Tag: animal welfare

Hidden Dangers in Your Picnic Basket: Experts Warn Dog Owners This Bank Holiday

As families across the UK prepare to make the most of the upcoming bank holiday with picnics and garden get-togethers, Dog Friendly Retreats urges dog owners to be mindful of what’s in their picnic baskets.

While harmless to humans, many popular seasonal treats can be highly toxic to dogs, with some leading to emergency vet visits or worse.

Whether you’re having a weekend away or staying at home, below is a timely roundup of common picnic foods that pose serious health risks to dogs, including:

Grapes and raisins 

Whilst grapes and raisins are popular for picnics, especially with children, even a tiny amount can cause kidney failure in dogs. Tartaric acid and potassium bitartrate are found in high concentrations in grapes, and research shows that dogs are particularly sensitive to these acids.

Onions, garlic, and chives 

Often found in quiches, salads, and dips, whether raw, cooked, or powdered, these ingredients can damage red blood cells and lead to a serious condition called hemolytic anaemia. Symptoms might not appear immediately, which makes accidental ingestion especially risky, and as these ingredients aren’t always visible, it’s even more important to be aware.

Chocolate and sweet treats 

Chocolate is one of the most well-known toxic foods for dogs, yet it is still one of the most common causes of dog poisoning, which is something to be conscious of during your spring picnic. Many spring and bank holiday desserts, like brownies, cupcakes, and Easter eggs, may contain enough theobromine (a stimulant found in cocoa) to cause vomiting, seizures, and in severe cases, heart failure.

Cooked bones (especially chicken) 

Whilst raw bones are suitable for dogs, the chicken legs or wings you might take on a picnic can splinter and cause internal injuries or choking, which could potentially be fatal. Cooking makes bones brittle, and when chewed, they can splinter into sharp fragments that may puncture a dog’s throat, stomach, or intestines. 

Corn on the cob 

Whilst corn isn’t toxic to dogs, it can create a significant blockage risk if swallowed, and we all know dogs don’t always chew their food as much as they should, which could lead to expensive surgery to remove. 

Josh Williams, owner of Dog Friendly Retreats, commented: “It’s easy to overlook how many picnic staples are dangerous for dogs. Something as innocent as a fruit scone or sausage roll can contain hidden ingredients that cause serious harm.

“Dogs are naturally curious about food, especially outdoors, so prevention and awareness are key. It’s important to watch children too, as they won’t always understand the risk of feeding your dogs these toxic ingredients.”

Your dog also deserves to enjoy the bank holiday picnic, but what foods are safe to share?

Dog-Safe Snacks You Can Share at a Picnic

Carrot sticks

Crisp, low-calorie, and full of fibre, carrots are an excellent snack for dogs. They also help support dental health and are easy to pack in a cooler.

Apple slices (without seeds)

Apples are rich in vitamins A and C; most dogs love the sweet crunch. Just remove the seeds and core, as the seeds contain small amounts of cyanide.

Cucumber slices

Hydrating, low in calories, and gentle on the stomach, cucumbers are a refreshing treat for dogs on warm days.

Plain cooked chicken or turkey (boneless, skinless)

If you’re grilling or packing cold meats, a small amount of plain, unseasoned chicken or turkey makes a protein-rich snack. Just avoid any seasoning, sauces, or bones. 

Blueberries or strawberries

These antioxidant-rich fruits are safe in moderation and can even help support brain and heart health. Wash them well and serve fresh (avoid sugary toppings or syrups).

‘Carnage’ at the Scottish Grand National – Animal Rising react

As the fates of several horses hang in the balance at Ayr following the multiple injuries and falls at the Scottish Grand National festival, Animal Rising have condemned the racing industry and its continued use of horses for entertainment and profit.

Rose Patterson of Animal Rising, who was arrested in 2023 for her attempts to bring the Epsom horse races to a halt, commented: “This race was nothing short of carnage.

“The sheer number of horses falling, injured or violently whipped was shocking – this is inexcusable. Over the last week, the racing industry has exposed its grim reality to the viewing public. This cruelty won’t end until racing is halted for good.

“We cannot call ourselves a nation of animal lovers while turning a blind eye to the violence of racing. This industry exploits horses for profit, masking cruelty behind tradition. Until no more horses die for sport, we will keep demanding change.”

Campaigners from Animal Rising were arrested in 2023 after entering the racetrack at Ayr, just a few hours after the death of horse Oscar Elite. The group had attempted to enter the tracks earlier to put the races to a halt to avoid any horse deaths.

Multiple trials are due to take place later this year following the 118 arrests at 2023 Grand National at Aintree, with defendants charged with causing a public nuisance. On Friday 4th April, Animal Rising campaigners also attended a plea hearing regarding the disruption of the Epsom races in 2023, facing charges of public nuisance.

Avoid emergency vet visits this Easter by keeping ‘toxic’ traditional treats away from pets

The British Veterinary Association is warning pet owners to keep traditional goodies – such as chocolate eggs and hot cross buns – out of reach of their animals to avoid emergency vet visits this April.

The warning comes as statistics from the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS), which provides emergency advice to veterinary professionals about poisoning cases and runs Animal PoisonLine for owners, reveal that it received over 100 enquiries about animals eating chocolate last Easter.

Half of all enquiries it receives about pets ingesting hot cross buns, which contain vine fruits that are poisonous to many animals, also unsurprisingly come at Easter. 

Although 80 per cent of enquiries related to chocolate ingestion involve dogs, it’s not just cheeky canines who bite off more than they can chew: the VPIS reports 15 per cent of enquiries about chocolate ingestion relate to cats and 3 per cent to rabbits.

Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, can be dangerous for all pets. Dogs, however, are particularly susceptible to poisoning due to a chemical called theobromine, which is found naturally in cocoa beans.

Theobromine takes a long time to be broken down inside a dog’s digestive system, which means that even small amounts of chocolate can potentially result in toxic levels, especially for smaller dogs and puppies. Although white chocolate is usually safer for dogs if ingested accidentally, milk and dark chocolate can cause poisoning, so it’s better to err on the side of caution and keep all types of chocolate away.

Raisins and sultanas, found in hot cross buns and simnel cakes, and xylitol (found in sugar-free treats) can also be dangerous for dogs if ingested.

British Veterinary Association Junior Vice President Rob Williams said: “Chocolate eggs and hot cross buns are just a few of the treats which spring onto the shelves at this time of year.

“While they are delicious for us, the VPIS statistics show they are also tempting – but toxic – to our pets. Many of us will know the dangers that chocolate presents to dogs, but other pets such as cats and rabbits can also become seriously unwell if they eat it, while hot cross buns also contain vine fruits which is particularly toxic too.

“It’s best to make sure that all sweet treats and tempting titbits are kept out of reach of your pets to avoid emergency vet visits, but if you think your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t, it’s really important that you speak to your vet – it could save their life.”

Symptoms of chocolate poisoning

Symptoms of chocolate poisoning usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion and can last for up to three days. Initially, pets are likely to experience excessive thirst, vomiting, diarrhoea and restlessness.

These can develop into symptoms of hyperactivity, tremors, increased heart rate, hyperthermia and rapid breathing. Severe cases may result in fits and heartbeat irregularities, and even coma and death. If you notice these symptoms in your dog and suspect chocolate ingestion, seek veterinary advice as soon as possible.

For more information on pets and toxic substances, download the free Animal Welfare Foundation ‘Pets and Poisons’ leaflet or information leaflets from Animal PoisonLine.

Pets-and-Poisons-1Download

Challenging times for Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home

Important news from the Home:

Due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, the rising costs of running the Home have outpaced the funds we’ve been able to raise, despite the continued generosity and support of our incredible community.

If we do not take immediate and decisive action, there is a genuine risk that the Home will no longer be able to continue in the years ahead. This is not an outcome we can accept, as we know how much the Home means to the many people and pets we support across the country.

As we face these unprecedented challenges, we have had to undertake a restructuring exercise to ensure we can continue to operate effectively and sustainably for the long term.

This means that we have made the difficult and unavoidable decision to become a smaller team as well as make a slight reduction to our opening hours.

We’re so grateful to all our team who have stood by the Home during this tough time, continuing to deliver exceptional care and support to pets and their owners, and thank them for their hard work and dedication to our important mission.

Our mission remains the same, as we project that the need for our services will only increase. We are fully committed to doing whatever is necessary to protect the future of Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home and the pets and pet owners we support.

Thank you for supporting our Home.

Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home launches cattery crowdfunder

Crippling energy price rises has seen costs at the Home soar and funds are desperately needed to enable the cattery roof to be replaced

The Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home has today launched a crowdfunder to raise vital funds to replace their cattery roof which is in great need of repair.  Rising energy prices has seen costs at the Home rocket and so they hope to install solar panels on their new roof which will make a saving of over £2,600 in energy costs every year.

The cattery roof is in urgent need of repair and the team at the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home hope to raise nearly £13,000 to fund a new one and install solar panels.  Currently the outdoor section of the cat pen has a mesh area through which bird poo can fall, which is incredibly dangerous to the cats, putting them at risk of giardia infection. 

The new roof will be solid to keep the cats safe, preventing bird droppings from falling through, which previously required a great deal of time to clean. The improvement means the cats will now have year-round access to the outdoor cattery.

Solar Panels on the new roof would effectively cover the electricity to the Home’s entire cattery and clinic, creating a more sustainable future for the Home and for the environment. With solar panels installed, over five years the Home would save £13,070 – enough to vaccinate 1,378 cats.

Many of the Home’s resident cats, like Mickey who had spent about 6 months with them, enjoyed spending time outside whatever the weather. Mickey loved to sit in his outdoor area, hoping that passing team members would stop to say hi to him (of course, they always would!) The outdoor pens provide important stimulation and enrichment for cats like Mickey, but at the moment they can’t be used year-round due to infection concerns.

Lindsay Fyffe Jardine, CEO of Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, said: “Repairing the roof and installing the solar panels above this section of the cattery will provide much needed shelter and create a safer play area for the cats in our care.

“Not only will we benefit from much needed energy savings, we’ll also improve our carbon footprint. Installing these solar panels means that two tons of CO2 emissions will be avoided every year. Over the panels’ lifetime, this is the equivalent of 69,690 car kms avoided, 50 long haul flights avoided, or planting 448 trees.

“Installing solar panels will not only give essential cover to our cattery, but will generate enough green energy for all the electricity in our cattery and our clinic.

“The welfare of the animals in our care is always at the forefront of our operations. Operating sustainably is essential in our ability to continue to deliver on our mission.”

To make a donation to the Cattery Crowdfunder please visit: 

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/light-up-our-home

National Puppy Day: What to buy before bringing a puppy home

New puppy owners are being advised to make essential purchases ahead of welcoming their furry friend home to ensure a smooth transition.

On National Puppy Day (23 March), the dog training experts at ACME Kennels have revealed the vital items soon-to-be owners should buy so they are properly equipped to give their pup everything it needs to flourish. 

Bringing a puppy home is an exciting adventure, but it also comes with a significant financial commitment. In addition to pet insurance and vaccinations, owners must consider essentials like food, training equipment and the correct bedding for their new addition to thrive.

Not having the right gear at home before bringing a new puppy home can lead to several risks, for example a lack of appropriate toys and training tools can lead to boredom and destructive behaviours.

Additionally, being unprepared can affect a puppy’s comfort and health, making house training more challenging and limiting their socialisation opportunities.

Ben Mcfarlane, expert from  ACME Kennels , said: “Welcoming a new puppy is an exciting yet hectic experience for the whole family. To ensure a smooth transition and prevent boredom or bad behaviours developing, it’s essential to have the right supplies ready before their arrival- such as toys, food, and training kit.

“A well-prepared home lays the foundation for your puppy’s happiness and development. So, to help first-time puppy owners, we’ve created a checklist of must-have items to consider before bringing your new pup home, along with information on why each item is so important.”

Seven most important items to get before bringing home a puppy:

1.        Bedding

To ensure the puppy feels comfortable, choose a soft bed with supportive sides and avoid oversized options, as they like to feel cosy. Select high-quality materials that can withstand chewing. Also, consider how easy it is to wash and how quickly it dries, as there may be a few accidents while the puppy settles in.

2.                       Food

It’s important to buy food they’re already familiar with to prevent an upset stomach. If you plan to switch foods, do so gradually after they’ve settled in to minimise stress. Always have a bowl of fresh water nearby so they are well hydrated. Being unprepared with the incorrect food and not enough water can impact their overall health.

3.                       Toys

Toys are vital for puppies who have boundless energy at this stage of their development, so select ones appropriate for their age and size, providing plenty of chew toys to protect your furniture. Without proper toys, puppies may become bored and engage in destructive behaviours, so ensure they have enough stimulation to develop good habits.

4.                       Safety Hazards

Puppies are naturally curious and can easily get into trouble without the right safety hazards in place. To keep them safe and prevent potential injuries, invest in items like baby gates and secure storage for toxic items.

5.                       Training tools

Training tools are crucial for helping puppies learn consistent good behaviours. Once the puppy has settled in, start with housetraining and teaching them their name; using a whistle can be very effective for this. Other useful tools include clickers for positive reinforcement and adjustable harnesses for safe walks, because establishing clear boundaries is key to your puppy’s development.

6.                       Collar & leash 

Taking walks is a great way to bond with your new puppy. Owners can choose between a collar and leash or a harness and leash- experiment to see which works best for your pup. Once vaccinated, start with short walks, five minutes for each month of their age, up to twice daily.

7.                       House training supplies

Puppy pads or designated bathroom spaces are essential for effective house training, because inadequate supplies can lead to accidents that frustrate both owner and puppy. This not only results in uncleanliness and bad odours but can also damage furniture and stain carpets.

For more information on what to buy a puppy, please visit: 

https://www.acmewhistles.co.uk/stories/must-haves-bringing-home-puppy-rescue-dog  

For more information and training tips from Ben visit ACME Kennels.

Edinburgh charity thank public for playing crucial role in stopping needless animal cruelty

  • Scottish public play crucial role in stopping needless animal cruelty
  • OneKind campaign generated support of thousands of Scots to end the use of snares

A leading Scottish animal charity, OneKind, is celebrating the thousands of volunteers and members of the public who helped to locate and report cruel snares ahead of a historic ban to end the capture device comes into force.

This significant milestone means that wild, farmed, and companion animals across the country will no longer endure the inhumane mental and physical agony inflicted by snare traps.

The Scottish Government’s historic decision to ban snares, passed through the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act, marks a monumental step forward in ending animal cruelty. OneKind had been working on getting snares banned for many years and thanks to public interest and support finally got the ban confirmed in November 2024.

Snares, which have long been used by gamekeepers to trap wild animals like foxes in the name of protecting game birds for shooting, are indiscriminate and often cause immense suffering to a wide range of non-targeted species, from deer and badgers to cats and dogs. The new law, which came into effect in November 2024, makes it an offence to use snares or cause harm to wild animals through snaring.

This win was made possible thanks to various funding streams for the charity including that of Bighearted Scotland which helps fund essential campaigns through Payroll Giving.

Bob Elliot, Director of OneKind said: “The ban on snares is a victory that will end the suffering of countless animals across Scotland. For years, we have seen the devastating impact of snares on both target and non-target species alike.

“The distress caused to pets, wildlife, and even livestock has been heartbreaking. The Scottish Government has underlined its commitment to bettering animal welfare across the country with this landmark decision, and we couldn’t have done it without the support of the general public who helped us locate many snares in the Scottish countryside, our dedicated donors – including Bighearted Scotland – and supporters.”

OneKind has been at the forefront of this battle, campaigning for many years to eliminate the use of snares in Scotland. The charity’s efforts included public marches, rallies outside the Scottish Parliament, petitions, and extensive outreach to raise awareness of the cruelty caused by these devices.

The snare ban is the culmination of years of hard work by OneKind, but it also signals a shift in how we view wild animals. By protecting them from these inhumane traps, Scotland is taking a strong stance on the ethical treatment of wildlife.

Bighearted Scotland’s ongoing support of OneKind’s campaigns, particularly through payroll giving, has been crucial in securing this win. Payroll giving allows employees to donate a portion of their salary directly to causes like OneKind, ensuring a consistent and reliable funding stream that powers crucial campaigns.

Deborah Roe, Chair of Bighearted Scotland said: “We are proud to be part of a landmark moment for Scotland, our wildlife and our beautiful countryside through our ongoing support of OneKind.

“We want to make donating and giving back as easy as possible which is why, this Payroll Giving Month, we are encouraging people to opt in to payroll giving to benefit four Scottish Charities including Erskine, OneKind, Epilepsy Scotland and Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland.

“By donating via payroll giving you can be guaranteed you are supporting a range of charities spanning various causes and making a real impact, to real people.”

Bighearted Scotland is a consortium that has been supporting Scottish charities for over 30 years. Bighearted Scotland is dedicated to enhancing fundraising efforts through payroll giving, or Give as You Earn, which allows employees to make regular, tax-efficient donations straight from their gross pay.

In February, Payroll Giving Month, Bighearted Scotland and its member charities raise awareness about the power of payroll donations, which are often a consistent and reliable source of funding. However, despite the program’s impact, the amount donated through payroll giving has decreased by 15% over the last decade, with the number of donors also declining by 13%.

For those interested in supporting OneKind and other member charities of Bighearted Scotland, visit www.bigheartedscotland.co.uk to learn more about how to set up payroll giving in your workplace.

Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home announces in-person cat first aid training course

The Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home is proud to announce the launch of in-person Cat First Aid Training courses, designed to equip cat owners with the vital skills needed to handle emergencies and common health issues with confidence.

With cats being prone to a variety of injuries and illnesses, this innovative course aims to empower owners and ensure their feline companions receive immediate and effective care when needed most.

The full day course, priced at £110, will be held at the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home and covers a wide range of crucial topics to help cat owners deliver first aid.

Participants will be taught; how to respond quickly in cases of choking or suffocation, how to handle wounds with proper care and bandaging and how to identify and manage common medical conditions like feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), kidney disease, and hyperthyroidism.

The course also covers environmental hazards, including poisoning and electric shock, and provides guidance on maintaining a proper diet and nutrition to support a cat’s overall health.

Participants will learn how to perform a weekly health check to identify early warning signs of illness and injury in their feline friends, as well as how to assess vital signs and effectively evaluate their cat’s condition. The course also includes essential life-saving skills such as recognising and responding to shock and performing CPR.

Carla Harris-Tait, Education Officer at Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, explains: “Cats are incredibly good at hiding pain, so it’s vital that owners know how to spot subtle signs of distress and illness.

“This course provides them with the knowledge and confidence to take action, which could mean the difference between life and death for their cat.”

This course marks a significant development in cat welfare education, as it is one of the first in-person Cat First Aid courses to be offered in the UK. While similar courses are available online, this hands-on approach ensures that pet owners gain practical, lifesaving skills in a real-world environment.

In the UK, there are over 10 million cats*, yet a significant number of cat owners are unaware of the common health issues that can affect their pets. Only 45% of cats are insured*, making costly vet bills a concern for many owners.

This training course will help mitigate these concerns by teaching preventative care and early detection, which can reduce the likelihood of serious health issues and lower vet bills.

Lindsay Fyffe Jardine, CEO of Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, added: “Our mission at the Home has always been to support pets and their owners, and this new training course is a vital step in achieving that.

“By equipping owners with these essential skills, we’re empowering them to be their cat’s strongest support system, ensuring their pet gets the care they truly deserve.”

The total cost of the Cat First Aid Training delivered by Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home goes directly to the home, supporting their mission. As they receive no government funding, every contribution helps them continue their vital work.

For more information on how to book Cat First Aid Training, please visit Cat First Aid – Edinburgh Dog & Cat Home

Charity urges Scottish Government not to forget cats as new Dog Theft Bill is introduced

The introduction of the Dog Theft Bill is a significant step forward for dog welfare, but Cats Protection is deeply concerned that cats have been overlooked in this important legislation, leaving thousands of Scottish pet owners without the same legal protections.

Alice Palombo, Advocacy Officer for Cats Protection, said: “For too long, the theft of beloved pets has been treated no differently than the theft of any other personal property.

“This Bill is a huge development in recognising dogs as sentient beings with strong emotional bonds to their owners, ensuring that this is considered when sentencing. Scotland is a nation of animal-lovers, and it is disappointing that the same logic has not been applied to cats and other pets.”

The new Dog Theft (Scotland) Bill acknowledges that the theft of a dog causes loss to both the owner and the dog itself. Furthermore, the penalties for stealing assistance dogs will be more severe, reflecting the vital services they provide to their owners. But the charity asks – what about cats?

Alice continues: “The theft of a cat is no different than the theft of a dog, it causes the same emotional impact for owners and distress for their stolen pet. Despite this, under this Bill, cat owners will not receive the same protections as dog owners.

“While we acknowledge that Maurice Golden MSP, who has proposed this Bill, hopes that it will act as a catalyst for wider reform and future legislation, cat owners should not have to wait years for the same legal protections that dog owners will immediately benefit from.

“The promise of a government review in years to come offers little comfort to the thousands of families who have already suffered the heartbreak of a stolen cat.

“We urge the Scottish Government to take immediate action, not wait for a review of the Act in five years’ time, but by introducing specific protections for cats and indeed other pets in this legislation. All pet owners deserve equal recognition under the law which we believe is essential for improving animal welfare in Scotland.”

Cats Protection welcomes call for compulsory microchipping in Scotland

Cats Protection welcomes the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission (SAWC)’s recently published report on responsible ownership and care of domestic cats in Scotland, supporting its microchipping recommendations to improve cat welfare across Scotland.

Advocacy Officer for Cats Protection, Alice Palombo, said: “We are delighted that SAWC has recommended the introduction of legislation for compulsory microchipping and the registration of owned cats in Scotland.

“This would be a vital step in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of pet cats, one that Cats Protection has long campaigned for.

“Animal welfare charities take in thousands of unchipped cats every year, and Scotland has the second lowest microchipping rates in the UK at 72%. This legislation will help reunite lost cats with their owners, reduce the number of unowned and stray cats, while also reducing the burden on our teams.

“Trying to find the owners of unchipped cats often takes up valuable space in our pens – space that could otherwise be used for cats in urgent need.”

The charity further supports the development of a centralised database to simplify the registration process, giving an efficient way for pet owners, veterinary professionals, and animal welfare organisations to search for cats when needed.

In addition to legislative measures, SAWC has recommended that Scottish Ministers implement a public education programme to encourage voluntary microchipping and registration ahead of legal requirements.

Alice continues: “The combination of compulsory microchipping and a centralised registration system will be a game-changer for cat welfare in Scotland.

“A public education initiative will be crucial in raising awareness among cat owners and the wider public about the importance of responsible pet ownership.

“We hope Scottish Ministers do take action by implementing these proposals as soon as possible, which we believe are essential for improving cat welfare.”