Burgess Pet Care

Recently I’ve seen a dramatic increase in headlines warning us of the outburst of ticks and fleas recently, and apparently the damp and mild weather conditions we’ve seen recently are the perfect habitat for the little mites! (It was only snowing last week…so strange!)

As dog owners we’ve always been wary of ticks, as the weather is becoming warmer we regularly add a couple of drops of tick repellent onto the back of his neck, it’s important that it goes on the skin and not his fur, because the skin is where they attach themselves onto and with Codi’s thick fur it can be quite difficult to spot a tick until it has fed and become bloated with blood. We always have flea and tick protection solutions available at home…Just in case, and we’ve always taken him to vets to check him over when we have found one. There has been the odd occasion where we have taken him for walks in areas surrounded by ferns and heather, and he has come home with the odd tick. There is a lot of differing information regarding the removal of ticks, and here are a few that worked for Codi

-Rub the tick in a circular motion and pretend you’re trying to make the tick dizzy. I generally stick with one direction, clockwise. It usually takes less than a minute, so if it’s not working, make sure the body of the tick is moving around. Remember you can’t get dizzy unless you’re actually moving in a circle quickly. I doubt the tick actually gets dizzy, but they sure don’t like something about the movement and they crawl out on their own.

-Another good method that eliminated a chance of leaving part of the tick in the dog is to cover the tick completely in Vaseline; the tick will then suffocate and drop off. After the tick is removed wash the area with a form of antibacterial liquid.

-Removing the tick with sharp pointed tweezers, or specially made tick tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, and as close to its embedded mouthparts as you can, If you squeeze the body or head, you risk compressing the guts and salivary glands and could be at risk of expelling more bacteria through their mouth into the dogs body. Don’t twist the tick or turn the tweezers as you pull the tick out. Pull out straight with a quick and steady motion. Twisting can force more bacteria into the dogs body, and may result in the head or more being left in the body. We always find it handy to carry a pair of tweezers around with us when we take Codi out for long walks.

One last thing! Ticks can actually attach themselves to humans too and can cause a bad disease in some cases. Make sure keep your legs covered when walking through bracken, ferns and moorland.

There is plenty of information on the Burgess Supadog website which can help you to care for your dog in the best possible way. You can also download a Care Guide!

Thankyou for reading & good luck with your Flea and Tick control!

-Steph & Codi

It’s Steph here giving you the latest update of the adventures (and mainly mischief ) Codi has been involved in this week. It’s been a busy week for Codi with plenty of exercise (and we all know what plenty of exercise means a hungry dog) and what better way to get a husky exercising? Dog scootering! And it’s not only fun for the Codi, but for the rider too!

Codi is bursting with energy and he loves to run and pull, and dog scootering is the perfect sport for him. Codi is harnessed onto the scooter, this makes him work harder than with just a standard lead, this gives him more freedom which is always good to see, and it’s great that we don’t have to control him by tugging on the lead.

How we Introduced Codi to Scootering

The first time we introduced the scooter to Codi was after he was 1 and when he was in his prime. Firstly it was important for us as the owners to get used to how the scooter rides and to generally get a feel for it so we were confident enough to ride. Then we began with the small steps to get Codi used to it, we then started with small trips and we found that someone running beside him really encourage him to get running. He loved his first lesson!

Now, It takes no encouragement at all, he’s like PRO

So as a special treat we decided to take Codi to the Trans Pennine Trail this weekend, the long and straight paths are a perfect location. We fitted his harness (after 5 minutes of an over excited jumping Codi, we managed to calm him down) we were ready to go, and after a few backwards looks from Codi as if to say “Come on! What are we waiting for” my dad let out a great big “Hike” and in a split second he was off bombing down the path like a lightning bolt. It was fantastic to see him run so fast, and so free. Huskies love working in teams but seeing Codi pulling my dad along really did show the bond between a man and his dog.

When Codi got home he tucked into a nice bowl of his new favourite dog food, Burgess Supadog -Scottish Salmon and Rice and accompanied by a big bowl of water, I can safely say he was one tired Dog!

Hi, my name is Steph, and I’m the latest member of the Burgess Pet Care online marketing team.  I’m a huge animal lover and the proud owner of a 5 year old Siberian husky named Codi.  Siberian huskies’ are renowned for their huge personalities and Codi is no exception. He spends a large amount of time playing (most of the time getting up to mischief) being groomed (Oh! to have the life of a dog!) and begging for dog treats. Puppy dog eyes are surely familiar to anyone who owns a dog!

Making a Dog a new addition the family wasn’t a decision that could be made over night, as there are so many things that we needed to take into consideration first. For example, would we able to give the dog plenty of exercise? Could we figure out a schedule around our working lives so that the dog wouldn’t be left alone for long periods of time? We knew from past experience that a new dog would need time to settle in to our home and we wanted to ensure the experience was completely stress-free.  Fortunately for my family there is someone at home during the day, so we could be confident that our new four legged friend would not be left for prolonged periods of time.

After a lot of planning we decided that we wanted to rescue a Siberian husky, as there are many huskies that are abandoned or given away because people don’t realise how much hard work goes into looking after them. As a family we are very familiar with dogs and felt confident that this breed was right for us.

Huskies like being part of a pack and this is what we love about this particular breed of dog; being part of the pack means being part of the family. Huskies need loads of exercise as they are big dogs but this is fine because all of my family are extremely active and love going on long walks and runs all over Yorkshire. This ensures that we have plenty of time and energy as a family to exercise such a high maintenance dog.

After doing our research into the huskie’s behaviour we discovered that they make ‘scrapes’ which are shallow holes that they dig in the wild to keep themselves warm. We had to prepare ourselves for Codi doing this in our garden, so we expected holes to be dug out all over the place! We also had to take into consideration the cost of owning such a breed; we wanted to get him micro chipped and had to think about the cost of vets bills, food, toys and grooming.

When we rescued Codi he was just over a year old, and he was quite a reserved and quiet dog. We expected it to take quite a while for him settle into our family, but it was surprising that it only took a few days for him to feel comfortable. Before long we had a content and happy companion.

Codi has been with us for four years now and is a real part of the family. We get up to some fantastic adventures and every week I will update you with some of the highlights.

So for this week “Goodbye” from myself and Codi!

A-List Celebrities And Their Pets Applaud The UK’s Top Animal Rescue Centres

A whole host of celebrities and their famous furries descended on Westminster to join and honour their less fortunate furry friends at the star-studded Wetnose Burgess Rescue Awards 2011.

Celebrities including Queen’s Brian May, actor Martin Clunes and TV presenter Anthea Turner, played second fiddle to those at the event who have gone over and above the call of duty to rescue less fortunate animals, and of course a host of saved animals and pets including dogs, donkeys and rabbits.

Founded by not-for-profit organisation Wetnose Animal Aid, the annual star-studded Wetnose Burgess Rescue Awards recognises the valuable and tireless work of small, independent rescue centres that help abandoned animals in the UK and overseas. The event also seeks to raise awareness of the fantastic job centres do in rescuing, caring for and re-homing thousands of unwanted and abandoned animals, whilst honouring the hardworking individuals who devote their time to helping thousands of animals in need.

Winners at the event included:

-       Best dog rescue centre – Lizzie’s  Barn Animal Sanctuary in Wales

-       Best cat rescue centre – Chestnut Cat Rescue in Essex

-       Best small animal (rodent) centre – Herts Hogline in Hertfordshire.

-       Best ‘fibrevore’ rescue centre (rabbit/guinea/chinchilla) – Fat Fluffs Rabbit Rescue in Solihull.

-       Best greyhound rescue centre – Celia Cross Greyhound Rescue in Surrey

-       Best horse rescue centre – Remus Horse Memorial Sanctuary in Surrey

-       Best rescue story – Penny (dog) – case study below

-       Best rescue pet – Blue the Border Collie – case study below

Lizzie's Barn Animal Sanctuary were awared Best Dog Rescue

There were also additional special recognition awards for the following organisations:

-       Joint winners of the Police dog of the year – Jasper and Cain from the Cumbrian Police Force

-       National Dog Team  – UK Border Control Dogs

-       Boon Lott Elephants in Thailand  - Elephant Rescue Centre

-       Ace Animal Care in Egypt Presented by Martin Clunes

-       Lifetime achievement award for Virginia McKenna,  Founder – Born Free Foundation in Africa, presented by Brian May (Queen)

Brian May presents Virginia McKenna with the Lifetime Achievement Award

Andrea Gamby-Boulger, director of Wetnose Animal Aid, says: “Sadly every year thousands of animals are left abandoned, putting their lives in danger.

“The Wetnose Burgess Rescue Awards are truly unique and give a platform to recognise and celebrate the wonderful work and achievements of independent rescue centres. Many of these organisations are often overshadowed by the larger, well-known centres that receive more donations and legacies from the general public – but their work is no less vital.

Our national awards are a great way to showcase the big difference the UK’s rescue centres make to the lives and wellbeing of animals.”

Celebrity supporter of the awards and an avid animal campaigner, Brian May, adds: “The awards are an important part of the growing movement to give animals the respect we need to learn to give them.  It is a moral necessity to change our attitudes to the other creatures on this planet, just as it was a moral necessity to abolish slavery and the very future of the human race depends on making this change in our behaviour. I am honoured to be a part of the Wetnose Burgess Awards ceremony.”

Headline sponsor Burgess Pet Care, one of the UK’s leading producers of high quality pet foods, is giving out awards for the best rescue centre story, best rescue pet and the coveted award for best overall UK small independent rescue centre.

Naomi Chatterley, marketing manager at Burgess Pet Care and sponsor of the awards, comments: “We are delighted to support and be involved in the Wetnose Burgess Rescue Awards and fully support their aims and ethos. We are a company of pet lovers and owners who are committed to helping and supporting rescue centres and their valuable work, through our ‘Forever Promise’. Consisting of a number of initiatives, this promise includes our rescue loyalty scheme, which aims to help rescues with food so that they can spend money on other essential areas in helping pets find their forever homes.”

For further information on the Wetnose Burgess Rescue Awards 2011 visit www.wetnoseanimalaid.com or for further details on Burgess Pet Care, its ranges and the work it does with rescue centres across the country visit www.burgesspetcare.co.uk

CASE STUDIES

PENNY – WINNER OF BEST RESCUE STORY

Penny’s story touches the heart of everybody that meets her; she fell pregnant and was tied underneath a caravan and deserted. Managing to free herself, Penny then tried to find somewhere safe to have her puppies however got caught and unfortunately lost her leg. Despite this horrific experience and treatment by humans, her owner Ellen describes Penny as extremely trusting, loving and affectionate. She says she has a therapeutic effect on her and her life and taking her into their family is the best thing she has ever done.

Penny with Martin Clunes and her trophy

Upon meeting Penny her happiness is clear, and it seems her unfortunate life experience is long behind her thanks to the help of rescue centres and loving owners like Jonathan and Ellen. Undeniably, Penny thoroughly deserved the award of best rescue story at The Wetnose Burgess Rescue Awards.

BLUE – WINNER OF BEST RESCUE PET

When Karen was asked to assist in rescuing a Border Collie that had been neglected by its owners, he had no idea that it would result in him gaining a new pet.

Blue had been kept in an overgrown shed for the past eight years and it had become so overgrown that it was practically inaccessible. After bathing Blue, she took him to a veterinary dental surgery. After a series of blood tests, Blue was surprisingly deemed as healthy despite his eight year stint locked in the garden shed. Although his teeth needed work, as he had staples stuck in his gums from trying to gnaw himself out of the shed. After having 14 teeth out and several splinters removed from his front legs, Blue’s recovery was swift despite his obvious pain.

Blue, with his award, Anthea Turner and Brian May

However, 13 months later Blue collapsed due to a suspected Splenetic tumour that the vets indicated could potentially be cancerous. At his age this was not a good prognosis, but Karen gave the go ahead for the operation and said goodbye in anticipation for the worst. Blue actually had a cyst and, after having a huge 60% of his liver removed, he quickly recovered to the amazement of everyone around him.

Blue was the winner of the best rescue pet award at The 2011 Wetnose Burgess Rescue Awards.

We would like to thank all those who entered, and for their tireless work at rescue centres throughout the UK.

Thanks to all who made the day a great success!

Have you found us on Facebook or Twitter yet? We are growing our online community, where you can catch up with the latest news from Burgess Pet Care, join in with some great competitions and benefit from all our latest offers.

Throughout December we would like you to count down to a Supa Christmas with us and each week we will be running a competition where you can win treats and food for your pet. The first winners have already been chosen and they will be receiving a selection of Supadog Snacks and our tasty new Supaferret specialist ferret food.

Merry and Pippin were chosen as week 1 winners for this snowy pic

Want to join in the fun? You can find us by visiting http://www.facebook.com/burgesspetcare and http://twitter.com/BurgessPetCare. We look forward to welcoming you onboard!

Beavis wins a selection of Supadog treats for this photo