Seasonal advice from the RSPCA
Walking your dog in hot weather
Dogs need exercise, even when it’s hot. We recommend walking your dog in the morning or evening when it’s cooler to reduce the risk of heatstroke and burning their paws on the pavement. Do you know the signs of heatstroke and what to do if you spot them? Continue reading Help your dog stay cool in the hot weather
National Pet Month
Dogs Trust West Calder has been celebrating National Pet Month this year by highlighting the benefits of pet ownership.
Canine Carers at the West Calder centre have been raising awareness of some of the amazing benefits associated with owning a dog, including companionship, mental wellbeing and physical health.
Throughout April they have been creating videos and using social media to promote how their residents have been bringing these benefits to the team.
Two current canine residents looking to bring joy to new families are:
Advice and support is available to anyone thinking of adopting a dog by calling the West Calder centre on 01506 873549 or visiting www.dogstrust.org.uk/our-centres/west-calder/
You can also follow Dogs Trust West Calder on Twitter @DT_WestCalder for regular updates on the dogs available for rehoming.
How much are we spending and giving to our pooches around Christmas?
Dog owners across the UK are collectively looking to spend, on average, £213,743,179 on gifts for their dogs this Christmas
Nearly a third (30%) of dog owners have said they are likely to spend more on their pooch than their partner this Christmas, with men more likely to do so than women
Dog owners aged 25-34 are most likely to spend more on their pooch than on their partner this Christmas with more than 2 in 5 (43%) stating this
Almost two thirds (62%) dog owners will give their dogs some cooked Christmas dinner, with a fifth (20%) cooking their pooch their own Christmas meal
November 2018: Christmas is a festive, fun and giving time of year not just for us humans but four our furry little friends too. Brits are getting their pooches involved in the holiday season from gift giving to sharing that all important Christmas roast dinner.
As a nation of dog lovers, are we favouring spoiling our dogs over our partners this holiday season? And just how far are people willing to pamper their dogs this holiday?
Protectivity have done some research with dog owners across the UK and the results can be found here.
With the dog population being at a staggering 8.9 billion and 24% of UK adults owning a dog, according to the PDSA, there is no surprise that being a part of the family has owners barking mad on treating and pampering their beloved pets, and with Christmas just around the corner it makes the perfect excuse to spoil your pooch.
In a recent poll of more than 1,000 dog owners, Protectivity have analysed how much people across the UK are willing to spend on their dog and subsequently the most pampered dogs this festive season. So if you want to know the most high maintenance pooch during Christmas and whether Northern or Southern regions spend the most, take a look at the results here.
Buying presents for relatives and friends around Christmas can sometimes be a tiresome task, with busy shopping centres or out of stock items online, getting the perfect gift can be a labour of love. When it comes to our dogs, how many of us our factoring them into our Christmas shopping? Who is pacing the pet store for the perfect Christmas toy or treat for their little (or big) pooch?
Our research has shown that dog owners across the UK are collectively looking to spend a staggering £213,743,179 on gifts for their dog this Christmas, with 30% stating they are likely to spend more on their pooch than their partner this Christmas, with men more likely to do so than women. Londoners and dog owners aged 25-34 could be in the dog-house this Christmas, as 36% and 43% of 25-34 year olds stated they would be spending more on their dog than their partner this Christmas.
The saying ‘A dog is for life, not just for Christmas’ is a familiar one among many, but just how many people have done exactly that and bought a dog as a gift for Christmas? Protectivity’s research shows that 56% of dog owners have previously bought a dog as a gift for someone else for Christmas, or would consider doing so. Sheffield came out on top with 47% of dog owners from Sheffield having bought a dog as a Christmas present for someone else.
The study also reveals a huge amount of money across the UK is being spent on pooches this Christmas, but when it comes to cities Brighton takes the crown with dog owners looking to spend, on average £24 on gifts for their pooch this Christmas. That’s more than most may spend on a sibling!
The top ten cities spending the most on gifts for their pooch this Christmas can be found below:
|
Position |
City |
Average Spend £ |
|
1 |
Brighton |
£24.30 |
|
2 |
Sheffield |
£20.09 |
|
3 |
London |
£17.80 |
|
4 = |
Manchester & Nottingham |
£17.09 |
|
5 |
Edinburgh |
£16.70 |
|
6 |
Liverpool |
£16.64 |
|
7 |
Leeds |
£16.38 |
|
8 |
Cardiff |
£16.30 |
|
9 |
Belfast |
£16.29 |
|
10 |
Glasgow |
£16.24 |
We all like to spoil our pets with treats now and again, but some dog owners are taking it that extra step further and even getting their pooch involved in their traditional Christmas dinner. 62% of dog owners claimed they will be giving a portion of their own Christmas dinner to their dog this year with a further 20% stating they will be making their pooch their own special dinner this Christmas. Dog owners from Brighton are the most keen to share their Christmas dinner with their pooch this year as 63% stated they would be giving their dog a portion of their festive dinner.
Clare Hamilton Vet and Managing Director at Hamilton Specialist Referrals comments: “However hard it may be to resist those big brown eyes staring up at you from under the Christmas table, it is really important to understand that our dogs really shouldn’t be sharing our festive foods.
“Anything that may contain raisins, grapes, chocolate, macadamias, onions, alcohol or bones could lead to a very upset tummy or even worse pancreatitis. Remember to keep your dog away from any foods their stomach is not used to digesting and save yourself a trip to the vet this Christmas”
Sean Walsh, spokesperson at Protectivity Insurance comments: “Whilst we all know that over time a dog becomes an integral part of the family, with many seeing their dog as more than just a pet, the amount of money we are spending as a nation on our dogs, particularly around Christmas, is astounding.
“With many claiming they would spend more on their dog than their partner (a risky move!), and admitting they will be letting their dog indulge on their own Christmas dinner, it’s safe to say we will certainly have some very happy pooches across the country this Christmas!”
How much will you be pampering your beloved pooch this Christmas?
For more information take a look here:
The search is on to find Britain’s most dog-friendly pub as part of DogBuddy’s third annual Dog-friendly Pub Awards and the competition is heating up! Scotland’s leaderboard is now live, with dog-loving pub goers casting their vote to find the perfect pub for pooches. Continue reading Search is on to find Scotland’s most dog-friendly pub
Songwriter John McLaughlin, best known for writing hit songs for artists such as Rod Stewart, Westlife, Busted, Cliff Richard, and Sandi Thom, appearing as the music coach on BBC’s Fame Academy and being the current manager of Edinburgh’s own Bay City Rollers, has teamed up with the Scottish SPCA to create a music album aimed at relaxing dogs! Continue reading Multi-million record selling songwriter creates music album … for dogs!
The Scottish SPCA was delighted to receive a visit from members of a local canicross group who wanted to help promote the joys of owning a staffie for the charity’s annual Staffie Awareness Week. Continue reading Tyson shows off for Staffie Awareness Week
The Scottish SPCA is urging pet owners not to leave their dogs in hot cars as temperatures rise in Scotland. Concerned members of the public have already been contacting the charity’s animal helpline after seeing distressed dogs left inside vehicles on warm days. Continue reading Dogs die in hot cars
Compulsory dog microchipping comes into effect today
From today it will be compulsory for owners to ensure their dog is microchipped. Continue reading Chipping Norton … and Sodbury, and Rover …
Opera company launches search for performing pooches
The Bohemians Lyric Opera Company has launched a competition to find two dogs to star alongside its cast of the Legally Blonde the musical in March in Edinburgh’s King’s Theatre. Continue reading Pup Idol! Desperately seeking Bruiser and Rufus
‘Staffies are actually friendly, affectionate and loyal’ – Mike Flynn, Scottish SPCA
The Scottish SPCA is inviting dog lovers to visit its Balerno centre to meet its Staffordshire bull terriers in need of new homes.
Scotland’s animal welfare charity launches its annual Staffie Awareness Week today and is urging potential new owners to meet the “fantastic breed”.
Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said, “Last year our Balerno centre rehomed 21 staffies and have more looking for homes. However, we know many people still overlook them because they think they may be aggressive.
“Staffie Awareness Week is our opportunity to highlight that staffies are actually friendly, affectionate and loyal.
“Many people who visit our centres looking to rehome a dog tell us they have already discounted the breed. But when they meet a staffie their opinions often change once they have been showered with kisses and affection.
“Lots of our staffies have found new homes after people have got to know them and that’s why we are inviting anyone thinking of taking on a dog to visit our centres.
“We are sure if they spent just a small amount of time with a staffie, they’d see what a fantastic breed they are.
“Just like other dogs in our care, some of our staffies have been mistreated and need particular homes but we also have many who would suit a family home with children and pets.
“We are challenging the negative labels staffies have been given because it’s truly heart-breaking to see how many of them are living in our kennels instead of the loving homes they deserve.”
Those interested in giving a staffie a loving home can visit the charity’s Balerno centre which is open seven days a week between 10am and 4pm.
Trevor (above) has been in our care for nearly a year now and we can’t understand why he is overlooked as he is such a great, loving dog.
Trevor is very much a people dog who enjoys spending time with his human friends. He is looking for someone who can continue his training and socialisation and will require a home with an enclosed garden. He is a joy to walk on the lead and will give you heaps of affection!
Trevor would like to live in a home without any canine companions as he’s not keen on other dogs and can get very worked up when walking past them.
NOTE to Trevor:
Ditch the rugby ball – following yesterday’s heart-breaking defeat most Scots won’t want to see one of those things again for a long, long time!
