Eurotunnel Le Shuttle Pet Reception makeover in France

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The Pet Reception on our Calais terminal has been wrapped in a colourful and joyful style that both owners and pets enjoy when traveling back from Calais.

Eurotunnel Le Shuttle

 

Eurotunnel Le Shuttle Pet shuttle

To commemorate our one millionth pet, as market leaders in pet travel across the Channel, we have decided to wrap one of our shuttle to celebrate our love of pets.

Look out for the sausage dog and his furry four legged friends when you next travel!

Pet shuttle

Eurotunnel Le Shuttle pet service honoured again in National Awards

For the second year running we have won the Special Recognition Award for a business that offers a fun and unique dog friendly service in the Kennel Club Open for Dogs Awards 2013.

We are honored and delighted to be recognised by the Kennel Club as a business that truly pulls out all the stops for its canine customers.

Our dog friendly terminals and modern facilities have helped us make every dog’s journey as smooth, fun and hassle free as possible.

Award winning

A BIG thank you to all pet owners who have voted for us this year again as this clearly demonstrates how they value the dedication of our teams to make the experience of traveling as fun and relaxing for dogs.

Eurotunnel Le Shuttle

Dog Eating Habits we need to get into, and some we need to get out of!

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We’ve all been guilty of feeding our dogs a little too much, or giving them some of our own food whilst cooking. But just how cruel is our kindness? What impact are these apparently small habits having on our beloved pets? It can be hard to resist giving your dog lots of treats when they literally give you those adorable puppy dogs, but you may be doing them more harm than you think. We’ve made a list of things we think are important to remember when it comes to feeding your dog, and keeping them healthy by kicking some of those bad habits.

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Consider your dog’s age
As your dog matures, you may need to change its diet accordingly, to ensure their health stays in top shape. Many good brands will offer a range of products to feed your dog at various stages in their life, from puppy to senior dog.

Research ingredients and value for your money
Some dog food brands can be expense, but if they can provide your pet with all the nutrients it needs, then it is good value for money. However, you don’t need to spend an arm and a leg to do this. Look into food with natural ingredients and good nutrients for your dog, like Iams dog food 15kg from Vet Medic. Speak to your vet for other recommendations, and other dog owners (particularly those with the same breed as you).

Take your dog’s taste into account
You can take all the necessary measures possible when choosing the perfect dog food, crammed with nutrients, but if your pet doesn’t like it, it simply won’t eat it. However, don’t admit defeat too quickly and throw away the whole tub – try adding other ingredients to it like chunks of meat or fresh vegetables to make it more tempting.

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Know what human foods should always be avoided
As previously mentioned, when we eat ourselves, it can be tempting to give our dog some of our own food, or even our own snacks. However, there are a number of foods and drinks that can be potentially deadly to your dog and some of these are quite surprising. Some of the worst ones include chocolate, alcohol, grapes, raisins, milk and coffee.

Find alternatives to high calorie treats
Treats are an important part of life for us and for dogs too. Small treats every now and again are perfectly fine, but if you find yourself rewarding your pet rather frequently, you may need to look into finding snacks that are better for him. Foods that have proved popular with our four-legged-friends include carrots, peanut butter, blueberries and unflavoured popcorn.

Remember that not all brands will suit all breeds
It’s important to recognise that what you may have fed your previous dog that was a large greyhound may not be suitable for your new tiny Chihuahua. The main things to consider when choosing a dog food for your pet’s breed tend to include size, weight and hair/fur.

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How to Keep your Dog Active and Healthy This Winter

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One of the greatest joys of being a dog owner is spending time outdoors playing with your furry friend. Yet as the temperature starts to drop and the ground is covered with snow and ice, this becomes less enjoyable. Regular exercise is a vital component of your dog’s health, so it’s important to find ways to get out there for fresh air even on the coldest days. The following are a few tips to keep in mind to make sure your dog stays active, healthy, and safe in cold and snowy weather.
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Take your dog along when playing winter sports.
Some dogs are perfectly happy venturing out into the snow. You can bring your dog along when taking part in winter sports to ensure that your pet gets plenty of fresh air and exercise. Many cross-country ski or snowshoeing trails are dog-friendly, for example. If you do take your dog along for a day outdoors, be sure to take frequent breaks and provide plenty of water. Dogs need to stay hydrated in colder months too.

Look for an indoor play space.
If the temperature has plummeted and you prefer to stay out of the cold, you might want to look for an indoor play space to keep your dog happy and engaged until it starts to warm up. Many towns have indoor dog parks, but if not you could also check out the facilities at local doggie daycares. Another option is to sign up for an agility class that runs throughout the colder months, which will help keep you in shape alongside your dog.
Create your own obstacle courses or other games.
If you have room in your own home, you can forego the agility course and create your own obstacle course for your favourite pet. Play games like hide and seek with treats, or build a fort out of chairs and blankets for your dog to navigate through. If you have small children, they will love taking part in the challenge as well.
Bundle up.
When you do take your pet outside for a walk, you’ll want to make sure that he is as comfortable as possible. Dog clothes are particularly useful for shorthaired breeds, which have little protection from the elements. Dog boots can help protect their feet on cold and icy surfaces, as packed snow or ice can cause frostbite or cut their pads. There are a number of stylish dog sweaters and jackets to choose from. You can check out these dog coats with Dogs Corner to get an idea of what the different options are.
Avoid salted surfaces.
In addition to cold surfaces, salt can also do a number on your poor dog’s feet in the winter months. Many homeowners put salt on their walkways to help melt the snow, but this can get into the dog’s paws and cause burning or irritation. Beware of antifreeze on walks as well, which a dog might lick off of his paws. This can lead to severe illness, so you’ll want to be aware of where you’re walking and be a bit more cautious in the winter.
With the right cold-weather gear and a plan B for bad weather, you can keep your dog active no matter what the season. Making the time for exercise will keep your dog happy, healthy, and in top shape when spring rolls around.
dogs corner

The Psychology of Dogs

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Human, inhuman, but mostly just lovable in every possible way, the differences and similarities between dogs and people are surprising across the board.

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Because of the long history of the domestication of dogs

  • Timeline [1] [2]
  • 30,000 B.C.–Paleolithic humans likely hunted in tandem with wild dogs.
  • 12,000 B.C.-Dog and human remains were buried together
  • (suggesting dogs were valued as people were)
  • 10,500 B.C.-Different breeds of domesticated dogs are distinguishable
  • 1,500 C.E.-Oldest modern breeds are formed from: [3]
  • European Wolf
  • Terriers
  • Mastiffs
  • Herding Dogs
  • Indian Wolf
  • Sight hounds
  • Chinese Wolf
  • Feral Dogs
  • Chow Chows
  • Asian Spaniels
  • North American Wolf
  • Spitz
  • Native American Dogs

And their human like capacity to feel love and affection…

  • (emotions dogs feel) [4]
  • Affection/Love
  • Suspicion/shyness
  • Joy
  • Anger
  • Fear
  • Disgust
  • Contentment
  • Distress
  • Excitement/arousal

Dogs share the hormone Oxytocin with humans; it allows them to feel love and affection

We often “humanize” the actions of dogs

But what are they really thinking?

Dogs have the emotional development of a 2.5 year old child.

  • Leaving
  • Shame
  • Pride
  • Guilt
  • Contempt
  • Undeveloped (these emotions develop in human babies between the age of 3-4) [4]
  • (But, hey, some dogs are smarter than others, so there’s always hope.)
  • Dogs can’t plan for the future. They also can’t recall isolated moments in the past.
  • That’s because they don’t have episodic memory.[5]
  • This doesn’t mean they can’t learn (obviously).
  • Dogs can build complex sets of knowledge, but unlike humans, they don’t remember the learning part.
  • Like most mammals, dogs exhibit the “copying effect,” where they imitate what their elders do in order to learn to survive.
  • An episode in history: Most things are a bit speculative from 30,000 years ago, but one learning moments for dogs occurred when “more social and less fearful” wild dogs realized that having their pups near human camps meant free food. The pups were socialized with people from a young age, and with every generation dogs became more and more domesticated. [99]

Without specific memories or forethought, dogs rely heavily on instincts and reflexes

  • In the several millions of years of socialization before domestication, dogs formed their current hierarchy.
  • Either the person leads, or the dog does.
  • In the wild, oftentimes on the dominant pair of a pack reproduces. Making moving up the social hierarchy important, and making modern wild dogs hard to domesticate. [99]
  • Freedom Lovers: This is related to the opposition reflex. When you pull on a puppy, oftentimes it tries to push away, this is because dogs reflexively want to be in control of themselves.[6]
  • Due to the proximity of the dog’s mouth and eyes, and the incentive of a potential meal, rapid movement in front of a dog’s eyes triggers the mouth to snap.[6]
  • Dogs can snap up quickly moving flies that fly past their eyes.
  • Dog’s aren’t quite as good at problem solving as humans, and often exhibit barrier-frustration syndrome when their path is obstructed. [6]
  • Often results in relieving stress through barking, jumping, or soiling.

But in many ways dogs are similar to humans

  • As many dog owners know, dogs have dreams. [7]
  • Dogs enter dreams about 20 minutes after falling asleep.
  • Movement, soft barks, and whimpers are common as the dog acts out their dream.
  • Dog’s eyes move under their eyelids as they look around their dream world.
  • Dogs experience runner’s highs to a greater extent than humans. [8]
  • Endocannabinoids reward animals that evolutionarily have needed to run long distances in order to survive.
  • Humans and dogs share this evolutionary niche.
  • So do horses and antelopes.
  • An animal like a ferret does not, as it relies on short bursts and agility to catch its prey.
  • Like humans, dogs can hold an irrational fear or phobia of sundry things. [10]

Top phobias [9]

  • Thunder
  • Fireworks
  • Being left alone
  • Vets
  • Riding in the car
  • Going up and down the stairs
  • Men
  • Strangers
  • Canine Compulsive Disorder (CCD) is much like OCD is humans. [10]
  • Due to boredom, stress, misfiring neurotransmitters, or being rewarded at the wrong time.
  • Can include excessive licking, tail-chasing, chasing of shadows or reflections, snapping at flies, or flank sucking.
  • Just as humans miss people, dogs have separation anxiety. [10]
  • With one human year equaling seven dog years, it makes sense why they miss you when you’re gone for an afternoon!
  • Dogs have religious experiences. [11][12][13][14]
  • Dogs also have a limbic system, one of the most primitive areas of the brain and the portion responsible for spiritual experiences.
  • Dogs as well as Chimpanzees have been reported putting themselves into trance like states gazing at sunsets, frolicking under waterfalls, and the like.
  • Dogs have near death experiences. [11] [13][14]
  • This phenomenon is caused by the eyes susceptibility to the low blood flow that occurs after fainting or cardiac arrest.
  • As dogs have eyes very similar to humans they too share in this phenomena.
  • Dogs have out of body experiences.
  • Which are also related to the limbic system, balance center of the ear, and eyes, all of which function similarly in dogs.
  • So with the myriad ways, in which we think dogs are little four-legged children, always remember…
  • “If you are a dog and your owner suggests you wear a sweater…suggest that he wear a tail.” –Fran Lebowitz

Source: http://www.bestpsychologydegrees.com/dogs/

[1] http://archaeology.about.com/od/domestications/qt/dogs.htm
[2] http://newguinea-singing-dog-conservation.org/Tidbits/OriginOfTheDog.pdf
[3] http://www.usfca.edu/fac-staff/dever/dog_evo.pdf
[4] http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/canine-corner/201303/which-emotions-do-dogs-actually-experience
[5] http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/mental-mishaps/201005/dogs-dont-remember
[6] http://dogmastersystem.com/behavior.htm
[7] http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/canine-corner/201010/do-dogs-dream
[8] http://www.economist.com/node/21552536
[9] http://dogs.about.com/od/dogbehaviorproblems/tp/Top-Ten-Common-Dog-Fears-And-Phobias.htm
[10] http://dogsnsw.org.au/resources/dogs-nsw-magazine/articles/health/177-psychological-disorders.html
[11] http://news.discovery.com/animals/animals-spiritual-brain.htm
[12] http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=121713610
[13] http://www.americanownews.com/story/14333746/from-the-dog-daily
[14] http://www.today.com/id/39574733/ns/today-today_tech/t/animals-said-have-spiritual-experiences/#.UZamJLWThIQ

With busy lives pet owners could be putting their animals at risk of serious health problems?

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Watch our video where rugby star and dog lover James Haskell and vet Luke Gamble encourage pet owners to get smarter about treating and protecting their pets against parasites

England & Wasps rugby player James Haskell and TV vet Luke Gamble have joined forces to support the ‘It’s a Jungle Out There’ campaign to educate pet owners on the importance of making sure their pets are being given regular parasite protection treatments against sometimes fatal parasites.

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New research shows that only half of pet owners regularly get their pets treated with parasite prevention treatments, while one in five don’t bother at all, with around 40% admitting they forget to administer parasite prevention treatment.

Although most owners know that they need to regularly use parasite protection for their pet in order to keep them happy and healthy, it is often difficult to remember when and how frequently to do so.

And while some parasites such as fleas and ticks may not be fatal, other more deadly types such as the lungworm Angiostrongylus vasorum can be fatal to dogs, which has experts urging pet owners to take the matter of parasite protection seriously and administer preventative treatments regularly.

To help pet owners the ‘It’s a Jungle Out There’ programme has launched a FREE app for pet owners, offering a bespoke parasite treatment reminder service.

Watch the following video for more information.

Once downloaded, users can create a pet profile to keep track of all their pets information in one place, including breed details, microchip number, weight, and date of birth of their dogs, cats, rabbits and ferrets. A ‘learn’ section of the app is also available to provide owners with the latest information on parasites and the risk they pose to pets and family members.

The Jungle for Pets app launches on the 9th September and is initially available to download for iPhones and iPads, by searching ‘Jungle for Pets’ in the Apple App store.

Bayer Animal Health launched the ‘It’s a Jungle Out There’ initiative to help pet owners navigate the complex jungle of parasites and help them in complying with the recommended parasite control advice provided by their vet.  Owners can find information about the most common parasites in the UK at www.itsajungle.co.uk, or follow the programme at www.facebook.com/jungleforpets or on Twitter @jungleforpets

Top 10 Dogs in Films

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In no particular order, these are some of the top dogs in the business. From cartoons to heroes and even time travellers, have a sniff of these highlights.If you have a dog then click here for online vet medicine at a good price.
Vet-Medic Pharmacy Drontal

Lassie
Lassie started off as a set of novels but quickly made it to film, enduring a sixty-two year career, although with different dogs as they progressed.

Lassie

Beethoven
This early-90s family comedy stars a St. Bernard as the centre of all events. Named after barking at a piece by Ludwig Van Beethoven, he goes on a quest to foil the unethical plans of Dr. Varnick. Although the film got astonishingly average reviews, this stays in the memory of any child born in the 80s and 90s.

The Tramp
One of the main characters in Walt Disney’s 1955 film Lady and the Tramp, the stray mutt falls in love with an American Cocker Spaniel belonging to an upper-middle class family. If you can’t instantly recall the spaghetti restaurant scene then it’s proof that you aren’t human.

Bolt
One of the more recent dog heroes of the film world, Bolt, voiced by John Travolta, is a film star pup who is famed to have superpowers. His quest involves the sudden realisation that they don’t exist, and he has to sort out his problems without them. All he does have is an annoying hamster. I hate that hamster.

Fang

Rubeus Hagrid’s huge Boarhound was one of his many pets that followed Harry and crew into adventures. The actual breed is a Neapolitan Mastiff, famed for their size and scrunchy faces. Not many other dogs could look big in the company of Robbie Coltrane in that film.

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Marley
This book really took off in novel form after an American column writer documented his relationship with an ADHD Labrador retriever. The film was just as adorable and Jennifer Aniston isn’t bad either. There is a beautiful message about love thinly veiled within there too, if you like that sort of thing.

 Baxter – Anchorman
The Border terrier is best known in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, mainly for being kicked off a bridge by Jack Black, but also for eating a whole wheel of cheese and pooping in the refrigerator… Amongst other things.
‘I’m not even mad, that’s amazing.’
Other film appearances of the border terrier include Return to Oz, There’s Something about Mary, 102 Dalmatians and Lassie.

Einstein
Doc Brown’s dog, Einstein is the first dog ever to time travel on film and in the film he was the first time traveller, regardless of species. In fact, he is in real life too: Ground-breaking stuff.

 Zero – Nightmare before
In The Nightmare before Christmas, Zero is the pet of Jack, the pumpkin king. He has a glowing pumpkin nose and a gravestone dog house. At the end of the movie Zero floats into the sky, becoming a star. I’m not entirely sure what that means.

Scooby Doo
It shouldn’t need explaining why Scooby Doo should be in the top 10 dogs in Film. The cartoons have been going since 1969 and are still one of the most popular things in children’s TV, spurring a film series featuring the whole Mystery Incorporated gang.

Scooby Doo

Beakthrough Red Light Therapy Device for Animals – up to 60% Faster Healing

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Exciting news for all Dog, Pet, Horse Owners/Carers, Trainers and Breeders seeking ways to heal their animals quicker or provide drug-free pain relief for their beloved pet.

An affordable new Light Therapy Device that speeds up healing and provides natural pain relief is now available in the UK, Photizo® Vetcare. Owners have experienced incredible recoveries through the use of LED light therapy in animal rehabilitation across the world in recent years.

dogLight therapy treatments are normally only available through highly trained professionals using complex laser/light therapy devices. Red Light therapy is scientifically proven, non-invasive and speeds up healing (up to 60% faster). Photizo® Vetcare provides natural pain relief for long term degenerative conditions such as arthritis. Treatable conditions include all types of wounds and superficial and deep musculoskeletal injuries.

Photizo® Vetcare delivers a simple, one-touch, 31 second pre-programmed evidence-based dose of red and infrared light and brings this highly effective therapy into the hands of horse & pet owners/carers, breeders, trainers etc. Best results are achieved when light therapy is applied as soon as possible after an injury occurs and then as part of a professional treatment plan.

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Photizo® Vetcare is used and recommended by professional animal therapists and veterinarians across the world because it is a low-cost, easy to use, tool for anyone who wants fast results when treating their animal.
For more information contact Ruth Milner, Danetre Health Products on 01327 310909
info@danetrehealthproducts.com www.danetrehealthproducts.com

Paul O’Grady calls on the nation to help make the largest ever donation of food to rescue dogs

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Watch our video featuring dog lovers Paul O’Grady and Amanda Holden urging animal lovers to join in a nationwide campaign, to help feed abandoned dogs.

Animal lovers are urged to ‘paws for thought’ to help feed abandoned dogs as part of the ‘Feeding Brighter Futures’ campaign

To help animal centres look after the number of abandoned dogs in their care Paul and Amanda are backing the Feeding Brighter Futures campaign and are asking the public to join them by supporting Pedigree’s Buy One Feed One initiative.

Whilst every dog owner knows the importance of giving their dog a healthy and nutritious diet to keep them feeling and looking their best, research with the Association of Dog and Cat Homes, released earlier this year, showed that nearly half of rehoming centres had seen an increase in malnourished dogs being admitted to their care.

With good nutrition the first step to a rescue dog’s recovery, Pedigree has committed to donating one million meals to rehoming centres across the UK and is now calling on people to help them donate even more.

Find out how can you help feed abandoned dogs and support this campaign. Watch our video here….

The Importance of Timely and Effective Dog Flea Treatment

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Dog fleas are a common seasonal parasite which regularly plagues canines and can bring along a number of complications. The wide availability of treatments and cures leaves no excuses for letting a dog suffer prolonged infestations and possibly incur long-term damage. Here is the rundown on the nature of dog fleas and how they affect their hosts and environment.

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The enemy
Dog fleas, or Ctenocephalides canis, are a blood-sucking parasite species which targets primarily canine hosts. They are similar to cat fleas but are less likely to attack other hosts, such as humans. Their survival period without food is a few months, and female specimens need blood before they can lay eggs in their host’s coat, about 4,000 at a time. The eggs go through a four-stage cycle until maturing over a couple of weeks’ time.

Symptoms
Fleas cause dogs considerable discomfort and agitation. Infested canines scratch their heads and necks and often bite their hind areas and tails – these are fleas’ preferred spots. The continued scratching leaves the skin inflamed and can even result in hair loss. These physical symptoms are often paired with psychological ones, making dogs more nervous and anxious than usual.

Complications
Fleas are more than just a passing annoyance; they can bring on a number of serious complications for dog health. Based on About.com’s detailed report, here are some of them. First off, the non-stop itching and scratching wear out canine fur and skin, exposing the body to various diseases which often bring unpleasant odours along. In addition, many dogs develop allergic dermatitis due to excessive contact with flea saliva. Fleas can also infect a dog with tapeworms which are notoriously difficult to cure. Excessive biting and blood-sucking can sometimes leave a canine anaemic.

Dangers to human health
Many of the above ailments will apply to humans, too. As this account in the Guardian illustrates, the itchy bites affect everyone in the household. In humans, the bites concentrate in areas with gentler, thinner skin such as the backs of joints (elbows, knees, ankles). Dermatitis and tapeworms affect humans and dogs equally.

Effective prevention and treatment
Prevention is the best starting point on the road to durable health. Dog fleas prefer defenceless hosts, so sick and old dogs as well as puppies are at a higher risk. Their immune systems need an extra boost through a healthy diet and relevant food additives. Flea combs are a great way to discover an initial parasite community before it multiplies. Once an infestation is verified, immediate measures must follow. It is easiest to pick effective dog flea treatments from the Pet Medicine Company which carries a wide variety of cures with different strength and range.

Effective Dog Flea Treatment

Want a dog but work?

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Have you always wanted a pet dog but are worried about leaving them alone whilst you are at work? If so, we have the perfect solution for you.

Want a dog but work

We have two Hearing Dog training centres one based in Bielby, Yorkshire and the other is in Saunderton, Buckinghamshire. Here our wonderful and intelligent dogs learn how to transform the lives of deaf people. We teach them how to alert to important sounds such as the doorbell and alarm clock, plus danger signals like the smoke alarm. Hearing dogs also offer emotional support to deaf people which make them valued and vital companions.

During their four month soundwork training we need bed and breakfast volunteers to offer our hearing dogs a place to stay and relax in overnight and at weekends.

You would simply need to bring the dog to one of our centres each morning during their training and collect them at the end of their working day. We even supply the bed and breakfast!

To find out more information please watch the short video below or email us at volunteer@hearingdogs.org.uk. You can also visit www.hearingdogs.org.uk/work.