Dog Insurance to Become Compulsory?

Dog owners could soon be required to insure themselves against the risk of their pet attacking someone, Home Secretary Alan Johnson has announced.

New government proposals are suggesting that it should be compulsory for all dog owners to have their pets micro-chipped and have a form of pet insurance in case of injury caused to others, working in the same way as third party insurance does for car owners.

This has come in conjunction with the possible introduction of new Dog Control Notices for misbehaving animals, dubbed ‘Dogbos’ in akin to the asbos in operation for humans.

These ‘Dogbos’ would grant the police and council officials to force owners to muzzle, leash or even neuter overly aggressive dogs. In extreme cases the dogs could even be confiscated and given to new owners.

These measures have arisen as part of proposed changes to the Dangerous Dogs Act, and are aimed at the growing problem of dogs being bred as weapons to harm and intimidate others.
The laws could also mean that people will be held responsible for their dogs control and behaviour in their own homes, as currently this only extends to public places. The extension of this into private residences would mean extra protection for postmen as an example.

Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Mr Johnson said the proposal on insurance was one of many measures set out in a consultation document.

He said: "We believe that it is time for a root-and-branch look at the legislation underpinning dangerous dogs, and other aspects like third party insurance, like dog control notices that we are looking at, and the idea that you put a microchip in every dog so that you can trace them back to their owners."

Mr Johnson said the majority of dog owners were responsible - but there had been cruelty to animals meted out by people who had merely followed a fashion for "status dogs".

We reserve our judgment on this, as it has it benefits, but at the same time many drawbacks.

Would those irresponsible owners of dogs even bother with pet insurance? Would taking dogs from owners without insurance not simply flood animal rescues? Is it even fair if the owner is responsible and in control of their pets with full precautions including muzzling and leads?

Of course the added cost of owning a dog could deter those who see dogs as weapons or accessories from bothering in the first place. But many people, such as pensioners rely on their faithful pets for unconditional companionship and love and the costs may be too steep. Finally most responsible owners will already have pet insurance for their dogs in the case of health related issues, and would the payout from insurance really solve the grief of suffering of someone whom has been mauled or attacked?

If you have thoughts to share then please do.

Looking after your pets while you are on Holiday

There are many things that have to be taken care of before you can go on a holiday. One important thing to remember is to make sure you find reliable care for your pets. There are several different choices that can be made. You could put your pet in a kennel or cattery. You can have a friend or relative watch your pets. You can hire a professional pet sitter. Another option may even be to take your pet on holiday with you.

The most important thing to remember is the welfare of your pet. You have to consider where and with whom they will feel most comfortable in your absence. Some animals handle change well and others have a hard time being taken out of their daily routine. The option you choose will also depend on how long you plan on being away.

The ideal scenario is to have someone that you trust stay at your home with your pets when you are on holiday. There are also professional pet sitters who offer a variety of services. There are many reputable companies that have trained professionals who are CRB-checked and specialise in pet sitting.

Pet sitters will take care of your pets according to your specifications. They will stay in your home whilst you are away, or may offer one or more daily visits to your home. They will care for your pets, take them on walks, feed them and groom them. Good pet-sitters will also water your plants, pick up your mail and open and close your curtains for you so that it does not appear that your house is empty. There are also companies that specialise in giving personal care to your pets in their own homes. They will take your dog or cat into their homes and care for them in your absence, often in the company of other pets - a good option if your pet dog or cat is sociable and would enjoy the companionship of other animals, but not so good if your pet is used to being king of the hill, so to speak.

Depending on friends or neighbours to take care of your pets might seem like the ideal arrangement; but sometimes people get involved in other things and unforseen circumstances crop up in everyones' lives. Since most people have busy lives they might not always remember, or only be able to give your pet a few minutes of their time. There is one thing you can do to avoid this from happening and to make sure your pet gets good care, and that is to treat this as a business arrangement instead of a favour.

If you set up a deal with your neighbours, friends or relatives to watch your pet for a certain amount of money you will definately get better results. People will do a better job when they are getting paid and not just doing a favour. You can set up the exact amount you will pay and what you expect to be done whilst you are on holiday.

If you want to hire a professional animal caregiver you will want to start planning and looking for someone in advance of your trip and not at the last minute. You want to make sure you have plenty of time to check out the person who is going to come into your home and take care of your animals. This is as big a decision as choosing a babysitter for your children - if you are not 100% comfortable with a pet-sitter then you need to continue searching. You can ask your vet, friends and neighbours for recommendations. You can also ask someone at your local rescue centre or a dog trainer if they know of anybody. You can also use the internet to find professional animal caregivers in your area.

Always look for companies that have had their staff checked with the Criminal Records Bureau and are fully insured. You want to ask the person you are considering for references and make sure you check them out yourself. You will want to find out if the person can take care of any special needs your pet may have, such as medication or other special requirements. Once you have done phone interviews and find the person you think might be the one; invite them to your home for an interview. By inviting the person to your home you get to observe how they interact with your pets. This way you can see how comfortable the person is with your pet and also how comfortable your pet is with the person. This is also the time to let the professional get a feel of your home and to show them where supplies are, etc. if you feel that they are suitable.

Once you have decided this is the right person to look after your pet you want to make sure you ask some basic questions. You want to know how often the sitter will visit or whether they could stay in the home. You also want to know what backup plans the person has in place in case they are not able to care for your pet. You will also want to make sure you leave an itinerary of your trip and phone numbers where you can be reached. Also make sure you put your vet's number and emergency numbers and your pet insurance policy documents in a place that is easy to get to.

If you can't leave your pet at home for any reason, and if taking pets on holiday is not an option for you either, you will have to find a good kennel or cattery that will take good care of your pets whilst you are on holiday. Follow the same steps for this as you would when looking for a pet sitter. You will want to find out if the boarding place is insured, licensed and bonded. After you have made some initial calls and narrowed down your choices; you will then want to visit the establishments in person. You might also want to see if your vet office provides boarding services. Take some time to check out the facilities, ask lots of questions and visit the existing boarders to make sure you will be comfortable leaving your own pet there.

Most pets are more comfortable in their own homes while their owners are away, and can become very stressed when put in a new environment. By planning ahead you will be able to find the best solution for your pet whilst you are gone. That way you will be able to relax and enjoy your holiday and not be worried about your animals.

Holiday Pet Care Advice

The Christmas season can be wrought with dangers for our furry friends, but thankfully a host of pet healthcare experts have advised on keeping our companions safe during the holiday season.

Owners may be aware that the festive season comes with a host of pet healthcare dangers, but thankfully animal care specialists have offered some useful advice in the run-up to Christmas on keeping animals safe. The holidays are a time when many new and exciting objects and foodstuffs are floating around the house. Owners must be especially vigilant to keep these items out of their dog or cat's mouth.

Guests who do not know any better may be tempted to hand a pet a morsel of something highly appetising, but they should be discouraged from doing so as soon as they enter the house as much holiday fare is poisonous to our four-legged friends. Chocolate is well known to be harmful to animals, but so is anything sweetened with xylitol. Even rich foods can make them sick if they are not used to eating this - and the bones from the Christmas bird can cause choking. Unattended drinks could easily send a dog or cat into a coma if consumed.

Ingesting decorations such as tinsel or plug-in lights can also be highly dangerous and any festive adornments should be securely fastened out of reach. Even the sap from the pine tree can cause harm, either through fertilisers or the bacteria bred in stagnant water. Confetti thrown about on New Year's Eve can also become lodged in a cat's intestines.

Other holiday dangers come in the form of mistletoe and holly. The latter can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea while mistletoe can provoke cardiovascular problems and gastrointestinal upset. Well-meaning guests bringing bouquets of flowers should be careful they do not contain lilies, which are poisonous to cats.

Of course, all items that are likely to be knocked over such as vases, Christmas trees or candles need to be tightly secured. This is because with all the excitement of company, many pets may be overexcited and running around. While some pets love company and socialising and getting petted by dozens of friends and family, this type of activity can be a great source of stress for others.

Experts advise owners set aside a space where animals can go to be away from all the hustle and bustle. To minimise anxious feelings, people should aim for minimum disruption of a dog's feeding and walking schedule, to help enforce normality.

All the same, the excess of noise and activity could cause some pets to want to bolt, so guests should be warned prior to coming over not to leave the doors open. Likewise, if they have children or are unfamiliar with animals visitors should be informed on how to play with furry creatures. The individual preferences and personalities of dogs and cats should be made known to those coming to the home at Christmas so there are no surprises or stressful incidents. Also, if kids are going to be part of the festivities in a household that is unaccustomed to tots, owners should make sure dogs and cats do not swallow toys, as these can become lodged in the oesophagus, intestines or stomach.

Finally, animal lovers were told by a number of experts that for all of the reasons stated above, Christmas was not the right time to get somebody a pet as a present. Animal Friends Insurance would like to re-iterate the now thirty-one year old slogan coined by The Dogs Trust: "A Dog Is For Life, Not Just For Christmas".

As one of the largest independent pet insurers in the UK, Animal Friends offers dog insurance, cat insurance and horse insurance to UK residents. You can get a quote and buy pet insurance quickly and easily online.

Feeding Pets the Right Food

I posted an article over on our website's homepage, just a bit of topical news that seems humorous and entertaining enough – you can read the article here.

However I noticed that the article drew a lot of comments and opinions when it was posted on www.dailymail.co.uk and though I didn’t want to comment on the site I thought it worth a moment to reflect here.

Most of the comments I spotted are from concerned pet owners and pet lovers worried about the fact that this lovely rabbit was eating the wrong dietary needs, and due to this had become increasingly overweight.

The other comments were typically aimed at the other side of the coin, saying these people should ‘butt-out’ and mind their own business; what these people choose to do with their pets is up to them.

Now I can’t help but think that, though there is a truth in what people choose to do is their own business, there is also a much stronger argument for the former group and their comments.
Each and every animal out there has a diet they require, it’s how it has been since the dawn of time. They eat these foods because they give them their required nutritional and dietary needs, and because – in an evolutionary sense, they can only eat what they can get their hands (or paws, claws, etc) on.

Of course we humans have stepped in and changed this over the years, especially when it comes to domestic animals such as cats and dogs, but these are typically the exceptions rather than the rule (few wild cats or dogs would choose dry food for example).

Rabbits eat vegetation and greenery, it’s a given fact. They have thrived both in wild and domesticated forms through the consumption of vegetables, hay and other similar foods. The same can be said for many animals, and most of them we strive, when we have them as pets, to feed them what they would naturally.

So feeding a rabbit the same food as a dog, cute or not, does seem irresponsible. Of course it won’t refuse the food it’s given, few animals turn their noses up at food when it’s offered, and that includes pigs eating ham or pork.

Now if it were as easy as to just give every pet the same diet, without any consequences, think of the money pet food manufacturers would make. But it isn’t that easy, pet food manufacturers do try to provide good, sensible and nutritional food, and they try to keep to the traditions of what those pets should be eating.

We will all probably be guilty of feeding our pets the odd treat or titbit we shouldn’t now and then, but try to think about it before making it a regular thing or doing it at all, as in the long run the chances are it won’t be good for your pet’s health. Remember we have a choice in what we eat, but our pets don’t.

For a great range of pet food, visit www.petshop247.co.uk. We stock food for a whole range of pets from dogs and cats to rabbits, hamsters, reptiles, horses, fish and much more.

How Big Dogs Have Gotten a Bad Name

Any dog can be considered dangerous. The breed and size of the dog doesn't actually matter; all dogs have their own personality and traits, which, like us, are often subject to the nature/nurture debate. According to the records, however, there do seem to be some dog breeds that are more aggressive and attack more often than others. In the UK, the Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991 (amended 1997) prohibited owning four types of dogs - the type being a key defining factor - which are listed below:

Pit Bull Terrier - They are usually medium sized, and have a solid muscular build and a short coat. They have a broad flat skull and a wide deep muzzle. They are powerful and athletic and come in a wide range of solid and mixed colours. The head of this dog is unique and a key element of the breed type. It is large and broad but is proportionate to the size of its body. Originally bred for fighting and baiting, these dogs need consistent training, lots of exercise and stimulation in order to prevent them from becoming destructive and aggressive - a lack of which has given them a reputation for being dangerous.

Japanese Tosa - These massive dogs are athletic and agile. They have a large head with a broad skull and a long square muzzle. Originally bred for fighting, they have powerful jaws and a strong neck which has a dewlap. Their coats are rough, dense and short. They come in a variety of colours including solid red, yellow or black and also in brindle and multi-coloured. They are loyal and affectionate as well as calm and patient, and can make good family dogs as long as the owner is a dominant "pack leader" who can keep this large and powerful animal under control.

Dogo Argentino - These are also called Argentinean Mastiffs and are very muscular with strong jaws. They have a short sleek, thick, glossy coat which is always white. They are large dogs that were originally developed as pack dogs to hunt other animals and can be dominant or aggressive by nature. Despite this, lovers of the breed will describe them as loyal, intelligent and affectionate dogs which crave attention through play and masses of structured exercise.

Fila Brasileiro - Also called Brazilian Mastiffs, they are very large, powerful dogs with large bones and loose skin. Their coat is smooth and short. They are known to be distrustful of strangers and can show aggression toward other animals. As a pet they will remain fiercely loyal and protective, caring and even submissive towards their owners and immediate family.

The restrictions and prohibitions also apply to any mixed breed that is crossed with any of the above mentioned dogs. It is the physical and behavioural characteristics of the dog and not the actual breed name which is important, and which can lead to a misinterpretation by some owners. The reason these four breeds mentioned above were put on the dangerous dog list is because they were considered to have been bred specifically to be either fighting or hunting dogs, and thus have a certain element of "natural" aggression.

The legislation surrounding these types of dogs is complex, and involves a series of amendments including an Index of Exempted dogs: so in fact owning one of these particular types of dog may not be deemed illegal as long as it has been authorized and recorded by a court of law. What could also be confusing is the inclusion of the offence of any type or breed of dog under the original act which is "dangerously out of control" - drawing much-needed attention to the fact of the matter which is that it is not the dog which is dangerous, but rather the owner who puts the dog in a situation where there is potential for harm. Much more emphasis has recently been placed on dog owners to ensure their dogs are handled responsibly and restrained where appropriate. This shift has been welcomed by organisations such as the RSPCA who have been known to speak up against certain out-dated aspects of the Dangerous Dogs Act (1991). More important information on the laws surrounding prohibited dogs can be found by visiting defra's website.

However outdated, and despite recent amendments and inclusions, the act does still have an astounding influence on our perception of large dogs in society in general. So much so, in fact, that the above prohibited breeds are routinely excluded from a UK pet insurance policy on the grounds of increased risk and having been deemed as dangerous by said legislation. This is the case in spite of any individual court ruling that a registered dog of the above types poses no general threat. It would be fair to suggest, therefore, that unless you have unlimited access to funds which would cover the cost of veterinary treatment, or even legal action against you if your dog were to bite someone, you should not even consider keeping any of these types of dog, registered or otherwise.

Two other breeds of dogs that have often been considered "dangerous" or intimidating are the Rottweiler and German Shepherd. This common misconception is often due more to the lack of appropriate training and respect given to dogs of this size than any specific breed characteristic.

Rottweiler - These are large muscular dogs that are used by Police forces all over the world. They are also used as border guards and guide dogs. The breed originated in Germany as war and herding dogs. They are black in colour with clearly defined tan or mahogany markings. They are a powerful breed and can be aggressive if not trained correctly. This said a "Rotty" - as they are sometimes affectionately referred to by their owners - can make a superb family pet, as the natural temperament of this beautiful dog is one of loyalty and calmness, along with courage and playfulness.

German Shepherd - Also a large dog that originated from Germany and was bred for herding sheep. They are often used by the police and customs agencies. They come in a variety of colours with the most common being tan and black and red and black. Again, with the correct training, these loving and protective dogs can make fantastic pets. They will enjoy playing energetic games, and their keen intelligence makes them fast learners who will respond well to training challenges.

The increasingly well-publicised problem with so-called dangerous dogs seems to be getting worse every year, if the mass media are to be believed. Research shows that the top five dogs reported for biting people are: Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Japanese Akitas and Huskies. The key point to emphasise here is that large dogs require an enormous commitment to training and discipline - not to mention a great deal of exercise, love and attention - in order for them to become the perfect canine companion of your dreams. To blame or punish a dog that has not been properly trained is like smacking a baby for wetting his nappy, which is exactly why the Dangerous Dogs Act (1991) has typically been surrounded by so much controversy.

If you are ever confronted by a dog you think could pose a danger to you there are a few things you can do to try to diffuse a potential situation. You should make no sudden movements and stand still with your hands in your pockets. Do not make eye contact and slowly back away, but do not run. It is unwise to turn your back on a dog of whose temperament you are unsure. This applies to all breeds of dog, not just the ones detailed above.

Today, with things such as the cost of medical treatment for your pets at its highest and still increasing, a smart move is to buy pet insurance. It is also a good idea to do some research into your chosen breed before purchasing a pet dog; if he falls into an excluded category when it comes to buying pet insurance you could run into financial difficulties in the future.

Pet insurance exists to give you peace of mind and the ability to take care of your four legged family members in case of a medical emergency or injury. A good dog insurance policy will also provide third party liability cover. This will cover you financially in the event that your dog does happen to injure someone or cause an accident - even a well-trained dog can be provoked into an uncharacteristic response if he feels threatened. You will find that for just a few pounds a month you will be able to provide the best medical treatment for your pets to ensure a long and happy life together.

A Home Away From Home – Dog Kennels at Pet Shop 247

“Personally my dog is an indoor dog; he spends most of his time curled up on my bed or his (and occasionally on the sofa. He loves to go out for a walk, run around, chase balls and then come in and get comfy and warm. That’s how it has been for nearly 10 years and it’s just how it is.

So when I see a dog kennel, I see a place where a dog is shoved into to keep them out of the house and out of the way. The thing is that is because I have a one sided view of it and there is nothing proving I am right, and since my sister got her dog, I’m starting to see the benefits a kennel can provide.

So what has changed my view? Well the thing is she has a large dog, a Rottweiler to be precise. He’s a lovable friendly dog, but very young and full of energy he loves play fighting, running around throwing toys and jumping about. Now the thing is my sister has quite a small house for such a big dog, but she has a big back yard, very big as a matter of fact. Now her dog absolutely loves being outside, where he has the room to run around and go nuts; it doesn’t matter if it is raining or cold he just loves being outdoors - especially when it gets a bit too warm inside due to central heating being on, or he can’t pounce about in the living room as there is no space. If its pouring with rain he’ll get let out for a quick toilet break and then get called back in, but he doesn’t want to come in, he wants to run about until he’s bored. Of course by then he’s soaking wet and the kerfuffle of bringing him in, drying him of and so on begins.

Now if he had a kennel to dive into between his bouts of running around like a loon, he’d not have the hassle of being called in, can lie in the dry kennel when he’s bored and head out whenever he wishes. Basically it would be a temporary shelter that he can use for quick breaks from playing, without having to be let in and out of the house when his owners decide to spoil his fun. So seeing this type of dog, suddenly kennels make more sense. Many dogs love being outside, rather than stuck indoors, especially larger dog breeds, and the option of a warm dry place for them to retreat too when they need it makes a lot of sense.

Ironically as a child our family pet was a German Shepherd and he loved being outside as well, he didn’t have a kennel, but would lie in the shed in our garden without a care in the world. He was still welcome in the house but just wasn’t that interested if he could be running free outside taking respites into the half open shed if necessary.

On the other side of the coin my dog is a small Staffordshire Terrier/Jack Russell cross breed. He’s 9 years old and set in his ways, he loves his creature comforts and only braves the rain for a walk (though if it’s for a walk he’s fairly content, otherwise forget it). But what is right for my dog is not necessarily right for others, and I’ve come to realise a kennel isn’t a dog prison, but a little refuge for those who prefer being outdoors to in.”

For a great selection of dog kennels visit www.petshop247.co.uk.

One of our top sellers are our range of Europet traditional styled dog kennels with lockable doors (ideal for those times a workman might need to use the garden for repairs, or the window cleaner). Coated with a water resistant and non-toxic wood stain, these kennels come in 3 sizes for differing dog breeds and have a tough green mineral felt roof.

We stock many more dog kennel styles from branded names so pop by our website and pick up a bargain.

New Online Pet Superstore Coming Soon!!

We are proud to announce that our new online pet superstore, Pet Shop 247, will be launching soon.

Our website, www.petshop247.co.uk, will provide everyhting you can need for your home pet needs (and a bit more besides) from cat food to dog beds, bird cages to fish tanks and much, much more Pet Shop 247 has the best petcare from the best brands and at some of the best prices on the internet.

So keep an eye out and we will keep you posted once we finaly go live.

PetShop247 - Pets are our Business!