New research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) indicates that some designer crossbreeds, such as Cavapoo, Cockapoo, Goldendoodle, and Cavachons, face a heightened risk of tick infestation owing to their Poodle lineage. The study identifies Standard Poodles as the second most vulnerable breed to tick infestation, suggesting that ticks find their curly coats particularly enticing. Dr Dan O’Neill, Associate Professor of Companion Animal Epidemiology at RVC and lead author of the study, said, “There is no single perfect dog breed so it is critical that we fully understand the strengths and ..read more

Meet Chorizo – the UK’s first official dachshund assistance dog. Although she may be tiny in size, she is proving to be a huge help to her owner, who has Multiple Sclerosis and uses a wheelchair. Pet dog Chorizo recently graduated from Support Dogs’ disability assistance training programme, passing her assessment with flying colours. Chorizo’s graduation means her owner – who has a dachshund shrine at home, including a sausage dog-themed gravy pot, plant pots, Lego, lights, trinket box and cork opener – can now leave the house on her own. Chorizo was trained by Support Dogs instructor Nicola W ..read more

Almost three years since the government’s taskforce on pet theft recommended making pet abduction an offence of its own – rather than leaving it as a mere matter of property theft, much like the theft of a mobile phone – the Pet Abduction Bill has passed its third reading in the House of Commons, and is heading for the House of Lords. The road to this point has not been straightforward. Pet abduction seemed on the cusp of becoming law in 2023, as part of the ambitious Kept Animals Bills. However, the Bill was dropped before it could receive its third reading in the House of Commons. The Pet Ab ..read more

In the light of a recent study on the impact of flea treatments on English rivers, should we reconsider the use of regular, preventive flea treatments? A recent study revealed that veterinary flea products used on cats and dogs are causing a widespread pesticide contamination of English rivers, with concerning effects on aquatic insects as well as the birds and fish that feed on them. The study reads, “Sites immediately downstream of wastewater treatment works had the highest levels of fipronil and imidacloprid, supporting the hypothesis that potentially significant quantities of pesticides fr ..read more

“All my dogs love cheese and will have a sneaky slurp of my milky tea if I don’t keep a close eye on them. Could I be giving them a tummy ache?” asks editor Beverley Cuddy… I know the rule is not to give too many fatty foods, as pancreatitis is ghastly, but can dogs process dairy? Experts estimate about 68 per cent of humans have lactose intolerance. But it’s much more common in some parts of the world than in others. In Africa and Asia, for example, most people have lactose malabsorption. Why is that? Professor Mark Thomas from UCL said, “In late pre-history, as our ancestors started living i ..read more

A man and woman from Hartlepool have each received a 10-year ban on keeping animals bans after pleading guilty to starving a lurcher, Elsie, for six weeks. Levi Swift and Bethany Greener appeared for sentencing at Teesside Magistrates’ Court on 26 March, where magistrates imposed the disqualifications and fined them both £80. The court heard the pair failed to provide adequate nutrition for Elsie over a period of around six weeks. RSPCA Inspector Claire Wilson said in a statement to the court that she went to Hutton Avenue on December 2023 after a tip-off from a member of the public, alleging ..read more

Catrin George, animal wellbeing specialist at Animal Friends Pet Insurance, shares five mistakes you may be making when it comes to dog road safety… Avoiding high-vis gear Whether you’re out walking on a dark and foggy winter evening or using a crowded pavement on a busy summer’s day, standing out and being seen is vital. No matter the conditions, your dog should be on a lead at all times near a road, but kitting your dog in reflective gear (and making sure you wear some yourself) can also help keep them safe at any time of day or night. Prioritising play over training Every owner knows the im ..read more

Our April issue is out, and just like we used to pass physical magazines to each other, we want to do the same now. Here’s our March issue for you to read! The post Read our March issue for free! appeared first on Dogs Today Magazine ..read more

As Spring blossoms across the UK, thoughts turn to transforming our gardens for the warmer months ahead. With longer days beckoning us outdoors, it’s no surprise that many of us are starting to plan how we’ll transform our outdoor spaces just in time for BBQ season. But for those with pets, it isn’t as simple as purchasing the outdoor plant that you have your heart set on. Kelly Dyer, Plant Doctor and Lead Horticulturalist at Patch Plants said, “It’s really important for pet owners to think about the four-legged friends that share their outdoor space. If you have curious pets who are prone to ..read more

The body of a “very skinny” Jack Russell pup has been found dumped in a carrier bag in South Yorkshire, and the RSPCA is asking for the public’s help to find out what happened to the poor young dog. Inspector Jack Taylor responded to a call from a member of the public yesterday (6 April) after the female dog’s body was found dumped on wasteland in Mexborough. It is believed the pup had been dumped that same day – as the body was dry despite rainfall the night before. The dog was in a blue Poundland carrier bag, on a brownfield site by Pitt Street, towards Windhill Avenue, in the market town. A ..read more