October 2008
October 2008
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1.6
Million Pet Owners Have Put Their Dogs & Cats To Sleep Because |
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Lots of Dogs Won’t |
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Burns Pet Nutrition – Real Does your dog have bad breath, unpleasant body odours, stiffness, itchy skin, loss of vitality and interest in life?
Incorrect diet may be the root cause of all of these and more. As dogs age, energy levels may decrease and many dogs develop stiff joints, diabetes and kidney problems amongst other things. This should be kept in mind with regards to diet and exercise. Gentle exercise can help keep dogs mobile and keep their weight down. This is important to avoid pressure on joints; overweight dogs are more likely to develop diabetes. As a dog becomes less active they should be given less food to avoid weight gain. Older dogs don’t need as much protein or fat in the diet and also require a slightly lower level of vitamins and minerals to avoid overworking the heart, kidneys and other organs. All of the Burns maintenance diets are low in protein and fat. Burns Chicken or Fish with Brown Rice or Maize and Duck with Brown Rice are all suitable for older dogs. If the dog has diabetes or is particularly prone to weight gain, then Burns High Oats may be more suitable. Older dogs often develop dental problems and may have to have some teeth removed. Most of these dogs will manage a biscuit without difficulty but for those that struggle, biscuits can be moistened with a little warm water to soften them. Many dogs look forward to having a few treats and titbits. These should be kept to a minimum and included in the daily allowance when given to avoid exceeding the dog’s needs.
Keeping your dog
lean through a healthy diet and gentle exercise will keep them
fitter and healthier as they age and help minimise or avoid many
of the problems common to an older dog.
For further information or advice
Visit us at
www.burns-pet-nutrition.co.uk
to view our full range of products and shop on-line. |
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The Cat With Nine Lives Is Reunited With Owner After
Nine Years A Birmingham couple has just about recovered from the shock of being told that their cat was alive and well and was coming home after going missing in 1999. Dixie the cat was picked up by RSPCA Animal Collection Officer (ACO) Alan Pittaway last month in Linton Walk, Erdington. The ginger and brown cat had reportedly been in the area for two months over which time its condition had worsened. A caring local called the RSPCA asking for assistance for the thin, matted cat. When Alan Pittaway collected the cat he scanned it as normal for a microchip. The cat was chipped, her named was Dixie, she was 15 years old and was registered to a couple less than half a mile away in Ivyfield Road, Erdington. Continuing the story, ACO Pittaway said: “I was delighted that the cat was chipped as we pick up so many animals where we have no way of knowing who they belong to. Within half an hour of picking the cat up I was taking her round to her stunned owners who could not believe that they were getting their cat home after giving up hope of ever seeing her again.”
“It made my day to
return Dixie to her owners. In 29 years of working for the RSPCA I
have never seen anyone so excited and happy as Mrs Delaney. I was
over the moon myself to bring their cat home so I can only imagine
how they felt seeing their cat again after all these years. I hope
this story will encourage more people to have their pets
microchipped as if your pet is chipped then you can never give up
hope of being reunited with a missing pet.” Owners of Dixie, Mr Alan and Mrs Gilly Delaney are thrilled to have welcomed Dixie home. Mrs Delaney said: “Words cannot express how overjoyed we are to have Dixie back. She has settled down well into our routine and is getting used to sharing the house with the other three cats.” “Dixie’s personality, behaviour and little mannerisms have not changed at all. She is still a happy, contented cat who just wants to sit next to you on the sofa and have a fuss. In fact, we don't think she has stopped purring since she came back through the door, so we now have surround sound purring from all of them.” She continued: “Dixie was a rescue cat that I rehomed with her sister Pixie when she was only six months old. As they were my first ever cats they were always very special to me. When Dixie went missing I put up posters, knocked on people’s doors and contacted the local papers. Someone told me that a cat fitting the description of Dixie had been killed in a road traffic accident so I did think she had died. We lost Pixie to cancer last year and to have Dixie home now is a miracle.We are very grateful to the lady who found her and called the RSPCA, to everyone at the RSPCA for their dedication in finding us and to Alan for his calm and caring presence when returning Dixie to us” said Mrs Delaney.
Anyone interested
in finding out more about microchipping should contact their local
branch of the RSPCA or their vets. |
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Prepare Your Pets For It has also been estimated that up to 45% of dogs in the UK show fearful behaviour when they hear fireworks. This could mean that anything up to three million dogs could be affected. In a bid to reduce this number, the RSPCA has endorsed the Sounds Scary CD therapy pack, produced by Sound Therapy 4 Pets. This can be used to help dogs learn to be less afraid of loud fizzes and bangs in the build up to the traditional Bonfire Night celebrations. Mark Evans, the RSPCA’s Chief Vet, said: “Fireworks and other loud noises are a source of great anxiety for many dogs. This year, the RSPCA’s fireworks campaign is encouraging people to help treat and prevent their dogs’ fireworks fears using the Sounds Scary CD – a scientifically proven therapy tool. “We want owners to help their dogs become less afraid of fireworks noises well in advance of the fireworks season, rather than attempting and often failing to provide short term fixes that have no long-term benefit. The CD works by gradually allowing dogs to be less afraid of loud noises. It should initially be played at a very low level, so that the dog shows no reaction to the noises. The volume can then be gradually increased in the months leading up to 5 November, until the dog doesn’t react to the noises, even when the CD is played at moderate to full volume. The last stage is to teach the dog to associate the sound of the CD with something he or she finds pleasant and rewarding, such as food or play. |
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Bissell’s
Heavy Petting
New pet family range
highlights brand's commitment to pet care. |
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