PDSA, the vet charity for pets in need, is calling on kind-hearted volunteers to support its life-saving work by offering a helping hand in its soon-to-be launched Edinburgh charity shop.
The store, which is set to open next month, will help to fund vital veterinary work across PDSA’s 48 Pet Hospitals – including its local centre in the city – which care for thousands of pets whose owners struggle to afford essential treatments.
Cluster Shop Manager Fiona Lawrie, who will co-ordinate the opening of the South Bridge shop, is encouraging animal lovers who can spare a few hours a week to get in touch and find out about the exciting opportunities available.
Fiona said: “The pandemic had a huge impact on PDSA’s fundraising activities which is why the support provided by the incredible people who volunteer in our shops is so important.
“We receive no government funding towards running our vital vet services and everything we do is supported by the generosity of the pet-loving public whose kind donations of time, money, and items mean we can be there for pets and their owners when they are most in need.
“Volunteering is an excellent way to assist charities and do something that makes a real difference to the lives of others, but it is also a great way to make new friends, gain confidence, and enhance your CV.
“We’re looking for friendly and dedicated people aged 18 or over to join our team at South Bridge in Edinburgh – it doesn’t matter if you don’t have previous retail experience, we provide full training and we’ll reimburse your travel expenses so you’re not out of pocket. All you need is a few spare hours a week, a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn.”
To find out about volunteering opportunities at the new store, please contact Fiona Lawrie by calling 07557 196831 or email lawrie.fiona@pdsa.org.uk.
No pet owner should be faced with losing a beloved pet because they can no longer afford to pay for treatment. For many vulnerable pets, PDSA is there to help when there is nowhere else for their owners to turn.
PDSA encourages all supporters to sign up for Gift Aid* if they are a UK taxpayer, to help their donations go even further. Gift Aid allows PDSA to claim an additional 25 per cent of the value of each item sold.
Following Thursday’s debate in Scottish Parliament on the future of greyhound racing in Scotland, Owen Sharp, Chief Executive at Dogs Trust said:“We’re really pleased to hear the issue of greyhound racing being debated in the Scottish Parliament and would like to thank Mark Ruskell MSP for lodging the motion.
“Whilst the Scottish Government’s commitment to reviewing the activities of the greyhound industry as part of its upcoming consultation on extending the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (Scotland) Regulations is a step forward, we firmly believe the industry must come to an end. We are concerned that licensing the industry would not be sufficient to protect racing greyhound welfare.
“Greyhound racing in Scotland has been significantly reduced since 2020, and with only one operational track, any phase-out period should be considerably shorter than elsewhere in the UK.
“Just last week, Dogs Trust called for an end to greyhound racing across the UK. While we have worked closely with the greyhound industry for many years to try to improve welfare conditions for the dogs, progress has not been made quickly enough, or on a big enough scale.
“It is simply not acceptable that in Great Britain over 2,000 greyhounds died or were put to sleep over the last four years, with close to 18,000 injuries recorded, all in the name of entertainment.”
On 27th September, three of the UK’s largest animal welfare organisations – Dogs Trust, Blue Cross and the RSPCA – called for greyhound racing to come to an end as soon as possible to put a stop to the unnecessary and completely preventable deaths of hundreds of dogs every year.
In Scotland, there are two greyhound racing tracks, one licensed by the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) at Shawfield in Rutherglen and an independent “flapper” track at Thornton in Fife. Shawfield has been non-operational since March 2020, with racing at Thornton considerably reduced.
The charities have, as part of the Greyhound Forum, worked with the greyhound racing industry for many years to try to improve conditions for the dogs involved. While this has led to some improvements, there are still significant welfare issues for racing greyhounds which have not been resolved and cannot be resolved.
This announcement sees the organisations aligned with Scottish SPCA, One Kind, League Against Cruel Sports Scotland and Scotland Against Greyhound Exploitation who have all called for an end to greyhound racing in Scotland.
Greyhound racing is inherently dangerous for the dogs involved. Running at speed around oval tracks causes significant injury to many dogs, and in some cases the injuries are so severe that it is necessary to euthanise the dog.
The GBGB * is the self-regulating organisation that governs licensed greyhound racing in Great Britain. Data from GBGB show that over 2,000 greyhounds died or were put to sleep and nearly 18,000 injuries were recorded from greyhound racing between 2018 and 2021**, with additional dogs injured on independent tracks.
Comprehensive internal reviews conducted by Dogs Trust, the RSPCA and Blue Cross highlighted serious concerns at every stage of a racing greyhound’s life including issues around inadequate welfare standards in kennelling and transporting the dogs.
Some of the dogs used in racing are kept in poor, barren conditions, with little if any enrichment and fed a poor diet. The reviews also highlighted concerns around the general health of the dogs including the number and severity of injuries sustained during racing.
There are also serious issues around the racing of greyhounds in extreme weather and the number of puppies that are unaccounted for between birth and racing registrations, so often referred to by the sector as the “wastage”.
The reviews also found there to be disjointed and ineffective regulation within the sector, a lack of transparency regarding industry practices, and additional concerns around the enforcement of regulatory standards.
There’s also concern around the absence of a sustainable and consistent source of income for the industry which has grossly impacted any meaningful change for the dogs involved. However, even if the considerable finances needed to continue were made available, a complete overhaul of the sport is necessary to ensure it is compatible with good welfare.
Dogs Trust, the RSPCA and Blue Cross want to see an end to greyhound racing announced as soon as possible and expect the phase out across Great Britain to be feasible within five years to allow the racing industry and animal welfare organisations to carefully plan and coordinate the care of the many dogs affected.
In 2021 there were in excess of 18,000 licensed greyhounds eligible to race in GBGB races, with additional greyhounds racing on the independent tracks.
Dog owners are preparing to walk 9K with their K9s and make charitable donations go through the ‘woof’!
Tails and tongues are set to wag this August with the return of pawsome annual fundraising event, Wagathon™, initiated by leading fundraising platform, Give as you Live Donate.
Dog owners across the UK are being encouraged to put on their walking boots and join their four-legged friends in walking 9K any day they like throughout August and raise vital charity funds.
Participants can choose to raise money for a charity close to their heart, whether it’s a local dog rescue centre or a well-known national charity — they all need support!
When dog owners sign up, they will receive a special welcome pack, including a Wagathon™ tag for their dog’s collar — plus, they will be in with the chance of winning some top prizes from Yappy and Scruffs.
It’s super-simple to get involved in the Wagathon™ challenge. All people need to do is:
1) Pick a charity to support
2) Create a Wagathon™ fundraising page
3) Share the page with friends, family and colleagues
4) Complete 9K with your K9s
Participants are encouraged to tag @thewagathonpack on Instagram and share their fundraising journey to be in the chance of winning a pawsome prize bundle!
For further information, and to kickstart your challenge, visit:
In memory of her beloved dog, Freddie, who passed away in June 2022, Charlotte Jones from Lapworth, Warwickshire, will be walking and running 9km every day during the month of August. She’ll be walking 279km in total to raise money for Fetcher Dog Charity.
Fetcher Dog was founded because thousands of dogs are born on the streets of Bosnia every year, condemned to starvation, disease and brutal, inhumane deaths.
Fetcher Dog aims to rescue as many of these dogs as possible and find them forever homes.
So far, Charlotte has reached 50% of her fundraising target.
Lynn Carr, from Seaham, County Durham, owns beautiful spaniels, Willow and Bobby. This August, the trio will be walking 9K in the Lake District for a charity close to all their hearts, Spaniel Aid.
Back in 2017, when Bobby was only 8 months old, he was given to Spaniel Aid by owners who couldn’t look after him. He spent time in foster carer where he was taught simple things like walking on a lead. After seeing his picture on the charity’s Facebook page, Lynn applied to meet him.
Lynn says: “We visited Bobby with Willow to see if they got on and, a week later, Bobby came to join our family. Without this charity, we would never have come across our boy. For that, we are entirely grateful.”
Unfortunately, Bobby was one of dozens of spaniels up for adoption or needing foster carers. Spaniel Aid is funded entirely by donations and the generosity of the public and people who adopt dogs from them.
Fiona Reid, from Musselburgh, Scotland, and her gorgeous Miniature Wirehaired Dachshunds, Harris and Bracken, are on a mission to walk 9K and raise as much money as possible to support a fellow Dachshund called Daphne.
Daphne was recently rescued by DMT Dachshund Rescue and Support Group, a charity that rescues Dachshunds from the meat trade in China and Korea with the clear mission that no Dachshund gets left behind.
Daphne has a broken leg, and someone sadly cut off her tail, leaving her with an infected stump. The charity wasn’t sure whether her leg could be saved at first; but, after examination, Daphne’s leg can be healed at a heavy cost of £3,700.
To support the charity and Daphne with this bill, Fiona, Harris and Bracken will be walking a 9k coastal walk this August in East Lothian.
Daniel Hoole, from Chesterfield, is walking with his spaniel, Buddy, for Phoenix Heroes — a charity that supports veterans.
As a veteran himself, Daniel used Phoenix Heroes when he was suffering from PTSD and, through their support, he was able to get his life back on track by socialising with others, fishing and reflecting on the past.
Daniel says: “The charity is so special to me; they have helped me more than I could put into words. Completing Wagathon with Buddy is great as we are both doing what we love and helping others with similar situations to myself. I recommend this challenge to any dog owners as it’s a fantastic challenge to enjoy with your best friend.”
Instead of completing the 9km in August, Daniel and Buddy will be doing Wagathon around Remembrance Day in Snowdon.
Pet behaviourist shares their top five tips for getting your furry friend eating again
Cats have gained a bit of a reputation for being fussy, particularly when it comes to food, but sometimes their eating habits (or lack thereof) can be a sign of something bigger. Cats can be fussy eaters at the best of times but sometimes their unwillingness can be a sign of something bigger.
Hunting activity is ingrained in a cat’s DNA and when we take this activity away by simply providing food on a plate, it can have a knock-on impact.
So, to get your fussy feline eating enthusiastically again, Bella & Duke’s pet behaviourist Caroline Spencer shares her top tips:
Understand your cat’s eating habits
Cats are naturally suspicious animals and new food can cause anxiety initially.
Keep them interested by incorporating play, especially chasing or hunting activities, before mealtime.
Cats also prefer their food at the same temperature as “prey” would be in the wild. Before placing their food down on a feeding board or plate pop your cat’s meal into a bowl and place in warm water to replicate this.
Find the right feeding location
Cats tend to be private creatures who like the quiet and generally don’t like to be watched while eating.
Try to make sure the room they eat in is peaceful and free of activity during mealtime. No children running around, no radio playing or dishwasher running.
Add tasty additions
Adding a favourite natural, dehydrated treat like our Supreme Sprats or a little bit of beaten raw egg to their food will encourage many fussy cats to get stuck in.
You could also sprinkle your fussy cat’s meal with antler powder, drizzle some bone broth over the top or even add a small amount of tinned sardines in spring water to enhance the aroma.
Work out the best time to feed
Cats are mostly active at dawn and dusk and eat best in the early morning or late at night.
Have you noticed your cat has an increased amount of energy just about the time you settle down for the evening? Give them a meal after this expenditure of energy and also put food out around dawn.
Find the right feeding surface
Many will be surprised to hear that cats don’t like the smell of plastic or their whiskers touching the side of a bowl while they’re trying to eat.
Try serving their food on a wooden board, glass or ceramic plate instead. Make sure it’s spotlessly clean too – cats don’t like to smell old food while they eat.
Caroline Spencer, Pet Behaviourist at Bella & Duke added;“Cats are notorious for being independent pets and that doesn’t stop when it comes to their food.
“Feeding a picky eater can be frustrating when they turn their nose up at mealtime, try to understand what might be affecting this, it could just be something as simple as the placement of where the food is put.”
Gillian Mackay MSP was welcomed to Dogs Trust West Calder Rehoming Centre last week where she was greeted by a wagging tail reception!
Central Scotland MSP Gillian was interested to hear more about the charity’s work in Scotland after competing in Holyrood Dog of the Year in May with her sister’s cocker spaniel. Alfie was rehomed from Dogs Trust, so Gillian is keen to promote the many positives of rehoming a rescue dog.
After being given a tour of the West Lothian centre and popping into a children’s education workshop which was underway, Gillian was introduced to current residents including Labrador Arthur. Happily, Arthur has a new home lined up so will shortly leave kennels for his forever home.
Rehoming Centre Manager Susan Tonner chatted to Gillian about the daily work at the centre and the recent expansion of the Home from Home fostering scheme into Dundee and the surrounding counties of Angus, Perthshire and Fife. The charity now has staff working in these areas rehoming dogs direct from foster homes and is always looking for more foster carers to get involved.
Following her visit, Gillian Mackay MSP, said: ”It was a pleasure to visit West Calder Rehoming Centre and to meet not only the lovely dogs but also the dedicated staff who take care of them and work so hard to find them new homes.
“It was great to hear more about the lengths that charity goes to, to match each individual dog with their perfect home. I was also really interested to hear that some dogs are better suited to a foster home than kennels and how the charity is addressing this by rehoming more dogs in different areas thanks to their Home from Home Foster Scheme.
“After visiting the centre and seeing the different dogs available, I am keener than ever to encourage anyone looking to welcome a dog into their lives, to consider a rescue dog. With rescue dog Alfie in our family, I know what a difference he has made to our lives, so I feel the adopt don’t shop message is an important one.”
Susan Tonner said: “We were delighted to welcome Gillian to our Rehoming Centre to tell her more about our work in Scotland. As she already has a rescue dog in her family it was clear how much she loved meeting some of our four-legged friends including Arthur, and the feeling was mutual.
“We are very grateful for her support spreading the message that rehoming a rescue dog can be a really positive, life changing experience for both the family and the dog.”
Dogs Trust is currently looking for Home from Home fosterers in Dundee, Tayside, Perth and Kinross, Fife, Angus and Kincardine. Anyone interested can call Megan on 01506 873459 or email HFH.Dundee@dogstrust.org.uk
Animal charity The Humane League UK marked the 200 year anniversary of the UK’s first animal welfare law by asking the UK Government to ban cages for egg-laying hens with a demo outside Parliament yesterday.
Carrying banners saying ‘Let’s make cages history’, each protester represented a historical era which has passed since the first animal welfare law was introduced two centuries ago wearing costumes from Victorian three-piece suits, to flapper dresses and 90s grunge get-ups.
According to a survey by Atomik Research, one third of people believe that egg-laying hens have better lives now than they did 200 years ago, despite factory and cage farming not being invented in 1822.
The survey also found that of those who eat eggs, 72% say that buying free-range is important to them.
Singer Sinitta, who endorsed the campaign, said: “It completely boggles my mind that hens suffer more today than hundreds of years ago. We’ve invented planes, cars, antibiotics, telephones, and the internet but when it comes to our treatment of innocent farmed animals things have arguably gotten worse.
“This is unacceptable – we must ban cages for hens.”
Dr Marc Abraham OBE, media vet and author, says: “There’s going to be a change of government soon and, although disruptive, this can present a major opportunity for change.
“They need to realise that a significantly high proportion of British people want cruel and exploitative cages banned outright, as they should. It’s not fair keeping energetic, intelligent, and curious animals like hens in steel wire boxes, where they suffer unnaturally shortened and miserable lives.
“If those in power refuse to act on their own pro-animal welfare mandate, the nation’s animal-lovers will just keep campaigning until the health and wellbeing of animals is finally and fully respected.”
On July 22nd 1822 Parliament passed The Cruel Treatment of Cattle Act which protected cows, horses, mules and sheep from beatings and abuse.
It was the first piece of animal welfare legislation in the world, and was masterminded by Irish MP and colonel Richard ‘Humanity Dick’ Martin, who defended animals so vigorously he fought at least one duel over cruelty to a dog.
Battery cages began to find wide use in farming from the 1940s onwards and, although barren battery cages were banned in the UK in 2012, millions of hens remain trapped in marginally larger ‘enriched’ cages.
Around 14 million hens, or 35% of the UK’s flock, are still kept in these cages which frustrate natural behaviours like wing-stretching, foraging and dust-bathing.
This is despite strong public opposition to such practices.
The government confirmed last month in the End the Cage Age debate that there would be a consultation on the use of cages for laying hens and farrowing crates for pigs.
Without a ban, members of the public can never be sure that they aren’t purchasing eggs from cruelly caged hens, as even with 80-90% of the egg industry committed to going cage-free by 2025 that will leave 4.2 to 8.4 million birds in cages supplying small single location businesses and restaurants.
These protests form part of Beatrice’s Campaign, which seeks to ban cages for hens and is led by UK charities The Humane League UK, RSPCA, and Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation.
The campaign is named after Beatrice, a hen who was rescued from a cage and now thrives with her adoptive family in Wiltshire, having regrown all the feathers she’d lost during her previous, stress-filled life.
Over two million1 kitties are eating away from home with potentially devastating effects on their health
One in six pet parents (14 per cent) have put their cat on a diet because they get fed seconds – and thirds! – by their neighbours
Cat behaviourist, Nicky Trevorrow, shares her tips for ensuring a healthy and happy cat
Cats are courting more than just other people’s affections according to a new survey which found that nearly a third of cat caregivers (30 per cent) suspect their neighbours of feeding their beloved kitty titbits, treats and even full meals2.
Makers of proper food for pets Lily’s Kitchen, which commissioned the poll, is urging people to serve up ‘tough love’ instead. With findings showing that one in six owners (16 per cent) believe their cat is overweight because of being fed by well-meaning neighbours, it highlights that ‘dining out’ can have an impact on our cats’ health.
14 per cent of those surveyed have even admitted to putting their feline friend on a diet as a result.
What is more, it appears our cats are regularly playing away, with nearly two-thirds of pet parents (64 per cent) saying their cat pays visits to ‘other humans’. Admitting their moggies stand them up, staying out all hours of the day and night, a third (34 per cent) say their outings last five or more hours every day.
But our cats’ intrepid nature can end up with more serious consequences than just missing your kitty. Highlighting the impact of treating someone else’s pet, 34 per cent said their cat ‘eating out’ was a real source of stress for them, while 17 per cent have fallen out with neighbours for feeding their feline without permission.
And proving just how damaging this can be, a worrying 19 per cent of owners questioned describe their cat as overweight.
Gaining some extra rolls isn’t the only cause for concern when it comes to feeding cats you don’t know. It’s not uncommon for cats to have allergies or other special dietary requirements related to medical conditions, so falling for the charms of a wide-eyed kitty could lead to more than just disgruntled neighbours.
However, despite pet parents feeling put out by neighbours feeding their own cat, and proving how hard it can be to ignore feline charm, 32 per cent of the same people admitted they themselves have fed local cats, with a whopping 73 per cent feeding them daily or weekly.
Nicky Trevorrow, Cats Protection’s Behaviour Manager, says: “Obesity is a significant welfare issue for our feline friends that can affect their health and behaviour. All cat caregivers should ensure that they feed a good quality, complete food and avoid feeding too many titbits.
It’s important for caregivers to keep an eye on their cat’s weight. You should be able to feel your cat’s ribs easily when you stroke their body lightly and you should clearly see a waistline when you look at them from above.
“If you are in any doubt, speak to a veterinary professional about your cat’s weight and how best to reduce it if necessary. However, even the most diligent owners can still face difficulties with their majestic moggy and their weight, if their cat has a penchant for scoping out food at the neighbour’s house.
“If a cat spends a lot of time at the neighbour’s house, it is important to consider why that may be. In a lot of instances it can be that they get extra food and treats there – this, of course, is very enticing and reinforces the cat’s inclination to visit.
“However, many cats will avoid their homes if there are a lot of stressors present, for example, non-socially bonded cats, toddlers or other stressors. It is therefore always worth evaluating your home set-up to see if it is actively encouraging your cat to go seeking other homes and additional meals.
“For all cats, but especially indoor-only cats, it is important to provide them with plenty of play and enrichment to keep them active and burning off calories. A few short play sessions, with a good fishing rod toy, spread throughout the day can help with this.”
How much a cat needs to eat depends on a variety of factors, but as a guide, on average, a healthy and active outdoor adult cat needs around 275 calories a day3. And it doesn’t take much over-feeding for them to start piling on the pounds.
Feeding your moggy proper, nutritious food could even stop them from popping out for sneaky seconds or hunting for ‘takeaways’. According to a recent study by the University of Exeter4, feeding a delicious meal rich in meat protein, such as Lily’s Kitchen recipes, resulted in a 36% reduction in hunting.
Samantha Crossley, Marketing Director at Lily’s Kitchen, comments: “As much as we love our cats, they are rebels whose affections often spread beyond their owners – and their food bowls. Outdoor cats can roam and do as they please, which can often mean neighbours find themselves at the mercy of a loveable kitty begging them for scraps; when they turn on the charm, it’s hard to resist!
“At Lily’s Kitchen we know the importance of good nutrition, and that means not only proper food and complete recipes, but the right quantity of that food. Lots of owners will know all too well that cats can very easily become overweight, and although the extra tummy rolls might mean an extra cuddly hug, it can have a detrimental effect on their overall health.
“As a pet parent, choosing proper food that your cat goes wild for may wellreduce the chance of them dining out, or prowling for a takeaway and piling on the pounds. Exeter University’s recent study found that feeding cats food containing proper meat has a number of benefits including a reduction in hunting behaviours… it may leave them satisfied enough to reduce their visits to no. 31 as well!”
A new report from Open Cages has found that in order to meet demand for the UK’s favourite meat, 61 million chickens died before slaughter last year as a result of major welfare issues.
The authors blame supermarkets like Morrisons for continuing to source meat from genetically engineered “Frankenchickens” whilst M&S, Waitrose, KFC and retailers all over Europe move rapidly towards the Better Chicken Commitment.
Today – animal welfare charity Open Cages has published a scathing report:
Chicken is Britain’s most popular meat, with consumption far outstripping beef, lamb or pork. Nearly 1.2 billion chickens were killed last year to meet demand, with most meat coming from ultra fast-growing Frankenchickens raised in conditions so crowded that in their last weeks an individual bird would have more room in the oven.
Citing figures from DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), the authors claim 61 million chickens died before reaching the slaughterhouse last year as a result of these practices. Around 1.2 million chickens are dying every week.
The intensive conditions routinely cause debilitating welfare issues. The authors estimate that last year nearly 5 million chickens may have suffered heart attacks, 15 million may have had their necks broken by farmers due to severe lameness and over 24 million may have died from infection.
The authors argue that shoppers are manipulated by supermarkets dishing out “deceptive” labels and marketing campaigns which give the false impression that chickens are well cared for. Another recent report accused supermarkets of bombarding consumers with deals and offers on “unsustainable” meat from intensive farms.
Supermarkets like Tesco, Morrisons and Co-op are blamed for “refusing” to sign the RSPCA & Defra-backedBetter Chicken Commitment (BCC) – a policy of improved welfare standards that prohibits the use of ultra fast-growing Frankenchickens and overcrowded conditions. Currently, the vast majority of supermarket chicken comes from the fastest growing breeds available which suffer the highest rates of premature death.
300 companies across the UK and Europe have signed the BCC, including KFC, Nestle and Subway. It is estimated that 27% of the UK’s chickens are covered by the commitment, along with large supermarkets in France, Germany, Denmark, Spain and Poland.M&S and Waitrose are so far the only UK supermarkets to pledge.
Open Cages CEO & Co-Founder Connor Jackson comments:“The scale of suffering behind cheap chicken may be shocking to consumers, but to our major supermarkets it’s business as usual.
“They know full well that 1 in 3 Frankenchickens can barely walk, that millions die of heart attack, and that millions more die of horrendous diseases. And still, not only do even the self proclaimed “high welfare” and “ethical” retailers like Morrisons and Co-op continue to sell Frankenchickens, to package their meat as “welfare assured”, and to tell us Brits that they care deeply about animal welfare … they do all this knowing that alternatives are available.
“Hundreds of companies like M&S, Waitrose and even KFC have signed the Better Chicken Commitment, taking the lead in improving animal welfare. Instead of following, supermarkets like Morrisons ignore and bury the issue behind feel good marketing campaigns and PR spin. But these findings prove once and for all that it is all just a story to keep us coming back to the checkout: animals pay the ultimate price for cheap chicken.”
Chris Packham’s petition calling on UK supermarkets to sign the BCC has gained nearly a quarter of a million signatures. A recent YouGov poll found that a majority of Brits strongly oppose these types of farming practices even when taking cost savings to themselves into account.
The BBC’s Chris Packham comments: “I think consumers would be utterly disgusted to know that a million of these intelligent, sensitive birds are dying every week to get cheap chicken onto their plates.
“The misery these animals face on a daily basis is unnecessary and would outrage even the most ardent meat eaters, because it serves no purpose but to satisfy the profits of our major supermarkets who refuse to help them.
“Fortunately there are many things shoppers can do to help.
“As well as eating less meat to reduce demand, we can dramatically improve their lives in a matter of years simply by showing these large supermarkets that we want them to sign the Better Chicken Commitment.
“There must be a shift towards a middle ground of better, but affordable choices that will help us all take part in improving animal welfare without breaking the bank. It’s not fair for that opportunity to be reserved for only the well off.”
With extreme heat warnings in place across the UK, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) is urging pet owners to take extra precautions to keep their animals safe in hot weather.
The advice follows concerns that cases of heat-related illness seen by vets this year could rival the significant numbers seen during the record-breaking summer of 2018, when almost two-thirds of vets reported treating animals affected by the hot weather.
BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey in 2018 found that half of the vets had treated animals for heat stroke (51%) while more than one in three (36%) had seen animals requiring treatment for other conditions relating to hot weather, like breathing difficulties, heart conditions, burnt paw pads and sunburn.
Compared to 2015, the average number of cases of heatstroke and other heat-related conditions seen per vet that year had doubled and trebled, respectively.
Dogs may particularly struggle to stay cool in high temperatures and humid conditions since, unlike humans, they are unable to cool down quickly through sweating, making them vulnerable to overheating. Even a very short in the middle of the day or being locked in a car for a few minutes can prove to be fatal.
Flat-faced breeds such as English or French bulldogs and pugs are at even greater risk, as their short muzzles can make breathing difficult, and therefore they struggle to cool down through panting, which is a dog’s main way to cool its body temperature.
Overweight animals and densely coated animals are also at increased risk.
Like dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs cannot sweat or pant to regulate their body temperature and cool down, which is why it’s important that their hutch or run isn’t exposed to direct sunlight at any time of the day.
Flystrike is also a life-threatening risk for them in the warmer months, so daily inspection around their back end and under their tail is essential. Seek veterinary advice immediately if you see any maggots.
British Veterinary Association President Justine Shotton said:“While most of us look forward to warmer weather, our pets can suffer in high temperatures and humid conditions. Each year, vets across the country report seeing large numbers of cases involving pets who require treatment for heat-related conditions, and this saw a noticeable jump during the record-breaking heat of 2018.
“Vets know that dogs in particular won’t stop enjoying themselves and exercising because it is hot, so it’s up to owners to do all they can to prevent overheating happening in this heatwave. This includes making sure pets aren’t walked or exercised in the middle of a hot day or left inside a hot car or conservatory for even a little while, as ‘not long’ can prove fatal.
“If you’re concerned about your pet in the hot weather, we’d recommend contacting your vet immediately.”
Some breeds of cats and dogs, particularly those with lighter-coloured or finer fur, may also benefit from appropriate sun cream, especially on the ear tips, which are prone to sunburn. In the case of chronic exposure, it can even lead to potentially dangerous skin cancers.
Among dogs, breeds such as Dalmatians, Beagles, Whippets, white Boxers and white English Bull Terriers are among the most commonly affected.
Cats who like sunbathing on windowsills are also at risk of exposing themselves to a lot of sunlight through windows that are generally not UVA-protected.
Blue-eyed white cats are most susceptible, as well as the white-haired skin areas of short-haired cats.
Dr. Shotton added:“The best way to prevent sunburn is to avoid excessive sunlight exposure but, if that isn’t possible, you should apply pet-appropriate sunscreen 10-15 minutes before exposure.
“Products that are waterproof, with a high SPF (30 or higher) and containing titanium dioxide are suitable and should be applied as a thin smear.
“BVA recommends avoiding sunscreens with zinc oxide to avoid zinc toxicity. If pet-safe products are hard to find, hypoallergenic or baby human products may be suitable instead. It’s a good idea to consult a vet to make sure you are applying the right sunscreen correctly and in the right place.”
Vets’ top tips:
Make sure all pets always have access to fresh water to drink, adequate ventilation and shade from direct sunlight at all times. This includes birds in cages or aviaries and rabbits in hutches. Provide extra shade to guinea pigs by covering the top of wire mesh runs with damp towels.
Don’t exercise dogs in the hottest parts of the day: especially older dogs, overweight dogs, flat-faced breeds or dogs that you know have heart or lung problems. Stick to early morning or late evening walks.
Do the five-second tarmac test before taking a dog out for a walk; if it feels too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
Never leave dogs in vehicles. If you see a dog in distress inside a hot car, call 999.
Watch out for early signs of heatstroke, such as heavy panting, drooling, restlessness, bright red or very pale gums, and lack of coordination. Signs of heatstroke in rabbits include drooling, salivating, lethargy, short and shallow breaths, red and warm ears, wet nose and seizures.
If heatstroke or any other heat-related condition is suspected, take your pets to a cool, well-ventilated place, give it small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water to drink, and pour room-temperature water over it to cool it down. Seek immediate advice from your vet.
Spare a thought for wild animals. Keep out bowls of water for wildlife such as birds and hedgehogs.
Dogs Trust is spending the summer honouring their fantastic foster carers by shouting Thank Dog it’s Fostering Friday!
The charity’s bases in West Calder and Dundee are collaborating throughout the summer to share all the fantastic benefits fostering can bring to both people and dogs. The online celebration is inspired by the incredible efforts of the charity’s foster carers to help dogs prepare for the next stages of their rehoming journey.
Thank Dog it’s Fostering Friday, shortened to TDIFF, is a play on the popular phrase ‘Thank God It’s Friday’ (TGIF), typically used to mark the end of the working week. But for Dogs Trust, the celebration of foster carers isn’t limited to the weekend.
Over the next six weeks, Dogs Trust West Calder and Dogs Trust Dundee will be highlighting success stories, real-life fostering experiences, and the joys of opening your heart and home to a dog in need across their social media pages. Followers will also get a peek at all the dogs in their area currently looking for foster homes.
“We couldn’t rehome as many dogs as we do without the help of our foster carers,” said Shona Crosbie, Home from Home Coordinator at Dogs Trust West Calder. “We’re thankful for everything our carers do to help get our dogs back on their paws. And we know our dogs are grateful for their love and support too!”
Foster carers play a major role in helping dogs prepare for a happy future in a new home. There are countless advantages of getting involved in the scheme. It is the perfect way for dog lovers to experience the joy of rehoming without the long-term commitment. Fosterers also receive the committed support of the Dogs Trust team, being provided with everything they need to support their foster dog, from food and bedding to covering veterinary costs.
The event will promote Dogs Trust’s continued fostering expansion throughout Scotland. Having successfully rehomed 140 dogs through their fostering scheme in 2021, Dogs Trust West Calder have recently extended their Home from Home reach across the whole of the Lothians and the Scottish Borders. Dogs Trust Dundee launched earlier this year, rehoming their first dog in the northeast of Scotland in May.
Susan Tonner, West Calder’s Centre Manager said: “We would love to invite more people to join our Home from Home scheme. By recruiting more foster carers, we can increase our support across Scotland and find even more perfect homes for dogs in need.”
The six-week-long celebration will conclude with in-person events on Friday 12 August between 2pm-3.30pm. These events will be an excellent chance for budding participants to meet current foster carers, hear about their experiences, and ask questions. Dogs Trust Home from Home Coordinators will be on hand to provide information and share more about the benefits of fostering.
People based in the Lothians and Scottish Borders can attend an event on 12 August between 2-3.30pm at the Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre in West Calder. Those based in the northeast of Scotland can join Dogs Trust Dundee at The Glass Pavilion in Broughty Ferry on 12 August between 2-3.30pm.
Follow the Thank Dog it’s Fostering Friday celebration by keeping an eye on #TDIFF on Twitter and Instagram. See all the latest updates on Dogs Trust West Calder on twitter @DT_WestCalder and Insta @dogstrust_westcalder and Dogs Trust Dundee on twitter @DT_Dundee_ and Insta @dt_dundee
