mypetfriends.co.uk

It is not unusual for vets to receive an increase in emergency appointments during this time of year.  This is mainly from dogs who suffer minor injuries on walks with their owners, and cats who venture further a field as warm evenings pull them away from sleepy evenings in front of the fire, only to return with dodgy stomachs from eating things they shouldn’t.  But reports of intentional poisoning amongst dogs and cats are on the increase across the country and owners are advised to be on their guard.
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Some of these cases appear suspicious, notable cases include those in South Wales, Humberside and North Essex; but in the main, dogs and cats have inadvertently been poisoned after finding and eating things that are fine for humans, but not for pets. 
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The British Veterinary Association (BVA) and Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) have successfully seen off an attempt by MEPs to restrict the ability of vets to sell veterinary medicines directly to farmers and other animal owners.
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Ahead of today’s debate in the Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI) committee on the European Parliament (EP) Resolution regarding Antimicrobial Resistance, a cross-party amendment was tabled which “Invites the Member States to consider restricting veterinarians from, in nonacute cases, selling veterinary medicines directly to farmers and other animal owners, thus reducing the incentive to prescribe more antimicrobials than needed;”.
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As every owner knows, your dog needs plenty of exercise, and some breeds need more than others. Your local park is the ideal location to take them in order to both allow them a walk or run, allow them to explore and find plenty to discover, in addition to giving them a social outlet where they can meet other dogs and people. Not only this, but you will also benefit yourself from the added exercise you will gain.
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If you can, try to let your dog off their lead and allow them to run free. Dogs enjoy running more than any other activity, and you will see just how happy he or she is when they are free to race around where they like. Running will make sure your dog is in great shape, and is an all-round body exercise, not only maintaining their muscles but also benefitting their cardiovascular system.
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Following a nationwide search to find the UK’s top veterinary professionals for 2011, Petplan, the UK’s favourite pet insurance provider, has announced the winners of the prestigious Veterinary Awards. 
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The Petplan Veterinary Awards in association with Veterinary Times, often referred to as the ‘Oscars’ of the veterinary world, recognise and celebrate staff and practices throughout the country that have delivered an exceptional level of care to the nation’s pets and their owners. 
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Alison Andrew, Petplan’s Marketing Manager, says she is thrilled by the ongoing success of the awards. “Britain is known to be an animal-loving nation and with millions of households owning cats and dogs, pets play a central part in family life. The Petplan Veterinary Awards give us the opportunity, on behalf of all pet owners across the UK, to thank the veterinary profession for the outstanding service they provide to our pets.”
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“This is the 12th year of the awards and this year we received over 2,800 nominations, a record number for the vet awards, which really highlights the high regard that the profession and pet owners have for these awards.”
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The British Horse Society (BHS) has launched a national survey to discover why more horse riders and carriage drivers don’t wear hi-viz clothing.
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Wearing hi-viz equipment when riding on the road can give vehicle drivers a valuable THREE seconds extra ‘reaction time’ that could save the life of both horse and rider! To put it into context for equestrians, those three seconds are equivalent to a car, driven at 30 mph, travelling the length of a dressage arena! Yet still a worryingly high proportion of riders choose not to make use of this lifesaving equipment.
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The aim of the survey is to gather information about what hi-viz items equestrians use – and if they don’t, why not. The Society hopes to establish what could be done to encourage more riders to put their safety first.
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Reports that the prevalence of ticks in dogs in Great Britain is higher than expected is a timely reminder of the vital importance of tick treatment in pets, according to the British Veterinary Association (BVA).
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Research carried out by the University of Bristol’s Veterinary Parasitology Group and published in the journal Medical and Veterinary Entomology found that at any one time 14.9% of dogs were infested with ticks. It also found samples of a tick species previously only found in continental Europe – the European meadow tick (Dermacentor reticulates) – adding to evidence that this tick is becoming established in Britain.
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If you are lucky enough to be the new proud owner of a puppy or dog, and are looking to decide upon a name for him or her, why not consider naming them after a famous dog? There are many dog that have been popularized in fiction over the years, and what better way to pay homage to than name your pet after them! Here we list a selection of our favorite and more unusual names…
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As spring arrives, so does the pet show season – and this month it’s the time for Crufts.  We recall that it has been a rocky few years for Crufts, but it’s starting to overcome the dog breeding practice controversies that have plagued it of late.  As the 120th year for DFS Crufts begins next week, it made us think about the importance of pet training and pet grooming. 
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Pet training is an essential requirement for many pet owners.  If you wish to be a responsible dog owner, you have to ensure that you clean up after your dog (as our owners do for me), but you have to ensure that your dog knows to return to you if you call his/her name and is obedient.  We’re like children, and your dog or cat will need guidance so it knows what is wrong and what is right. 
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Cats Protection’s Wrexham and District Branch Adoption Centre is hoping to raise vital funds through a ‘Lock-in Challenge’ in April.
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Two staff at the centre – Kelly Eyre and Lynn Flemming - will be spending 24 hours living in a cat pen to raise funds for the centre, which looks after unwanted cats and finds them new homes.  
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The centre’s manager, Carol Williams, said “We are always looking for new ways to raise funds and Kelly and Lynn decided they were up for a challenge!  They have volunteered to live in one of our cat adoption pens for 24 hours and they will be dressed up as cats.  The sponsored lock-in begins at 5pm on Wednesday 6 April and finishes at 5pm on Thursday 7 April.”
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A Shar-Pei, called Dixie, a local dog from Milton Keynes, was recently announced as the winner of the prestigious Petplan Junior Stakes Grand Final dog show.
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Petplan, the UK’s favourite pet insurance provider, host the Junior Stakes Championship dog show series each year for registered pedigree dogs, aged between 6 to 18 months. There are four qualifying events, which take place at established Championship Shows across the country, to form the Junior Stakes series, which concludes in a grand final to find the Petplan Junior Stakes winner.
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