well prefer such an arrangement. You may indeed be one of those people yourself.

Whether you are a home dog boarder yourself or a potential customer, you should be aware that anyone who provides home boarding for even one dog at a time requires a licence from the local authority just like a Boarding Kennels. The requirements are less stringent but they will be breaking the law if they operate without a licence.

Our animal welfare contact tells us that there seems to be little awareness of this among those affected. Quite apart from the law there is another important factor to this. Many home boarders who do not yet have a licence have done the sensible thing and arranged insurance to cover their activity. What many insurance companies do not tell them is that without the licence their insurance cover is invalid!

That matters a great deal to both boarder and customer should harm befall a dog being boarded or indeed be caused by a dog in those circumstances. By not having a licence the boarder has given their insurer the perfect reason to refuse any claim.

So, if you are a home boarder and you haven’t obtained a licence yet, talk to your local council. Animal welfare usually comes under Environmental Services or whatever your LA calls it. If you are considering using such a service, do check that the person is licensed before you book.

The licence requirement for home boarders only applies to dogs, not cats, which might be of interest if you own both as many people do. It also does not apply to the situation where you leave your dog at home and get someone, usually a friend or relation for obvious reasons, to move into your home whilst you are away to look after it.

This article was provided by Freelance Copywriter UK, Pete Hopper of Write For You.