THE UK'S ONLY WEST HIGHLAND WHITE TERRIER MAGAZINE TM
I SSU E 14, VOL 1
OC TO B E R 2 0 2 1
ANTIOXIDANTS Why too much of a good thing is bad for your Westie
TREATS FOR TRICKS! How to teach an old dog new skills
the power of a dog
Cariad Pet Therapy on why it’s always about the dogs
WESTIE RECALL
Train your dog to come when called
ISSN 2634-4149
ACCESSORIES Wrap up your Westie this winter
WHITE DOG SHA KER SYNDR OME
What causes it and is it fatal?
The UK’s first pet taxi firm
PET THEFT LAW
The RSPCA on what happens next
N EXT MONT H : CH R I STM AS G I FT G U I D E!
TOP SCORE (92%)
in a Which? consumer poll of 24 popular brands
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Over 90% of 1200+ dry foods cost Burns Pet Nutrition Survey more per day
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Westies & Besties - October 2021
We have some brandnew information for you from the UK’s leading veterinarians on solving problems that our beloved Westies are facing in the run-up to the end of the year. Dr Iris Ege joins us again this month to delve into antioxidants as she explains why too much of a good thing can end up being bad for our dogs when it comes to diet. A lot of people have asked about White Dog Shaker Syndrome and so Dr Paul Boland takes time out to explain this disease to us this month so we have a better understanding of what causes it and what can be done about it. Justine Shone, an experienced dog trainer, joins us and reveals the best way to teach our Westies good recall by using a whistle. Claire Harris, Founder of Pets 2 Places, the UK’s first pet taxi service reveals her journey to success while Rob Thomas of Cariad Pet Therapy discusses the emotional benefits of dogs visiting patients in Wales. In the spirit of Halloween, Joe Nutkins an experienced dog trainer demonstrates some fun tricks to keep your Westies stimulated and out of trouble while our Community section reveals the parties and fundraising events taking place in the UK and Canada.
Kim Latham Editor Social icon
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WE LC O M E
EDITOR’S NOTE Publisher – Westies & Besties Ltd Fidlas Road | Cardiff | CF14 5LZ Editor Kim Latham Tel: +44 7496 310169 Email: info@westiesandbesties.com Commercial Director Alex Griffin Tel: +44 7496 310173 Email: alex@westiesandbesties.com Columnists Mark Randell Faye Andrews Rachel Bolton Design Vavoom.co.uk Front Cover Image shutterstock_709568701 Printing Warners Midlands PLC Westies & Besties Magazine is published by Westies & Besties Ltd (the “Publisher) and printed on behalf of the publisher by Warners Midlands PLC. Westies & Besties Ltd is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office. Westies & Besties Magazine and the Westie & Bestie logo/ masthead are marks of Westies & Besties Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without prior written permission of the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within Westies & Besties magazine are not necessarily those of the Publisher or those of its contributors. While every care has been taken in the preparation of this magazine, the publishers cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the information herein, or any consequences arising from it. The Publishers accept no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or other materials, in the case of all product reviews. Judgements have been made in the context of the product tested. (All pictures have been supplied unless otherwise mentioned.) Advertisers in this publication must adhere to the rules and regulations of the ASA. Westies & Besties Ltd is not responsible or liable for a company or individual’s advert.
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CONTENTS
CONTENTS October 2021
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6-9 HEALTH
10-13 HEALTH
20-21 FASHION
Dr Iris Ege reveals why too much of a good thing could be bad for your Westie
Dr Paul Boland explains the signs and symptoms of White Dog Shaker Syndrome
Show yourself some LOVE this winter and wrap yourself up in luxury
22-23 ACCESSORIES
24-25 BEHAVIOUR
28-31 BEHAVIOUR
Revamp you Westie’s winter wardrobe with the latest coats and jumpers
Dog trick trainer, Joe Nutkins, tells us how to teach an old (or a young dog) new tricks
Justine Shone reveals how to improve your Westie’s recall by using a whistle
Westies & Besties - October 2021
CONTENTS
32-35 Q&A
36-39 OPINION
40-41 CRIME
Claire Harris of Pets 2 Places tells of her journey to success with the UK’s first pet taxi business
Dr Samantha Gaines, an RSPCA pet welfare expert, discusses new Government measures to keep our dogs safe
Ex- Senior police detective Mark Randell analyses the new dog theft law
42-47 FEATURE
48-49 COMMUNITY
50 COMPETITION
Robert Thomas of Cariad Pet Therapy talks to us about the benefits of therapy dogs to both patients, dogs and owners
Westie parties in Canada to Westie fundraising in Colchester
Check out this month’s prizes and enter to WIN!
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H E A LT H
Antioxidants – BEAUTIFULLY BENEFICIAL OR DANGEROUS ADDITIVE?
DR IRIS EGE EXPLAINS WHY TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING CAN BE BAD FOR YOUR WESTIE
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hile we may think we choose the antioxidants we give our dogs, problematic ones are likely to be present in some “complete and balanced” diets. Dietary antioxidants are often macromolecules that belong to classes that have different colours. They also have different benefits and work synergistically, thus it is best to combine them. Some help prevent certain diseases, such as cancer, while other ones work better fighting degenerative diseases. Inflammation is part of everyday life; the immune system uses impressively dangerous substances such as hydrogen peroxide and various other Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) to deal with pathogens. They are short lived, highly reactive and unstable. That is great for killing pathogens but in excess can cause a chain reaction in body cells and that may damage tissues. The body has a whole system to prevent oxidative damage from both within and from outside.
Above: Dr Iris Ege
role in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases caused by oxidative stress. Plants often possess strong antioxidant and free radical scavenging abilities, as well as anti-inflammatory properties. They are also responsible for other health benefits, such as anticancer, anti-aging, and protective action for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and neurodegenerative diseases. A very popular herb with potent antioxidant action is the “golden spice” turmeric, as it contains polyphenolic curcuminoids. You may be familiar with its use for arthritis or cancer. But especially combined with other herbs turmeric is suitable for a very broad range of conditions. It is, for example, now part of a veterinary liver supplement enhancing the effect of milk thistle. Now is the time to harvest the bright orange or red rose hips. Rose hip tea deactivates hydrogen peroxide and scavenges ROS from a white blood cell type called neutrophils. You know neutrophils probably best after they died having done their job – as puss. But they also play a role in chronic inflammation. In Australia an extract of rose hip is licensed for use in osteoarthritis in dogs.
Antioxidant phytochemicals are found in many foods and medicinal plants and play an important
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Westies & Besties - October 2021
PHOTO CREDIT Rosehips supplied by Dr Iris Ege
H E A LT H
When using herbs, it is important to know their properties. Green tea is used for antioxidant properties, especially for its use as an antiinflammatory, neuro-protective and anti-cancer herb. But please remember it also contains stimulating phytochemicals like caffeine. Using Redbush tea in the evening is probably the better option. You could have a cuppa of each a day and mix the leaves into your dog’s meal. They will also provide prebiotics for improved GI-health. Food such as kibble and canned dog foods commonly contain added antioxidants. The
PHOTO CREDIT Image by ariesa66 from Pixabay
Very high doses of rose hips have prooxidative effects in test tube experiments. Those findings occur for many antioxidants and are the reason quite a few people, including some vets, warn about supplementing. But it’s all about the dose. My colleagues often ask why I would use something natural, that is complex, but doesn’t achieve spectacular high concentrations of one “active” ingredient. To get standardised products active, ingredients of herbs are often extracted, and the composition manipulated. I feel that it can be problematic because other ingredients often play a sometimes unrecognised but very important role, and the sum is more than its parts.
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Westies & Besties - October 2021
PHOTO CREDIT shutterstock_1307392216
H E A LT H
H E A LT H
shelf life is improved as antioxidants protect the fats and oils. Also, the Maillard reaction, caused by processing and responsible for the brown colour and delicious taste (to cats and dogs) inactivates naturally occurring antioxidants. So, supplementation is usually necessary. It sounds amazing that many dog foods contain herbs like oregano, rosemary, and thyme, but the main reason is simple: they provide antioxidants to prevent degradation of the food. Most dog kibble and tinned meats contain both Vitamin C and Vitamin E as antioxidants, which is called “mixed tocopherols” if coming from a natural source. Unfortunately, they also commonly contain synthetic antioxidants like butylated hydroxyanisole (BAH), hydroxytoluene (BHT) and ethoxyquin which are controversial and very difficult to avoid in commercial dog food. BHA and BHT are also used in human food and have been linked to cancer. Ethoxyquin is manufactured by Monsanto who after being required to do tests with regards to carcinogenicity in the 1980s lowered the allowed level from 150ppm to 75ppm. It is still commonly used in canned dog food and in fish feed which can lead to concentrations in fish products. On the other hand, the potent antioxidant trace element Selenium can be found for example in sardines and salmon. Please be aware that Selenium has a very narrow range between beneficial and toxic effects. Organic forms are better absorbed and less toxic. Please stay away from supplements containing the inorganic form, usually selenite, or selenate.
Recommended daily intakes for selenium in dogs are not established, but a human dose of selenium is excessive for a Westie. Vitamin A is an important antioxidant as well. It is found in liver and while the beneficial range is not as narrow as in Selenium, too much of this vitamin causes harm in animals too. Many fresh foods and all herbs naturally contain antioxidants. Professor Anna Hielm-Björkman from the Helsinki Veterinary School has looked at the health of dogs and how they were fed. She found that 20% of fresh ingredients in the daily diet already show marked beneficial effects. So called superfoods often contain a lot of antioxidants. Anthocyanins give blueberries their amazing colour and are very effective antioxidants. The smaller wild bilberry contains higher concentrations and is used as a herbal remedy to strengthen blood vessels and improve eyesight. Why not add a few blueberries to the diet? Our dog loves harvesting raspberries in our garden or blackberries on a walk. If your dog suffers from one of the mentioned conditions why not discuss the benefits of antioxidants with a holistic referral vet who has in depth knowledge of a real food diet, herbs, and antioxidants and will work with your vet. The potential is amazing but there is no panacea and interactions between herbs, supplements, and drugs are complex and need to be considered. For more information visit www.herbalvets.org. uk/find-a-herbal-vet
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H E A LT H
Idiopathic Canine Shaker Syndrome
DR PAUL BOLAND REVEALS MORE ABOUT WHAT IS COMMONLY KNOWN AS WHITE DOG SHAKER SYNDROME
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diopathic Canine Shaker Syndrome (ICSS) is a condition involving generalized head and body tremors in dogs. Idiopathic means that the exact cause is unknown, and this disease disproportionately affects small white dogs such as West Highland White Terriers. The cerebellum, which is the part of the brain that controls coordination, and the regulation of voluntary muscular movement becomes inflamed, this is called cerebellitis. It is sometimes known as Idiopathic Cerebellitis. It is a disease of young to middle aged dogs and both sexes are equally affected. Some people refer to this condition as little white shaker syndrome because it is commonly seen in small white dog breeds such as the West Highland White Terrier, Maltese, and Poodle. However, it can affect any colour, breed, and size of dog. Clinical signs Affected dogs typically develop rhythmic, repetitive, and involuntary muscle movements, that look like ‘shaking’. Dogs may have a head tremor, or their entire body may shake uncontrollably. Clinical signs can vary in severity from very mild to severe where the dog cannot eat or walk. It you have ever had a panic attack
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Above: Dr Paul Boland
and started to shake then you will know how debilitating this is for the poor dog. Excitement and exercise can make the tremors worse, but they tend to improve when the dog is resting or sleeping. Aside from the tremors most dogs are otherwise normal but in rare cases they may have trouble with their vision or nystagmus which is where the eyeballs move from side to side. Causes The exact cause is unknown, but it may be an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system is over stimulated and attacks a part of the body, in this case the cerebellum. Diagnosis Your Veterinary Surgeon will take a thorough clinical history and perform a clinical examination of your dog. There is no specific test for ICSS so your Veterinary Surgeon will need to rule out other causes such as anxiety/fear, seizures, and hypothermia. Standard tests include urine analysis, full blood haematology, biochemistry, and electrolytes to rule out other causes of neurological disease such as liver or kidney disease. A sample of cerebrospinal fluid, which
Westies & Besties - October 2021
PHOTO CREDIT shutterstock_1169504290
H E A LT H
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Westies & Besties - October 2021
PHOTO CREDIT shutterstock_1169504290
H E A LT H
H E A LT H
is the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal can be taken for analysis. This is done under a general anaesthetic. An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan can also be performed to visualise the brain, but this is very expensive. If these tests are normal, then a diagnosis of ICSS can be made because the diagnosis is through the exclusion of other causes. If money is a problem and you cannot afford these tests, then your Veterinary Surgeon can discuss a trial treatment plan with you. Treatment If your dog is very ill and distressed your dog will be hospitalized for treatment. The aim of therapy is to reduce the inflammatory response in the body and corticosteroids such as prednisolone are usually used for this. The dose is gradually reduced over a few months and then the dog can be weaned off them. Most dogs recover in one to two weeks but in rare cases some dogs never entirely recover and need long term low dose prednisolone therapy. In cases that relapse steroid treatment can be started again or if the dog is on a low dose, then a higher dose can be used. The problem with steroids is that they can have side effects such as increased drinking, urinating and appetite. They can also cause Iatrogenic Cushing’s disease. Therefore, for long term therapy you may want to try natural anti-inflammatories such as Omega 3 fatty acids, Boswellia serrata or Turmeric. Omega 3 Omega 3 fatty acids are important to your pet’s health in ways you’d never expect because they are potent natural anti-inflammatories. High levels of Omega 3 fatty acids Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) play an important role in the healthy functioning of the
brain, heart, joints, skin, eyes, immune system, and coat. DHA supplementation supports healthy brain function in dogs. Today’s pet foods tend to be missing these important omega-3 fatty acids. To make matters worse, manufacturers tend to not supplement commercial pet foods with the Omega-3s your pet can actually use. Even if they do, the heat from the canning or kibbling process typically destroys their health benefits. Not only are Omega-3s sensitive to heat, but they also become rancid when exposed to oxygen for extended periods. My advice for an Omega 3 supplement is that it contains high levels of EPA, 540 mg and DHA, 360mg, the importance of high doses of EPA/ DHA is becoming increasingly understood in this sector. A report by John E. Bauer published in the Journal of American Veterinary Medical association Dec 1, 2011, investigated the evidence available for the use of EPA/DHA and points to the fact that high doses of EPA/DHA are required. The Omega 3 supplement must contain an antioxidant such as Vitamin E to prevent the fatty acids from oxidising and it should come from krill or small fish such as anchovy, sardines or pollock which contain fewer heavy metals. Vegetablederived oils, including olive oil, do not contain EPA and DHA, but rather the less bioavailable, inactive precursor form, Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) which must first be converted to EPA and DHA by special enzymes. Boswellia serrata is also known as Frankincense and is a natural anti-inflammatory that is used in dog and cat joint supplements. Turmeric is also a natural anti-inflammatory. Dr Paul Boland BVSc MRCVS JP Holistic Nutrition www.jpholisticnutrition.com
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A DV E RTO RI A L
ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL DR SUE PATERSON TALKS TO VETRUUS ON HER 20 YEARS OF BEING A LEADING UK AND EUROPEAN VET AND WHY SHE WAS INSPIRED TO SPECIALISE IN VETERINARY DERMATOLOGY WHICH LED TO THE LAUNCH OF HER OWN VIRTUAL TELEMEDICINE PLATFORM, VIRTUAL VET DERMS INTERVIEW CONDUCTED BY VETRUUS Sue with her labrador, Thornton
What made you want to become a vet? I have always been passionate about animal welfare not just domesticated species like dogs and cats but also farm animals and wildlife, so working with animals as a career was always an ambition. I was lucky enough to get good A levels at school which allowed me to go to Cambridge to study to become a veterinary surgeon. The human animal bond is very strong. I recognised at a very early stage when I was seeing practice as a schoolgirl, how important the loyalty and companionship of pets are to people’s general wellbeing. As a veterinary surgeon you have the ability to enhance that wellbeing by caring for animals and being able to make a real difference to people’s lives. My own dogs are very precious and are part of our family, so I know it is a huge responsibility to care for people’s pets and is something that I still find hugely rewarding. I still get a tremendous buzz when I can make a difference and make an animal’s life better. When did you become interested in dermatology? When I qualified, I went into mixed practice on Exmoor, treating “all creatures great and small”, a real James Herriott job, getting up in the middle of the night to lamb sheep and often ending up knee deep in unpleasantness after chasing calves around a pen. Like all vets, I had a good
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grounding in dermatology, but my interest was really ignited when I went to listen to a worldrenowned veterinary dermatologist lecturer called Danny Scott. He was hugely engaging and an inspirational speaker and really brought the subject alive. From then I started to go to dermatology courses and realised that I wanted to specialise. What extra training and work did you have to do to gain your qualification? After several years in mixed practice in Devon I moved up to Manchester to work in a small animal practice and then moved to work at the PDSA. This gave me a huge opportunity to see large numbers of often rare and interesting cases and it was whilst I was at the PDSA that I took my certificates in dermatology, which is a qualification available to general practitioners. However, having taken that, I decided I wanted to specialise further and so applied for funding to do a residency which I was lucky enough to get. This allowed me to undertake a threeyear residency at the Animal Health Trust in Newmarket which led up to my examinations to become a Royal College Specialist in Veterinary Dermatology about 25 years ago. After getting my UK specialist status I was then awarded my European Specialist status a couple of years later, so I am a dual dermatology specialist, recognised in both the UK and in Europe.
Westies & Besties - October 2021
PHOTO CREDIT Saffron, Sue’s Labrador
A D V E RTO RI AL
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many procedures can be undertaken in primary care practice by an owner’s own vet under the guidance of a virtual specialist.
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When did you set up your dermatology company Virtual Vet Derms? I have spent the majority of my working life as a referral dermatologist and was based in a large veterinary hospital group in St Helens. I was the senior dermatologist in the department and also one of the Directors of the Hospital. Whilst this was a hugely rewarding and busy job, I was very aware whilst I was in practice, there are many people who need to see a veterinary dermatologist but cannot do so, either due to
financial constraints or due to the fact that they do not have a specialist near them. There are very few veterinary dermatology specialists in the UK and because of this they often have long waiting lists and are often a considerable distance from owners who need to see them. This can make it difficult for pet owners to get to see a dermatologist and even more difficult for them to come back for regular reassessments. Whilst many vets in primary care practice are really excellent at managing skin cases, they don’t have the additional training that is needed to become a specialist. I would be the first to admit that whilst I would hope I can cope with pretty much any veterinary dermatology case, I would be downright dangerous if I was asked to spay a cat or fix a dog’s broken leg. It is very much horses for courses! Where primary care vets have the opportunity to get advice from a specialist it can really help them to manage a case better. Specialists not only have further qualifications in their chosen field but have huge experience in treating difficult, unusual, and complex cases and so we are very well placed to help primary care vets. Dermatology is a very visual discipline and where a dermatologist is able to assess good quality photographs of a case, there is considerable evidence to suggest that they can get a diagnosis right the majority of the time just by looking at the subtle changes in the skin with an experienced eye. Dermatology
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A DV E RTO RI A L
therefore lends itself well to telehealth. There are of course circumstances where a visit to a dermatologist is unavoidable. This might include diagnostic imaging with something like a CT scanner for ear disease, or where a middle ear flush is needed using special equipment called a video-otoscope, or where intradermal allergy testing is needed. However, many procedures can be undertaken in primary care practice by an owner’s own vet under the guidance of a virtual specialist. What does Virtual Vet Derms do? Virtual Vet Derms was set up as a virtual telemedicine platform to provide help and advice to both owners and their vets to help them manage their pet’s skin conditions more effectively. We can provide general advice to pet owners who perhaps are not registered with a veterinary surgeon or who just need general guidance on their pet’s skin condition. This advice can be accessed directly from the Virtual Vet Derms site by pet owners, in the form of a Pet report, where a pet owner will upload some details about their pet’s skin or ear condition, along with any photographs and one of our specialists will be able to look at the information given and advise on what might be the problem. This is done in the form of a written report that the pet owner can have, and they can also take this report along to their vet if they wish. Our specialists can also give more specific advice to vets directly about dermatology cases they may be managing. We provide a comprehensive report which is most commonly requested by a vet when they are struggling with a complex or rare presentation. These reports will give them all of the most common potential causes of the problem (referred to as differential diagnoses) and will also make suggestions based on the clinical signs about what the best diagnostic tests will be to establish the correct diagnosis. The second type of report is a Treatment report. This is lower cost and provides treatment options and guidance where a vet has made a diagnosis of a problem, but the skin disease has failed to respond to therapy, or the vet is unsure which treatment protocol is best. Advice is usually supplied by a written report in response to a history and photographs uploaded on the site. All advice is low cost, priced from £35 – £60 depending on the type of report, and has been designed to make specialist advice available to everyone. There are a number of the leading UK dermatologists working for Virtual Vet Derms which allows us to supply advice on any type of animal skin condition including exotic species such as lizards, small furries and birds.
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The beauty of the platform is that it allows pet owners to access specialist advice either directly or via their vet and rather than having to travel to a specialist, they can have the investigation and therapy undertaken closer to home at their own vets under the guidance of a specialist. The Covid pandemic has changed the way in which both Doctors and Vets work. During lockdown most of the consultations were performed virtually and whilst there have been many disadvantages of Covid, the rapid development of telehealth platforms, bringing with them the increased accessibility of both primary care and specialist advice is a huge positive. Not only does it make help more accessible but from a sustainability point of view it has reduced travel, which is a huge contributor to global warming and both our own and our pet’s carbon footprints.
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We can provide general advice to pet owners who perhaps are not registered with a veterinary surgeon or who just need general guidance on their pet’s skin condition.
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What will your new series of articles in Westies & Besties Magazine be about? Westies are one of the breeds that can potentially be prone to skin and ear problems. My series of articles over the coming months will talk about some of the key issues Westie owners may come across and how they can manage those issues. I hope you will find it interesting! Dr Sue Paterson has been a dual Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and European College of Veterinary Dermatology specialist in Veterinary Dermatology for more than 20 years. She is a Fellow of the RCVS, awarded for her contributions to clinical practice in the field of Veterinary Dermatology.
Westies & Besties - October 2021
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PHOTO CREDIT Sue Makepeace
PHOTO CREDIT Sue Makepeace
A DV E RTO RI A L
Sue was for more than 15 years, a Veterinary Director of a large veterinary hospital group in the Northwest. Since selling the practice she has established a telemedicine advisory service and is passionate about making specialist veterinary advice accessible to both veterinary surgeons and the public. She has written seven veterinary dermatology textbooks, including three on ear disease, a subject on which she is considered to be a world authority. She has written more than 90 refereed publications in English, European and American journals and lectured all over the world, in more than 30 countries. She is an elected member of the RCVS Council where she is Education Chair and Council lead for sustainability. She is a past President of the British Small Animal Veterinary Association and the European Society of Veterinary Dermatology, and she currently sits on the Board of the World Association of Veterinary Dermatology. She is a trustee of Battersea Dog’s home and a supporter of StreetVet.
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Virtual Vet Derms was set up as a virtual telemedicine platform to provide help and advice to both owners and their vets to help them manage their pet’s skin conditions more effectively.
Westies & Besties - October 2021
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FA S H I O N
Wrap Yourself in Luxury this Winter AUTUMN ESCAPADES AND WINTER WONDERLANDS ARE ON THEIR WAY ONCE AGAIN…
Oliver Bonas Pretty Orange Check Scarf (due in November) Wrap yourself in love with this warm and wintery brightly coloured scarf and keep the winter blues firmly away. £35 www.oliverbonas.com PHOTO CREDIT Oliver Bonas
Regatta Fairweather Pink II Wellingtons These fabulous pink wellies by Regatta will have your tootsies staying toastie while you step out in the Autumn/Winter weather with your Westie. £50 www.regatta.com PHOTO CREDIT Regatta
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Westies & Besties - October 2021
FA S H I O N
Oliver Bonas Contrast Cuff Roll Neck Jumper (due in November) This pale pink fluffy jumper is sure to keep you warm and comfy during your winter walks without compromising on your style. £59.50 www.oliverbonas.com PHOTO CREDIT Oliver Bonas
Gold Vermeil Constellation Necklace This fabulous gold LIBRA necklace is the perfect birthday or Christmas gift for anyone who’s a fan of astrology or just pretty jewellery! £50 www.accessorize.com/uk/ PHOTO CREDIT Accessorize
Emma Bridgewater Autumn Crocus ½ Pint Mug This beautiful mug with its floating leaves in various autumn colours is a great choice if you’re planning on spending some cold crisp days in front of a roaring fire sipping hot chocolate. £19.95 www.daisypark.co.uk PHOTO CREDIT Daisypark /Emma Bridgewater
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ACC FA ES SH SIOORNI E S
Wrap Up Your Westie DRY WEATHER AND CLEAR BLUE SKIES WILL SOON BE HERE AS UK DOGWALKERS GEAR UP FOR THE UPCOMING NEW SEASON. BUT IT MIGHT BE TIME TO INDULGE YOUR WESTIE WITH A NEW COAT AND JUMPER…JUST IN CASE.
M&Co Dog Matching Christmas Jumper £9.99 www.mandco.com PHOTO CREDIT Matalan
Next Red Dog Raincoat £12- £20 www.next.co.uk PHOTO CREDIT Next
Next Navy Quilted Dog Coat £12- £20 www.next.co.uk PHOTO CREDIT Next
Matalan Pet Dog Coats From £8 - £10 www.matalan.co.uk PHOTO CREDIT Matalan
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Westies & Besties - October 2021
ACC FA ES SH SIOORNI E S
Hettie Woollen dog coat £118 www.hettie.co.uk PHOTO CREDIT Hettie
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B E H AV I O U R
Top 6 Tricks for Treats CERTIFIED DOG TRICK INSTRUCTOR, JOE NUTKINS, REVEALS HOW TO TEACH AN OLD (OR YOUNG) DOG NEW TRICKS IN TIME FOR HALLOWEEN
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Go Around You’ll need an item your dog can move around easily, not close to a wall, and ideally tall enough that your Westie won’t be tempted to climb onto it. Treat in hand, guide your dog around the item in a circle and back to you to praise and give the reward. Pair the action with a cue like Round, Circle or Behind - and don’t forget to try the opposite direction too. To add a Halloween theme try replacing your prop with a Witches Hat, cauldron, or a Pumpkin!
PHOTO CREDIT shutterstock_1165361233
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Joe Nutkins is a Certified Dog Trick Instructor, Kennel Club Accredited Dog Trainer, and a Certified Professional Canine Fitness Trainer. Joe has run Dog Training for Essex & Suffolk for over 13 years and has been a Certified Tricks Trainer for most of this time - running Tricks Training classes in person and online. Joe is owned by her two Norwich Terriers, Merlin, and Ripley, who are both Trick Dog Champions as well as Echo Trick Duck who has her Intermediate Tricks Title. www.dogtrainingessex-suffolk.co.uk
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Paws Up Use a sturdy item like a bath step or decking square and face your Westie on the opposite side. With your treat lure your dog towards you and when one or two paws touch the step then treat and fuss. Even if it’s one paw at first, you’ll start being given two soon enough. Add a cue like Paws Up. Pumpkins make a great Paws Up prop for Posing Westies!
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Step or Jump Over We have two stages for this one as our puppies and senior dogs will need the lower version, so we don’t risk injury to joints, tendons etc. Be sure to have a nonslip floor especially if your dog is jumping. Let’s use something pole-like such as a witch’s broomstick, devil’s trident or a scythe and pop it flat on the floor. Stand one side with your Westie on the other side and show them you have a treat or toy, then encourage them to step over the pole towards you. Once all feet are across give them a treat! Start adding a cue word like ‘over’ or ‘jump.’ To adjust this off the floor we can place the prop onto two plastic tubs, small boxes, or cans of drink. Same method applies but if they have started with the pole flat then they will pick up jumping even faster with the same cue word!
Westies & Besties - October 2021
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Wipe Paws We typically teach this with a towel or blanket so if you happen to have one Halloween themed that is perfect!
Peek A BOO Start with your Westie in front of you while you stand with feet apart (shoulder width distance). Lure your dog to go past one leg on the outside of you, behind that leg then guide between your feet by swapping the treat from one hand behind you into the other hand in the front and lure your dog to come forward and stop between your feet! At first your dog might be a little suspicious but encouragement will help and after a few goes they will be really getting into the Trick so you can add your cue as they move around you and head between your feet!
Twist or Spin For this our dogs can look super smart with their Halloween bandana, bow tie or outfit on! Begin with your dog in front of you standing up and put a treat in one hand. Show your Westie you have the treat and slowly move it around your dog in a circle for them to follow and this guides them to turn in a full circle until they are facing you again. Treat and fuss. Add a cue to this like twist, spin, twizzle and prepare to wow your family and friends!
Place the blanket on the floor and lure our Westie onto it facing us. We are off the blanket. Show your dog the treat and hide it under the edge of the blanket in front of where they are sitting so it’s completely covered. Encourage your dog to find the treat and watch their paws; in looking they will use a paw to swipe the blanket and at this point we say ‘yes!’ or use a clicker if clicker trained and either get the treat out for your dog or to save time just give a treat from your hand!! Once they are wiping a paw as soon as the treat is covered add a cue to this such as ‘wipe’ or ‘clean’.
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A DV E RTO RI A L
NATURAL VETCARE FOR WESTIE SKIN BY SIAN WALL BSC BVSC MRCVS TECHNICAL PRODUCT MANAGER, NATURAL VETCARE
Sian Wall
Anyone who has been fortunate enough to share their lives with a Westie is probably aware that they are very prone to skin issues. In fact, one study suggests 25% of all Westies have skin problems, compared to only 10% of the general dog population. A more recent study seems to suggest that this is mostly to do with genetics, however early environmental influences can also contribute to the development of these skin issues. During 13 years in veterinary practice, many Westies came through the door and the vast majority seemed to experience skin issues of varying severity at some point in their lives. There are many different medications and interventions available to help our dogs but it is important to adopt a proactive approach in order to keep these wonderful little dogs happy and comfortable. The team of vets and nutritionists at Natural VetCare have formulated a great range of products to
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support your Westie’s skin at any stage, age, or issue. This proactive approach will keep your Westie in tip-top condition. The most common presentation of a canine skin condition is itchiness, which often then leads to self-trauma, sores, secondary infections, and a miserable dog. It can be difficult to control and manage, often requiring many repeat vet visits, leading to much expense and frustration. Ultimately, it comes down to finding the best lifelong management strategy to control the itchiness and keep the dog happy and comfortable, however we must bear in mind that there will probably be acute flareups, despite an otherwise successful management strategy. It is crucial to discuss this strategy with your vet as there are a vast array of options in our arsenal to control the problem long term and also how to deal with those acute
Westies & Besties - October 2021
flares. Unfortunately, many of these dogs require lifelong medication to control their problem. These medications often bring along their own challenges and side effects so it is not surprising that many dog owners look for more natural options to use either alongside prescribed medications or sometimes even as an alternative to them. Veterinary dermatologists recommend a multimodal management plan as this will always be more successful than relying on only one intervention alone. Multimodal basically means you use a combination of things – usually something given orally, alongside regular use of a special shampoo, plus other topical products for those acute hot spots. Natural VetCare can offer a whole spectrum of options with our Dog’Skin range. Natural
A D V E RTO RI AL
VetCare Dog’Skin pellets are a tasty nutritional blend of vital building blocks to nourish the skin, coat and nails such as zinc, biotin and a broad spectrum of vitamins, alongside antioxidants including MSM, vitamin E and selenium. These all combine in a synergistic way to provide complete skin and coat support at the same time as aiding immunity and digestive health with the addition of artichoke, fenugreek, yam root and licorice. Perfect for sensitive skin and dull, flaky coats. Dog’Skin contains salmon oil for those important anti-inflammatory omega 3 fatty acids to break that itch-scratch cycle, alongside a source of omega 6 fatty acids for skin ceramide production and replenishment of the skin barrier. However, it is not just fish oil! We believe that skin issues are complex, so no one single ingredient will be the solution. The Dog’Skin pellets are perfectly complemented by the topical application range. Dog’Skin Shampoo actively moisturizes the skin and conditions the coat for easier detangling, while enzymatic deodorizers neutralize unpleasant smells in the coat. Dogs that are prone to itchy, sensitive skin often have unbalanced microflora as a consequence, so the bio selective skin prebiotics in Dog’Skin shampoo rebalance the microflora and reduce those unwanted yeasty smells. Westies can be prone to dry skin so regular bathing with the moisturizing Dog’Skin shampoo, while also providing those essential fatty acids in the Dog’Skin pellets, will hopefully keep any dry patches at bay. Dog’Skin shampoo contains long-lasting active ingredients in an easy lather, quick rinse formula but is gentle enough to be used as frequently as necessary.
Westies hardly shed, making them a perfect choice for many dog owners. However, this does mean they need regular grooming and trimming. A trip to the groomers can be enough to trigger a flare up of itchy skin. Dog’Skin Solution is a natural herbal spray that soothes irritated, sensitive skin and promotes a healthy skin surface, with a 3600 spray head that allows you to reach all those awkward places. Use after a trip to the groomers or on any acute hot spots to keep the skin nice and calm. The Aloe Vera in Dog’Skin Solution instantly cools and soothes, while Echinacea and Astragalus provide support for the skin’s immune system to aid natural healing. Be aware that it can sometimes make them a little less white so do not use it just before entering the show ring! Pet Skin Balm is a natural longlasting hydrating balm formulated for use on dry skin, cracked noses or pads, cuts, scrapes & rubs. A vital component of your acute flare-up arsenal. The Coconut oil and Calendula soothe and soften dry areas, while Aloe Vera and ceramide precursors moisturize and hydrate, replenishing that allimportant skin barrier. Wherever you are on your Westie’s skin journey, rest assured that Natural VetCare is here to support you. We have a team of vets and nutritionists that are readily available to discuss any queries or specific requirements to keep your Westie pals as happy and comfortable as possible. For more information, visit www.naturalvetcare.com or contact us via our Freephone number 0800 1585 332 or email info@naturalvetcare.com.
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Whistle While You Work Above: Justine Shone
EXPERIENCED DOG TRAINER, JUSTINE SHONE, INSTRUCTS WESTIE OWNERS ON HOW TO TEACH RECALL USING A WHISTLE
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or the safety of your dog, other dogs, and people, recall is one of the most important exercises that you can teach your puppy or dog. At no point should you let your Westie off the lead until you have mastered this exercise. Teaching your dog to respond to the whistle has several advantages. A whistle lacks emotion, and it is consistent, unlike a person’s voice. Some owners will panic or get angry when they are attempting to recall their dog. Your Westie will pick up on your emotions and will most likely not want to return to you. The sound of the whistle carries further than your voice, especially when it is raining or windy. A whistle is transferable between handlers ensuring that your dog returns to whoever is walking them. Dogs relate to the sound of the whistle when trained properly. The sound of the whistle can be exciting as they know that something good is coming. The earlier the whistle recall is implemented the better, although this can be introduced at any age. Dogs hear higher frequency pitches far better than the voice of a human, so they are more likely to respond to the whistle when out walking. It is essential to be fully equipped when undertaking any recall exercise. You will require a whistle, and a training pouch with high value treats such as, chicken, liver, or sausages. I would not recommend using a silent whistle because if your dog ignores you, you won’t know if they have heard you or not. With a whistle you can determine how loud you blow it and if it was loud enough. The Acme 2.10 & 1/2 whistles are ideal.
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How to get started with whistle training You should not expect your Westie to understand what the whistle means when you use it for the first time. They need to learn that the whistle is associated with a tasty treat. Begin in your home environment with no distractions, have the whistle around your neck and your treat pouch containing tasty rewards clipped onto your trousers for easy access to reward your dog. Do not feed your dog before starting recall exercises because you want them slightly hungry for their tasty treat rewards. With your dog facing you, blow the whistle and then then reward your dog with a tasty treat, so that they associate the whistle with a reward. Place the treat between your feet on the ground so that you are teaching your dog to come in close to you. Practise this exercise for at least 10 repetitions as the aim is for your dog is to learn that the whistle means that a reward is coming. Start to walk around an area of your house e.g., the kitchen, blow the whistle when your dog starts to come to you and place the treat between your feet. When your dog is eating their treat walk to the other side of the room and repeat this exercise again. Your dog will begin to associate this as fun or a game. Repeat the exercise at least five times. Once your dog has learnt this first step blow the whistle when your dog is in a different room, if your dog returns to you reward them with a tasty
Westies & Besties - October 2021
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You should not expect your Westie to understand what the whistle means when you use it for the first time.
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treat. This step shows that your dog is beginning to understand what the whistle means and that good things occur with this exercise. You can also blow the whistle when it is feeding time. The next step is to take your training outside into your garden. Have your dog at the opposite end of your garden, blow your whistle, and when your dog returns to you reward them with a tasty treat placed between your feet. If your dog is following you around your garden have another person hold them at the opposite end of your garden. When you blow the whistle, they can release your dog. You can begin to use an open-handed signal, but there is no need to say anything to your dog such as, “Charlie come.” The aim is to teach your dog to return to you solely by way of the whistle. If your dog is stimulated more by toys than food, you can use a toy as a reward and play a game with your dog when they return to you. If your dog or pup doesn’t come to you straight away, just try running backwards away from your dog or puppy because this should encourage them to come to you. Never tell your dog or puppy off for not coming back because this will only make them not want to return to you and can be very damaging for your bonding. Just stay calm and try your recall exercise again. When your dog is consistently responding to the whistle exercise in the garden it is time to begin whistle training when you are out on a walk. Start in a place with few distractions such as a quiet area in the park. Have a long training line on your dog attached to your harness, rather than a collar so that you do not jerk their neck. Wait until your dog is relaxed and has been to the toilet before starting the recall training. Wait for your dog to walk a short distance away from you, then blow your whistle, and when they come back to you reward them. If your dog does not return to you immediately, try running backwards away from them because this should encourage them to come towards you. If your dog does not come back to you for any reason, stop whistling. You should not stand there whistling when your dog is ignoring you. Stay calm and retry the recall exercise later in a quieter area of the park. Never reprimand your dog for not returning to you as this could damage the bond and trust that you have already created. Gradually build up the distance between you and your dog when you are carrying out the recall exercise and remember to always reward your dog.
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If your dog does not return to you immediately, try running backwards away from them
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Clients often ask me how long it will take before they will be able to use the whistle without the reward. I tell them that your recall will begin to fail if you keep whistling without offering a reward. Over time practise recall training in places where there are more distractions. Keep your long training line attached to your dog to reinforce the recall training. If you allow your dog off the training line prematurely and if they continue to play with other dogs in the park, this is self-rewarding to your dog and your recall will deteriorate.
TIPS Do not rush your recall training. Do not do too much too soon with your dog. Break your training exercises down to a few minutes at a time. Always stop when your dog is excelling because you do not want them to become bored. Do not feed your dog before you begin recall training because you want them to be slightly hungry so that they will want their tasty treats. Only take the training line off your dog when you are confident that they are returning to you. Justine Shone is the owner of VIP Dog Training. For more information call 07928 227187 or visit www.jpholisticnutrition.com
Westies & Besties - October 2021
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Q&A
Going Places CLAIRE HARRIS, FOUNDER OF THE UK’S FIRST PET TAXI COMPANY, PETS 2 PLACES, TALKS FURRY FRIENDS, FRANCHISES, AND FIVE STAR SERVICE BY KIM LATHAM
Tell us about the UK’s first pet taxi franchise. You launched Pets 2 Places in 2014. How did Pets 2 Places come about? Pets 2 Places came about after a chance conversation with someone I know who works in the vets as a receptionist. I was between roles at the time. They mentioned people were always calling them saying they needed to get their pet to the vet but had no way of getting there. Where I live there used to be an animal ambulance run as a voluntary service, sadly the person who run it died. So, there was a real gap in the market. While we started just taking pets and owners to the vet, we soon branched out into groomers, kennels, social visits and anywhere the customer wanted to go. The most unusual service we offer is transport between divorced couples who want to share custody of the dog! There really is a solution for every problem!
Not only do I run a pet taxi service, but also, I’m looking to make a change in how pets are transported, a change in the law and educating people on best practice. I created an awareness day this year called Pet Travel Safety Day, which was on 1st July, marking the 30-year anniversary it became law for people to wear seat belts in cars. Not only this, but I’m looking for funding to do
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Westies & Besties - October 2021
PHOTO CREDIT Claire Harris
What have you achieved so far and what are your future goals? In seven years; a lot. I can’t believe how far I have come in a relatively short space of time. From winning both national and local awards. To being the country’s leading expert on pet transport. I have to stop sometimes and acknowledge just how far I have come.
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Q&A
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PHOTO CREDIT Image by Pexels from Pixabay
Q&A
some serious research, which has never been done before on pets being transported. There are so many unanswered questions. I’m then looking to design and manufacture my own crash tested equipment using my expertise.
five pets currently, three dogs, two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and a Black Lab X Border Collie. Plus, two cats. We did have seven at one point! But our two old cats passed about four years ago now. So just the five animals.
That’s alongside growing the pet taxi service into a national franchise and then international.
How is the franchise side of the business? Do you have people who have bought a franchise in other parts of the UK? We are in serious need of people, London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, and a couple of areas local to us, as we have customers waiting for the service to start or we have already helped some customers and they want to come back.
I also offer a consultancy service if organisations want to offer more expert advise to their client base. Where is your pet taxi service based? Currently in Milton Keynes, although we are in desperate need of people in certain areas of the UK, this is due to the high demand and enquiries we get weekly from across the UK. Your drivers are qualified animal handlers and your cars have been adapted so that animals can be next to their owners (as opposed to crated vans). Surely, you’re a pet owner yourself?! Of course, you must be an animal lover to do this job (as well as a people person.) I have
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We have only just launched our advertising looking for franchisees. This was due to go out in 2020 but of course lockdown happened so we put it on hold. We have over 300 opportunities in the UK for people to join us. The only requirements are being an animal lover and a people person. Being the kind of person who genuinely wants to help people too. I really think this role is about who you
Westies & Besties - October 2021
Pets 2 Places can also take dogs to the vet without their owners if they happen to be unwell or at work. How successful has this been? This has been really successful; I’m always surprised how trusting people are with us. We have new customers join the service all the time, but then we get two thirds of our business through recommendations, so the trust is already there. This is helpful for our elderly or less abled customers as they are not always able to get out of the house for essential vet appointments. Its also good for our busy working professionals/ busy people, like the groomers, this can be a solid half a day out of your time, but by using our service it saves time. We collect the dog take them to the groomer and bring them back when they are ready. It’s a real time saver for a lot of our customers. Same goes with the kennels, if you’re off on holiday and busy packing sometimes having to get the dog to the kennels can be just one more thing you need to tick off your list.
Q&A
are as a person and not about what business knowledge you have. You can teach business skills; you can teach customer service. You can’t teach people how to be a good person in their core. Its like the X factor, that’s what we are looking for. It’s important to us we find the right people, it isn’t about selling franchises and making money. Its about providing the same quality service whether you’re in Milton Keynes or Middlesbrough.
children by myself, growing up in a working-class family, leaving school with no education and being a teen mum, meant I didn’t really know who I was as a person. But over the years I’ve grown and developed into someone I am proud of. I’ve built a business that I not only love but helps people to make their lives easier. I’ve taken the core values my parents taught me and turned it into a successful business So, whilst I’m proud of winning the customer service awards, I don’t think my service is outstanding. This is what all customer service should be. Treating people how you would want to be treated yourself. Without customers you have no service. I think maybe some companies have forgotten this along the way. I don’t because I value each one of my customers, they help me to live the life I love. And I can’t wait to help others live the life they love; my franchisees will be a part of the Pets 2 Places family. I don’t believe in hierarchy I believe in everyone has something special to bring to the table. I have another awards event in November and I’m up for both customer service and an Acing Aversity award. It means the world to me that people recognise the struggles I have been through and still succeeded and the customer service awards really mean a lot to Pets 2 Places as a business, it shows our customers we are getting it right. I hope I can inspire other women to go out there and live their dreams no matter what. It isn’t easy, but it’s so worth it.
You and your business have won numerous awards for excellence and for entrepreneurship. Tell us what this means to you. I honestly felt like I was at the Oscars when I won the Women Leaders Award. This one meant the most to me because I won the award for being me. The category I won was about inspiring others and determination. I’ve had a tough few years between being widowed, raising autistic
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This is perfect for elderly pet owners who perhaps struggle to get their dogs to the vets themselves. Tell us the contact details and how someone can book an appointment. It’s easy for customers to book, our elderly customers prefer to call us on 07548 926220. Whilst our younger customer prefer to text or WhatsApp on the same number or to email us at info@pets2places.co.uk
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OPINION
Keeping Four-Legged Friends Safe NEW MEASURES TO CRACKDOWN ON PET THEFT HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED FOLLOWING A LONGAWAITED AKNOWLEDGEMENT THAT PETS ARE SO MUCH MORE THAN OBJECTS
BY DR SAMANTHA GAINES
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e’ve all seen them; the heart-breaking ‘stolen dog’ posts on social media and ‘Missing’ posters plastered across telegraph poles and tied to trees. A doe-eyed, fluffy dog gazing back into the camera lens with love and adoration in their eyes.
Although very small in number, alarmingly, dog walkers were targeted while out walking their pets - some were able to fight off attackers and keep their four-legged friend safe while others could only look on in disbelief as their pooch was snatched, quite literally, from their grip. Others returned home to find doors or windows smashed and dogs, including pregnant bitches and new mums with entire litters of pups, gone without a trace. Families have been ripped apart
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Westies & Besties - October 2021
PHOTO CREDIT Sam Gaines
We don’t know how many pets are stolen every year but, worryingly, according to numerous reports, in some areas, the number of dog theft incidents has spiked in recent years, particularly during lockdown when the demand for dogs especially fashionable breeds whose value has soared - increased dramatically. As families seek companionship and make the most of spending more time at home desperately sought puppies, there were some shocking stories and reports of break-ins and thefts. A government report estimated that around 2,000 dog theft crimes were reported to police in 2020, according to a recent Defra Pet Theft Taskforce report.
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OPINION
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A government report estimated that around 2,000 dog theft crimes were reported to police in 2020, according to a recent Defra Pet Theft Taskforce report.
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by the theft of their beloved pet; some left for months some for years, clinging onto hope that one day their missing family member will return home. Others trying to come to terms with the fact that they will likely never see them again but unsure of their fate. For so many, pets are like family members, irreplaceable and much loved. But under existing legislation, anyone traced and convicted of stealing a pet only faces the same charges and sentence for taking a muchloved, invaluable, and irreplaceable pet as they would taking a car or a handbag. Furthermore,
the likelihood of getting caught, charged, and prosecuted is very low. As a result of significant campaigning efforts for pet theft reform by Dr Daniel Allen and groups including the Stolen and Missing Pets Alliance, in May, the UK Government launched its Pet Theft Taskforce. The group were tasked to investigate the rise in pet thefts and, last month, they announced several measures to crackdown on these awful crimes; and to finally acknowledge that pets are so much more than objects that can be replaced by insurance. The recommendations include introducing a new criminal offence for pet abduction acknowledging the sentience and welfare of animals and recognising that pets are valued by their owners so much more highly than property. This new offence means that the legislation and the courts - will take the emotional distress caused by pet theft (to both the animal and the owners) into account. The Taskforce also acknowledged the importance of gathering consistent and reliable data to identify cases and share intelligence and proposed more work to raise awareness about how to prevent pet theft. Finally, the taskforce wants pet microchip databases to become more accessible and to simplify the system, in a bid to make it easier for owners to trace stolen dogs. We’re thrilled that the Government is taking this
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PHOTO CREDIT Image by Ichigo121212 from Pixabay
OPINION
step. Pet theft can leave families in utter turmoil and have serious welfare implications for animals ripped away from everything they know. The new Pet Abduction Offence will acknowledge the seriousness of this crime and we hope this will lead to an increase in prosecutions and encourage courts to hand out much tougher sentences to pet thieves which, in turn, will deter people from committing such offences. While there seems to have been a rise in pet theft, we don’t want dog owners to fear going out for walks or leaving their pets at home for short periods of time. Thankfully, these awful incidents are still rare and there are some very simple measures we can put in place to keep our pets safe at home even when we’re not around. These include keeping your home and garden secured; remembering to lock doors, windows, and garden gates, and ensuring fencing is secure.
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If you believe your pet may have been stolen, please alert police immediately and contact your microchipping company
We’d also encourage owners to ensure their pet is microchipped and that contact details are registered and kept up-to-date, and ensure your pet wears a collar with your contact details embroidered or engraved (cat collars should always be quick release). Neutering your pet can make them less likely to stray and can also make them less attractive to thieves who may be looking to breed. Never put your dog in a vulnerable situation so don’t leave them alone in a car or tied up outside a shop. And ensure Fido
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Westies & Besties - October 2021
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If you believe your pet may have been stolen, please alert police immediately and contact your microchipping company to register your pet as stolen. Inform local vets, rescue groups, dog walkers, neighbours, and businesses to get your pet’s name and face out there. We hope these new steps by the Government will help to crackdown on what appears to be increasingly an alarming trend for stealing valuable pets whose value, to their owners, is measured in love and friendship and not pounds. But until these new rules come into force and are acted upon, we’d urge everyone to take care, keep their pets safe, and look out for each other.
OPINION
has a good recall and doesn’t stray too far from you when walking off-lead. If in doubt, walking your dog on a long lead can help give them some freedom while providing reassurance that you have hold of them.
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We’d also encourage owners to ensure their pet is microchipped and that contact details are registered and kept up-to-date
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Dr Samantha Gaines is an RSPCA pet welfare expert and owner of rescue dog, Flo.
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CRIME
Dogs Are Individuals, Not Statistics A NEW DOG THEFT LAW AIMS TO GET TO GRIPS WITH THE INCREASE IN DOGNAPPING Above: Mark Randell
PHOTO CREDIT Image by Arek Socha from Pixabay
BY MARK RANDELL
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n 2020, according to accessible police statistics, 2,000 dogs were stolen in England and Wales, around 0.02% of all dogs living in the UK. Around 98% of those thefts resulted in NO charges against the thieves. The chances of having your dog stolen is small but if it happens, the chance of anyone being caught is also slight. This of course is of no consolation to the trauma
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felt by anyone who has had their family member stolen by an opportunist thief or an Organized Crime Gang that specializes in high value pets, some of whom may have increased in financial value of up to 90% since the first lockdown. A Pet Theft Taskforce was set up after many years of campaigning from the Stolen and Missing Pets Alliance, by Dr Dan Allen called, ‘Vets Get
Westies & Besties - October 2021
On 3rd September 2021, the Taskforce’s report was released. As a retired Senior Police Officer who has become an international animal crime investigator and campaigner, I review documents based on reality, not rhetoric. Political promises don’t solve or prevent crime, action does. But it is a massive step forward to address pet theft and I will try and summarize what it means. Currently companion animals are considered ‘property’ under the Theft Act 1968 and the Sentencing Council strategically advises Judges and Magistrates what punishments should be. This report recommends the creation of a new ‘Pet Theft Abduction’ offence that more readily acknowledges the position of a pet within the family and the impact on the owner as a victim. As a result, jail sentences should increase.
CRIME
Scanning’ and by many more who convinced the Government that this was a serious community crime issue that hadn’t been taken seriously.
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Currently companion animals are considered ‘property’ under the Theft Act 1968
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Of course, if 98% of thefts are never detected, this single act would have zero impact. Therefore, the report also recommends more consistent police recording of ALL pet thefts and that there is an increased effort in investigating the Organized Crime Gangs involved.
Remember though. Dogs are individuals, not statistics. The chances of having your pet stolen are realistically slender. Take sensible precautions but also enjoy their love and companionship. They are with us for just a heartbeat.
PHOTO CREDITS Toffee by Mark Randell
As I read through the report, I can see that the percentage of thefts of dogs from gardens and homes has reduced from 70% in 2017 to 50% last year. This suggests to me that people are being more careful at home and thieves have switched tactics to more opportunist type crimes, from vehicles, from outside shops or disturbingly perhaps part of a robbery in the street where a dog is physically taken from the owner.
Mark Randell is an ex-Senior Police Detective and is a specialist in international animal investigation. He is now a campaign manager for the charity, Naturewatch, and is also a consultant. He travels the world teaching organizations about the connection between animal abuse and other crimes and what can be done to tackle these issues.
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F E AT U R E
The Power of a Dog and its Owner ROBERT THOMAS, PROJECT MANAGER OF CARIAD PET THERAPY CIC REVEALS WHY THERAPY DOGS HAVE A NATURAL EMOTIONAL CONNECTION TO THE PEOPLE THEY VISIT THAT CAN’T BE TAUGHT
INTERVIEW BY KIM LATHAM
Tell us about Cariad Pet Therapy. When did it start and why? What are your long-term goals? Cariad Pet Therapy started in 2018 after I volunteered with a national pet therapy organisation with my black Labrador Harper. I felt we could provide a pet therapy organisation that was Wales based and had a more of a local support system. We are a not-for-profit Community Interest Company registered with Companies House. As well as being an owner to five dogs (three Labradors, a Lurcher and a Golden Retriever puppy) my background was in adult care management and autism services so I could see the benefits a therapy dog would bring: a non-judgemental, predictable, and an engaging presence. In three years (including the break for COVID) we now cover from Aberystwyth to Newport with 42 therapy dog teams. We provide visits to hospital wards, palliative care, care homes, schools, mental health units, employers for staff wellbeing and to people socially isolated in their own homes through our Dogs on your Doorstep programme. We are also collaborating with Aberystwyth University next year with training of their student nurses in an awareness of the role of pet therapy in recovery and healthcare. Our long-term aims are to support the whole of
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Wales, as well as developing our Cariad Pet Food Bank service and paid work opportunities that we also run for people with a barrier to employment at the pet food bank. Anything that helps our communities we will promote. Do you have any Westies that are therapy dogs? We are due to see one from Swansea shortly! But no, alas we have not. We have a wide range from very big dogs to very small dogs. We are hoping we will have one very soon. What are the criteria for dogs to join? How do people apply to have their dog registered as a therapy dog with you? We do have a criterion for assessment for joining us at Cariad Pet Therapy which takes the form of a meeting in a socially active environment. That aside, we also look for a good human-animal bond and the owner being in tune with their dog. The dog also must be happy meeting new people from outside of the family unit, this is vital. We want visits to be mutually beneficial and for a dog to purely tolerate the visit isn’t enough. The dog must be of a calm disposition but engaging, happy moving forwards with positive body language. We do not require dogs to have been through paid-for behavioural training. In summary, ‘paws on the floor’, calm temperament, moves forward to say hello, happily.
Westies & Besties - October 2021
PHOTO CREDIT Robert Thomas
F E AT U R E
How do you train dogs to become therapy dogs? In essence we feel you cannot per se. You can socialise from a puppy, and you can train a dog to settle, sit, wait and other behavioural requests with reward-based methods. But we feel you cannot train a dog to have the desire to meet new people, that emotional connection, without fear or simple toleration.
It is rumoured that some therapy organizations do not allow raw-fed dogs to join. Is this the case with Cariad Pet Therapy and if so, why? We do allow raw fed dogs to join Cariad Pet Therapy, we believe in what is good for the dogs and we believe raw fed is how nature intended dogs to be fed. It is not a pre-requisite of course. Visiting organisations have the right to not allow a raw-food dog to visit.
PHOTO CREDIT Robert Thomas
We also expect our volunteers to have a good understanding of their dog and show a knowledge of dog behaviour, the subtle stress signs shown in their dog, basic commands, loose lead walking etc. An all-round dog and an all-round owner – a team approach.
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F E AT U R E
How welcoming/happy are patients when they see the dogs? The feedback we get from visiting is overwhelming and at times very emotional. It is a real mood booster for all concerned. We also consider giving time to staff in clinical settings as they also benefit from therapy dog visits. We have quantitative evidence proving that our visits have increased many aspects of a patient’s quality of life as well as lots of qualitative feedback from those we visit. There is well-documented evidence that there are physiological benefits to spending time with a dog, such as our stress hormones decrease, our blood pressure and heart rate drops and our feel-good hormone oxytocin increases – in fact the dog experiences this oxytocin increase too, hence it is positive for us both. Our volunteers also receive a great deal of satisfaction seeing their best friend making such a difference to people’s lives, we have weekly feedback that demonstrates how much our therapy dog teams get from the visits. The most important aspect here is how the dog experiences the visits, this is vital as we continue to always advocate for their welfare. We know pet therapy benefits those we visit, but how does the dog feel? How important do you think it is that dogs are allowed in hospitals, hospices, and elderly people’s homes? For those that enjoy spending time with dogs, if this is restricted due to a health condition or an inability to care for a pet, we are an alternative, albeit for a fleeting amount of time. We have experienced ‘awakenings’ in care homes where the presence of a dog has motivated and encouraged communication and engagement. There are far too many examples of positive responses to our therapy dog teams visiting to mention! The main thing is it brings a smile, laughter, and connectivity. Your therapy dogs also visit mental health wards. How important is it that those suffering with mental health problems have access to your therapy dogs? Do you think this service should be increased across the whole of the UK? Again, if you have restricted access to a dog and we can help to overcome that then it is important to make that available. Careful consideration must be taken when promoting the idea of therapy
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dogs as it must be right for the dog and for the volunteer. People and dogs must be matched to the visiting establishment, this is crucial. If the dog is suitable, as with the volunteer and the establishment is risk assessed, visits to secure mental health wards can be very powerful. Visits have a high impact and are very rewarding. We have had our work evaluated in acute mental health wards with a real positive impact, showing more engagement, goal setting and attendance in group therapy when the therapy dog is present. You also have a Reading Paws Programme which entails letting your dogs into schools etc. How important is this to children suffering with anxiety? We offer a range of services to schools based on improving literacy and emotional health to the students. Helping an anxious student into school, helping those with reading, and teaching communication through play are all aspects of the support a therapy dog can provide in a school. Again, careful consideration must be taken with ‘dogs in schools’ as there is a bit of a trend with some schools getting a puppy and thinking it will become a therapy dog. I would not advise this; schools can be stressful environments (especially for a puppy) and any dog spending any period in school must follow strict welfare guidelines and support from an organisation like ourselves. Remember you cannot pick a therapy dog off a shelf as a puppy thinking it will be suitable. They need to develop and mature first and have that inherent desire to say hello to new people. When Covid-19 hit, Cariad set up a food bank programme to help feed dogs. Is this continuing and how successful was it? Yes, we set up the pet food bank in response to COVID in December 2020, this was our second COVID related project where we donated 45 robot companion pets to care homes across Wales in September/October 2020. This won us a Mental Health & Wellbeing Award and a feature on ITV Wales News. The real reward was seeing the joy and companionship the robot pets provided. This also gave comfort and reassurance to families that could not visit due to restrictions at the time. At the pet food bank, we support all pets including cats, dogs, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, chickens and even a horse. The pet food bank in its first eight months has
Westies & Besties - October 2021
PHOTO CREDIT Robert Thomas
F E AT U R E
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Westies & Besties - October 2021
PHOTO CREDIT Robert Thomas
F E AT U R E
The pet food bank has a fulfilment shop in Haverfordwest where we also provide paid work opportunities to people with a barrier to employment, as we are a disability confident employer. We also provide in-work experience for a local Primary School with their Year 6 additional learning needs students working on their key and community skills. We have 175 people registered to use the pet food bank currently, some being a one-off and some are continual support. We feel that pets are vital to our wellbeing and the thought of either going without food for yourself or having to give them up is unthinkable, so we are there to support. Yes, it will be continuing as demand grows. Do you have plans to expand across Wales? We have developed quite quickly since 2018 already. For example, since May 2021 when we resumed visits post-lockdown, we have visited or are arranging visits for 59 different establishments across West and South Wales. An aim is to be Wales wide yes, as mentioned we currently cover from Aberystwyth to Newport. The demand for our pet therapy service is increasing.
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donated over 46,000 meals to pet owners and their family’s experiencing hardship. We deliver as far as Llanelli from Pembrokeshire fortnightly. We are supported by the community with donations and pet food company’s such as Harringtons and Lily’s Kitchen.
then you will see the benefits of the role, as the rewards are many. As therapy work is approximately only 2% of the dog’s life during their waking hours, we promote an enriched lifestyle for our therapy dogs for the rest of the time, this includes the popular activity of sleep, rest, as well as exercise. Seeing our dogs in a whole lifestyle approach is important for their wellbeing. To finish, one example of the type of support we offer, this week one visit was to a palliative care patient in the last days of his life. The therapy dog visiting gave joy and comfort not only to the patient but to the family and the healthcare staff. This was a new volunteer with her dog on their first visit. The sense of comfort it provided in that short space of time is something the volunteer has commented on and during debriefing has asked to provide similar visits in the future. The power of a dog and its owner. For more information on Cariad Pet Therapy visit www.cariadpettherapy.co.uk or call 01437 766 164
If there is anything else, you’d like to tell our readers? We are proud of all our therapy dogs’ teams, and we are grateful for the time they spend volunteering making a difference to people’s lives throughout Wales. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all for their dedication and kindness. What we like to promote is ‘dog-first’. Do what is right for your dog, not just yourself when thinking about applying for therapy dog work. We must remember our dogs did not see the advert for ‘therapy dogs’, we have volunteered them on their behalf. Avoid doing this as a badge of honour for your dog or simply as something to do, do it because you feel your dog is well suited and you also have the time and desire to make a difference,
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COMMUNITY
The Wonderful World of Westies WESTIES IN CANADA ENJOY A PARTY IN THE PARK IN QUEBEC, WHILE WESTIES OF THE COLCHESTER WESTIE WALK IN THE UK JOIN FORCES AND RAISE £545 FOR CHARITY, WESTIE RESCUE UK
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PHOTO CREDIT Images of westie party in Quebec, Canada supplied by Vicki Lacroix
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Westies & Besties - October 2021
PHOTO CREDIT Images of westies on the Colchester Westie Walk supplied by Alice Harker
COMMUNITY
COLCHESTER, UK
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Westies & Besties - October 2021
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