Westies & Besties - April 2022 by Westies & Besties Magazine

THE UK'S ONLY WEST HIGHLAND WHITE TERRIER MAGAZINE

I SSU E 20, VOL 1

BEHAVIOUR To Crate or Not to Crate? That is the controversial question

HEALTH Atlantoaxial Subluxation. Do you know the signs?

Q&A

There's a new boutique pet shop on Llandudno Pier

CRIME

Animal volunteers flee Ukraine says columnist Mark Randell

A P RI L 2 0 2 2

ISSN 2634-4149

NUTRITION The humble egg and its numerous health benefits for your Westie

Travel

What’s on your horizon this summer?

NEWS

The latest canine updates from around the world

A CCE SSO RIES Which harness will you choose? Check out our Spring selection

Itchy Skin? It could be house dust allergy Up to 80% of allergic dogs have an allergy to dust. Symptoms include red, itchy skin and scratching that can lead to secondary skin infections. Although insecticidal environmental sprays can help kill dust mites, proteins in the dust mite faeces and on the bodies of the mites can still cause an allergic reaction in sensitive pets. Allergone Spray is a unique environmental spray that coats dust particles that include the mites and their faeces. By doing so it alters the chemical structure and helps inactivate and neutralise allergens found in house dust, helping to reduce the symptoms of house dust allergy.

To find out more about Allergone and other products that help manage the symptoms of allergy go to www.nextmune.com

The innovative microcapsule technology helps bind the dust particles together into larger particles that don’t float in the air, making it easier to remove them when cleaning. Nextmune UK | Oakridge House, Cressex Business Park, Wellington Rd, High Wycombe, HP12 3PR Phone: +44 01494 629979 | salesenquiries.uk@nextmune.com | www.nextmune.com

Westies & Besties - April 2022

We’ve got a little bit of everything for you this month. From Nutrition (the benefits of the humble egg!) to Dr Paul Boland’s Health column on Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome and how the causes and treatments of it may actually be helping humans suffering with dementia. Justine Shone is back with the pros and cons of crating your Westie while Mark Randell reveals what’s happening on the animal front during the crisis in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Faye Andrews, our human and canine osteopath joins us to teach us about Atlantoaxial Subluxation which isn’t a common disease, thankfully, but it can crop up in small breeds and toy dogs. We’ve introduced a new column this month, Travel, and we kickstart it by illustrating some of the wonderful walking trips we can take around the UK which will definitely keep dog owners on their toes this summer. Our Accessories column features harnesses from well-known brands this issue and our Q & A consists of a chat with Paul Hales who has recently opened his own unique doggy shop called Pets on the Pier.

Kim Latham Editor

@WestieBestiesMag

Our Westie, Buffy, Chief Cuddles Officer!

WE LC O M E

EDITOR’S NOTE Publisher – Westies & Besties Ltd Fidlas Road | Cardiff | CF14 5LZ Editor Kim Latham Tel: +44 7496 310169 Email: info@westiesandbesties.com Commercial Director Alex Griffin Tel: +44 7496 310173 Email: alex@westiesandbesties.com Columnists Mark Randell Faye Andrews Rachel Bolton Design Vavoom.co.uk Front Cover Image Supplied by shutterstock_1935633970 Printing Cambrian Printers Westies & Besties Magazine is published by Westies & Besties Ltd (the “Publisher) and printed on behalf of the publisher by Cambrian Printers. Westies & Besties Ltd is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office. Westies & Besties Magazine and the Westie & Bestie logo/ masthead are marks of Westies & Besties Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without prior written permission of the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within Westies & Besties magazine are not necessarily those of the Publisher or those of its contributors. While every care has been taken in the preparation of this magazine, the publishers cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the information herein, or any consequences arising from it. The Publishers accept no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or other materials, in the case of all product reviews. Judgements have been made in the context of the product tested. (All pictures have been supplied unless otherwise mentioned.) Advertisers in this publication must adhere to the rules and regulations of the ASA. Westies & Besties Ltd is not responsible or liable for a company or individual’s advert.

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CONTENTS

CONTENTS April 2022

6-9 NEWS

10-11 COMMUNITY

12-15 HEALTH

The latest updates affecting your canine pals

Meet the regular contributors to your monthly Westie magazine

Dr. Paul Boland reveals the signs and symptoms of cognitive dysfunction

16-19 HEALTH

20-21 NUTRITION

26-31 TRAVEL

Faye Andrews explains Atlantoaxial Subluxation and how it can cause compression of the spine

Sue Makepeace reveals why a simple egg can be an explosion of goodness for our West Highland White Terriers

Our new column begins with adventure trips around the United Kingdom

Westies & Besties - April 2022

CONTENTS

32-35 BEHAVIOUR

36-39 Q&A

40-43 ACCESSORIES

Justine Shone runs us through the pros and cons of crate training your dog

The boutique doggy shop that’s welcoming families and their Westies on Llandudno Pier

Which harness will you choose? Check out our Spring collection

44-45 ACCESSORIES

46-49 CRIME

50 NUTRITION

Welcome Spring into your home with the latest range of pretty floral embellishments

Mark Randell on what happens next as volunteer animal carers flee Ukraine with cars full of dogs

5 toxic foods to keep away from your Westie this Easter...and always

N E WS

Dog Lovers at Crufts United to Support Ukraine Appeal SUPPLIES ARE BEING SENT TO HELP ANIMALS AND THEIR OWNERS

he Kennel Club Charitable Trust has been spearheading a dramatic UK fund raising drive at Crufts this week to send much needed supplies to animals and their owners, facing starvation and death in animal shelters, and to those who have been forced to flee their homes, in Ukraine. The money raised from the Ukraine appeal will be sent the international dog organisation, the FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale) – which is in a position to help those in need in Ukraine and neighbouring countries, through its network of Kennel Clubs on the ground. The FCI fund, Solidarity for Ukraine, will help to provide vital medicines, food and transport for the tens of thousands of animals in Ukraine, or those who have escaped with their families to neighbouring countries. The Kennel Club and The Kennel Club Charitable Trust created a starting fund of £50,000 and donations, from those showing their dogs, Breed Clubs and visitors – just two days into Crufts – have swelled the fund by a further £25,000, with donations continuing to flood in. Mark Beazley, Chief Executive of The Kennel Club which runs Crufts, said: “The Kennel Club has been shocked and horrified by events in Ukraine, so we set up this fundraising appeal to try to get

funds where they are needed, as soon as possible. Crufts has been a fantastic chance to reach dog lovers up and down the country with everybody, from those competing and on stands around the show, to visitors and those watching Crufts on the TV at home, really opening their hearts to show solidarity for those people and their animals in Ukraine, who are in desperate need.” The money will help people such as Yuliya Strizhkina, who has been volunteering in the underground shelters 20 kilometres outside the capital city of Kiev. The 39-year-old had to flee the Kiev family home with her father a few days ago after it was reduced to rubble but is refusing to leave her homeland until all the animals there are safe. She also told of one Doberman owner who had sat in his cellar with a gun loaded with two bullets – telling her one was for him, and the other for his dog. Thankfully a passing home army convoy rescued the pair, but according to Ms Strizhkina it is just one of many traumatic events in the Ukraine. She said: “I was woken up by a phone call from my father at five o’clock in the morning. He said ‘Yuliya. Your house has been bombed. We have to leave. I got our dogs out and found myself walking down the street in tears.”

Westies & Besties - April 2022

PHOTO CREDIT West Highland White Terrier Day at Crufts 2022 by Sandy Young and Flick. Digital.

N E WS

We have been truly moved by the outpouring of support shown for people and dogs in Ukraine – our starting fund has grown by £25,000, just two days into the show Bill King, Chairman of The Kennel Club Charitable Trust

Once they were moved to safety, she set about working with around 40 other Ukrainians helping stricken animals – many of whom are in shelters which have run out of medicine, and fearful that with temperatures in the Ukraine predicted to drop in the coming days, the situation will become even more untenable. “There are lots of animal shelters which have been set up,” she said. “Once shelter has 3,383 dogs, and another near Kiev has 1,000 animals, and another 700 animals. There are lots of new shelters but what we desperately need are medicines and food. To the people of the UK and The Kennel Club, to the FCI, to everybody who is helping, we are so thankful. Your support makes us stronger.” Competitors and those dog breeders meeting the public on the stands, at Crufts, have been playing their part. Michael Levy, of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club who is at Crufts this week, donated £15,250 to the fund – raised through a collaborative effort with partners, a direct club donation and through fundraising activity. He said: “We cannot even imagine the heart-breaking situation that people, and their animals are going through. We just want to do whatever we can to help those in need.”

for the French Bulldog Club who raised £100 on her Discover Dogs booth for French Bulldogs, by making and selling yellow and blue neckerchiefs for dogs and ribbon badges for their owners. Tamás Jakkal, President of the FCI, who has set up the FCI fund, said: “We belong together, across borders, wherever you are, we are all in the tragedy together. People can apply to Kennel Clubs in their country for money, and we can then distribute the funds which will help feed and medicines to dogs still in Ukraine, as well as those fleeing the country. Bill King, Chairman of The Kennel Club Charitable Trust, said: “We have been truly moved by the outpouring of support shown for people and dogs in Ukraine – our starting fund has grown by £25,000, just two days into the show – and the money will help all those who are in dire need of our help and support. This has been a truly unprecedented collective effort and we urge people to continue with their generosity, so that we can help more dogs and their owners.” Anyone else wishing to donate is being asked to donate via the Kennel Club’s Charitable Foundation website, kennelclubcharitabletrust.org.

Amongst the other efforts by dog lovers at Crufts are those by Jackie Mavro-Michaelis, Secretary

N E WS

Paleo Ridge Secures £2 Million of Funding for Expansion Plans A NEW MANUFACTURING FACILITY AND 20 NEW JOBS ARE ON THE HORIZON

aleo Ridge, recognised as a leader in highly nutritious premium raw dog food, has secured a £2m investment from private equity firm, Ashridge Capital, to support its rapid expansion.

food, lovingly creating over 4 million meals to keep the UK’s dogs happy and healthy.

The new investment will fund the opening of a new despatch and manufacturing facility, supporting the expansion of Paleo Ridge’s capabilities and the creation of over 20 new jobs spanning supply chain, marketing, customer service, technical and operations at its home base in Waterlooville, Hampshire.

Tyler Daly, CEO of Paleo Ridge commented: “I am delighted to be working with Ashridge Capital, which shares our vision to be the UK’s most trusted brand for premium, high quality and high welfare, species appropriate pet food. The investment will enable us to expand our manufacturing capacity, provide additional local employment opportunities and meet the strongly rising consumer demand for raw pet food.”

Raw dog food is one of the fastest growing sectors of the pet food market, driven by strong growth in pet numbers, which accelerated during Covid; increased spend/pet as pets are increasingly treated as a member of the family; premiumisation and a focus on nutrition; and recognition of the multiple health benefits of raw food.

David Sherratt, Founder and CEO of Ashridge Capital commented: “We are very excited to be partnering with Paleo Ridge and invest in a business that has demonstrated strong growth since inception. The brand is highly regarded and has developed a distinctive market position in a high growth market, and we look forward to supporting its ongoing expansion”.

Paleo Ridge has grown by over 100% over the past two years, reflecting its brand strength and reputation and the provenance of its ingredients - ethically sourced, organic, free range, human grade, high nutritional content, grain free and no artificial additives. It is the only UK raw dog food company that holds the ISO 9001 accreditation. Over the past 7 years, Paleo Ridge has helped switch over 20,000 customers to its raw dog

Westies & Besties - April 2022

N E WS

I am delighted to be working with Ashridge Capital, which shares our vision to be the UK’s most trusted brand for premium, high quality and high welfare, species appropriate pet food

PHOTO CREDIT Paleo Ridge

Tyler Daly, CEO of Paleo Ridge

From left to right David Sherratt, Tyler Daly and Ton Christiaanse accompanied by Rudi the dog

COMMUNITY

Meet the Team MEET THE REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS OF YOUR MONTHLY WESTIE MAGAZINE

KIM LATHAM Editor

First and foremost, Kim’s life is run by her Westie, Buffy! Between taking Buffy to the park and adhering to his every demand, Kim spends the rest of her time creating the UK’s only West Highland White Terrier Magazine. Kim has worked as a Senior Editor on lifestyle and business magazines in London, Beijing, and Dubai for international publishing companies and is an awardwinning journalist.

ALEX GRIFFIN

DR. VINCE MACNALLY

Alex has worked in the magazine publishing industry for over 20 years and is responsible for building relationships with our advertisers, industry associations, brands, and all people obsessed with Westies and their best friends! Most importantly, he is also the Dog Father of Buffy! If you want to know more about our magazine and how to get your brand in front of thousands of Westie owners – he’s your man!

Dr. Vince MacNally frequently writes his own column for Westies & Besties Magazine. Dr. MacNally is a veterinary surgeon with more than 35 years of clinical expertise. He has successfully helped many thousands of pets, using the power of nutrients supplied by nature to transform health. This led to the development of a unique range of Vince the Vet, clinically proven Veterinary formula supplements, remedies, and raw food, so that pet owners everywhere, could have access to the most effective, lifeenhancing products available.

Commercial Director

Westies & Besties - April 2022

Contributor

COMMUNITY

DR. PAUL BOLAND

FAYE ANDREWS

SUE MAKEPEACE

Dr. Paul is a veterinary surgeon with over 30 years of experience. He runs his own clinic – JP Holistic Nutrition and is also qualified as a Human Therapist specialising in bio resonance, Reiki, mindfulness, and breathing techniques.

Faye qualified in human osteopathy in 2002 from the British School of Osteopathy and then completed a Masters in canine osteopathy from the European School of Osteopathy in 2018. She runs her own clinic in Surrey alongside teaching both human and animal osteopathy. Faye has three Westies and two show Cockers and is the go-to person for questions on muscular problems and diseases affecting our Westies.

Most of you in the Westie community will probably know Sue as she is the Founder of the hugely popular (not to mention extremely useful,) Westie Advice Group (WAG) which can be found on Facebook along with its 13,000+ members. Sue has years of experience of caring and fostering West Highland White Terriers and often stops by when she has the time to write a story for us.

MARK RANDEL

JUSTINE SHONE

RACHEL BOLTON

Contributor

Mark is the author of a regular crime column for our magazine. As an ex-senior police detective, he has been involved in busting criminals for dog abuse both in Britain and abroad and now works with a charity called Nature Watch. Mark has amazing stories to tell so stay tuned!

Contributor

Justine is a qualified and experienced dog trainer and animal behaviourist, dog groomer, and Reiki practitioner. She is part of the dynamic duo with Dr. Paul Boland in helping animals via the JP Holistic Nutrition clinic.

Contributor

Rachel is our little ray of light! She often contributes articles for our Wellbeing Column where she promotes the importance of positivity in the lives of dog owners and believes a healthy outlook (as opposed to being regularly stressed) is passed on to our canine companions. Rachel has been helping dog owners (and their pets) for over 20 years.

H E A LT H

Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome SIMILAR TO DEMENTIA IN HUMANS, THIS DISEASE IS COMMON IN OLDER DOGS

Above: Dr Paul Boland

BY DR PAUL BOLAND

anine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCDS) is a quite common progressive neurodegeneration disease in older dogs that has many similarities to dementia in people. Therefore, improving our knowledge of its causes and treatments may benefit people suffering from dementia. There is no known cure but in recent years there has been a lot of research into CCDS and our knowledge of preventing and treating it has increased considerably. The cause of CCDS is thought to be the same as dementia in people and it may be the build of beta amyloid plaques in the brain and free radical damage to the brain neurons. The result is that brain neurons cannot communicate properly with one another which leads to the classic clinical signs of CCDS. It has been reported that 68% of dogs over 15 years of age and 28% of dogs over 12 years of age show at least one clinical sign of CCDS. However, because large breeds of dogs age more quickly than smaller breeds it can affect large dogs as early as six years of age. Diagnosis Other diseases such as endocrine diseases, epilepsy, liver disease, and musculoskeletal problems can have similar clinical signs to CCDS. Your Vet will take a full clinical history, perform a clinical examination, and do a urine analysis

and a full haematology and biochemistry blood sample. There is no diagnostic test for CCDS, so the diagnosis is made on ruling out other diseases and the clinical signs. Clinical signs Dogs can become disorientated leading them to stare at walls and floors and they may become stuck behind furniture. They may become aggressive, irritable, walk-in circles, lick themselves excessively and bark a lot more. Sleep changes such as sleeping more during the day or difficulty sleeping at night are quite common early signs of CCDS. Dogs may urinate and defaecate in the house. Memory loss can lead to difficulty performing tasks they once knew or learning new tricks. Anxiety can lead to panting, moaning, or shivering. Vision impairment is the most common clinical sign and one report showed that 98% of dogs with CCDS had vision impairment. Loss of smell is also quite common. Dogs may no longer react to their name or their owner’s voice.

Westies & Besties - April 2022

H E A LT H

PHOTO CREDIT supplied by Pixabay

Vision impairment is the most common clinical sign and one report showed that 98% of dogs with CCDS had vision impairment.

Dogs start off with one clinical sign that then progresses to other clinical signs because this is a progressive neurogenerative disease. Therefore, it is important that pet owners are aware of this disease and can quickly recognise its clinical signs. Then their Veterinary Surgeon can advise on appropriate behavioural, diet, drug, and supplement advice. Management and treatment Diet. My first advice is to feed a commercial raw food diet because it has a better nutritional composition, which is so important for cognitive health, than ultra-processed tinned food and kibble. Also, kibble is high in cell damaging advanced glycation end products (AGEs). I would also feed a probiotic supplement that contains prebiotics to support the gut microbiome because the Gut-Brain Axis has been proven to be so beneficial in dogs and people. One such supplement is our Holistic Doggie Fibre. Behavioural advice The brain works like a muscle, use it and it gains strength, if you do not use it then you lose it. Therefore, for dogs with CCDS brain stimulating exercises are so important. They are also important in younger dogs in trying to prevent CCDS.

Mental stimulation and enrichment are crucial for all dogs. There are many benefits and gains to be had for providing enrichment for older dogs and of course for younger dogs. There are also consequences for not stimulating your dog’s brain. Cognitive enrichment is an activity that gets your dog’s brain whirring properly. Did you know that mental stimulation is just as crucial to a dog as physical exercise? It is actually more tiring than a dog walk. Only five minutes of mental exercise equates to an hour of physical activity. Therefore, these exercises can help your dog if they are suffering from CCDS. Let us look at the benefits of Enrichment. •P revent boredom, such as destructive behaviour. • Stimulate and assist in brain growth. • Improves your dog’s problem-solving skills. • Builds confidence and social skills. • Allows your dog to be a dog engaging in natural and instinctive behaviours. •A llows for a more balanced and happier dog, lack of stimulation and enrichment can lead to depression. For senior dogs keeping their brains active can also keep them younger and even live longer.

H E A LT H

hysical exercise is also important for older dogs P to keep their muscles and joints moving and to manage their weight.

It has been reported that 68% of dogs over 15 years of age and 28% of dogs over 12 years of age show at least one clinical sign of CCDS.

Enrichment for dogs with CCDS Chew toys for senior dogs. Chewing is a natural behaviour for dogs. It not only helps to keep them occupied but when a dog chew’s they release endorphins to their brains giving them a calming and a feel-good factor. It is important to select chew toys for senior dogs that are not too hard because older dogs’ teeth are generally worn down.

powerful senses. It is often said that a dog’s nose rules their brain. Engage your senior dog in scenting games such as hiding treats around the home, or around your garden. Learning Try refreshing their obedience training or teach them a new trick or game. This is great for challenging a dog’s brain and strengthening their bond with you. When playing games remember to keep the sessions short so that you do not physically overdo your dog. Summary Mental stimulation for senior old dogs ensures that your older dog gets plenty of mental stimulation and enrichment. This will keep them younger and slow down ageing and they will be happier and calmer. Remember enrichment is not just for the older dogs, start early with your puppy. Medication Two drugs that your Veterinary Surgeon may prescribe are Anipryl and Vivitonin. Anipryl contains Selegiline that is given to people with Parkinson’s disease. Seventy-five percent of dogs may show an improvement after a month on this drug.

Kongs are more than a chew toy for dogs. It is also a food stuffing puzzle for them too. For older dogs select the purple senior Kong because these are softer with more forgiving rubber, so they do not harm an older dog’s teeth or gum, or jaw. Always get the next size Kong up for your dog, because they do not hold as much as you think, and you don’t want your dog getting frustrated.

A snuffle mat is another wonderful way to provide for your dog’s natural foraging instinct and to provide mental stimulation and relieve boredom. A snuffle mat is made of fleece, and you can hide dry food or treats in it. Scenting and nose games The dogs’ sense of smell is one of their most

PHOTO CREDIT dog bowl supplied by Pixabay

Puzzle toys are the best way to provide a mental challenge for your dog. Most of these types of puzzles involve your dog working out how to get the treats from the toy. Choose puzzle toys for your senior dog that provide a challenge but are not so difficult that they get frustrated.

Vivitonin increases blood flow to the brain, increasing its oxygen supply and removing waste products. Supplements Supplements are essential in the treatment of

Westies & Besties - April 2022

CBD oil can really help dogs with CCDS, but it can only be prescribed by a Vet to animals in the UK. Omega 3 fatty acids, especially DHA have been shown to improve canine cognitive function and increase levels of phosphatidylserine. One such supplement is our Holistic Doggie Omega. Phosphatidylserine is a natural phospholipid and brain nutrient with a wide-ranging effect on brain function. L-Carnitine and N-Acetyl Cysteine enhances mitochondrial function and reduces oxidative stress.

• Panax Ginseng • Vitamin C • Vitamin E • Choline • Co-enzyme Q10 • Selenium • Vitamin B5 • Vitamin B6 • Folic Acid • Vitamin B12

H E A LT H

CCDS. I will go through the supplements that I advise.

Our Holistic Neuro Care contains all these supplements except for CBD oil. For more information on Dr Paul Boland BVSc MRCVS visit: JP Holistic Nutrition www.jpholisticnutrition.com

PHOTO CREDIT westie supplied by Pixabay

Antioxidants mop up free radicals that damage neurons and protect mitochondria from oxidative damage.

H E A LT H

Atlantoaxial Subluxation THE CAUSE IS THOUGHT TO BE GENETIC OR OCCURS BECAUSE OF TRAUMA

Above: Faye Andrews

BY FAYE ANDREWS

hile Atlantoaxial Subluxation is not overly common, it can be found in toy and small dog breeds, so it is worth a visit.

The first and second vertebrae in dogs (and humans or any other animal) is called the Atlas and Axis and is connected by ligaments. Due to the structure of the joint, the Axis has a bony finger like projection called the Dens. This extends upwards and the Atlas rotates around it. This creates rotation of the neck. The ligaments provide stabilisation at the joint. The spinal cord runs through the spinal canal which is formed by the vertebra. Partial dislocation occurs when the connection between the two vertebrae fails and becomes unstable, this is called Atlantoaxial Subluxation and can cause compression of the spinal cord. What causes Atlantoaxial Subluxation? Usually, it is due to a genetic defect where the dens are absent or deformed creating instability at the joint. If the dens haven’t formed properly or is absent, then the ligaments attaching to it will also be disrupted. While Atlantoaxial Subluxation can be due to a genetic defect, it can also be caused by trauma causing a failed connection at the joint. Typically, this is seen in dogs less than two years old, however older dogs may show clinical signs

especially after trauma to the neck, for example, dogs running headlong into a tree through the woods whilst chasing a squirrel, and yes, I have seen and treated a dog that had done this, thankfully only causing a disc issue. How do I know if my dog has this? Well, affected dogs are likely to have neck pain, this is likely to show in an uneasiness or reluctance for you to stroke your dog’s neck or head. Depending on the severity, your dog may have an uncoordinated gait (bit like Wobblers, appearing drunk or unable to control their limbs) it is likely to affect all four limbs as the nerves supplying the limbs are generated below the Atlantoaxial level. The dog may also show signs of weakness such as muscle loss, struggling to move, going up stairs etc. The condition can be classed depending on how much spinal cord damage is present: • MILD: neck pain, and/or uncoordinated gait • MORE SEVERE: may be unable to walk • SEVERE: may affect the dog’s ability to breathe In order for a proper diagnosis to be made x-rays would be recommended, these would likely show

Westies & Besties - April 2022

PHOTO CREDIT shutterstock_394241233

H E A LT H

Westies & Besties - April 2022

IMAGE CREDIT shutterstock_1994476403

H E A LT H

Partial dislocation occurs when the connection between the two vertebrae fails and becomes unstable, this is called atlantoaxial subluxation and can cause compression of the spinal cord

the dislocation of the joint. An MRI scan may also be requested to identify whether the spinal cord has been damaged and to what degree. There are treatment options depending on the severity, this can be therapy based or surgical, but it is worth pointing out that for Atlantoaxial Subluxation, surgery is the preferred option. THERAPY would involve placing a splint around the head and neck to immobilise the Atlantoaxial joint. It allows for scar tissue to form and stabilise the joint. The splint would be in place for a minimum of eight weeks. Strict cage rest for the eight weeks of the splint and a further four weeks once removed and only harness walks for toileting and nothing else. The downside is that after 12 ½ weeks the scar tissue may not be strong enough to help stabilise the joint.

The prognosis and outcome will depend on the severity of the spinal cord injury and the treatment option chosen. A dog with mild signs has a good prognosis, the more severe the signs the more variable the prognosis. There is a high recurrence of signs if the therapy route is chosen, but there are also failure rates of 10-40% from surgery. It’s important to remember, as with any condition, the earlier the condition is diagnosed, generally the better the outcome. Faye Andrews qualified in human Osteopathy in 2002 from the British School of Osteopathy. She then completed a Masters in canine Osteopathy from the European School of Osteopathy in 2018. Faye currently runs her own clinic in Surry alongside teaching both human and canine Osteopathy.

SURGICAL treatment involves realignment and stabilisation by fusing the joint. By fusing the joint, it prevents any further spinal cord injury and therefore provides time to recover. This is then followed by a period of cage rest to allow for good fusion. The downside, and this is minor in comparison, is that if a joint is fused then the joints below will be overworked and can lead to an early onset of arthritis, however for a practitioner like myself this is far easier to deal with and manage on a long-term plan.

NUTRITION

The Powerhouse of Nutrition THE HUMBLE EGG IS A STAPLE IN MOST HOMES AND IS AN EXPLOSIVE SOURCE OF GOODNESS

Above: Sue Makepeace

BY SUE MAKEPEACE FOUND OF THE WESTIE ADVICE GROUP

he humble egg is one of Mother Nature’s most complete and explosive packages of nutrition. From the shell through to the yolk every part of an egg offers 100% goodness. So whether the egg is from a duck, a chicken or a quail, this little oval package is packed full of essential minerals, vitamins, healthy fat and protein.

Lutein - great antioxidant properties and may help with retinal and visual function. Selenium - maybe beneficial in reducing cancer risk, aids joint health, better coat and skin, stronger immune response and antioxidant properties. Fatty Acids - the transport system for fat soluble vitamins in the body. They help with absorption.

What’s in an egg? Vitamin A - supports immune system, eye and skin health. Riboflavin, Vitamin B2 - helps digestion, aids growth and healing. Folate - important in helping to produce red blood cells. Iron - essential for carrying oxygen in the haemoglobin of red blood cells to produce energy. Vitamin B12 - can help improve the protective tissue that coats the nerves in the brain.

Vitamin D - assists in balancing the phosphorous and calcium minerals for healthy bones.

Biotin - may help seniors with energy levels as well as helping maintain muscle mass as a dog ages. Also important in maintaining healthy skin, coat and nails. Even the shell is packed full of goodness: Hydronic Acid - can reduce inflammation in joints, can lubricate and keep a senior pet more comfortable. Glucosamine - helps to stimulate cartilage re growth, can slow down the progression of arthritis.

Westies & Besties - April 2022

PHOTO CREDIT shutterstock_1910846917

NUTRITION

Chondroitin - arthritic dogs may have less pain and more mobility. 70% Protein - stronger muscles, greater bone and body mass and helps healing. Collagen - helps restore moisture and skin health. Elastin - good for healthy cartilage, spine health, and the cardiovascular system.

So next time you buy eggs, remember pick up an extra half a dozen just for your pups.. Whether raw, scrambled, poached, or boiled your Westies will love them and they completely meet their biological needs. Two to three chicken eggs per week are recommended for a Westie. Sue Makepeace is a certified Raw Dog Nutrition Specialist

A DV E RTO RI A L

BABY POWDER SCENTED GROOMING WIPES

Westies & Besties - April 2022

dogslife

PHOTO CREDIT

ELLIOT ROXBY | DIRECTOR DOGSLIFE

A D V E RTORI AL

Baby Powder Scented Grooming Wipes It’s estimated that there are a whopping 12.5 million dogs being kept as pets in the UK. When you consider the overall human population of Great Britain is around 66 million, it demonstrates that we’re clearly a nation of dog lovers. At DogsLife, like the rest of the nation, we’re mad about Malamutes and dizzy for Dalmatians. Which means we also like seeing them on top form. Our range of affordable dog care products are designed to ensure your pooch remains a picture of health, allowing you to be the person your dog deserves. From sorting out those gnarly gnashers to super-charging their vitamin intake with a range of savoury supplements. Our dog’s health cup runneth over. But when it comes to taking proper care of your companion, it pays to ensure you know about the products you’re using. Where do they come from? What’s in them? And what are the benefits? At DogsLife you can be sure our range of canine care products have been produced by dog lovers for dog lovers. Take our baby powder scented grooming wipes for example. When to use grooming wipes How many times have we all been in this position, allow us to set the scene… It’s Sunday afternoon and you’ve taken the family on a big walk. Now you’re back at the car and you gaze downwards to notice your furry friend’s paws looking like they’ve been tap dancing in treacle, rather than taking a gentle stroll with the fam. You can’t bundle them in the car looking like that. Think of the upholstery! That’s where the DogsLife Baby Powder Scented Grooming Wipes come into their own. Not only will they battle that grime, they’ll also leave your pooch looking and smelling super fresh. Plus, with 100 wipes in a pack, you should have more than enough mud-busting ammo at your disposal. These hypoallergenic wipes are also kind to yours and your dog’s skin.

quicker alternative to the wrestling match of getting “Tiny” in the tub. But, there may be more to that battle of the bath point than meets the eye. You might be thinking that wiping your dog down in lieu of sticking them in the bath every couple of weeks may be detrimental to their health. However, in reality the opposite may be true. Let’s explore that point in a little more detail. Too much bathing Believe it or not, putting your bestie in the tub too often can actually start to work against you. The RSPCA warns washing your pooch too much can start to have adverse effects on their overall health. Veterinary advice dictates that once every four weeks is about the sweet spot for bathing your dog. Running the suds any more frequently can start to cause issues like dry skin, interference with external flea and worming treatments, as well as contributing to underlying skin disorders. In addition, your dog’s skin creates its own natural oils which are essential for keeping their coats glossy and muck free. By bathing too often, you can cause this oil to be washed out before it’s able to do the good work it needs to. Obviously, if you’ve decided to go out in the depths of winter around the muddiest walking trail you can find, then Fido’s going to need a wash. But, then, you probably knew that was coming. What are the benefits of using wipes? Sure, keeping your pet clean is important. But there can be more to using those baby powder scented grooming wipes than meets the eye. Introducing wipes as part of your regular pet care routine can have a number of health benefits. From helping stave off unseen enemies like fleas, ticks and other parasites to ensuring they don’t pick up any nasty diseases from licking their muddy paws after a dash around the local park or forest.

Although, it’s not just off the back of mucky walks that these beauties can help. Because the wipes can be used all over your dog’s body, owners of larger pups will love using them as a

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Because our wipes can be used all over your pooch, you can stay on top of their fur, paw and skin health, without risking over washing. Where else can wipes help? While we’re focussing on the awesome power of doggy grooming wipes. We thought we should also talk about eye and ear care. Now, it goes without saying, keeping these sensitive areas grime free is a high priority. Because of the little hair around areas like the eyes, your pooch’s peepers can start to look and feel irritated. The same goes for gunky ears. If your dog is scratching or shaking their head overly frequently, it’s usually a good sign they need a decent clean.

For example, our range of supplements are perfect for making sure they look and feel a million bones inside and out. While our toothpaste, finger brushes and dental bundles are perfect for battling bad breathe. Then there’s our travel products which ensure your car stays fresh, so we’re actually saving you money on pricey car washes, you’re welcome. Why should you use DogsLife? As that point about keeping your car fresh after walkies has just illustrated, it’s not just Fido who can benefit from our range. A 30-day guarantee, combined with our 24/7 helpline, and fast, safe delivery demonstrates that we have you owners in mind as well as your pets. That fast delivery on the baby powder scented grooming wipes should come in handy the next time your furry friend fancies a roll around in the muck.

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DogsLife’s ear and eye care wipes are perfect for keeping these spots safe from soreness. Like our all-over grooming wipe solution, the eye and ear care wipes come pre-soaked in soothing aloe vera. Making them perfect for doing away with discharge or wax, as well as relieving any signs of inflammation, itching or nasty smells.

What other dog care products to DogsLife offer? While our baby powder scented grooming wipes are perfect for keeping your mutt’s main in top condition and the eye and ear care options speak for themselves. We also offer a range of other grooming products. So that glossy coat won’t be let down by the rest of the package.

Westies & Besties - April 2022

dogslife

In addition, owners of breeds like pugs, maltese, pekingese and shih-tzu’s will know only too well the importance of keeping skin flaps clean and free from bacteria.

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FOR MORE INFO VISIT

www.ourdogslife.co.uk

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Longing for Adventure?

PUSH YOUR LIMITS THIS SUMMER WITH AN EXHILARATING OUTDOOR PURSUIT

n 2012, Paul Reeve, an experienced mountaineer set up Sky Blue Adventures (www.skyblueadventures.com.) Paul has been an active hill walker, backpacker, and mountain biker for over 30 years and has led expeditions in the UK, Ireland, Norway, Morocco, Tanzania, Australia, Peru, Japan, Nepal, and the United States, so, if you’re looking for a trip with a difference in 2022 – why not check out these UK itineraries and take the time to witness breath-taking scenery on a holiday with a difference. Snowdon Challenge The Snowdon Climbing Challenge is undoubtedly our most popular charity event says Paul Reeve, Managing Director of Sky Blue Adventures. If you are seeking to create a real buzz, while smashing your fundraising targets, then this could be the event for you. This highly popular challenge involves trekking to the summit of Snowdon via the Pyg track and walking over the summit and descending the Llanberis path. Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales and England. Its Welsh name, Yr Wyddfa, means tomb or monument. Legend has it that it is the tomb of the ogre Rhita Gawr, who supposedly met his end when King Arthur climbed to the top of Snowdon

Above:Paul Reeve

and killed him. Snowdon is a part of a close-knit family of jagged peaks and offers views across Snowdonia, Anglesey, Pembrokeshire, and Ireland. The whole area has been mined for copper since the Bronze Age, and you will find the ruins of old mine buildings and tramways across the whole mountain. If you are moderately fit, climbing Snowdon is definitely within your reach. Although Snowdon is one of the highest mountains in the UK and the tallest mountain in Wales, it is probably the friendliest for the novice walker to ascend. In the summer months you can even rest your feet and grab a welcome beverage in the café at the summit. And if you’re feeling tired after the strenuous climb up you can always get the train back down. On the Day Grade: Medium Start Location: Outside Llanberis Railway Station Finish Location: Llanberis Vehicle: Minibuses to shuttle participants between (Llanberis and Pen y Pass) Guides: Qualified Mountain Leaders (First aid qualified and highly experienced)

Westies & Besties - April 2022

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08:00 - Meet Sky Blue Adventures Team at Llanberis railway Station. 08:15 - Travel in Private minibus to Pen y Pass car park 08:30 - After a team briefing commence climb on the Pyg Track 11:00 - Reach Snowdon Summit and enjoy the views from the Summit Café 11:30 - Start descent down the Llanberis Path 15:00 - Arrive in Llanberis and finish challenge Pyg Track Ascent The Pyg Track is one of the main walking routes on Snowdon and known as the ‘classic’ route. Short, scenic, steeped in history and with a tough final ascent, this is a fantastic route for both beginners and experienced walkers. The Pyg Track is the shortest route to the top of Snowdon with the least amount of vertical ascent (but still a tough walk). The Pyg Track is simple to follow, and the route is well maintained making this a good route for less experienced hillwalkers. The scenery on the Pyg Track is possibly the best of any of the other routes which is why this route is so popular. The Miners Track runs lower down and parallel

to the Pyg Track and gives a slightly different descent (if you want) and takes you down to the impressive Snowdon lakes. Nobody knows for certain why this path is called the Pyg Track. It’s possible that it was named after the pass it leads through, Bwlch y Moch (translated Pigs’ Pass) as the path is sometimes spelled ‘Pig Track’. Or, maybe it’s because it was used to carry ‘pyg‘ (black tar) to the copper mines on Snowdon. Another possible explanation is the path was named after the nearby Pen y Gwryd Hotel, popular amongst the early mountain walkers. Distance: 3.5 miles – 5.5 Km Ascent: 2,372 feet – 723 metres Time: About 3 hours Hafod Eyri - Summit Cafe Snowdon Summit’s Visitor Centre, Hafod Eryri, first opened in June 2009. It receives half a million visitors a year on average and it’s not hard to see why. On a clear day the views can stretch as far as Ireland. On arrival at the Summit, railway passengers and walkers are welcomed into a modern contemporary environment, an amazing feat of engineering on the top of a mountain. This unique building was built to withstand the mountain weather conditions, whilst blending in with its natural surroundings. The building is clad

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in oak and granite, and panoramic windows reveal wonderful views to the valleys below. During your lunch break you can venture to the cairn of the highest mountain in Wales and England, 1085m above sea level.

Llanberis Path Descent Llanberis Path is the longest and most gradual of the six main paths to the summit of Snowdon, and offers fantastic views of Cwm Brwynog, Llanberis and over the Menai straights towards Anglesey. The path mainly follows the Snowdon Mountain Railway track, and goes by Hebron, Halfway and Clogwyn stations. Before the railway was opened in 1896, visitors employed guides to lead them to

the summit along this path on mule- back. A remarkable geological feature can be seen from the Llanberis path, the Clogwyn Du’r Arddu syncline. The syncline was formed over thousands of years, as the earth moved and transformed horizontal deposits into vertical layers of rock. Distance: 4.5 miles – 7.25Km Descent: 3,199 feet – 975 metres Time: About 3 hours Suggested Accommodation Llanberis YHA Heights Bunkhouse Victoria Hotel Padarn Hotel Y Gwynedd Inn & Bunkhouse

Westies & Besties - April 2022

The Scafell Pike Climbing Challenge is undoubtedly one of the most popular charity events. If you are seeking to create a real buzz, while smashing your fundraising targets then this could be the event for you. This highly popular challenge involves trekking to the summit of Scafell Pike, from Wasdale. DAY ONE: This is the popular walk up Scafell Pike from Wasdale Head, and is the usual three peaks route up Scafell pike. It starts from the NT car park by Wastwater. This is the most popular route from Wasdale Head and provides spectacular view across the surrounding mountains and Wastwater Lake. Scafell Pike Facts: • Highest Mountain in England at 978 m / 3209 ft • One of the busiest Mountain in the UK with over 100,000 people climbing the mountain from Wasdale Head each year • Summit Boulder Field • Route from Wasdale Head is part of the National 3 Peaks challenge • 3.5 miles up and 4.5 miles down • Height gained 880 metres / 2,887 feet On the Day: Grade: Medium Start Location: Wasdale Head Finish Location: Wasdale Head Guides: Qualified Mountain Leaders (First aid qualified and highly experienced) 09:00 – Meet Up Sky Blue Adventures team at National Trust Car Park at Wasdale Head 09:15 – Commence climb on Scafell Pike 12:00 – Groups start to arrive at Summit. Enjoy the views from the summit and have a break 12:30 – Groups start descent back to Wasdale Head 16:00 – Groups arrives back at Wasdale Head NT car park 17:00 – Drink and Meal at Wasdale Head Inn (optional)

• The participants will be divided into groups of 10 ach group will have a maximum of 10 •E participants to 1 Mountain Leader (ML) • The ML will be responsible for the welfare of the group and will walk at the pace of the slowest person within the group •A n extra ML will remain at the back of the group to act as a sweeper • The ML will have overall responsibility for their group and all participants must follow their instructions to ensure the overall safety of the whole group

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Scafell Pike

Wasdale Head Route The walk starts from the National Trust Car Park at Wastwater, next to the Campsite. The route sets off along Lingmell Beck, crossing it and then following it steeply uphill. After 1.5km, the path fords Lingmell Beck, with the crossing not overly obvious, but straightforward. Once you have crossed Lingmell Beck, you have got an even steeper ascent up Brown Tongue to follow. It’s steep, but thankfully only around half a kilometre and the steepest section on the route. After Brown Tongue, the route relents, but the path begins threading and the route ahead may not be immediately apparent, especially in mist. You veer left towards a large cairn at the top of Brown Tongue across Hollow Stones. The next section of path is steady to Lingmel Col, and easier on the legs than what you’ve already walked up. After around 1.5km, you should reach Lingmel Col where the Path turns right. It is joined here by the Corridor Route, just make sure you don’t join the Corridor Route! The final ascent has a largely clear path, if a bit loose in places, that zig zags its way up the final 200m of ascent. The summit plateau is finally reached, with the summit itself being a slight climb. There’s a rather strangely placed trig point next to the higher summit cairn. Jostle here with everyone else in order to bag England’s highest point, and an extensive view of the Lakeland Fells. You will descend by the same route. The Yorkshire Three Peaks Known as Britain’s classic hillwalking challenge – this is a tough 24-mile walk through the idyllic Yorkshire Dales, where you summit the peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, in under 12-hours.

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Yorkshire 3 Peak Facts: • Yorkshire 3 Peaks situated in the Yorkshire Dales • Summit Pen-y_Ghent - 697m, Whernside 736m and Ingleborough 723m • 24-mile circular route • 12-hour completion time • Fastest recorded time is 2 hours 29 minutes 53 secs On the Day: Grade: Medium/Hard Start Location: Horton-in-Ribblesdale Finish Location: Horton-in-Ribblesdale Guides: Qualified Mountain Leaders (First aid qualified and highly experienced) 06:30 – Meet Sky Blue Adventures Team at Horton in Ribblesdale 07:00 – After a team briefing commence first climb of the day on Pen y Ghent 08:20 – Reach Pen-y-ghent Summit and enjoy the views 12:00 – Stop for Lunch 13:30 – Arrive on Whernside Summit 16:30 – Reach Ingleborough Summit 19:00 Arrive back in Horton-in-Ribblesdale Yorkshire 3 Peaks - Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough Walk south out of the village passing the Golden Lion pub and church and cross a small stream. Then turn left up a minor tarmac road. Follow this up towards Brackenbottom and just before reaching some buildings take a footpath on your left signed to Pen-y-ghent. Climb steadily up through fields with Pen-y-ghent ahead of you. The final section of the route to the summit is steeper for a while before reaching the trig point and shelter. Cross the wall at the summit and follow the clear path heading roughly north. This zig zags down, passing the gash of Hunt Pot, to reach the head of a walled lane. Carry straight on to follow the new path over Whitber Hill to reach a clear track. Turn right and follow this for 1.5km (1 mile) and then take the path on the left towards Birkwith cave. This emerges onto a rough tarmac track, turn left and then right onto an unsurfaced track towards Nether Lodge.

From the road take one of the paths that head towards Ribblehead viaduct. Keep the viaduct on your left and follow an obvious path which runs alongside the railway. After 2.5km (1.5 miles) the path crosses over the railway besides an aqueduct. The path now starts to climb towards Grain Head. Leave this path by taking the signed route to the left which climbs slowly on to the ridge, which is then followed up to the summit. To descend continue to follow the ridge path southwards for 1.5km (1 mile) and then turn left on the signed path down to Bruntscar. Follow the lane towards the valley to reach the B6255. Turn left, go past the Old Hill Inn, and then right on to a level grassy path. Take care as this road can be busy and traffic fast moving. This goes through a number of fields and then through an area of limestone pavement and past the shakehole known as Braithwaite Wife Hole. The obvious path continues towards Ingleborough climbing gently at first and then steeply to reach the summit plateau. In poor weather it is easy to leave the plateau in the wrong direction. If needed from the trig point use a bearing of 070’ until the ground starts to steepen, then follow a bearing of 100’. From the summit plateau follow the path east heading towards Horton-in-Ribblesdale. This drops slowly towards the valley. Continue past a ruined cottage and keep on the main path. This crosses another major path and continues along the obvious feature of Sulber Nick – a small straight valley. There are then only a few fields to go before the path reaches Horton train station with the car park – and pub – a short distance further on. Accommodation Set in 10 acres of beautiful, protected countryside, The Dalesbridge is the ideal venue to stay and explore the Yorkshire Dales National Park and Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A selection of 4 and 6 berth walkers’ cabins are available. For more information visit: www.skyblueadventures.com or Email: info@skyblueadventures.com

After Nether Lodge follow the long access track up to the B6479. Turn right and follow this to Ribblehead – the road can be busy, and you need to take care.

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The Pros and Cons of Crate Training Your Westie LOVE IT OR LOATHE IT – THIS IS ALWAYS A CONTROVERSIAL TOPIC

rate training can be a good training tool if used correctly and if it is not abused. As a dog trainer I conduct puppy consultations a lot. Mention a crate to some owners and they will immediately look horrified and cannot imagine putting their puppy in a crate, while others love crate training and swear by it. It is perhaps no wonder then, that this is a very controversial topic. What do we do with a baby at night to keep them safe? We put them in a cot that looks remarkably like a crate. I brought my own dog, Charlie up in a crate when he was a puppy, but this is just my own personal choice. I also had a playpen around the crate, with the crate door left open and this worked very well for Charlie because he got used to the crate with the playpen around it. Crate training a puppy, or a dog includes teaching them to associate their crate with safety and security. The hope is that the crate becomes the place to go when the pup feels overwhelmed or sleepy. It is especially important puppies get undisturbed rest and sleep time because this is crucial for their wellbeing in their training. Regardless of everything you have read or heard, you really must consider the pros and cons of crate training and whether it is something that you believe is right for you and your puppy.

Above:Justine Shone

The pros of crate training One of the ways to effectively toilet train your puppy is to use a crate, puppies have weak bladders up until about 16 weeks old (three months old). They must pee several times a day and they have to learn to do their business outside and not indoors. The crate is a terrific way forward for teaching them toilet training. When your puppy wakes up from sleeping you can take them outside for toilets. When you are crate training your pup, have your puppy spend about 10- 30 minutes in the crate and try again immediately taking them outside for toilets, this helps to set your pup up for success. (If your pup is sleeping leave them until they wake up). Puppies or dogs will consider their crate as a den and will tend not to urinate or defecate in their crate. This does not mean you can leave your puppy or dog for hours on end in a crate. Ensure your puppy or dog has multiple opportunities to go to the toilet, such as after playing, sleeping, and eating. Adult dogs should not be left any longer than four hours in a crate in the daytime, any longer than this is not looking after your dog’s wellbeing. Puppy space Everyone in a family has his or her own personal space, and it is only fair your puppy has a space to be calm on their own, a crate can do just that.

Westies & Besties - April 2022

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If they refuse to go all the way inside the crate at first, that’s okay, don’t ever force them to enter. Just continue tossing treats into the crate until they walk in calmly

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They will have a safe, quiet place to lie down and to relax away from the noise of a typical day. Destructive behaviour Dogs and puppies often produce different strange and destructive behaviours such as inappropriate chewing (especially when puppies are teething) and this is a quite frequent problem with puppies. The crate helps to keep them safe from danger if they cannot be supervised by you when you are busy. Separation anxiety If your puppy is brought up correctly and associates the crate with good stuff that happens when they are in the crate, such as treats and toys, separation anxiety shouldn’t be a problem in the future for your puppy, because you would have built your puppies confidence up slowly to having some time alone away from you in their crate. It is important to note that if your dog is already suffering from separation anxiety you should never confine them in a crate, as this would make the situation worse. In this case, the best thing you can do is contact a dog behaviourist who can provide the correct guidance to follow to solve the problem. Dogs that need cage rest after surgery Another good reason to get your dog used to crate training is you never know in the future if your dog could get injured, they may have to spend a few days in a veterinary clinic and they would have to be inside a crate or cage for their own safety. Your dog will not be as stressed, and you may have to continue crate rest when they return home. Safety transporting, and family adventures A dog that is familiar with its crate will travel comfortably and safely by car and feel relaxed. The reason many places restrict dog access is that free-roaming untrained dogs create liability issues. When you show your dog is well trained then most facilities will let you bring your dog along for the adventure. It makes it much easier to bring your dog along for a family outing, or trip, or even longer holidays when they are used to travelling in a crate, or you may even have to crate them in your hotel room if you go for dinner. This is much better than leaving your dog behind at home if they are content being in a crate for a brief time. Natural instincts Dogs have a particular affection for confined spaces, they like going under beds, under coffee

tables, behind settees. Giving them a safe place can come in handy, especially around bonfire night, if your dog feels anxious or frightened. Socialisation A crate is useful for socialisation exercises if you have a Westie that is not keen on being around people it does not know. When there are lots of children running around your home, or you may have guests having a meal, you can prevent triggering over excitement by bringing your pup back to their crate. You can even use this tool to prevent unwanted behaviours, such as begging at the table when you are eating, the crate comes in handy until you have your training skills under control. The cons of crate training Some owners do not use the crate correctly, they use the crate as a punishment if the puppy has done something wrong, thinking they will learn by putting them in the crate. This can be very damaging for your puppy or dog. The crate should never be used as a punishment. Away from home working Your dog or puppy should never be left for extended periods each day in a crate. Consider getting the services of a dog walker or pet sitter to break up the monotony of your dog’s day to provide them with socialisation and exercise. A crate should have enough room for your Westie to turn around, stand up, and lie down comfortably. Safety Your first goal should be to ensure the crate is put together properly. A crate constructed improperly could result in it collapsing on your puppy or dog causing injury. Always remove your puppy or dog’s collar to prevent accidental choking. Your dog or puppy’s collar could get stuck on the door which could result in strangulation. Make sure the crate is not left in direct sunlight such as by a window. Make sure your dog has access to water. The crate can leave your dog traumatised If your dog keeps having bad experiences with its crate, this could result in your dog becoming traumatised and anxious and unable to trust you. This can be one of the major disadvantages of crate training if you keep getting it wrong. And finally… Remember to slowly build up your puppy or dog’s

Westies & Besties - April 2022

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confidence in their crate. Put the crate in an area where the family spends the most time, such as the family room. Make the crate comfortable with their bed inside. Make sure the crate door is securely fastened open, so it won’t hit your puppy or dog and frighten them. When they are coming in and going out of the crate, encourage your pup or dog to enter the crate by tossing some treats inside the crate. If they refuse to go all the way inside the crate at first, that’s okay, don’t ever force them to enter. Just continue tossing treats into the crate until they walk in calmly. You can even use a toy, just make sure everything is positive about the crate. This step may take time or as long as several days. Have some enrichments ready for your crate training such as a food stuffed Kong, so if they do go in the crate, you can give them the Kong, but leave the door open until your puppy or dog is happy and confident being inside their crate. I have clients today who have crate trained their dog from a puppy and they leave the crate door open, and their dogs are still happy to go in the crate.

Remember to slowly build up your puppy or dog’s confidence in their crate. Put the crate in an area where the family spends the most time, such as the family room

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For more information on Justine Shone visit: www.jpholisticnutrition.com

Q & A

Pets On The Pier

Above:Kim Latham

IF YOU’RE IN LLANDUDNO YOUR WESTIE IS IN FOR A TREAT THANKS TO A NEW SEAFRONT BOUTIQUE STORE FOR DOGS INTERVIEW BY KIM LATHAM

aul Hales and Kris Meredith have been busy this year with the opening of two unique little boutique shops located on the beautiful Llandudno Pier. While Kris has recently opened his own stunning Crystal store, Paul has been busy sourcing the most natural and healthy products for his dog shop, Pets on the Pier. What inspired you to open your own doggy shop? Having spent 25 years working in a corporate environment I was desperate to escape and do something on my own. In February I helped Kris set up a Crystal store on Llandudno pier, which he’d been passionate about for some time. Whilst helping him I thought about having my own unit, but couldn’t think of what I’d sell, until one day I looked down the pier and saw at least ten families, each with dogs and realised that’s what I needed to do! Within a month I’d put everything together and Pets on the Pier opened.

Who is your ideal customer? Dog lovers! The unit is very small, so we’ve packed it with 100% natural dog treats, plus lots of dog toys for families who are on holiday without their furry companions but want to take gifts back for them. There are no stores locally that specialise in 100% natural dog treats, so they’ve been really well received by everybody visiting the pier. Tell us about Burt! Burt is the most joyous characterful Westie you could ever wish to meet. Since the day we got him, we knew he was very special and what a gift he is. We have had many years watching him grow as he’s now nine and a half but still acts and looks like a puppy. He can be full of westietude and a stubborn monkey at times, but we wouldn’t change him for the world. Burt brings us so much joy and he is very much

Westies & Besties - April 2022

IMAGE CREDITS supplied by Paul Hales and Kris Meredith

Q & A

like our son, he cares for us like we do for him, and we take him with us everywhere. He loves the beach and to run free and has to smell every blade of grass and wee on every lamppost. To have a Westie is far more than just owning a dog, Burt is like a little human and he knows us more than we know ourselves, he is spoilt but that’s okay as he’s been such a gift and one that keeps on giving every minute every day.

IMAGE CREDITS supplied by Paul Hales and Kris Meredith

What kind of products can people expect when visiting your shop? We have lots of 100% natural dog treats including ears, tracheas, hooves, antlers, bones, pizzles etc. We also have our own branded natural range that’s called ‘Approved By Burt’ and as the name suggests, it’s treats that Burt loves including rabbit and wild boar, oh and he’s also partial to venison and ostrich! We have lots of toys, but they’re more unusual than many pet stores as we’ve specifically selected toys for water and sea themed stuffed toys such as fish, crabs, starfish, octopus, turtles etc. Will you be doing online orders? At the moment, no. We were lucky to have the Pets on The Pier name available across all social media, plus the domain name was also available, which we’ve sourced ready to set up a website. However, it’s been a lot of work setting up the store and we’re loving working there every day and meeting dog lovers. Hopefully later in the year we’ll have the time to properly invest in a website, but for now we’re really concentrating on making our store an amazing and friendly experience for dogs and their families. What can you offer dog lovers that big highstreet brands cannot? Personally, I think the biggest difference is customer service. We’ve had so many lovely comments from customers who have really appreciated the time we’ve taken to speak to them and their dogs. Our unit is only 4 foot long by 3 foot wide, so we have to be selective with what we offer, but our customers have loved the natural treats and the fact that the vast majority of our treats are sourced from the same farm. We also stand out because of our unusual toys, the quality of the Miro and Makauri products we sell and of course the doggy ice cream, all of which really differentiates us from the high street brands. How have the locals near Llandudno Pier

responded to your new shop? We’re so lucky to work in such a wonderful place with so many kind people. We’ve been overwhelmed by the number of local people that have made the effort to specifically come to the pier to visit us and support our business. We even had a lovely email from the local MS (MP) Janet Finch-Saunders, who wished us well with our business and plans to visit us next month. We’re open 7 days a week from 10-6pm and we love meeting fellow Westie lovers. More and more hotels and B&Bs in Llandudno allow dogs, so we’d love to see you come and visit us and meet Burt, the star of Pets on the Pier. All of our branding features Burt and as I mentioned earlier, we have our own branded treats, toys and treats that are aptly named ‘Approved By Burt.’

Westies & Besties - April 2022

Paul Hales

IMAGE CREDITS supplied by Paul Hales and Kris Meredith

Q & A

We also have our own branded natural range that’s called, Approved by Burt, and as the name suggests, it’s treats that Burt loves including rabbit and wild boar, oh, and he’s also partial to venison and ostrich”!

ACCESSORIES

Harness your Westie’s Health and Happiness THE RIGHT HARNESS CAN KEEP YOUR DOG SAFE WHILST PROVIDING HIM WITH THE FREEDOM TO ENJOY HIS WELL-EARNED WALKS

D for Dog The Red Dingo Padded Harness is available in four different colours. £27.80 www.dfordog.co.uk/red-dingo.html PHOTO CREDIT D for Dog

D for Dog The FuzzYard Candy Hearts Harness is sturdy as well as cute and there are plenty of other designs available too. D for Dog currently has a sale on, and this particular harness is on offer for £15.30 (from £18.00). £15.30 www.dfordog.co.uk/fuzzyard.html PHOTO CREDIT D for Dog

Westies & Besties - April 2022

ACCESSORIES

Ruffwear The Front Range Harness is a padded everyday dog harness that is easy to put on and comfortable for dogs to wear. A key piece of gear for canines embarking on a life of adventure with their humans, the harness features two leash attachment options: an aluminum V-ring centered on the dog’s back for everyday walks, and reinforced front clip webbing at the dog’s chest to redirect dogs that pull on leash. The ID pocket keeps dog tags quiet and easily accessible, and the reflective trim and light loop for The Beacon™ boost visibility in low-light conditions. Available in eight different colours. £49.95 www.ruffwear.co.uk/collections/dog-harnesses/ products/front-range-everyday-dog-harness PHOTO CREDITS Ruffwear

ACCESSORIES

Julius K9 The Official IDC®POWERHARNESS – The Ultimate Dog Harness for any situation Have full control and complete security for any walk. The official IDC®Powerharness is your dog harness for bustling urban outings, early-morning woodland walks, or night-time strolls.Designed to keep your dog safe, secure, and comfortable, the IDC®Powerharness can also be simply fitted in an instant. Harness Features: Scientifically proven comfort. The harness evenly distributes the power to the dog’s chest instead of the neck – greatly reducing stress. Provides maximum leash control Water resistant material Exceptionally simple to fit and remove Made in the EU using German materials Antiallergenic, skin-friendly, OEKO-TEX certified lining High-visibility, reflective stitching Recommended by dog trainers, vets, search and rescue teams, and working dog organizations for 10+ years Strong handle on the top of harness for lifting and added control over your dog. Over 20 years in dog harness development Price unavailable www.julius-k9.co.uk PHOTO CREDITS Julius K9

Westies & Besties - April 2022

ACCESSORIES

Ruffwear The Ruffwear Hi & Light™ Harness is a lightweight, low-profile adventure harness. This minimalist harness has four points of adjustment for a sleek, comfortable fit down to size XXXS. It features an aluminum V-ring leash attachment point on the back, a debris-resistant liner, reflective trim for low-light visibility, and a light loop for attaching The Beacon™. Scaled to fit even the smallest canine companions, the Hi & Light Harness is a great option for any dog that enjoys exploring in a harness. £44.95 www.ruffwear.co.uk/collections/dog-harnesses/ products/hi-and-light-dog-harness PHOTO CREDITS Ruffwear

ACCESSORIES

Breathe in Spring NEW BEGINNINGS AND TIME FOR A REFRESH

Botanical Bookmark The Range This pretty little bookmark will brighten up your day with its beautiful spring floral design 39p www.therange.co.uk PHOTO CREDIT The Range

Spring Flowers with Eucalyptus Wilko These artificial flowers will bring a little bit of sunshine into your home as we look forward to the long summer days ahead £15 www.wilko.co.uk PHOTO CREDIT Wilko

Garden Growers Collection Puddle Buster Welly Frugi x National Trust

All images supplied by PR Shots

This bright and colourful Garden Growers unisex collection for babies, toddlers, and children through to eight years of age, aims to encourage little ones to pop on their wellies, grab their tools, and get their hands dirty Price unavailable www.welovefrugi.com PHOTO CREDIT shop.nationaltrust.org.uk

Westies & Besties - April 2022

ACCESSORIES

Spring Meadow Boxed Candle (Large) Daisy Park This beautiful candle from Daisy Park is sure to be a breath of fresh air in your home as we head into the magical season of Spring £12 www.daisypark.co.uk PHOTO CREDIT Daisy Park

SNURK Flower Field Single Duvet Set Cuckooland Dream, dream, dream and immerse yourself in this field of flowers duvet set by Cuckooland. You can almost smell mother nature blossoming £44.99 www.cuckooland.com PHOTO CREDIT Cuckooland

All images supplied by PR Shots

Botantical Tote Bag The Range Take a little bit of Spring with you everywhere you go with this pretty floral Botanical Tote Bag by The Range. It’s great for your everyday shopping and is sure to put a spring in your step too

Daisy Love Slogan T-Shirt M & Co Feel uplifted in this pretty daisy t-shirt. Perfect with a casual pair of jeans and sneakers as the warm weather approaches

£3.19 www.therangeco.uk

£16.99 www.mandco.com

PHOTO CREDIT The Range

PHOTO CREDIT M & Co

CRIME

The World is Watching ANIMAL VOLUNTEERS FLEE UKRAINE WITH CARS FULL OF DOGS

Above: Mark Randell

BY MARK RANDELL EX-POLICE DETECTIVE

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I know readers of Westies & Besties will be able to relate to what support a pet can give in troubled times and even feel the pain that having to abandon your animal must be like. Mark Randell

Westies & Besties - April 2022

CRIME

he world has now witnessed what I have seen in my four years of working in Ukraine and with Ukrainians; passion, fortitude, and compassion.

I have heard stories from our animal volunteers fleeing with cars full of dogs, hiding with their own pets as well as taking in neighbours’ animals, perhaps spending a week in a small room with many dogs

PHOTO CREDITS

On February 16th, 2022, I made my latest presentation in the city of Odesa, a 13th city for us. Less than 10 days later the horrific war began causing destruction, fear, and tragedy. I watched as the cities I had visited were bombed and people fled for their lives, very often taking their animals with them. Those that remained hid in shelters, basements, and metro stations where their pets at least gave them some comfort.

Husky image supplied by Pixabay

I had been involved in missions in Greece to advance animal welfare and to encourage more prosecutions by the police of those that commit cruelty. In 2018 I linked up with the Naturewatch Foundation to take that project across Ukraine.

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CRIME

and cats. When we are safe in our gardens the situation is unimaginable. Rescues are overwhelmed, some obviously damaged and there have been animal casualties. Some owners must leave their pets and the rescuers that stay on are trying to help as many as they can, but it must be devasting to leave a family member behind. Poland, Romania, and other countries adjacent to Ukraine have relaxed pet entry rules so refugees are arriving at the border with perhaps a cat or dog that they need to find food and accommodation for. Animal charities are stepping up to support them in the short term. At Naturewatch Foundation we are starting to consider what the future will look like. Rescues will need to re-build, the stray population recounted, ecology for wild animals will have changed and there will have been major impact on the farm animals and of course those held in captivity at zoos and the circuses. (Ukraine was

“

On February 26th 2022, I made my latest presentation on the city of Odesa, a 13th city for us. Less than 10 days later the horrific war began causing destruction, fear, and tragedy.

Westies & Besties - April 2022

”

Husky image supplied by Pixabay

PHOTO CREDIT

CRIME

“

working on a law to ban circus animals when the war came.)

Rescues are overwhelmed, some obviously damaged and there have been animal casualties.

”

I know readers of Westies & Besties will be able to relate to what support a pet can give in troubled times and even feel the pain that having to abandon your animal must be like. Please therefore take a moment to think of all the Ukrainian animals caught up in the tragic war. We are thinking of you. Mark Randell now works for the charity, Naturewatch Foundation. For more information visit: www.naturewatch.org

NUTRITION

5 Toxic Foods to Avoid WITH THE EASTER HOLIDAYS UPON US, IT’S IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THE DANGERS OUR WESTIES FACE WHILE WE’RE AT HOME ENJOYING THE SPRING SEASON

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COOKED BONES Bones can splinter once cooked and this can obviously lead to danger for your dog if it perforates the gut. Raw bones are great! ARTIFICIAL SWEETENER Our sweets usually contain Xylitol and if your Westie gets a hold of it this could mean a very fast trip to the Vet as this ingredient can potentially cause hypoglycaemia which can cause liver failure among other problems. GRAPES It’s easy to forget that some Easter cakes contain grapes and raisins, and both fruits can potentially cause serious health repercussions to our dogs such as kidney failure and liver problems if consumed. GARLIC Your Westie would probably have to eat a lot of garlic to become seriously ill. Nevertheless, it just isn’t worth the risk so while you’re busy in the kitchen preparing your Easter dinner, keep the garlic well away from your pup. It’s toxic for them and can result in red blood cell damage.

Westies & Besties - April 2022

PHOTO CREDITS All images supplied by Pixabay

CHOCOLATE With Easter just around the corner it’s essential to keep all of your chocolate eggs and sweet treats well away from your dog as the human sweet tooth can get our canine pals into a lot of trouble quickly.

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