Recently, we booked a stand at Hickstead to sell and promote the Silver Skincare range. This meant me being on site for several long days, in a heatwave. I was concerned about leaving the pug, Alice Pickle, the Duchess of Pickleton, whilst I was away. Who would look after Her Grace in the manner to which she has become accustomed? How would she cope without her loyal staff (me) to bow to her every need? Fortunately, I already knew the answer to this, because Alice Pickle has been lucky enough to be a guest at the Hotel for Pugs (and Griffons) before.

Last summer – in similarly blazing heat – she stayed there for a few days in the absolute lap of luxury. The highlights of which were the hours spent in the pool bar, Pug Tropicana, and her specially curated spa day treatments. She came back smelling fragrant. Closer to how a duchess should probably smell, and less like an old cheese, as per her usual aroma.

So I got in touch with Ian and Lisa again, the dog-focused and absolutely lovely couple whose beautiful country house home has been utterly taken over by pugs. To the point where it has become a hotel for them. In fact not just pugs, but also very cute Griffons Bruxellois. If you don’t know what they are, think gingery-brown pugs with tons of hair and beards and you’re not far off the mark. And they were able to fit Her Grace in for a stay. Hurrah, we all said.

After I booked her in, I realised she would be away for six nights

This is a long time for Alice – and for me. She and I are rather joined at the hip – it’s the most codependent relationship I’ve ever been in. But I needn’t have worried. Apart from the fact that working very long days on my feet in the heat was enough to floor me at the end of each day, both Ian and Lisa kept in touch with me throughout Alice’s stay.

I never had to wonder if she was alright, whether she was keeping cool, whether she was having a good time… it’s peace of mind you can’t put a price on, frankly.

Let me tell you a bit about Alice’s stay

Her days kicked off with morning walks in the cool woodland around 6am with the other dogs. She loved this. We live in an urban/beach-adjacent place, so a wood is always an exciting place for Alice. I got regular videos of her leaping logs and rustling through leaves.

Alice enjoying the pool with pug Ralph and Billy Whizz the griffon

During the daytime it was all about the five-star resort activities. Driving around in the Lambo with her best mate Polly riding shotgun (there is a yellow remote-control Lamborghini which the pugs get to zoom around the grounds in; see top picture). Or being hand pulled in a kind of luxury surrey with a fringe on top, because Ian was concerned that the grass might be too hot for Alice’s tootsies.

To keep cool in the 30+ heat, the Duchess had time in the shaded wakeboarding pool, learning to surf. And plenty of lounging around in the bigger ‘Pug Tropicana’ pool, snoozing in inflatables, and having regular cooling down spells in the water, and the shade.

Then there’s Puggy Puggy Treat Time, which is at teatime and warrants a special song, apparently, that Ian sings. “I do it in a falsetto,” he says. “It brings all the pugs to my yard.” The pugs and griffons are aware of PPTT, Pavlov style, and frankly take little reminding. Treats range from wedges of cold watermelon to slices of doggie sausage. And they all know exactly when it’s time.

One morning, sweating my arse off on the stand, I got a video from Ian showing Alice being hand-fed a few buttered toast squares at breakfast time. Crusts removed, naturally. “How wonderful,” I thought through slightly gritted teeth, sitting in the heat and dust of Hickstead on a stand where the temperatures were close to hitting 40 degrees. “I’m so pleased my dog is having a nice time.”

Enjoying the facilities and the bonhomie

Every dog is different, so the Hotel team checks what is good for everyone’s precious dumplings before doing anything with them. Alice is game for just about anything, so she got the full works throughout her stay, including a spa day. Transported to the wet room in the luxury surrey with a bottle of gin (!), she enjoyed a wash and shampoo, and a head massage. Followed by air drying with a special cap for her ears and a warm towel. She came home so silky and soft and clean I nearly didn’t recognise her.

She’s a girl’s girl though, and so although she spent her days with Ian engaged in the resort facilities, when she wanted a quiet cuddle she went to Lisa and snuggled up with her on the sofa. She also had a choice of where to sleep. They completely open up the house and no dog is restricted in any spaces, even the bedrooms. There are also unlimited cuddles on tap.

And I know they went over and above to keep my precious baby cool. See the screenshot above – also picked up when I was developing heatstroke at work. Jesus, what I wouldn’t have given for a bloody cold flannel! But the heat really is a worry with pugs and their ridiculous flat faces, and Alice has occasional seizures too. So knowing she was in safe and loving hands like this is really magic.

Read more: Doddery dogs – could your dog be struggling with arthritis?

And let’s not forget the social life…

For a single dog, Alice enjoyed the fun of spending some time in a place with lots of other little dogs. And doing a ton of stuff she never gets to do at home. She’s a sociable girl, but goes for long spells where it’s just me and her. She’s happy with that, but also really  likes to get out and get social sometimes.

She made lots of chums, but got particularly close to another pug called Polly. I think they both missed each other once Alice went home. It’s enriching for Alice to enjoy some doggie company like this, and I know she loved it. But she was pleased to get back to the peace of our own space. It was a lot for her, something Lisa and Ian really understand.

I can’t recommend this place enough. Frankly *I* could do with a week there, going wakeboarding, eating watermelon and having a cold flannel if I get a bit snory. Lisa and Ian have an absolutely beautiful home and grounds, and I love the fact that they share their haven with little four-legged friends. The hotel is fully licensed and insured, and there is strict paperwork ahead of the booking, which also gives peace of mind. And a place to put down your darling’s likes, dislikes and loves. They have extensive experience when it comes to dealing with dogs that have special needs too. I mean, does it get any more perfect?

Get in touch if you want a site visit or viewing ahead of bookings. They’re based in West Sussex.
www.hotelforpugs.com

Sam Harrington-Lowe

Sam is Silver’s founder and editor-in-chief. She’s largely responsible for organising all the things, but still finds time to do the odd bit of writing. Not enough though. Send help.

The post The Hotel for Pugs – more than just Pug Tropicana appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Every dog owner dreads that moment when their pup gets seriously sick or injured. After all, unexpected vet bills can hit hard. In the UK, the average vet bill for an unexpected illness or accident is around £793. But it can easily exceed £1,500-£2,000 for surgery or emergency care (source: Association of British Insurers, 2023).

Here’s the problem. Navigating dog insurance options feels overwhelming. With so many plans, coverage levels, and providers out there, how do you pick the right one for your four-legged family member?

The good news? By understanding the key factors that matter most, you can find the perfect policy that gives your dog great coverage without emptying your wallet.

What you’ll discover:

• Why dog insurance matters more than ever
• Essential coverage features to look for
• How to compare plans like a pro
• Smart ways to save on premiums

Why dog insurance matters more than ever

Dog insurance isn’t just a nice-to-have anymore; it’s becoming essential for responsible pet ownership.

Veterinary costs are climbing in the UK too. In the past year, vet bills have risen by around 7%, with routine consultations now averaging around £60–£80. And that’s before treatment or medication is added.

Most dog owners are totally unprepared for major medical expenses. If your dog needs emergency surgery or develops a chronic condition, you’re likely looking at bills of between £1,500 to £4,000, or even more for specialist care.

UK dog owners spend an average of £300–£500 per year on pet insurance, depending on the breed and level of cover. That’s around £25–£40 per month. Compare that to a single emergency vet bill, and insurance suddenly looks like a smart move.

Yet despite rising costs, only 25–30% of pets in the UK are insured. That leaves the vast majority of owners at risk of facing huge bills; often with little warning.

Essential coverage features to look for

Not all dog insurance plans are created equal. Some offer comprehensive protection while others leave you hanging when you need coverage most. Here’s what matters…

Accident and illness coverage

This is your bread-and-butter coverage. Look for plans that cover:

• Emergency accidents (broken bones, cuts, poisoning)
• Illnesses (cancer, diabetes, infections)
• Chronic conditions (arthritis, allergies)
• Hereditary conditions (hip dysplasia, heart problems)

Pro tip: Avoid accident-only plans unless budget is your only concern. Illnesses are far more expensive to treat than most accidents.

Prescription medications

Your dog’s medication costs can add up fast. Make sure your plan covers:

• Antibiotics and pain medications
• Chronic condition treatments
• Specialty medications

Diagnostic testing

Modern veterinary care relies heavily on diagnostics. Your plan should cover:

• X-rays and ultrasounds
• Blood work and lab tests
• MRI and CT scans
• Biopsies

24/7 vet video calls

Modern insurance plans often include 24/7 vet video calls as part of their coverage. This feature lets you consult with licensed veterinarians anytime, day or night, for non-emergency questions about your dog’s health.

It’s incredibly convenient for those late-night worries when you’re not sure if something requires an emergency vet visit.

What to avoid

Watch out for these coverage gaps:

• Pre-existing condition exclusions (standard, but important to understand)
• Waiting periods longer than 15 days
• Benefit schedules instead of percentage reimbursement
• Breed-specific exclusions

How to compare plans like a pro

Shopping for dog insurance requires a systematic approach. Don’t just go with the cheapest option; you’ll likely regret it later.

Follow this process:

Step 1: Determine your budget

Figure out what you can comfortably spend monthly. Higher premiums often mean lower deductibles and better coverage.

Step 2: Choose your deductible

This is how much you’ll pay out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in. Also called your excess.

Lower deductible = higher monthly premium; higher deductible = lower monthly premium

Step 3: Pick your reimbursement level

Most plans offer 70%, 80%, or 90% reimbursement after you pay your excess. Go with 80% or 90% if you can afford it. When you’re dealing with a £3,000 surgery, that extra reimbursement makes a huge difference.

Step 4: Set your annual limit

This caps how much the insurance company will pay out each year. The options generally look like this:

• annual limit (basic coverage)
• annual limit (good coverage)
• unlimited coverage (best protection)

Unlimited coverage often isn’t that much more expensive and gives you complete peace of mind. So check that out.

Step 5: Compare waiting periods

Many plans have waiting periods before coverage begins.

• Accidents: Usually 2-5 days
• Illnesses: Typically 14-30 days
• Orthopaedic conditions: Often 6-12 months

Read more: Doddery dogs – could your dog be struggling with arthritis? How can you help? 

Smart ways to save on premiums

Dog insurance doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are proven strategies to lower your costs without sacrificing coverage.

Enroll your dog young

Premiums increase significantly as dogs age. A puppy might cost £25/month to insure, while the same coverage for a 10-year-old dog could be £70/month. Plus, younger dogs are less likely to have pre-existing conditions excluded from coverage.

Multi-pet discounts

If you have multiple pets, most insurers offer discounts of 5-10% for each additional pet.

Annual payment discounts

Paying annually instead of monthly often saves you 5-8% on your premium.

Choose higher excess payments

Increasing your deductible/excess £15-20 per month. Just make sure you can afford the higher out-of-pocket cost.

Wellness add-ons aren’t always worth it

Many insurers offer wellness plans that cover routine care. But do the sums. You might save money paying for routine care out-of-pocket, and keeping your insurance focused on major medical expenses.

Red flags to avoid

Not every insurance company has your dog’s best interests at heart. Watch out for these warning signs:

Benefit schedules

Some plans use benefit schedules that pay fixed amounts for specific conditions rather than percentage reimbursement. For example, they might pay £500 for a broken leg regardless of whether your actual bill was £800 or £2,000. Avoid these plans.

Excessive exclusions

All plans exclude pre-existing conditions, but some go overboard with breed-specific exclusions or unreasonably long waiting periods.

Poor claims processing

Research the company’s reputation for claims processing. Look for average processing time under 10 business days and positive customer reviews.

Premium increases

Some companies are notorious for jacking up premiums significantly each year. Read the fine print about how and when they can increase your rates.

Making your final decision

The best dog insurance plan balances comprehensive coverage with affordable premiums. Don’t overthink it. The worst decision is having no coverage at all.

1. Get quotes from 3-5 top-rated companies
2. Compare coverage details, not just prices
3. Read recent customer reviews
4. Choose a plan you can afford long-term
5. Enroll while your dog is healthy

Remember, pet insurance is like car insurance. You hope you’ll never need it, but you’ll be grateful you have it when disaster strikes.

Time to take action

The UK pet insurance market is growing fast. It’s expected to grow by over 7% annually between 2025 and 2030, reaching a market value of around £3 billion. Meaning more choice and competitive pricing for pet owners.

But here’s what really matters…

Every day you wait is another day your dog could develop a condition that becomes a pre-existing exclusion. Don’t let procrastination put your furry family member at risk.

Start comparing dog insurance options today. Your future self (and your wallet) will thank you when your pup needs expensive medical care and you’re covered.

The choice is simple: Spend a few minutes comparing plans now, or potentially spend thousands later when your dog needs help most.

Which sounds better to you?

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The post Comparing dog insurance plans: key factors to evaluate appeared first on Silver Magazine.

No? Well, we’re not sure we believe you!

Of course we think you should take care of and love your pets when they reach ‘golden oldie’ status. But honestly, we don’t think they’re too offended about being called old!

silvermagazine

If you’d like to receive a regular mini-magazine direct to your inbox with a selection of editorial features to read at your leisure, please sign up for our newsletter. We also run the odd competition and offer and whatnot, and newsletter members get the heads-up first.

The post How to stand against ageism in pets appeared first on Silver Magazine.

We weren’t sure how we felt about Peggy being crowned Britain’s ugliest dog; as a friend asked, did she even consent to entering this competition?! But Peggy enjoying the pampering fuss gave us all the feels, so we’re cheering her on now.

Also I think she’s absolutely adorable, I can’t help myself. Incidentally Peggy has her own Instagram account, should you feel inclined to follow her.

She enjoyed several treatments including a fabulous hydrobath followed by a blueberry facial. Feeling clean and refreshed, Peggy then had a hand dry and trim before finishing with a paw and nose balm treatment and a spritz of fragrance, so she left the groomer looking and smelling fantastic.

Peggy and mum Holly arriving for the prize pampering session

Happy mum too

Holly Middleton, Peggy’s owner said: “Thank you so much to ParrotPrint.com, who were behind this competition, for the whole experience, and all the lovely ladies at the exclusive doggie spa.

“Being part of the ugliest dog competition has been brilliant from start to finish. Peggy has loved every second and has been absolutely lapping up all of the fuss and attention.

“The makeover was fabulous and Peggy was treated like an absolute queen. What little hair she has is extremely soft and fluffy and she smells divine, which is rare. She’s been absolutely spoiled rotten but she 100% deserves it.”

Read: Is your dog bored? Time for some enrichment activities…

What else did Peggy win?

Peggy, a study in red jersey

The luxury spa was the first part of Peggy’s prize. She will now go on to receive a canvas print portrait.

Chief judge and Parrot Print founder Matt Dahan said: “Peggy is a little star and she is a worthy winner of our fun competition to find the UK’s ugliest dog.

“It was fantastic to see her enjoy her prize at the spa and she looked amazing after all her treatments. Now we are working on producing an exclusive portrait of her on one of our ParrotPrint.com canvas prints.”

And how is Peggy coping with the fame and adulation?

“She seems to be dealing with her new-found fame very well and I just hope all this attention doesn’t go to her head,” says Matt.

To find out more about Peggy and why she has been named the ugliest dog in the UK please head over to: www.parrotprint.com/uglydogcompetition

Sam Harrington-Lowe

Sam is Silver’s founder and editor-in-chief. She’s largely responsible for organising all the things, but still finds time to do the odd bit of writing. Not enough though. Send help.

The post Britain’s ugliest dog Peggy enjoys her pampering prize appeared first on Silver Magazine.

If you want your dog to live its best life, as they say, then canine enrichment activities are the way to go. What are they, you cry? I’m glad you asked…

Since I set up as a dog walker and sitter as a side line to writing a couple of months ago, I’ve met many dog owners who tell me their dogs are anxious, unsociable, ‘don’t like’ other dogs or humans or ‘can’t be’ left on their own for five minutes without having a meltdown.

Many dogs with behavioural issues are often simply unstimulated

Admittedly some dogs – particularly rescue dogs who’ve had difficult and traumatic starts in life – might be a bit more complex to handle than others. However, many dogs with behavioural issues are often simply unstimulated.

Dogs are social, intelligent, and active animals. If you habitually leave your dog on its own for five hours a day and wonder why they chew the sofa or scratch the living room door to bits, consider that you’d probably do the same in that situation. They’re bored. They’re frustrated. And they’re lonely. If dogs could pick up the TV and throw it out of the window, they’d probably do that, too.

(Picture: Pexels Karolina Grabowska)

Socialising your dog

Dogs need to be socialised with humans and other dogs, and they need to be able to do the things they were born to do – explore, play and problem solve. The latter is known as canine enrichment, a practice that can prevent boredom (thereby destruction) as well build their confidence and bring new skills.

If your dog wolfs (see what I did there?) down their dinner then begs you for yours, introduce them to a puzzle feeder. This is a food tray that your dog must manipulate to get the food out of. A bit like when we’re served aeroplane food with a sectioned tray and fiddly things to open, so it takes longer to get through it. You can put kibble, meat and vegetables in different sections. So they’re searching for food rather than just having it presented to them in a bowl. You can also buy rubber ones and fill them with frozen treats to make mealtimes last even longer – this is a great idea in summer.

‘Allowing dogs to forage and problem solve is an essential part of meeting both their physical and mental needs,’ says Val Suleski, kennels manager at Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare in Sussex.

Letting your dogs hunt

“Dogs have an amazing sense of smell. They use it to gather information about the environment around them and to find things. Searching out for food is about the drive for nourishment and survival related needs are particularly powerful, so the foraging and search behaviours therefore work to fulfil their need to hunt.”

Another cheap and effective enrichment idea is to take a cardboard box, fill it with newspaper or toilet roll tubes and hide biscuits within the layers. Do the same with a big box of toys.

If you have a garden, introduce treat trails for your dogs to follow, as this brings out their natural hunting instinct. You can do the same indoors, as well as hiding dry treats in a snuffle mat.

Nero with his snuffle mat (Picture: Em Smith)

On walks, allow your dog plenty of opportunity and time to sniff. Make sure you go to different places and mix up the route that you take. This will give them new experiences and new smells which they’ll love.

Lucky enough to have a senior? Learn more about doggy arthritis

Hot weather canine enrichment activities

If you have the space, introduce a small paddling pool and/or sandpit for them to play in. Put toys in both so they can bob and dig for them. If they like the water, take them to the beach for the day and see if they want to swim at low tide. Make sure you have fresh water for them to drink and don’t let them drink seawater. Consider a life jacket, too, just to be on the safe side.

Boomer, a happy pup in his sandpit (Picture: Laurie Magerfleisch)

As the temperature hots up, you could make some frozen treats. Try grated carrot with plain soya or natural yogurt and organic peanut butter. Let them thaw a little first. Try adding blueberries, raspberries, carrots, baked salmon skin, no-salt beef or chicken broth cubes, baked sweet potato and organic peanut butter along with their usual kibble to their puzzle feeder.

Dexter with his ball of frozen treats (Picture: Em Smith)

‘With the right enrichment,’ says Val, ‘nervous dogs gain confidence, while reactive and frustrated dogs become calmer, more focused on us and choose positive behavioural responses because they’ve become more emotionally stable.’

There are some great ideas on the Raystede and Dogs Trust websites, so take a look. Your dog – and your sofa – will thank you for it.

Contact Juliette at www.bexhillpetsitting.com

@bexhillpetsitting

Juliette Wills

Juliette writes about football, F1, fashion, health and interiors for national magazines and newspapers. She’s also Bexhill’s new Town Crier (true story!), runs a pet sitting sideline and heads up her own creative agency. If she’s not at home she’s in the sea

The post Is your dog bored? Time to try some canine enrichment activities appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Soaring prices, increased time at home, and a desperate effort to amuse the kids are all factors that saw a rise in dog ownership during lockdown. We’ll talk more about how you can avoid contributing to the misery that is unethical dog breeding another time. But first, with dogs under threat, how can you avoid your own dog being stolen?

Dogs are being taken from cars, from gardens, outside shops, even snatched from people walking them. There are stories circulating about dog thieves marking dog-owning houses with cable ties outside, which may or may not be true.

And a quick glimpse at the cess-pits for animals that is Gumtree or Craigslist shows that prices have rocketed to ridiculous heights. So if you’re a dog owner, it’s wise to take extra security measures.

What’s really happening?

The Kennel Club reports that normally 2,000 dogs are stolen every year across the UK, but that the past year has seen a rise in thefts of nearly 20%. Less than 5% of cases result in conviction, and only approximately 22% of stolen dogs are reunited with their owners.

This means a whopping 1,560 dogs each year never see their families again. And to make matters worse, the legal system doesn’t seem to have a fitting punishment for the act of stealing someone’s dog.

At the moment, dogs are classed as ‘property’ under the Theft Act 1968 in British law. What this means is that a dog thief may be punished in the same way as someone who steals an everyday inanimate object, like a mobile phone or bicycle.

And why do they get stolen? Inspector Andrea Leahy, who is based at Sussex Police’s Rural Crime Team says, “Dog theft is an abhorrent crime where criminals selfishly steal beloved pets from their families – sometimes to exploit these poor creatures by selling them on at inflated prices or breeding them for monetary gain.”

The emotional impact

Leahy goes on to explain the physical and mental consequences of dog theft on the victim. “The emotional impact of a missing dog is considerable, with victims left bereft and searching for their much-loved family member. In some cases not knowing whether they have been lost or taken.

“Unfortunately, because of the nature of these incidents, it can sometimes be difficult for police to identify whether or not a crime has occurred and, if it has, if there are any realistic investigative lines of enquiry.”

The feeling of loss and grief one feels after a dog is stolen is similar in severity to the response felt to a missing person

The feeling of loss and grief one feels after a dog is stolen is similar in severity to the response felt to a missing person. According to the Dog Trust’s briefing on the current dog theft situation, people mourning the loss of a dog fear they cannot openly grieve. They feel they won’t be taken seriously.

The briefing describes: “‘Disenfranchised grief’ is the term used to describe grief which is not acknowledged by society … People mourning the loss of a dog can often be faced with unsympathetic comments, like: ‘it’s only a dog’.

“A study involving in-depth interviews with dog owners who had experienced dog theft found that 30% reported feelings of ‘loss, grief or mourning’; 48% described themselves as ‘devastated’ and 37% suffered from ‘severe psychological or physiological effects’ after their dog was stolen.”

How they’re being stolen

Shockingly, just over half of all of dogs are stolen from gardens and/or people’s homes. This implies an enormous amount of dog thefts are carried out by confident thieves. Who are absolutely not afraid to come onto your property to steal from you.

Other ways in which dog thieves are working is by snatching dogs on their daily walks. Many thieves are targeting parks, woods and gardens – common dog-walking spots – and taking dogs that are off their lead. In some cases, dogs are even being snatched whilst being walked on the lead, with single female walkers being the main targets.

There are specific groups of dogs that are being targeted, too. Yasmin Tompkins from the Pug Dog Welfare and Rescue Association (PDWRA) explained which dogs are falling victim to stealing.

Small breeds … dominate these lists, perhaps because they’re easier to steal without being seen

“French bulldogs are near the top of the all breeds on the list at the moment. Small breeds including pugs, Pomeranians, Maltese, chihuahuas, all dominate these lists, perhaps because they’re easier to steal without being seen.

“Staffies (Staffordshire Bull Terriers) are popular too – less easy to steal and prohibitively expensive to buy – but because they look fierce, they’re taken for use as guard dogs, and maybe even used in dog fighting. Labradoodles and spaniels are also featuring more now.”

Why is it happening?

Whilst there is no specific evidence on the reasoning behind every dognap, there are a few main motives for the crime.

Yasmin told us that the three main reasons for dog theft are usually for breeding purposes, as bait for dog fighting, and for simply selling on at a higher price.

Only 22% of stolen dogs are reunited with their families

“Sadly, some do end up as bait dogs. Un-neutered younger dogs/bitches will definitely be seen as breeding machines and sold on for that purpose. Others are sold as family pets to those that can’t afford regular prices through ‘breeders’. At the end of the day, it’s all free and ‘easy’ money to the thieves. Puppies especially have been sought after during lockdown because of their value, so thieves have largely targeted them, even if this means breaking into homes.”

How to support your dog’s separation anxiety as you return to work

How to avoid your dog being stolen

For goodness sake, spend some time TRAINING YOUR DOG!

Ensure your dog is fully trained, particularly in recall. They should run straight back to you when called. Don’t forget, dogs can run a lot quicker than humans, so if you do spot a potential threat, the chances of them being caught while running back to you will be minimised. Whereas if you’ve got to chase your dog… Do the training.

Think about what you’re posting online

Got a new puppy? Posting about where you’re planning to go for your first walk? Instagramming your dog and tagging in the location? Think about this stuff very carefully. You’re very visible.

Secure your gardens

If they are out in the garden, make sure you’re keeping an eye on them, and that any gates or fences are secure. Do not leave them unattended, even if they’re only a metre away from you. The reality is that opportunists won’t hesitate to snatch your dog if that’s what they’re after.

Walk safely

Walk your dog(s) with a companion, and keep an eye on each other’s dogs. If you have a friend or family member with dogs, arrange to go on your walks together. This will deter potential thieves, as they will be less likely to attempt an abduction if there is more than one person to potentially fight off.

Don’t make them vulnerable

No you don’t need to take them in the car every time you go to the shops. And absolutely you shouldn’t be tying them up outside places on their own.

Keep to busier areas

Always walk your dogs in well-lit, busy areas. Of course dog thieves don’t just operate at night, but the chances of them attacking you in broad daylight in front of loads of people are lower.

It’s always worth carrying something to distract, disarm or draw attention, like a whistle

Stay alert

When you’re out walking, always be aware of your surroundings and limit your distractions, such as being on your phone or listening to music. Be alert.

Prepare to surprise

Yasmin suggests some form of personal protection, and wearing bright, visible clothing. It’s always worth carrying something to distract, disarm or draw attention, like a whistle.

Update details

Make sure to keep microchip details up-to-date, especially if you move home or change your phone number.

Further advice from the experts

The Dog’s Trust suggests the following advice to prevent your dog from being stolen, in three simple stages:

SAFE: secure your property and garden

SPOTTABLE: keep them in sight and train them return

SEARCHABLE: know what steps to take if they go missing

Sussex Police advice

You can protect your dog from being stolen or getting lost by:

• Ensuring your pet is microchipped and registered with up to date information
• Investing in a collar and name tag, and use your surname rather than your pet’s name on name tags. Make sure to include your telephone number so you can be easily contacted if your pet is found. Your dog should always wear a collar and ID tag with your name and address on it as this is a legal requirement when your dog is in a public place
• Taking plenty of clear photos of your pet and remember to include any distinctive markings that could identify them
• Not leaving your dog unsupervised in the garden, the car or outside shops if at all possible
• Review your social media security settings, and be careful with the details you share, especially when it comes to your pets, your location or your favourite walking spots

Pay attention to your surroundings and know where your dog is at all times when out walking

• Pay attention to your surroundings and know where your dog is at all times when out walking. Be mindful of anyone trying to distract you or draw your dog’s attention away from you. If you feel that someone is following or watching you and your dog in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable, move away from them and call police
• We know that some dogs may live in kennels outside. Please ensure you make it as hard as possible for some to break in. Use multiple locks and have CCTV cameras covering the kennel as a deterrent
• Ensure all gates are locked at top and bottom with a shoot bolt and padlock
• Ensure gardens and yards are secure so that no one can gain entry or pull your dog out. Make sure fences and hedges are secure, with no gaps that a dog can squeeze through
• Consider driveway alarms and CCTV – these can act as a visual as well as a physical deterrent

What if my dog does get stolen?

If you do fall victim to dog theft, make sure to follow the correct procedure:

• Report to the police straight away, and get a Crime Reference Number (CRN) from them
• Alert your local council, dog warden, vets and rescue centres
• Contact your microchip company to flag as stolen
• Register on DogLost with your CRN at stolen@doglost.co.uk
• Share images and details across social media platforms, and print out posters and flyers for your area

Carly Pepperell

Carly gets to do everything under the sun, including writing, editing, taking photos, creating stories, and swanning around at launches. She can down a glass of Prosecco without pausing for breath, and aims to be the youngest Pulitzer winner ever.

The post Dog theft is soaring – how to avoid your dog being stolen appeared first on Silver Magazine.

It’s not just humans who get nervous and upset or anxious. This can be the case for animals too, including dogs, cats… all animals. So how you can you support your anxious pets?

Just like us, animals’ needs can really vary, when we all live under the same roof. A young puppy might revel in the fact that they have a whole family of people to play with all day long. But an elderly dog or cat could be desperate for some alone time.

Have an older dog with arthrits? You might like this feature

Have a routine, and stick to it

So how can we help our pets feel secure? Emily Birch of Canine Consultancy says it’s all about sticking to the dog’s normal routine as much as you can, particularly if there are children in the house.

‘Ensure that anxious dogs still have some “downtime” each day,’ she says, ‘so they don’t become over-tired. If they are used to a morning walk, a lunchtime walk or toilet break and then some fun and games in the evening, try to keep to that routine.’

Birch says you can set dogs up for success by giving them a space that is theirs, such as a puppy pen, covered crate, or a room away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

‘Teach them that this is a place to relax and switch off. Begin by ensuring their physical exercise needs have been met and that they’re ready to sleep. Then give them a stuffed food toy such as a Kong. Licking and chewing is calming behaviour for dogs and will help them to relax and switch off.’

Change in routine is going to confuse them

While most pets will typically be used to having their owners at home more in the evenings and at weekends, change in routines affect pets. And if you’re working at home, this can be an issue.

‘Some dogs will be used to their owners’ undivided attention when they are home in the evenings and at weekends,’ says pet behaviour consultant Rosie Bescoby from pet-sense.co.uk. ‘So [during lockdown] they could be frustrated that their owners’ attention isn’t available to them when they want or expect it. This can lead to undesirable behaviours in their attempts to gain their owners’ attention.’

She explains how a change in routine can be unsettling for both cats and dogs. ‘Cats in particular are very sensitive to change. They like to feel in control of their environment so change in routine can induce stress. Dogs (and cats) need a huge amount of sleep in the day and, like us, they are less able to cope if they are sleep-deprived.’

She recognises that having children at home all day won’t necessarily help when it comes to keeping pets in their regular routine. ‘Kids can be noisy and erratic in their movements, being grabby towards animals and disturbing them when they sleep,’ she warns.

How to reduce unwanted behaviour

‘Dogs are social species and as a result, they generally enjoy company. As a behaviourist I often see issues when dogs are left for long periods of time and when their biological and social needs are not fully met,’ says Birch.

‘Some dogs “cope” with this ok and you won’t see any outward signs. But others will demonstrate this more clearly by destroying the house, being hyperactive when owners are home, and vocalising.

‘That said, one risk factor that hasn’t been massively explored is that of bite risks to children. We know from the evidence that biting incidents increase during the school holidays, due to dogs’ increased exposure to children.’

So it’s important that you teach children about pets, their boundaries, and how to respect them. This will avoid upsetting the pet, and save on dog bites.

Don’t be cross with them

Frustrating as any unwanted behaviour will be, one thing owners shouldn’t do is tell their pets off, says Bescoby. It’s all about carrot, not stick.

‘Getting annoyed or frustrated with them will just increase stress, as you’re not providing them with any information about what you DO want them to do.’

The other thing that is fundamental to looking after pets is understanding subtle signs that say your dog isn’t ok. ‘Look for things such as turning away, licking their lips, yawning, shaking as if they’re wet, and lifting a paw,’ says Birch. ‘These are all signs that say they’re not very comfortable right now and need some space. If you listen to these subtle signs (the whispers) they don’t need to shout (growl or snap).’

How to help them be home alone

If you’re working, your pets may find they’re being left alone in the house for long periods of time. This is less than ideal, and should be avoided. It can potentially lead to confusion and stress. But if they do have to be left, how can we make that easier on them?

‘Set them up to succeed by easing them into it,’ says Birch. ‘Leave them with a frozen Kong – you can freeze their normal meal into it (if you feed dry kibble just soak it first) so you don’t have to worry about weight gain.

‘Initially leave them for five minutes and then increase this time up until they’re happy with you leaving. If you still have problems it is worth contacting a qualified behaviourist to help you take smaller steps.’

Concentrate on the positives

Birch reiterates the idea of focusing on what you DO want to happen rather than what you DON’T want. ‘For example, “I don’t want my dog to get distressed when I leave” is hard to train. Whereas “I want my dog to be relaxed and sleep while I am out” is something you can teach them to do. This empowers you to change your dog’s behaviour.’

Bescoby agrees. ‘Many dogs may struggle with owners leaving the house without them and may show signs of vocalising, destruction, or other symptoms of distress when left alone.

‘This behaviour is unlikely to self-resolve. In this case I would recommend seeking advice from a member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors.’

Find Emily Birch at Canine Consultancy
And Rosie Bescoby at pet-sense.co.uk
Find a good pet counsellor at the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors

Katie Wyartt

The post How to support your anxious pets appeared first on Silver Magazine.

As we all grow a bit older and those aches and pains get a bit more frequent, especially in the morning or in the cold, spare a thought for your four legged friends, because this happens to them too. You could have a dog with arthritis.

The dog you’ve loved and grown up with is also getting on a bit, and needs your love and support as they slow down and get those aches and pains, just like you.

Dogs – and cats – can suffer from age or injury related arthritis and could be suffering in silence if you don’t know what to look for. They don’t display pain in the same way we do, and often without realising it, you can be allowing your furry pals to suffer.

Most people don’t understand what to look for, so often they don’t even realise their dog is in pain

The good news is that with a bit of know-how there are things you can do to help. Canine arthritis specialist Hannah Capon is passionate about helping enable people to understand how to spot the signs, and what to do about it.

“The thing is, most people don’t understand what to look for, so often they don’t even realise their dog is in pain,” she explains. “They don’t behave the same way as us. They don’t necessarily cry out and they can’t tell you in words, so it’s not always obvious.

“I had one client, a guy who just couldn’t understand why his dog was slow, and kept sitting down and not wanting to move. When I told him it was because she was in pain, he was really upset. It had never occurred to him. He thought she was just being difficult.”

HOW TO SPOT IF YOUR DOG IS IN PAIN

Not every dog is the same, but these are some signs to look out for…

• Walking slowly / being less enthusiastic about walks
• Scuffing claws during walking, not lifting the legs properly
• Arching the back or hunching whilst walking
• Having difficulty getting up from lying down – and lying down again
• Struggling to squat for the loo
• Struggling to jump up on things or do stairs

THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP

Obviously a reliable diagnosis by a professional is important. But unless you see a vet who understands or specialises in the treatment of arthritis you may sometimes struggle to get the best advice. An arthritis specialist can really make a big difference – check out the resources and advice HERE.

• Doggy diet! Extra weight puts pressure on their limbs, so keep them at a healthy weight to enable easier moving around with less stress on the body
• Get healthy! A healthy diet can not only help keep weight to a healthy level, the right nutrition can make a big difference. Go for clean, healthy foods without additives. Try some natural remedies such as turmeric.
• Supplements can really help, such as Yumove, but get some vet advice before picking the right ones if possible
• Make adaptions around your home. Remember it’s your dog’s home too, and he or she ought to be comfy there! Do stuff like secure rugs so there’s no slippage. Get the dog a decent, supportive bed. And put in shallow ramps where possible to avoid stairs. It’s not rocket science. Look around the house and have a think about how you can make it better for your lovely doggie.
• Treatments. So – get a decent vet who can give you the medical support you need, whether it’s anti-inflammatories, painkillers, supplements etc – but it’s worth investigating complementary stuff too. Not everything works for every dog, but massage, osteopathy, acupuncture etc can all be positive for some animals. Just go gently at whatever you do.

More than anything take a good long look at your dearly loved friend and just have a proper think. Is the dog moving around easily? Does it prefer parts of the house? Are there warm areas that the dog likes to sit? Does the dog want to get up later in the day or more slowly?

The bottom line is that this stuff is intuitive and caring at its heart, so go at it with love and just make sure you question everything. Then question it again

#WorldArthritisDay
#Itsmyhometoo
#DogArthritis

For more info check out Canine Arthritis Management

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The post Doddery dogs – could your dog be struggling with arthritis? How can you help? appeared first on Silver Magazine.

We met Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association trustee and re-homer Jemma Middleton, who explains how dog rescuing works in this heart-breaking but ultimately uplifting interview.

Tell us about the PDWRA and what you do there

The PDWRA is a registered charity that operates nationwide. As the main pug rescue in the country, it re-homes and rescues pugs across the UK, and has been operating since 1973. We actually celebrate our 45th anniversary this year, which we’re all very proud of.

I’m a re-homer for the South, and manage the largest region of eight rehoming areas alongside my colleague Richard, as well as being a trustee on the board that oversees the governance of the charity.

How did you end up doing this sort of work?

I’ve always been very supportive and appreciative of all people out there who work tirelessly to help rescue and re-home animals, and fly the flag for animal welfare. As an animal lover, I knew that I wanted to give back and become involved in some way, and I absolutely adore the pug breed! While not without their share of health issues, they’re such loyal companions and hilarious company!

What does your role entail?

My job – if you can call it that, as we’re all unpaid volunteers – is to effectively run all aspects of rescue and rehoming across the South of the UK. From surrender calls and adoption applications, to foster homes and volunteers, and of course the pugs, there’s a lot that goes into the job, and that’s only really the re-homing side of things!

Can you talk us through the re-homing process?

My role as re-homer is to ensure that every pug who finds their way into the PDWRA is placed safely into a foster home or an adoptive home. Every case is dealt with sensitively and confidentially, without judgement, and every applicant hoping to adopt goes through a process of vetting and home checking, to make sure that they’re suitable.

Under what circumstances do the pugs end up arriving at the charity?

Most of the pugs that arrive at the charity do so because they’ve been relinquished by their former owners, through no fault of their own. We’ll also endeavour to re-home unclaimed pugs from stray kennels where possible, in addition to pugs that may have been abandoned, and will always offer to help with any other pugs that find themselves in kennels or rescues around the country. We’re always available and willing to help any pug that needs our help.

These are never easy to deal with, but we’re humbled that people trust us to do the right thing for their beloved family member

Give us some examples of the pugs that the PDWRA takes in

Every pug has their own story and unique case, but some common themes that we see include the heart-breaking surrender of a pug from a much-loved home, where the owner has had to make the decision to surrender in the best interests of the pug. These are never easy to deal with, but we’re humbled that people trust us to do the right thing for their beloved family member, and we help by placing the pug into a home where we know they’ll be just as loved as they were before.

There are also the sad cases where the pug has come from a home where it may not have had much love or kindness. Often, we learn the true facts once the pug is in our care, which unfortunately is an unavoidable aspect of rescue.

Then, we have the cases where it becomes clear that the pug was surrendered because the former owners couldn’t afford to pay for their vet treatment. These pugs will spend time in foster care, being treated until they’re fit and well, and ready to be adopted.

She was a stray, filthy and full of fleas, having been dumped in a park after fulfilling her miserable life of litter after litter

Are you able to discuss your most heartbreaking and heart-warming experiences?

My most heartbreaking moment has to be saying goodbye to my long-term foster and PDWRA rescue, Peggy; anyone who’s been through this with their pet knows the pain. It was extra tough with Peggy because she overcame so many obstacles in her life. She was a stray, filthy and full of fleas, having been dumped in a park after fulfilling her miserable life of litter after litter. She had a limb deformity and a progressive condition, but she also had such spirit and enjoyed her life after rescue to the fullest. She was amazing.

My most heart-warming moment was actually not too long ago! A young pug was collected in early December last year by a lovely foster carer of ours. He’s totally blind and has lived a very sheltered life, and his foster carer sends me video updates of him doing everything for the first time, from his first steps into the garden and his first cuddle, to his first time out on a walk and first time accomplishing the stairs. What a brave boy he is – it brings tears to my eyes just thinking about him!

Is there a process for easing the pugs into their new homes?

We carefully match each pug to the home that we feel suits them and their needs best. We ensure that all of the pugs are neutered, micro-chipped and vaccinated, and that any health issues are addressed. Once the pug is settled into their new home and the new owners are happy, we know our job’s done – for that pug at least, and then it’s on to the next one!

Tell us more about the trustee side of things…

My role as a trustee of the charity is to ensure that it’s being governed correctly, and to help manage it from more of a top-down perspective. It’s a lot more formal, but we have some exciting plans this year to rebrand the charity, as well as some new members joining the board, who will have so much to bring to the team.

Do you rely heavily on volunteers?

It’s certainly not possible without the help of all of the PDWRA’s volunteers, who we call upon when needed, to foster, home check and transport pugs around the country. We’re supported totally by volunteers, and everyone gives their time freely and generously. This means that every penny that we fundraise goes directly towards our pugs, and mostly their vet bills, which is our biggest expense!

Rescue really is seven days a week, all year round. I don’t think there are many people who are able and willing to dedicate so many hours for free, but the PDWRA team somehow find a way to keep going.

Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen our vet bills soar to over £100,000 a year

In what ways has the PDWRA developed in recent years?

Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen our vet bills soar to over £100,000 a year, and we rescue and re-home over 200 pugs annually. So far, 2018 has been very busy indeed, with 45 pugs on our register already as of February, so we don’t anticipate this year being any less busy than the past couple have been!

It’s been a busy few years, with the popularity of the pug breed soaring, and the inevitable consequences that has on the number of pugs needing to be rescued and re-homed.

That sounds like time-consuming work…

Very much so, and no two days are ever the same either. At our busiest, we had 14 pugs on our list for the South region alone. At times like that, it’s not uncommon for me to be in my office all day and night. Post-Christmas and the summer holidays seem to be the busiest times of the year, but overall it’s rarely quiet at the PDWRA!

Rescue cases can often be urgent, and you just never know when your phone will ring next, or what it might be. Sometimes you have to drop everything to focus on a case, and some cases can be complicated and ongoing, particularly if a dog has health issues that need ongoing or specialist care, or behavioural problems that can make placing them challenging.

If we have a lot of pugs in foster care (as we do at the moment!), we can often spend a lot of time contacting foster carers to keep updated on their progress, contacting vets about their treatment, and searching for and checking potential homes. Then, there’s of course all of the admin that needs to be done!

And how are they processed?

Every dog is given a unique ‘welfare number’, and has their own file. We keep records of all of the information that’s available, such as vet records, microchips and inoculations. Our secretary works tirelessly to keep up with all of the pugs under the PDWRA umbrella! We keep paperwork records for every pug – a trail of their surrender, stay in foster, and/or eventual adoption.

It must be heartbreaking sometimes – how do you cope?

There are certainly standout moments that are very tough to deal with – cases that have been very shocking or upsetting, but which are fortunately few and far between. We’re only human, after all, and dealing with difficult, sad and unfair situations on a daily basis can wear you down. I think it’s fair to say that I definitely do cope with the good company and humour of Richard, who I work alongside.

It’s certainly a team effort and we share the load, literally and mentally. I have a very supportive husband who, whether he likes it or not, listens to me talk about pugs every day and have a moan when I need to! My biggest motivation is seeing all of the pugs enjoying their forever homes, and how happy they make their families. That makes it all worthwhile.

Finally, how can people help, and what are some of your tips on getting a pug?

There are so many ways you can help! First, you can donate – every donation, however big or small, helps immensely, and goes straight to the pugs in our care. You can also sign up as a ‘Friend of Welfare’ on our website with an annual donation.

You can volunteer too, whether that’s through fostering (there’s a foster application on our website), doing home checks, or transporting pugs. Or, if you’ve even more time to give and want to become more involved, there are always opportunities! Just email secretary@pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk or click on the banner below.

Then, there’s adoption, where you submit an adoption application on our website to be considered as a forever home for a rescue pug. It’s easy and tempting to want to buy a cute puppy from a breeder, but there are so many amazing dogs in rescue that have so much love to give!

If pugs aren’t your passion, there are loads of different breed rescues and other rescues throughout the UK that are crying out for support too. Volunteering is a wonderful thing to do, and there are opportunities out there, and help needed, for whatever your passion is.

Click HERE for the Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association

Fred Latty

The post Could you handle it? A day in the life of a dog rescue volunteer appeared first on Silver Magazine.

A nationwide search was launched yesterday, with animal lovers around the UK invited to take part by submitting photographs of themselves – or their family members – alongside their doppelgängers. And it’s not just about dogs.

All pets, from dogs, cats and hamsters, to birds, fish and even reptiles are invited to join in the fun

The ‘Doggie Doubles’ campaign aims to collate the UK’s largest collection of photographs of people who resemble their much-loved animals. All pets, from dogs, cats and hamsters, to birds, fish and even reptiles are invited to join in the fun – the only rule is that they need to be a dead ringer for their owner, or vice versa.

We’re not sure whether anyone could actually look like their fish, but we’d very much like to see it.

People of all ages from around the country can take part by sharing a photograph of themselves and their pet on social media, using the hashtag #DoggieDouble. So time to perfect that selfie with your lookalikey pet!

The initiative, which aims to set a record for the UK’s largest pet look-a-like gallery, has been launched by My Nametags, a British name tag and label company, in support of the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home charity. Organisers are hoping to gather hundreds of photographs for the gallery, which will be hosted online at www.mynametags.com/Battersea-dogs

Lars B. Andersen, managing director at My Nametags, said: “We want to set a record for biggest ever gallery of people who look like their pets. We’re launching the initiative in celebration of our much-loved pets, and in support of the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.”

As an added incentive for the best selfies, My Nametags will be giving one entrant per day a free set of name labels, either for them or their pet, and has also partnered with dotcomgiftshop.com to give away a bundle of goodies worth £100 to one lucky entrant. The winner will be the duo with the most votes on the My Nametags’ ‘Doggie Double’ online gallery.

The prize includes products from dotcomgiftshop’s pet accessories range, which includes fun and colourful bandanas, collars, leads, and even socks for their beloved pet.

The competition will run from Thursday 12th October until Monday 13th November 2017. The winner will be announced on Wednesday 8th November 2017.

How to Take Part in the Doggie Double competition
• Share a photograph on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram using the hashtag #DoggieDouble, or email the photograph to doggiedouble@energypr.co.uk
• All images will then be uploaded to a gallery on the My Nametags website, where people can vote for their favourite duo

If you’d like to know more about Battersea – CLICK HERE

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The post Doggy doubles! Do you and your dog look alike?! appeared first on Silver Magazine.