Cool for - James Wellbeloved

Wellbeloved
THE MAGAZINE WITH A SERIOUS COMMITMENT TO YOUR PETS’ HEALTH
cats
Cool for
Ensure your pet is blooming
with good health this spring
can you
train a cat?
Sussex
Spaniel
Martin
Clunes
SPRING 2010/ISSUE 37
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NO ADDED ARTIFICIAL COLOURS, FLAVOURS OR PRESERVATIVES
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welcome
inside
features
Hello and welcome to the spring
issue of Wellbeloved magazine.
As it’s my first issue, I’ve had a
very exciting time working with
all our brilliant contributors to
bring you a packed edition, full
of interesting features. I’ve also
loved reading all your letters
and emails. Do keep in touch
as it’s great to hear about what
your pets have been getting
up to.
I’m also delighted to announce
that Emily had a baby boy –
Sebastian – who arrived just
before Christmas. Mother and
baby are both doing well!
I hope you enjoy this issue.
Our feature on page 6 about
enriching the lives of deaf or
blind pets is of great personal
interest. My rescue Poodle
Rosie is deaf and my six-yearold son and I have been using
hand signals to communicate
with her, with great success. If
you have a blind or deaf pet,
we’d love to hear your story.
Best wishes,
06
08
12
14
19
Senses and sensibility
Enriching the lives of blind and deaf pets
Can you train a cat?
Or are they actually training you?
Losing control
Coping with incontinence
Put a spring in your step
Inspiring walk ideas
Nature’s way
Herbal remedies can do wonders
regulars
04
10
17
20
22
24
27
News
Including Dogs for the Disabled
Breed profile
The Sussex Spaniel
Celebrity chat
With Martin Clunes
Ask the experts
Your pet queries answered
What’s on
Great days out
Your letters
And lovely pictures!
Competition
Win Celebrities’ Favourite Pets books!
contributors
cover image: Plain Picture
anna harris
(with rosie)
eDITOR
Designed and produced by
speCialist, Clifton Heights,
Triangle West, Bristol BS8 1EJ.
Tel: 0117 925 1696. www.specialistuk.com
Editor: Anna Harris
Designer: Guy Radcliffe
Picture research: Sinead Millea
All paper in this magazine is sourced
from suppliers promoting sustainable
forest management. For more
information visit www.pefc.org. This
magazine uses print technology
that accords to the ISO 14001
environmental standard.
Claire Bessant
John Bonner
holly Mash
Dr BraDley Viner
Claire is a leading
cat expert and the
Chief Executive of
the Feline Advisory
Bureau (FAB). She
has edited numerous
books about our
feline friends. Claire
investigates cat
training on page 8
and answers all
your cat queries
on page 20.
The former
news editor of
The Veterinary
Record, John
is a freelance
science journalist.
He specialises in
animal behaviour,
genetics and
physiology, and is
a member of The
Medical Journalists
Association.
Holly is a veterinary
surgeon specialising
in complementary
medicine, including
homeopathy and
acupuncture. She
is based in Bristol,
where she has
her own referral
practice, and also
runs regular holistic
medicine clinics in
West London.
Bradley is a practising
vet and offers expert
advice regularly on TV
and in the press. He
is an elected council
member of the Royal
College of Veterinary
Surgeons and often
works with Battersea
Dogs & Cats Home.
This issue, he shares
his expertise on
vaccinations.
www.wellbeloved.com
03
news
round-up
ro
u
Uncover your
pet’s family tree
Julie Sharrocks and family
t our
Check oune’s
Valenti ners
poem win26!
on page
Animal lover Julie Sharrocks has launched a new website that enables people
to trace the parents, siblings and offspring of their pets. “The idea sprung
from three sources,” explains Julie. “My mum once bred a litter of puppies
and often wonders what became of them. My friends and I would reminisce
about ponies we outgrew, and my four-year-old son is fascinated by the fact
that our family dog has brothers and sisters around the country.” Registration
is free, and once you’re signed in you can
upload photos, videos and details of your
pet. It’s a wonderful way to keep in touch
with other owners, and find out more
about your pet’s relatives. To find out
more, visit www.mypetyourpet.net
Dave the dog joins rescue team
who is injured or trapped, he alerts the rest of
the USAR Team by barking.”
Dave’s kit bag includes a high visibility
reflective work harness and boots for working
in areas where there are sharp objects. And
what’s the favourite food of this heroic hound?
James Wellbeloved Kibble of course!
Many thanks to reader Miss J Owen of Huddersfield
who spotted the story in her local paper, the
Huddersfield Daily Examiner, and sent it in to us.
Miss Owen’s own dog Ebony is featured on page 25 >
image: NQE
Near catastrophe for wedged-in Whitey
Cats are known for their ability
to wriggle out of tight spots,
but one cat from Colchester
pushed himself a bit too far.
Justine Page’s cat Whitey
managed to wedge himself
between the wall of her
house and the neighbour’s
garage, letting out an almighty
yowl to alert Justine to his
predicament.
It took the local fire brigade
90 minutes to free Whitey.
Justine Page shows a photo of
Craig Todd, leading firefighter
Whitey in recovery
for Colchester’s red watch,
told the Colchester Daily Gazette: “With the help of the RSPCA officer, we tried to
get the loop of a rod around the cat’s head but this proved difficult. We decided
the only way we were going to do it was to cover the wall with washing-up liquid.
Thankfully, it did the trick.”
04
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Dave in action with his handler
Dogs, not chimps,
are most like humans
Chimpanzees share many of our genes, but dogs
have lived with us for so long that they are now
serving as a model for understanding human
social behaviour, according to a new
scientific paper. Cooperation, attachment
to people, understanding human verbal
and non-verbal communications, and
the ability to imitate are just a handful
of the social behaviours we share with
dogs. Researchers believe adapting
to the same living conditions over the
past 10,000 to 20,000 years may
have resulted in the similarities.
Speaking to Discovery News, lead
author Jozsef Topal explained:
“That shared environment
has led to the emergence
of functionally shared
behavioural features in
dogs and humans.”
image: WYFERS
Firefighters in West Yorkshire have hired a new
recruit with an acute sense of smell to help
fire crews find casualties trapped during major
incidents such as train crashes and building
collapses. Peniglen Firecracker (known
to his friends as Dave) is a year-old black
Labrador who is now part of the Urban Search
and Rescue Team (USAR) hosted by West
Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service. Deputy
chief fire officer, Steve Beckley, says: “When
Dave has identified the location of someone
A very special partnership
Dogs for the Disabled and James Wellbeloved have formed
a partnership to help raise awareness and funds for this
very special charity. Dogs for the Disabled transforms lives
by offering people living with a disability a life-enhancing
partnership with a specially-trained assistance dog. Each
dog is trained to undertake a range of tasks, including
opening doors, retrieving items that are out of reach, and
barking to raise the alarm when help is needed.
In addition to practical help, an assistance dog
becomes a social icebreaker and a reason to
go out, giving a new-found confidence that
opens doors to fresh opportunities including
friendships, hobbies, education and careers.
Peter Gorbing, Chief Executive at Dogs
for the Disabled, says: “We look forward to
working together.” Peter Lancaster, James
Wellbeloved Marketing Director, adds: “Dogs
for the Disabled do outstanding work. We
are delighted to be able to help, both
in terms of providing food for serving
dogs and those in training, and also by
fundraising and generating awareness.”
All of the charity’s clients and dogs
in training will receive James
Wellbeloved food.
Are you the proud
owner of an
amputee cat? If
so, Lyn Forster,
(pictured right)
a veterinary
surgeon at the
Royal Veterinary
College, wants to
hear from you.
Lyn is
interested
in improving the welfare of feline
amputees, and is looking for owners
with cats that have lost a limb or tail
to help understand better how a
cat copes after its loss. “We’re
exploring why cats appear to cope
with amputation better than humans
do,” explains Lyn. You can help by
filling in a questionnaire, which can be
downloaded from www.fabcats.org, or
by emailing her at [email protected].
The DFS Crufts Friends for Life competition,
organised by the Kennel Club, recognises dogs
who go above and beyond the call of duty.
Josie is just such a dog. She is a Dogs for the
Disabled assistance dog to Sam Daly, who has
been diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. Angry
and frustrated at his condition, he stopped going
out and his confidence dwindled. Josie’s arrival
changed all that. Sam couldn’t wait to show off his
new companion and helper. Sam says: “Josie is
the best friend I have. I want to tell everyone just
how special she is.” To find
out more about Sam
and Josie, including
how to vote for them
in the 2010 DFS
Crufts Friends for
Life competition, visit
www.dogsforthe
disabled.org.
Ferret alert
Vets are being encouraged to raise
awareness of ferrets’ health needs following
a recent study by the Ferret Education
and Research Trust (FERT) and James
Wellbeloved. Of the 1,386 ferret owners
surveyed, 40% revealed that they never take
their animals for regular check-ups, 76%
hadn’t had their animals microchipped, and
74% hadn’t vaccinated them against rabies.
Ian Kearns, founder of FERT, says: “Ferrets
are growing fast in popularity as
pets and we want vets to
promote ferret welfare.”
Ferrets are a
domesticated
species of polecat,
possibly brought
to Britain 2,000
years ago by the
Romans. To find
out more, visit
www.ferrettrust.
org.uk.
www.wellbeloved.com
fo
We’re Friends for Life!
Researchers at the Bern Animal Clinic in
Switzerland have discovered that dogs who suffer
stress often lick themselves until they wear a
patch in their fur – a similar behaviour to humans
biting their fingernails.
How do cats cope?
!
NrE2W
010
Sam and Josie are Dogs for
the Disabled’s Friend for Life
nomination at Crufts this year
DFS Cruft’s 2010 ticket update
The world’s greatest dog show, produced
by the Kennel Club, takes place between
11-14 March at the Birmingham NEC. In the
winter edition of the magazine, we printed
an incorrect ticket price – many apologies
for any inconvenience this may have
caused. The correct ticket price, per day,
is as follows: adult £13, child £9, student/
senior citizen/registered disabled £9.
To book tickets, call
0844 444 9944, or visit
www.crufts.org.uk.
You can forget
diamonds – ferrets
are a girl’s best
friend! 61% of
ferret owners
are female
05
pets with disabilities
senses&
sensibility
F
How do you communicate with a blind or deaf pet? And can you help them
lead a happy and fulfilling life? With a little time and effort, anything is
possible, as John Bonner finds out…
rom Guide Dogs for the Blind to
Hearing Dogs for Deaf People,
dogs can be trained to act as the
eyes or ears of their human owners.
But what about the other way round? What if
a dog loses its eyesight or hearing – could we
step in to help ensure that the pet can continue
to enjoy a good quality of life?
Surprisingly for some, the answer is yes.
Blind dogs can be trained to respond to verbal
commands, and a deaf dog to visual signals,
which will allow you to control the dog’s
movements and enable it to go about its
normal business while reducing the risk of
getting lost or injured.
As in humans, there are many reasons why a
dog may become disabled. Some are born with
a congenital sight or hearing defect, while others
may lose one of their senses later in life due to a
06
hereditary or degenerative disease, infection or
accident. A few dogs may become depressed
or defensive, particularly if the change occurs
suddenly, but the great majority will adapt really
well to their new situation.
Senses working overtime
This is probably because dogs use a broader
range of senses than humans to help them
form a mental picture of their surroundings and
to work out what is happening around them.
A dog’s sense of smell is much more powerful
than our own and, if they lose either their sight
or their hearing, they learn to compensate by
relying more on the remaining sense.
So if your dog loses one of its senses – or
if you choose to take on an animal with an
existing condition – there is no reason to fear
that it will enjoy life any less than another dog.
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But it may need a little more effort than for
a dog with the full sensory range. It is worth
searching the internet or your local bookstore
for one of the many books that have been
written on caring for a disabled dog, or taking
the dog to a specialist trainer.
With a little training, a blind or deaf dog
can be taken for walks on the lead and let off
to run around and play. A blind dog will learn
to chase and retrieve a ball with a bell hidden
inside. They can learn to respond immediately
to a wide range of spoken commands that will
protect them from the dangers of running
into something.
Back at home, a little thought must go into
keeping the dog happy and secure. A blind dog
will form a mental map and so it is important that
home is changed as little as possible. Keep its
bed, water and food bowls in the same place,
Dogged
determination
Dogs use a broader
range of senses
than humans to help them
form a mental picture of
their surroundings and to
work out what is happening
around them
don’t move furniture around or leave objects on
the floor that the dog may stumble over.
Leaving clues
Constantly talking to the dog will tell it where
you are and help reassure it. Leaving a television
or radio on will help it orientate its way around
the house by providing a reference point.
Similarly, the owner can use other sensory clues
to tell the dog where it is or to warn of danger –
some people dab scent near a door or spread
bark chippings around a potential hazard in the
garden, such as a fishpond.
Many of the adaptations made for a blind
or deaf dog will apply equally well to a deaf or
blind cat. With any pet that can’t see or hear,
avoid startling them with either sudden noises or
movements, and make sure that it knows you are
there before reaching out to give it a stroke.
Do you have a
blind or deaf pet?
How have you helped to make
their life more fulfilling? Share
your story with us by writing
to Wellbeloved Magazine,
Specialist, Clifton Heights,
Triangle West, Clifton, Bristol
BS8 1EJ or emailing
anna.wellbeloved@
specialistuk.com
Did you know…
The gene causing a predominantly
white coat on a dog or cat is linked to
the gene that causes deafness, so it’s
not unusual for a dog or cat with mainly
white markings to be born deaf.
www.wellbeloved.com
Rick and Maxine Game from Beckenham
specialise in looking after waifs and
strays. In a previous issue, they talked
about their blind greyhound Elliot,
(pictured above) who was runner-up in
the James Wellbeloved-sponsored Tails
of Achievement awards for dogs that
have done something special with their
lives. Previously, Rick and Maxine owned
a deaf greyhound called Spike and they
were able to train both dogs to respond
to signals to keep them out of danger.
“The first thing that we needed to
teach Elliot was the command ‘careful’
if there is something that he might
bump into. He will stop immediately
and it looks just as though he is trying
to work out what it is. He also learned
to react when we say ‘turn left’, ‘turn
right, ‘step up’ or ‘step down’. So now
we can take him to a playing field where
he runs round and round in big circles.
He can do pretty well anything that a
sighted dog can do,” Rick explains.
Similarly, deaf dogs like Spike can be
taught to respond to commands given
in sign language and, with time and
patience, they can learn a wide range of
instructions. Spot, a Jack Russell cross
(pictured below) handed in to the Blue
Cross animal shelter (www.bluecross.org.
uk) in Southampton was such a quick
learner that staff dubbed him a ‘genius’.
Tasha Cole, an animal behaviour
assistant at the centre, took on the task
of training him. She says: “We worked to
get Spot to understand sign language,
using food to help his
training. For example, I
would hold food in my
hand and turn it into a
gesture so he learned
‘come here’. He now has
an understanding of what
we want from him.”
Rick adds: “People
often ask us if we regret
taking on a dog like Elliot and the
answer is no. He is a complete delight
and the extra work that we have put in
has been rewarded tenfold.”
07
animal behaviour
a cat?
can you train
Cats are quick to train their human owners
to give them food, attention and a warm lap
to curl up on. But is it possible for us to train
them? Cat expert Claire Bessant investigates
T
raining is shaping the activity of
an animal so that it behaves in the
way you want it to. Sometimes it
means teaching the basics, such
as ‘sit’, ‘stay’ or ‘heel’. At other times, such as
in litter training, it means teaching an animal an
association, so that it learns to perform part of
its normal repertoire in a certain place or at a
certain time.
We can all teach a dog to sit or lie down – but
what about cats? Cats are not renowned for their
obedience in response to commands, and for
this reason are popularly supposed to be stupid,
defiant or artful. However they are, in fact, very
fast learners under circumstances where their
natural response tendencies are exploited.
Basic principles
The basic principles of training are the same
with all animals, from tigers to elephants,
dolphins to horses. Successful training involves
understanding the animal’s natural behaviour,
for example, how it is likely to react if frightened
or what it seems to ‘enjoy’ and what motivates
it to do certain things.
If a training procedure doesn’t work, it is
because the trainer has gone too far, too fast.
There should never be any punishment and
training should always be reward-based so it is
perceived as a positive activity.
The reward
The timing of the reward is vital for success – it
must be done immediately and consistently
after each successfully completed task. Delays
of more than a couple of seconds may mean
that the animal does not associate the reward
with the command. The animal will then learn
quickly and be keen to do what is required
next time.
Rewarding must itself be perceived as
something that the cat wants and enjoys – such
as warmth, attention, stroking, titbits, or even
08
access to a secure, warm spot. This needs a
little more thought than when we reward a dog
merely by giving him a treat.
Cats can be trained to perform many of the
tricks we teach dogs, such as giving a paw
or sitting, but they require time and patience.
It is always easier to start the training when
the animal is young, open to suggestion and
interested in new happenings.
Clicker training
Clicker training, which has become well-known
in dog training, also works for cats. The idea is
to indicate to the dog or cat the exact action
that has earned the reward. This is done with
a clicker – a small plastic box which contains
a flexible steel plate that makes a double-click
sound when pressed. It is a very distinctive
sound and can be made very quickly so that
the behaviour you are pinpointing can be
marked accurately.
Cats are very
fast learners
under circumstances
where their natural
response tendencies
are exploited
Having established the marker signal and
the reward, you can start to train. Break down
the task into small stages, use the clicker and
reward when the cat does the right thing and
ignore the behaviour you do not want.
Training to fetch
We train dogs to pick up things and bring them
back so we can throw them again. Cats bring
in prey, so carrying back is a natural part of their
repertoire, and many of them enjoy becoming
involved in a throw-and-retrieve game. One cat
www.wellbeloved.com
even moved on to retrieving pieces of a board
game while the game was in progress – a very
successful, attention-gaining ploy. By learning
how to initiate and maintain contact, they can
act out many of their play and hunt behaviours
within the safety of their owner’s presence and
complete attention.
Training to ‘talk’
We can encourage our cat to ‘talk’ to us by using
food and attention as rewards. Speak to your cat
to let it know you want to interact, then encourage
it to reply. Make friendly sounds as you prepare its
meal, but only let the cat have its food when it has
‘spoken’. The cat will learn to associate ‘asking’
with the reward of food. This interaction is actually
a two-way learning/training process – the cat
soon becomes a double agent, taking what we
have taught and using it for its own ends so that
each time it wants something it only has to ask!
Training for safety
If we want to prevent our cats from doing
something, such as jumping onto the china
shelf or cooker hob, a sharp noise or hiss will
stop the cat in its tracks. The ‘sss’ noise is
most effective because cats use it themselves
to surprise or put off an opponent. Cats soon
learn to abandon whatever action they have in
mind if you use the ‘sss’ selectively and time it
carefully so as to catch them just as they are
intent on the act.
image: Photolibrary
Who trains whom?
We are probably not aware of how much our
cats have actually ‘trained’ us. For example, a
cat that wakes its owner at six in the morning
by scratching on the bedroom door wants
attention. The cat’s ‘reward’ is a warm bed and
being stroked. The cat has ‘trained’ the owner
and rewards him back with a warm, friendly,
purring body and a little meow. The same
applies to asking for food, rattling the window
to go out, or scratching to get back in – it’s
the cat who trains us!
A giant leap for feline kind
Cat agility is a sport in which a handler directs a cat through
an obstacle course. Enthusiasts hope that cat agility – just
like dog agility – will become widely popular. Cat agility
experts say you need a confident cat who can handle new
situations calmly, enjoys investigating new things and likes to
be interactive with people.
What is the motivation for cats? It seems to be play and
interaction. Enthusiasts encourage owners to play with their
cats every day, run around the house with them and praise
and reward them with clicker training.
In the USA, International Cat Agility Tournaments (ICAT)
has created a new category of competition in which cats negotiate an obstacle
course designed to display their speed, coordination, beauty of movement, physical
conditioning and intelligence. Some are also now happening in the UK. More
information can be found at www.catagility.com.
www.wellbeloved.com
09
breed
Family
friendly:
Happiest in a country
setting, where he can snuffle
about in the undergrowth,
this breed makes an
excellent addition to a
rural family.
A close-up look at
the Sussex Spaniel
Appearance,
body and coat:
He stands up to 41cm (16in) high, is
strongly built and possesses a very handsome
golden-liver coat, unique to the breed. The coat
is flat, with a thick, weatherproof undercoat and its
dense texture makes it well suited to the UK’s chilly,
damp weather. His back is long and muscular and
his legs are quite short, strong and well feathered with
hair. Feet have supportive, thick pads and
hair between the toes. He has an active gait with
a characteristic roll movement, unlike that of
any other Spaniel.
Exercise:
image: The Kennel Club
The Sussex is lively but
not hyperactive and a
couple of half hour walks a
day will keep him in trim. This
intelligent breed can also be trained
to retrieve objects – something which
can be a source of great excitement!
Sussex Spaniels are also excellent
swimmers, an activity that
can help keep them in great
physical condition.
10
Health:
Generally healthy, the
Sussex Spaniel usually lives to 12
to 14 years. They can suffer from health
conditions common to Spaniels, as well as a
range of heart conditions. They can also be
susceptible to hip dysplasia, but, because of the
breed’s compact nature, this is usually not seriously
debilitating. Their drooping lower eyelids and lower
lips can be at risk from infections, as can their ears.
Being long and floppy, their ears trap moisture,
making them prone to mites and ear fungi,
but treatment is relatively simple.
www.wellbeloved.com
rare breeds
The Sussex Spaniel has been around since
the 1800s and survived near extinction. This
classic British breed makes an excellent
companion, but is sadly a rare sight today
T
he Sussex Spaniel has a long and fascinating history and
deserves recognition for the part it has played in the UK’s
canine heritage. The breed was developed in the 1800s by
a Mr Augustus Fuller of Rosehill, Sussex, as a heavy but
compact gun dog able to work its way methodically through rough terrain
and dense undergrowth, with the ability to alert the hunter when quarry
was found. Fuller crossed various breeds such as the liver and white
Norfolk Spaniel (now extinct), the Field Spaniel and possibly some early
Springer Spaniels to create the Sussex.
During World War II, breeding was discouraged and, by 1945,
there were only five known Sussex Spaniels remaining. The breed
was saved by English breeder Joy Freer, who devoted her life to
creating a dynasty of Sussex Spaniels – all modern Sussex Spaniels
are descended from the dogs she saved. Yet, the breed is still under
threat – in 2008, only 56 puppies were registered with the Kennel Club.
The Sussex has secured greater popularity in the US and, in 2009, a
10-year-old dog named ‘Stump’ won the Best in Show at the 133rd
Westminster Kennel Club Show in New York – the oldest dog ever to
win the title. This momentous achievement will hopefully help secure a
brighter future for this classic British breed.
Sussex Spaniel
Appearance,
eyes and face:
His head is somewhat
broader in the skull than the
Cocker and his wrinkled brow
gives him a frowning, quizzical
look. He has well-developed,
liver-coloured nostrils and hazel
eyes, with a soft expression.
Ears are typically Spaniel-like
– large and lobe-shaped, set
moderately low and covered
with soft wavy hair.
Van Bennett has had Sussex Spaniels in her
family for 20 years. She says: “I came across
the breed by accident, having previously had a
Cocker Spaniel. My husband spotted an advert
for Sussex puppies so we decided to investigate
Van’s daughter Sophie
– and came home with a 16-week-old dog we
with Onslow
named Barney. We haven’t looked back since!”
Van has been breeding and showing Sussex Spaniels for
several years and currently has six dogs. The dogs she has bred
have become UK, Australian, Dutch and American champions
and one – Sh Ch Sovaroma Bombardier, known as ‘Bob’ – even
won ‘best of breed’ at Crufts two years ago. She says: “The
Sussex is not for everyone and is a breed most suitable for
experienced dog handlers as they can be quite stubborn and
need firm and patient training. They can be good with children
– my two kids have grown up with Sussex Spaniels – providing
they have plenty of socialisation when young. They are, however,
extremely rewarding dogs. They are great characters who can
be incredibly faithful and loving and in the right setting make
fabulous pets. I love them to bits!” To find out more, call the
Secretary of the UK Sussex Spaniel Association, Mrs Sheila
Appleby, on 02380 283712 or visit www.sussexspaniels.org.uk.
Grooming:
A brush twice a week is ideal to keep
their coats looking in tip-top condition.
Although they have a thick coat, they usually
shed very little hair and are fairly lowmaintenance. The ears should be kept clean
and checked regularly for foreign bodies. The
hair around the pads should be trimmed
and it’s important to check between the
toes for grass seeds.
ratings
Family friendly
A kindly, cheerful
temperament, generally
good with children and
other pets if socialised.
Grooming
Quite low maintenance – a
brush twice a week will
keep him looking smart.
Exercise
Two 30-minute walks a day
will keep a Sussex happy.
Food intake
This breed is not generally
fussy about food or
particularly greedy.
www.wellbeloved.com
11
incontinence
losing
control
Incontinence is a distressing condition that
can have a number of causes and be treated in
a variety of ways, explains vet Dr Bradley Viner
O
nce the toilet training stage
has passed, most puppy
and kitten owners heave a
sigh of relief in the knowledge
that house training normally remains
intact throughout the rest of their pet’s life.
Unfortunately this is not always the case, and
urinary and/or faecal incontinence can become
a short or long-term problem, particularly as
a pet ages. This article examines some of the
common causes of incontinence.
Common conditions
Short-term incontinence is usually related to
increased urgency caused by inflammation of
the bladder or bowel. Cystitis, an inflammation
of the bladder, and enteritis, an inflammation
of the bowel, are quite common in cats and
dogs. Incontinence caused by either of these
conditions is often resolved once the underlying
cause is treated.
Prostate problems may also be associated
with urinary difficulties in middle aged and
older dogs. Diseases that cause an increased
urine output, such as diabetes and kidney
problems, may also mean that a previously
housetrained pet is unable to control itself
when kept confined. Until the cause of
the incontinence has been diagnosed and
treatment is effective, the issue has to be
managed by enabling the pet to toilet frequently,
by providing a litter tray for cats and with
frequent visits outdoors for dogs.
Rare cases
In some fairly rare cases, it becomes obvious
that a young animal is not able to control its flow
of urine. This is more common in puppies than
kittens, and is usually caused by a congenital
defect in the positioning of the ureters – the
tubes that carry urine down from each of the
kidneys. They normally empty into the neck of
the bladder above the sphincter, but if they join
below the level of those muscles the urine will
continually flow from the urethra rather than
collect in the bladder.
This problem may also develop as a rare
complication of the neutering operation in bitches
and queens, should a ureter become entrapped
within a ligature tied around the stump of the
uterus when it is removed. Surgical correction
of such cases is often possible, but is a delicate
operation that usually requires the services of a
specialist soft tissue surgeon.
Sphincter muscle incompetence (SMI) is a
common cause of urinary incontinence in dogs,
especially spayed bitches. This is because levels
of oestrogen are greatly reduced when the
ovaries are removed, but the female hormone has
a toning effect upon the muscles that control the
bladder. A weakness of the sphincter muscles will
mean that when the bitch is relaxed some urine
leaks out, so for example, damp patches
will be noticed in her bedding.
Fortunately, this
condition is
usually very
responsive to
management with drugs.
The control of the passage of urine and
faeces is regulated by the nervous system,
both at a conscious level within the brain,
and unconsciously by a network of nerves
within the lower spine and pelvis. Either can
become damaged by tumours, slipped spinal
discs, or more commonly in the cat, injury to
the spine or pelvis as the result of a road traffic
accident. Sometimes this damage is due to
bruising to the nervous system, and resolves
with time and treatment, but in some cases
the damage may be permanent. This is very
distressing, as a young animal that recovers
well from major trauma may nevertheless suffer
Until the cause of the incontinence
has been diagnosed and treatment is
effective, the issue has to be managed
by enabling the pet to toilet frequently,
by providing a litter tray for cats and with
frequent visits outdoors for dogs.
12
www.wellbeloved.com
Short-term
incontinence is usually
related to increased urgency
caused by inflammation
of the bladder or bowel
from permanent incontinence.
Another distressing condition is when an
elderly and much-loved companion develops
incontinence due to senility. It is important
in such cases to rule out other causes
of the condition, because elderly pets
can suffer from a range of diseases
that may cause incontinence yet be
eminently treatable.
Once the toilet training stage has been
passed, most puppies and kittens will
remain house-trained throughout their
life. But, if problems occur, treatment
can often be successful.
images: Corbis / Animal Photography
New treatments
Even where incontinence is simply due to what is
termed cognitive dysfunction (CD), there are now
treatments that may help control the problem. CD
is usually caused by a gradual reduction in the
level of neurotransmitters – these are chemicals
that are responsible for the transmission of
nervous impulses within the brain, and their levels
can be increased by administering drugs that
inhibit the action of enzymes that break down
these neurotransmitters after they have been
produced. Other drugs improve the supply of
blood and boost energy levels within the nervous
system, and so may increase alertness and
reduce incontinence in the elderly pet.
In some instances there may be no physical
cause for the incontinence, and the reason
may be purely behavioural. This is a particularly
common reaction from cats when they feel their
territory is under threat, as both urine and faeces
are used in the wild to mark their territory. Getting
at the cause of the stress may sometimes require
the assistance of a pet behaviourist, but synthetic
cat pheromone sprays and plug-ins can also be
www.wellbeloved.com
very useful, as they contain scent hormones
that have a marked relaxing effect upon
cats. Similarly, male dogs will often cock their
leg inappropriately to mark their territory – a
perfectly acceptable behaviour outdoors, but one
that an owner will not appreciate if performed
against the dining table legs!
Incontinence is always troublesome, but
is more often treatable than many owners
suspect. However, this does not apply in every
case, and sometimes the choice boils down
to either learning to manage the condition or,
in the worst cases, euthanasia. Many owners
feel very guilty about making this decision, but
in some instances it is the only kind option for
all concerned.
13
country walks
step
put a spring in your
Laura Dixon finds it’s the
perfect time of year to get
out and about with your
canine companion
images: Corbis / Coop images / Photolibrary / Visit Wales / Scottish Viewpoint
T
aking your dog for a walk is great
for the both of you – helping with
weight problems, heart disease,
arthritis, breathing difficulties and
diabetes – and that’s just for your four-legged
friend! It’s estimated that a third of all visitors to
the countryside take a dog with them too, and
with initiatives from the Forestry Commission
to Enjoy England encouraging you to get out
and about with your dog, it’s not surprising. To
inspire you to put your walking shoes on, we’ve
selected five super walks that are a perfect way
to enjoy the spring.
Along the coast in the Southwest
Looe to Polperro along the Southwest
Coast Path
This one-way, two-hour Cornish walk takes in
some of the country’s most staggering scenery.
Keep your dog on its lead when animals are
present (there’s a fair amount of farm land here)
and follow the well-worn path around the cliffs.
Port Nadler beach provides an opportunity for
doggie paddles, and following round to Talland
Bay, you can let him loose there too while
14
Coastal trail
you stop for a drink at the café on the beach.
Make the most of the beaches – from May to
September they are generally closed to dogs.
Keep going along the cliff path to Polperro, where
cafés display ‘Dogs Welcome’ signs. Buses back
to Looe are available near the main car park.
Find out more: www.southwestcoast
path.com
towns and lovely villages. It’s easy to reach by
public transport and is really gentle and largely
flat so you can go at your own pace. The area
around Ewen, near Cirencester, is where the
Thames begins and has some great walking
opportunities, particularly around the Cotswold
Water Park. The Wild Duck Inn in Ewen (01285
770310) is said to be one of the UK’s most
dog-friendly pubs, with water and biscuits for
them and a full menu of hearty warming food
for you. Accommodation is also available, and
dogs can stay for £10 a night.
Find out more: www.nationaltrail.co.uk/
Thamespath
Southeast river walks
Following the Thames from its source
The Thames Path follows England’s best-known
river for 184 miles from the Cotswolds to central
London, through wildlife meadows, historic
www.wellbeloved.com
River walk
boats and pretty villages. Dogs don’t need to
be kept on a lead on public paths here unless
you can’t rely on its obedience; be careful if you
encounter farm animals though.
Find out more: www.breconbeacons.org
yright (Visit Wales).
Lakeside ramble
Lakes galore in Scotland
M132-170-D.jpg
Begwns (featuring ock of
sheep)
View South to Brecon
Beacons
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs
Halfway along Loch Lomond, the Scottish
Lowlands meet the Highlands. Take a gentle walk
around the Cashel woodlands beside the loch,
exploring the forest, hills and bog lands (don’t
forget your wellies!) or drive to Kilmahog, half an
hour away to the east, where you’ll find some
easy riverside walks, dense forests of bluebells
in May, and The Lade Inn (01877 330152), a
welcoming, dog-friendly spot to warm yourself
up in winter! Situated near the Rob Roy Way, the
location offers nature walks and you can also
walk along disused railway tracks, follow the
long distance paths and cycleways and spot
deer (if your dog doesn’t scare them off first).
Find out more: www.lochlomondtrossachs.org
Woodland wandering in the
Heart of England
Mountain trek
Mountain trekking in Wales
Brecon Beacons National Park
MynyddTroed.jpg
This glorious Welsh national park covers 520
square miles and four mountain ranges so
Mynydd
Troed
where do you
start? It all depends on your level
of fitness – and your dog’s, of course. If you
Near
fancy aLlangors
challenge, try the Beacon Way, which
starts in Abergavenny and runs for 100 miles
Brecon
Beacons
to Llangadog; alternatively, the 55-mile Taff Trail
joins Brecon with Cardiff and has some great
South
circular route options. If you want to take it easy,
meander along the pleasingly flat Monmouth
and Brecon Canal, where you’ll pass canal
Thieves Wood
Part of Sherwood Forest, this dog-friendly wood
in the heart of England has plenty of marked
paths for dogs and owners of all abilities. Dogs
can roam free through the open woodland and
get plenty of exercise off the lead – which is just
what they want! At the end of your walk, don’t
forget to stop by the snack van where they sell
treats for dogs too. Most of the walks are on
pathways, but you can go off the beaten track
if you like as well. The wood is managed by the
Forestry Commission and is located between
Sutton In Ashfield and Ravenshead.
Find out more: visit www.forestry.gov.uk
and search for ‘Thieves Wood’
Directory
These useful websites are full of ideas for new
dog walks.
www.thekennelclub.org.uk/openfordogs
Plenty of ideas and information about great
walks and things to do with your dog
www.dogwalks.co.uk
Especially for dog walkers in the Northeast
www.forestry.gov.uk
Great resource including a database of
Forestry Commission woods open to
the public
www.doggiepubs.org.uk
Choose a pub and then choose a
walk nearby; a lot of these also offer
accommodation
www.dogfriendlybritain.co.uk
Loads of ideas for walks and places to stay
with your dog
www.enjoyengland.com
The English tourist board website has plenty
of dog-friendly walks on its site
www.visitscotland.com
As does the Scottish tourist board website
www.visitwales.com
And the Welsh tourist board too!
Responsible
dog walking
You need to follow the Countryside Code
when you’re walking your dog. That
means controlling your dog so it doesn’t
disturb farm animals and wildlife, keeping
it under close control (or on a lead if you
can’t trust it) and picking up after your
dog. Observe all signs about where dogs
must be kept on a lead and where access
is only seasonal.
Dogs need at least one walk a day,
and if you’re thinking of taking him on
a long trail, make sure he’s fit enough
to do as much walking as you! Make
sure he’s wormed and do remember to
carry a supply of water and plastic bags.
Consider if your dog is able to get over
stiles (and whether you can lift him over if
needed), and keep your dog on a lead in
public places.
Woodland wandering
www.wellbeloved.com
15
11
cat fact file
Did you know that if you love cats then you’re an ailurophile? Well,
here are some more fascinating cat facts that may even help you
understand your feline friend a little better…
facts about cats
facts
1
While cats occasionally ‘talk’ to one
another with purrs and growls, they
generally communicate through
scent and body language. Most
communications recognised as ‘meow’ are
specifically for human interaction.
5
6
A group of
kittens is called
a kindle; a group
of cats is called a
clowder.
2
Cats have been living with humans for
9,500 years
9
Cats don’t always land on their
feet. The ‘righting reflex’ is
perfected by the time kittens
are seven weeks old, but most cats
require a drop of one metre to allow time
to right themselves.
10
Cats walk on their toes and place
each hind paw almost directly in the
print of the corresponding forepaw,
minimising visible tracks.
3
A cat has 24 whiskers, arranged
12 to each side of the nose, in four
horizontal rows. The upper two
rows can move independently of the bottom
two rows. Whiskers don’t just help a cat
gauge if it can fit through small gaps, they
also operate as air current detectors, which
enhance a cat’s ability to hunt at night.
The heart of a
cat beats twice
as fast as that of
a human heart –
about 120 to 140
beats per minute.
4
7
Most breeds of cat
enjoy perching in high
places. In the wild, a higher
place may serve as a concealed site
from which to hunt. Many domestic cats
like being up high as this enables them
to view what is going on from a safe
vantage point.
8
Can you read your cat’s body
language? Pricked-up ears
indicate interest, rolling belly
up shows confidence, and tail swishing
indicates agitation or aggression. Many
cats also use a question mark-shaped tail
when greeting someone they are fond of.
Sources: The Feline Advisory Bureau, National Geographic, Wikipedia, www.catsplay.com, Desmond Morris, Catwatching
16
www.wellbeloved.com
11
Cats have excellent night vision
and can function at only onesixth of the light level required
for human vision. Light is reflected from a
layer of mirror-like cells called the tapetum
lucidum, behind the retina. These cells,
along with cats’ expandable slit-shaped
pupils, help cats see in very low light,
by reflecting all available light
back into the retina.
image: Rex
Cats have excellent
hearing and can
detect higher-pitched
sounds than dogs or
humans. This sensitivity
is enhanced by the cat’s
large movable ears, which
it can rotate independently
through 180 degrees. Cats
seem to respond better to
women than to men, probably
because women’s voices have
a higher pitch.
celebrity interview
me and
nd my...
Martin Clunes talks pets
As Doc Martin and Gary in Men Behaving Badly,
Martin Clunes is one of our best-known TV stars.
A lesser-known role for this big-hearted actor is his
commitment to charity and his love of animals
Q: What do pets mean to you?
A : They are a big part of our family. We have two Cocker Spaniels, Mary Elizabeth
and Tina Audrey. My wife Philippa grew up with Cocker Spaniels and wanted
to have them in our life again. When Mary, who is eight, was having to endure a
series of operations to correct problems with her hind legs, hips and knees, I had
the job of carrying her around and supervising her ‘toilet trips’. It was no more
than anyone else would have done, but it brought us very close. She
depended on me so much; it was a little like being a parent.
For your
an
ch ce to win a
ies’
copy of Celebrit
Favourite Pets,
of
produced in aid
PDSA, turn
to page 27 >
Q: Haven’t Mary and Tina had a brush with
fame too?
A : Yes, they were featured in a Pet Pawtraits calendar for
PDSA a couple of years ago. Me and the ‘girls’ were the
pin-up for June. It was a delight for me and I was so
relieved the dogs decided to behave themselves. If it
had been a photo session with the cat, I’m not sure
it would have gone so smoothly.
Q: How do the dogs get on with
your cat?
A : The arrival of Maisie Ann the cat has been
something of an experience for the dogs. She
joined us from the stables where my daughter
keeps her horse and, although her sweet but
dim nature is fine with the rest of us, the dogs have
divided opinions. Mary is in denial and, if she could
talk she would say: ‘Cat? What cat?’ For Tina, the
cat has been accepted as a new playmate.
Q: Did you grow up with animals?
A : My father Alec Clunes (the respected classical
actor) was a cat lover, and feline friends Timmy and
Tommy were our fireside pets. We also had a lively
little whippet/terrier cross called Jemima. I remember
bunking off school when I was about 14 years old
and, for some odd reason, deciding to take Jemima
to Harrods. We took the tube and enjoyed a brief
tour of the store before Jemima took fright at
the sound of bagpipes being played and we
were forced to leave! I don’t know why, but I
just had to take her to Harrods.
How you can help
Martin is a supporter of PDSA, which cares for the
pets of people in need by providing free veterinary
services to their sick and injured animals, and
promoting responsible pet ownership. To find out
more visit www.pdsa.org.uk or call
0800 731 2502. There are lots
of ways you can help, from
donating and volunteering to
fundraising and much more.
image: Getty
Q: Do your pets have any
unusual habits?
A : Mary can’t resist the contents of
my sock drawer. They have toys, but
refuse to run for a ball or pull on a
rope. Tina’s favourite game is chasing the
asylum-seeking pheasants in the garden. Their
other favourite pastime is rolling in badger poo.
Many thanks to PDSA’s Companions magazine, in which this interview previously
appeared Registered charity nos: 208217 & SC037585
www.wellbeloved.com
17
Cereal Free Complete Balanced Food
for those special dogs with extra sensitivities!
No cereals or grains - With no beef, pork, no cereal or grains, wheat or wheat gluten,
barley, oats, corn or rice, no dairy products, soya or egg, this complete dog food is hypo-allergenic
and free from many of the ingredients renowned for causing food intolerances.
Tasty and appetising for your dog - After being baked into crunchy
nuggets, it is smothered in delicious gravy and then dried for easy use. The specially
selected wholesome ingredients used in our foods makes it naturally healthy, completely
satisfying and incredibly tasty.
Ideal for fussy or extra sensitive dogs - Having been developed with
your dog’s well-being in mind, our recipes contain a single source of meat protein, turkey,
lamb or ocean white fish of the finest quality. Vegetables are added to balance the food.
They are not only a valuable energy source but delicate on your dog's digestion too.
NATURALLY HYPO-ALLERGENIC CEREAL FREE COMPLETE DOG FOOD
NO ADDED ARTIFICIAL COLOURS, FLAVOURS OR PRESERVATIVES
James Wellbeloved - dog food you can trust
Available from all good pet shops and veterinary surgeries
www.wellbeloved.com or call 0845 603 9095
complementary therapies
nature’s
way
sing herbs to treat common ailments has been practiced all
over the world for centuries, for both people and animals.
Now, with a bit of green-fingered know-how, you can easily
have your own fragrant pharmacy outside your back door,
or even in a pot on your windowsill.
Mint, parsley, chamomile, marigold, lemon balm, echinacea and sage
are colourful and fragrant – as well as being packed full of nutritious and
healing qualities. If your pet needs an extra ‘pick-me-up’ from nature’s
medicine chest, simply pick, wash and chop the herbs finely and add
a pinch or two, once or twice daily, to your dog or cat’s food. Here are
some more back garden botanical homegrown cures:
Take the sting out of arthritis: Nettles contain anti-inflammatory
compounds that make them useful in the treatment of achy joints
and arthritis. Celery seeds and parsley are other back-garden herbs
suggested as traditional remedies for arthritis.
Carminatives for colitis: Peppermint and chamomile are two herbs
that can help alleviate bloating and painful spasm in the gut, (a so-called
‘carminative’ action). They are useful for a range of digestive complaints.
Lemon balm and parsley can help relieve flatulence.
Ease that itch: Eczema and itchy, irritated skin in animals has
traditionally been treated with nettles. Chamomile also has a marked antiitch action. Soothing lotions made with marigold petals, (calendula) also
offer antiseptic and healing action to sore skin.
Cough relief: Sage is an age-old remedy for easing sore throats
and coughs. Thyme is another herb with cough relieving effects, as is
peppermint, where the menthol has a soothing action on the throat.
Calming chamomile: Chamomile is a folk remedy to relieve anxiety
and promote sleep. It has a sedative action, helping to
calm anxious or over-excited animals. Valerian is another
herb with sedative qualities, and seems to be a special
favourite for cats.
Immune boosting: The roots of echinacea
are widely used as an immune-boosting herb, to
help fight bacterial and viral infections, but it’s
easier to buy this preparation than make
it up yourself.
image: Getty
U
Holly Mash, a veterinary surgeon
specialising in complementary
medicine, explains how herbal
remedies can do wonders for
your pets
Dr Bradley Viner advises:
“Herbal remedies contain complex mixes
of compounds, many of which have been
chemically identified and then manufactured
as drugs. Aspirin, from the bark of the
willow is the best-known example, but
many antibiotics were originally produced
naturally by fungi. But just because a drug is
herbal in origin, does not mean that it is not
potentially harmful. Nor is it safe to assume that a remedy that
is known to be safe in humans can also be safely administered
to your pet. The difference is not just one of relating dosage
to size, because different species deal with drugs differently.
This is particularly true of the cat, which has become highly
specialised as a carnivore and so has lost the ability to deal
with many potentially toxic plants. Welfare issues may also
arise if buying over-the-counter remedies delays seeking
proper veterinary attention for more serious conditions. Use
only licensed veterinary herbal remedies, such as skullcap
and valerian for anxiety, and garlic and fenugreek for minor
infections, and ensure you obtain prompt veterinary advice if
the problem seems serious or lingers on.”
An introduction to flower remedies
Flower remedies are a natural method of
healing through the use of certain wild
flowers. Their principal role is in the gentle
treatment of emotional problems, such as
fear, grief or anxiety. They work by balancing
negative emotions with positive ones and
thus allow the body to heal itself.
Flower remedies can be used to
treat animals just as effectively as
people. They are usually given for several
weeks, as daily doses in the animal’s food
or water. One of the best-known brands is
Bach Original Flower Remedies, available
in 38 varieties, including ‘Rescue Remedy’,
used for shock and trauma.
Another commonly used
remedy is ‘Aspen’, helpful for
anxious and skittish cats.
To find a Bach Foundation
Registered Animal Practitioner (BFRAP)
visit www.bachcentre.com.
The suggestions in this article are in no way meant to replace professional veterinary treatment of an animal that is unwell. Please always check with your vet before you use any of
these herbs for your pet, especially if they are on any medication.
www.wellbeloved.com
19
experts
ask the
Thank you for sending in your letters about pet behavioural problems and
health issues. Our experts are always happy to offer their advice
THE PANEL
Can our cats live
together?
Q
Please note: Our experts cannot enter into one-to-one correspondence with readers.
DR BRADLEY
VINER
Bradley is an
experienced
veterinarian who
regularly offers
advice on TV.
20
My mother has recently moved in with
us and brought her previously calm cat
with her. Since his arrival, his behaviour has
changed and he has become very aggressive
and dominating towards our other two
cats. How can we help
them to learn to live
with each other?
CLAIRE SAYS: Cats are very
territorial – their instinct is to
protect an area around their den
that, if they were wild, would be
able to provide them with enough
food to survive – so this is a life
and death drive. Cats are also
basically solitary animals – they
can choose to be
sociable if the
situation is
PADDY
DRISCOLL
Paddy has years
of experience
in handling and
training dogs,
and is a canine
behaviour teacher.
beneficial to them –
such as groups of feral
cats. There is no drive
for cats to get on –
unlike the dog, which is
a social animal like us, and
relies on a group around it.
Your mum's cat has been
brought into a home with two
resident cats, who will not be
pleased to see him! I suspect
his aggression is defensive
aggression – he is simply
getting in first before something happens to him.
Give the cats some time and space away from each other
so they get a chance to relax. Think about their resources –
these include food and water, sleeping places and litter trays.
You need to ensure there is no competition for these. Use
different locations so that the cats do not have to pass each
other or cannot prevent each other from getting to them.
Don't get the cats to eat in corners from where they cannot
escape. Some cats do become friends, others continue to
hate each other and sometimes the best you can aim for is
that they live together, but separately, and without aggression.
CHARGING COCKERS!
Q
How can I stop my two 17-month-old Cocker Spaniels from charging off when we let
them off the lead? Recall is very good, but we would rather not spend the whole walk
having to call them back constantly!
JOHN
BONNER
John specialises in
animal behaviour,
genetics and
physiology.
CLAIRE
BESSANT
Claire is a leading
cat expert and is
Chief Executive
of the Feline
Advisory Bureau.
PADDY SAYS: As you have good recalls, this may
actually be why your dogs constantly range away from
you. If you have made a habit of calling them back when
they are far afield, you are almost certainly reinforcing their
decision to continue doing this, because the recall is an
opportunity for them to earn praise. I suggest you change
how they are
rewarded.
Have a
supply of
food treats in
your pockets. As soon
as you let them off
lead and before they run off, lob a handful of food on the
ground in such a way that they cannot resist searching
for it. Carry on your walk, randomly throwing treats on the
ground if the dogs stay within the ‘magic circle’ of 15ft
around you. Only call them to you when they are within
that circle. If they should range beyond 15ft, turn round
and return in the direction you were coming from. Avoid
calling them, but make a noise or movement that attracts
them so they don’t get lost. Once they move in your
direction, don’t reward them until they have been in the
‘magic circle’ for at least five seconds. You could also play
with them, or throw a ball when they ‘hang about’ with
you to reward them for staying in the circle.
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pet problems
WOLFING DOWN HIS FOOD
Q
We have an eight-month-old Labrador Retriever who
has developed a serious food aggression habit. He seems
to be terrified at mealtimes and 'wolfs' his food down at a
truly remarkable rate while shaking like a leaf with his tail
firmly tucked up between his legs and growling even when
there is no one remotely near him. Why is he doing this and
what should we do?
JOHN SAYS: Dogs are pack animals and so guarding their food does make
sense if they don’t know where their next meal is coming from. But for
pets living in homes with well-stocked larders, telling others to ‘clear off’ is
unnecessary and unacceptable. You may feel justified in removing the
food bowl as a punishment, but that will only confirm the
dog’s suspicions that you really are after his grub.
You need to persuade him that people are a
good thing to have around at mealtimes.
Give small portions so he is still hungry
when the bowl is empty and has
to come to you for seconds. You
should also hand him treats when
he is eating his normal ration,
so he learns to welcome
you coming near. If this
doesn’t work, then it is
worth contacting
an experienced
animal trainer
to help you
address
this
problem.
An itchy mystery
Q
We have a 12-yearold German
Shepherd who has had a
skin problem for a few
years. We’ve seen lots of
different vets but have
not got anywhere. His
skin is grey – I call it
'elephant skin' – and
he scratches a lot. It is
now even on the skin
above his eyes. What
do you recommend?
CAT IN A FLAP
See our article
on pages 8-9
about training
cats
Q
In our old house, our cat used
to come in through a small
downstairs window. We’ve moved house
and have installed a cat flap in our back
door, but our cat is not keen. How do I
teach him to use it?
CLAIRE SAYS: Some patient training will encourage your
cat to use the flap. First leave the flap wide open and
coax the cat through with vocal encouragement and titbits
so it can get used to the concept of being able to gain
entry at that point. Then, gradually lower the flap using a
prop to keep it up, so that the cat has to push a little and
squeeze through the opening. Eventually he will learn to
push it open from the shut position. Failure to learn may be
because something happened early in his training, such
as being attacked by a local rival,
which taught him never to put
Write to: Pet
Problems,
himself in that vulnerable
Wellbeloved
position again and made
Magazine, Specialist,
him decide to train you
Clifton Heights,
to open the door for
Triangle West, Clifton,
him instead!
Bristol BS8 1EJ or email
anna.wellbeloved@
specialistuk.com
BRADLEY SAYS: By and large, itchy skin in dogs
is due to one of two groups of causes: the first is
skin parasites, which can include a range of little horrors such as fleas and
various types of mange mite; the second is allergic skin disease. If you have
seen many vets over the years for the problem, I would hope that parasitic
problems would have been ruled out by the regular use of one of the
veterinary spot-on preparations that prevent such conditions. Skin allergies
are very common in GSDs and a dietary allergy may be the cause.
Your dog is now showing signs of a very chronic skin condition that
needs to be dealt with either by long-term treatment to keep it under
control, or preferably an in-depth diagnostic process to try and identify
the cause and either eliminate it or try and desensitise your dog to its
effects. I would strongly recommend that rather than going from one vet
to another and never getting to the bottom of the problem, you ask your
current vet to arrange for referral to a veterinary dermatologist, who will
be able to help you to deal most effectively with this troubling condition.
www.wellbeloved.com
21
what’s on
14
of the best
days out
There’s animal-related fun for the whole family this spring
Scruffts 2010
VARIOUS LOCATIONS
From
June
Scruffts is
the nation's
favourite crossbreed
competition. The Kennel Club
is coordinating Scruffts heats
throughout the UK this year,
which James Wellbeloved will
be supporting. Winners from
each heat will be invited to
Discover Dogs 2010 at Earls
Court, London, for the Grand
Final in November. Entry to
each class – Most Handsome
Crossbreed Dog, Prettiest
Crossbreed Bitch, Child's Best Friend and Golden
Oldie Crossbreed – is just £1, with all money raised
going to the Kennel Club Charitable Trust. There's
no need to register, just turn up on the day and
prepare to dazzle the judges!
For the full list
of locations and
dates of this year's
regional heats, visit
www.thekennelclub.
org.uk/scruffts.
22
The London Marathon
25
LONDON
Whether you’re a runner, a supporter or a sponsor, the Virgin
April
London Marathon is a big event in any dog and catlover’s calendar. Why? Because dog and cat
charities – from the PDSA to Cats Protection – all have
runners taking on the 26-mile challenge to raise money
for them. It’s a great opportunity to give something back,
whether in blood, sweat and tears or hard-earned cash.
This year’s event might spur you on to try it yourself –
contact your local animal charity to find out more about 10k runs and
other sponsored challenges that run throughout the year.
Find out more at www.virginlondonmarathon.com,
where you can also donate money online.
North Somerset Show
WRAXALL, NORTH SOMERSET
Tractor-pulling, gundog displays, terrier and sheep
racing, as well as livestock judging, were the
highlights of last year’s 150th North Somerset Show
– but can they top it this year? It’s a great day out for
all the family and your dog can come too.
Bathing Pond Fields, Wraxall, North
Somerset. Entry costs £12 for adults,
£11 for senior citizens, £6 for children and
£25 for a family. Call 08456 342 464 or visit
the website at www.nsas.org.uk.
www.wellbeloved.com
3
May
30-31
May
The Yorkshire
Game Fair
Ticked TICA
Cat Show
HAREWOOD HOUSE, LEEDS
SWANLEY, KENT
The third annual Yorkshire Game Fair
takes place over the Whitsun Bank
Holiday at Harewood House near Leeds.
Expect to see competitions, activities,
stalls and demonstrations of country
life, perfect if you’re a budding gundog
handler or just a spectator looking for
a fun day out. Dogs are welcome too.
Harewood House is one of the UK’s
largest visitor attractions, with over 100
acres of landscaped gardens designed
by Capability Brown.
This two-day back
to back show is
open to all cats but
especially favours
Abyssinian, Somali
and other ‘ticked’
cats. There are 14
rings and judges
flying in from all over
the world. Entries
close 31 March and
you don’t have to be
a TICA member if it’s
your first show.
Harewood House, Leeds LS17 9LG.
Open 10am-5pm each day, tickets
cost £9.50 for adults, £9 for senior
citizens, £5 for children and £26.50
for a family. Find out more at
www.harewood.org or by calling
0113 218 1000.
April
White Oak Leisure Centre, Hilda May Avenue, Swanley, Kent
BR8 7BT. Telephone 01634 572181 (after 6pm) for tickets
and enquiries or visit www.tickedtica.org.uk.
Naturally Healthy
The start of kitten season
NATIONWIDE
24-25
May
Cats are seasonal breeders and will typically give birth
to litters in the spring and summer only. By May, cat
charities and pet adoption services will be flooded
with kittens ready for a new home. Can you help? Make sure you really
want a kitten and know how to look after one before you head to the
adoption centre to view them. Those liquid eyes are incredibly hard to
resist! If you’re interested, contact your local cat or pet charity. Cats
Protection League has a national helpline for adoption – 03000 121212
– and plenty of information on its
website, www.cats.org.uk,
plus details of how to find your
closest adoption centre.
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home
offers rehoming for £60, which
includes microchipping, four
weeks of pet insurance
and a clean bill of health.
Contact them on
020 7627 9234 or
visit www.battersea.
org.uk. And don’t
forget to check your
local independent cat
sanctuaries
and charities,
who offer a
similar service.
More events!
A team from James Wellbeloved will be at
some of the following events this spring. If
you spot us, do pop by and say hello!
Crufts 11 - 14 March
Birmingham NEC www.crufts.org.uk – 0844 444 9944
Kelmarsh Country Fair 4-5 April
Northamptonshire www.countrymanfairs.co.uk –
0845 230 5175
Belton International Horse Trials 16-18 April
Grantham www.bedeltd.co.uk – 01949 829 061
The National Dog Show 6-9 May
Stafford www.nationaldogshowbirmingham.org.uk –
01206 391 984
Devon County Show 20-22 May
Exeter www.devoncountyshow.co.uk – 01392 353 700
Royal Bath & West Show 2-5 June
Shepton Mallet www.bathandwest.com – 01749 822 200
Southern Counties Canine Association
Championship Dog Show 2010 4-6 June
Newbury www.corsini.co.uk/scca – 01225 690 042
Please contact organisers direct to confirm
details of all events before attending as
they may be subject to change.
yourletters
Thanks as ever for all your fabulous letters and photos. We love to
hear all about your pets and what they get up to!
star
letter
Welcome to the family
Here’s the latest addition to our family, ‘Kiva’,
pictured at seven weeks old. He’s a long-coated
German Shepherd, our fourth so far. We also have
a six-year-old girl called Kali. They are lovely dogs
and end up like big woolly teddies. We recently
had to have our 12-year-old girl put to sleep, which
as everyone knows is totally heartbreaking. But
new puppies always help with the loss.
Over the years, all our dogs have been fed
on James Wellbeloved. In fact, we were the
reason our local agricultural merchant starting
stocking it! I ran my own small boarding kennels
for 10 years and saw many dogs with skin and
digestive problems. I suggested to dozens of
people to try James Wellbeloved and they were all
amazed at the difference it made to their dogs. In
the present economic climate, it is necessary to
make savings and cutbacks, but one thing we will
never change is what we feed our dogs.
Annette Robinson, St Austell
The star letter winner will receive a 15kg bag of James Wellbeloved dog food or a 10kg bag
of James Wellbeloved cat food. Don’t forget, you can find out about stockists online at
www.wellbeloved.co.uk
Golden girls
Send in your photos!
Here’s our Labrador,
Lucy, who celebrated
her 15th birthday in
January. She had a party
with lots of presents!
She still enjoys her
walks and playing with
her toys and in the snow
we had this year – as
you can see. Her sister
Katie turned 13 in January
and here she is at Torquay
Marina where we berth our
boat. They love getting on
board and both have a
wonderful time.
Sheila & Mike Coulson,
by email
24
Lucy
Katie
Thank you to all our
readers who send in
such lovely photos
of their pets. We’d
love to see more –
particularly some
beautiful cats and
kittens! Do you have a
super snap of your pet
that you’d like to see in print?
Send it to Pet Photos, Wellbeloved Magazine,
Specialist, Clifton Heights, Triangle West,
Clifton, Bristol BS8 1EJ, or email it to
[email protected]
www.wellbeloved.com
mailbox
The Max factor
Max is a jet black Labrador with
the shiniest coat you have ever
seen. Almost every day, someone
will stop us on our walk and ask
what we polish his coat with. He
also has the best temperament.
On cold winter evenings, like
all Labradors designed to fish
in the icy waters in far northern
climates, Max prefers to lay on
his cushion on the Persian rug in
front of the fire.
Pippa’s turned a corner!
This is Pippa. We thought that we’d have
to rehome her at six months because
she was very aggressive. However, after
reading a few books and talking to an
expert, we realised that we had allowed her
to become leader of the pack. We followed
the advice that was given and now she
is well behaved and very obedient. So,
for those who are having problems, don’t
despair. And for those who are thinking of
getting a puppy, read the books first!
Being a Labrador, Max loves his
food, but surprisingly doesn't steal. He is now almost seven years old and we have
fed him James Wellbeloved Turkey & Rice for almost all his life. Despite his large,
rugged stature, the vet insists he is an extremely healthy dog. We believe Max's
condition and temperament are down to feeding him quality food that contains no
artificial additives. It's the old adage, you get what you pay for.
Haydn Fearn, by email
We miss Magnus
Martin Beggs, Belfast
Just lovely!
Here’s a snap of my dog Ebony.
Her previous owner’s baby
was allergic so we took her in.
Her favourite food is James
Wellbeloved Duck & Rice Kibble.
She is just lovely!
Miss J Owen, Huddersfield
Fond memories
of Freccia
I would like to thank you for your
wonderful food which I am sure helped
my Labrador/German Shepherd cross
live a long and full life. Despite only
having one eye, and becoming deaf, she
lived until she was 15 and a half years
old. I am sure it was down to diet, as
she had been on James Wellbeloved
all her life.
With great sadness, we had to say
goodbye to our beloved Tibetan Terrier,
Magnus, in December. We were,
however, able to enjoy a good Christmas
together. Magnus had been fed on
James Wellbeloved Lamb & Rice Kibble
from 13 weeks when we welcomed him
into our lives. He progressed to Adult
and then to Senior Light through to age
13 years. His coat was always in the
best condition and it was just right for
his digestion. We know that Magnus
is now with his friend Hudson, a black
Labrador, who died last July. They would
have both enjoyed playing in the snow
we had earlier this year.
Gloria Corfield, Shropshire
Jennifer Skillen, by email
A life well lived
This is a picture
of our beautiful
Westie, Chloe,
having fun in the
snow. Sadly, she
was put to sleep in
December, at the
ripe old age of 16
years, seven months. She was fed exclusively
on James Wellbeloved, which kept her fit and
healthy throughout her long and active life.
news&views
Please write to us at:
Your Letters, Wellbeloved Magazine, Specialist,
Clifton Heights, Triangle West, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1EJ
or email: [email protected]
We may have to edit your letters for reasons of space.
Chris & Graham, Shropshire
www.wellbeloved.com
25
poetry competition
withfrom
love
me to you
The competition we ran recently on our website asking you to write a love poem
for your four-legged friend for Valentine’s Day has had a fantastic response! We had a
lovely time reading them all and we’re proud to present our winning entry, plus our
top runners-up. More heartfelt poems written by people for their furry companions are
available to read on our website. To take a look, visit www.wellbeloved.com and click
on ‘love poem competition’ in the right hand panel on the home page. Well done to our
winner and runners-up and a big thank you to everyone who took part.
ERSRUNN
UP
WINNE
R!
Jude Gly
Kings N nn,
or
Birming ton,
ham
red,
e
r
a
s
e
s
Ro
e blue,
r
a
s
t
le
Vio
friend’s
d
e
g
g
le
r
My fou
through
d
e
v
lo
e
b
ll
We
ugh!
and thro
Roses are
red,
Violets are
blue,
You stole
my heart
Kitty
With your
very first
‘M
ew’.
Geraldine Gibs
on, Whitley Ba
y,
Tyne and Wear
Roses are
red,
Violets are
bl
ue,
You ain’t no
thin’ but a
hound dog,
But that’
s the wond
er of you!
Karolyn Holde
n, Beverley, Ea
st Yorkshire
Roses are
red,
Violets are
blue,
My favour
ite memori
es are
Ones made
with you.
Na
omi Rainbow
, Stanley, Co
Durham
26
www.wellbeloved.com
competition
win a copy of
Celebrities'
Favourite Pets!
We have five lovely books up for grabs...
C
Celebrities'
Favourite
Pets
01255 428500
To take part in the
competition, simply
answer the quick quiz
questions below
about some famous
fictional animals...
Quick quiz
1) Who owned the dog Bullseye in Oliver
Twist? Was it:
a) Nancy b) Bill Sikes c) Fagin
2) In Alice in Wonderland, Alice met a grinning
cat, but what kind of cat was it?
a) Lancashire b) Shropshire c) Cheshire
3) In Peter Pan, the children were looked after
by a loving and faithful Newfoundland. What
was her name?
a) Nana b) Nadia c) Nelly
4) In which fairytale does a cat help his master
to fame and fortune?
a) Rumplestiltskin b) Dick Whittington
c) The Elves and the Shoemaker
Send your answers with your address and telephone
number to: Celebrity Book Competition, Wellbeloved
Magazine, Specialist, Clifton Heights, Triangle
West, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1EJ. Alternatively, email
[email protected] by the closing
date of 31 March 2010. The first five correct answers
selected at random will win a copy of the book.
image: photolibrary
elebrities’ Favourite Pets is
a heart-warming read that
has been put together by
animal lover Sheila Collins,
in aid of PDSA (People’s Dispensary
for Sick Animals) – an organisation
providing free veterinary services to
sick and injured pets of people in need.
Along with the obvious choices, there
are one or two surprises as we find out
which animals celebrities choose to
get close to, as well as getting us all
thinking about the special relationships
we have with our pets.
With a fitting foreword by
Bob Champion MBE, this book
supports the work of the UK’s leading
veterinary charity and reminds us all
of the responsibility we have towards
ensuring that the nation’s pets are happy
and well looked after. Famous pet
lovers who have contributed to the
book include actress Jenny Agutter,
sports presenter John Inverdale,
is priced at £9.99 and
comedienne Jo Brand and actor
is available from Apex
Nigel Havers.
Publishing on
How to
enter
Terms and conditions: The five winners selected at random after the closing date will each receive one copy of Celebrities’ Favourite Pets. The competition is only open to residents of the UK
who are over 18 years old. Employees of James Wellbeloved and Specialist UK Ltd are not eligible to enter, nor are any subsidiaries, affiliates or suppliers of said organisations. Only one entry
per person is permitted. Only those entries with the correct answers will be put forward to the prize draw stage and five winners will be selected at random. The editor’s decision is final. There
is no cash alternative and no transfer or assignment of prizes will be permitted.
www.wellbeloved.com
27
NATURALLY HYPO-ALLERGENIC COMPLETE DOG FOOD
NO ADDED ARTIFICIAL COLOURS, FLAVOURS OR PRESERVATIVES
Same natural goodness now in a pouch!
At last a hypo-allergenic pouch food for
your dog with no compromises!
James Wellbeloved pouches are made to the same exacting standards as our dry food. This means that you can be sure that you are
feeding your dog a food which is both tasty and healthy.
We only use a single source of meat protein, easily digested rice and vegetables to reduce the risk of food intolerances.
We also add extra ingredients such as alfalfa, seaweed, and linseed to aid digestion and soothe itchy coats.
As you would expect from James Wellbeloved our pouch food contains no added artificial colours,
flavours or preservatives, no beef, no pork, no wheat or wheat gluten, no dairy products, no egg and no
soya. Unlike some other foods we give you a full list of ingredients make sure that you know exactly
what you are feeding your dog.
Easy to open, in a handy size ensuring a fresh meal every time our pouches can be fed on
their own or as a tasty topper for dry food.
Pouches available in Lamb with Rice and Vegetables and Turkey with Rice and Vegetables.
In puppy/junior and adult lifestages.
James Wellbeloved - dog food you can trust
Available from all good pet shops and veterinary surgeries
www.wellbeloved.com or call 0845 603 9095