Mystery illness has struck the Queen’s Sandringham estate.

Paul | blog | January 4, 2011

Six dogs died and more than 30 were left fighting for life with a mystery illness that has struck the Queen’s Sandringham estate.

The Queen asked the Animal Health Trust (AHT) to carry out an investigation into the vomiting bug after the Royal estate received complaints of pets being struck down after walking there.

Results reveal that 37 dogs were taken ill after walks on the estate. Three died and another three were put down as they were in such pain.

The pets suffered symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy during the late summer and early autumn.

Since then notices have been put up advising people not to walk their dogs.

The Queen takes her corgis to the estate when she stays there for Christmas – although Buckingham Palace refused to discuss whether she has been walking them or taking any additional precautions.

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Happy Christmas

Paul | blog | December 25, 2010

Happy Christmas to one and all from all at Pedigreedogs.ie

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PBNR

Paul | blog | December 23, 2010

Pure Bred Non Registered (Or in some cases Pure BREAD Non Registered)

It’s a term or abbreviation we are all well aware of and see more than ever on most of the dog adverts on the general and most dog classified sites.

It is then normally followed by “hence the price”

Some of the adverts will advertise a pup for say Euro 200 non registered or Euro 350 registered

Let’s break down the cost of registering a pup

My Vet charges Euro 25.00 to microchip a pup

The Irish Kennel Club charges Euro 13.00 to register a single pup

Euro 38.00 so far…

You have to be an associate member of The Irish Kennel Club (IKC) to register, and the annual fee for this is a whopping Euro 10.00 or Euro 100.00 for life membership

I think you could be safe to say that Euro 50.00 would cover you handsomely to register a pup with the IKC, which is after all the recognised body for the registration of Dogs in Ireland, as well as Internationally recognised.

Some people will say that it’s only a piece of paper, but so is the service history on a second hand car or the deeds of a house.

I wish that the people selling the PBNR dogs at cut down prices would stop trying to dupe potential buyers into thinking that it’s the registration costs that stop them from registering their litters….There may be OTHER reasons why they don’t !!!

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Pedigree Dogs Vet – Introducing New Pets

Paul | blog | December 22, 2010

Although it is not recommended, many families decide to get puppies and kittens for Christmas. You should try to get new pets a few weeks before or after Christmas so that they aren’t overwhelmed with all of the Christmas day activity. Here are a few tips to make your new addition feel welcome over the holiday period, particularly if you already have a dog or cat.

First and foremost, it is important to assess the temperament, health, and age of your existing pets. If you have an aggressive dog, it may not be advisable to get another pet because the newcomer will be ‘invading’ your dog’s personal space. An older, arthritic dog might not tolerate a bouncy puppy. Older cats may start to go to the toilet in inappropriate places after another cat is introduced to the household. They might also disappear for a few weeks.

Second, make sure you are able to accommodate a new pet. You should have a separate pen, room, or crate for giving the newcomer its own space. This will make the introduction easier because your original pet will not feel as threatened. Before the arrival of your new pet, buy separate food dishes, toys, and a bed. Not all dogs like to share and can become quite aggressive if a puppy eats out of its dish or takes its toys.

Third, pace introductions one step at a time. When introducing a new dog, make sure that you do so on neutral ground, such as a park. If you get a new kitten, keep it in a separate room for a few weeks, so that you’re existing cat gets used to the smell, then introduce the kitten gradually. If you get a rescued animal, be particularly careful, because it could have been abused previously, and its behaviour may be unpredictable. You should leave a new pet alone for a while to explore its new surroundings. Also let the animal come to you for attention, instead of actively seeking it out.

Finally, pay attention to both new and established pets. You should spend time with each one individually. Initially walk and play with them separately. If your older dog feels that your new dog or puppy is getting more attention, the older dog may direct its jealousy towards the new dog. It is possible that no matter what you do, your pets will not get along. If that is the situation, contact your veterinarian for alternatives. In most cases, however, following the above advice will lead to a happy outcome.

For further enquiries, please phone 045 480 478 or www.animalsfirst.ie
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Pedigree Dogs – Our Aims

Paul | blog | December 21, 2010

In the about section on www.pedigreedogs.ie you will find the following excerpt

Every ad that relates to actual dogs, must be accompanied by a photo that promotes responsible dog ownership, showing dogs of good health, and ones that are kept in suitable conditions.

When talking to people about the site I advise the above and always use the phrase, a picture tells a thousand words

I think the following sums that up….

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How do you choose your vet ?

Elaine | blog | December 20, 2010

I came across this statement the other day..

“When you choose your vet, you should take as much care as you would selecting your family physician or specialist.”

I used the same criteria when I chose the Vet that we still attend since we got the first dog of our own over 9 years ago.

There are plenty of veterinary practices on our door step, but we choose to travel approx 40 minutes to ours.

We came across the practice by word of mouth, and have never been disappointed with the service we receive. In fact it is somewhat like therapy, as we always come away feeling much better than when we arrive, no matter what the purpose of our visit is.

I think that over the last 20 years dog ownership in Ireland has changed immensely, and with the arrival of the Celtic Tiger, that has long since departed for sunnier climes, people had more disposable cash, and went from keeping a mixed breed dog chained up with a barrel of straw for shelter, to suddenly wanting a St Bernard or Newfoundland.

We have all seen what the lack of research into a particular breed results in, ad’s on websites like, genuine reason for selling – garden to small, or can’t give the dog the attention it deserves.

I’ve also seen plenty of posts on forums where people moan about the service they get from a Vet….Maybe these owners should think about the above statement and do a little research, but if they don’t research the breed they have before buying, somehow I doubt they will.

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“Hello I’d like to report a dangerous dog”

John | blog | December 19, 2010

Caller: “Hello I’d like to report a dangerous dog”

County Council: “OK – Tell me about it”

Caller: “I have just been out walking and was followed by a dog that was off lead, and was walking up behind me,bearing it’s teeth and growling”

County Council: “Was the owner of the dog near by ?”

Caller: “No – nowhere to be seen, but I know where the dog is from”

County Council: “OK in that case you will have to write in to us about the incident,we will then bring the incident to the attention of the owner, and if they deny it you can start court proceedings, would you be willing to give evidence in court ?”

Blah, Blah, Blah….

Wouldn’t you think that the first thing to do would go and remove the dog from the current ownership / situation whereby it is left free to wander, in case it may happen to BITE somebody God forbid !?

Maybe even just call out to them and caution them and see if they have a current license.

I wonder what European best practices are for instances like this, or could this only happen in Ireland ?

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Boxer

Paul | blog | December 18, 2010

ORIGIN : Germany.

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE ORIGINAL VALID STANDARD : 01.04.2008.

UTILIZATION : Companion, Guard and Working Dog.

CLASSIFICATION F.C.I. :Group 2 Pinscher and Schnauzer- Molossoid breeds- Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs.
Section 2.1 Molossoid breeds, mastiff type.
With working trial.

BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY : The small, so called Brabant Bullenbeisser is regarded as the immediate ancestor of the Boxer. In the past, the breeding of these Bullenbeissers was in the hands of the huntsmen, whom they assisted during the hunt. Their task was to seize the game put up by the hounds and hold it firmly until the huntsman arrived and put an end to the prey. For this job the dog had to have jaws as wide as possible with widely spaced teeth, in order to bite firmly and hold on tightly. A Bullenbeisser which had these characteristics was best suited to this job and was used for breeding. Previously, only the ability to work and utilization were considered. Selective breeding was carried out which produced a dog with a wide muzzle and an upturned nose.

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Spin 103.8 The Spin

Paul | blog | December 17, 2010

Got a phone call this AM from the above Dublin based radio station as their show today was about people not picking up after their dogs.

They came across my blog post last Tuesday about the topic. Check out the podcast when availble on spin1038.com

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On the Dog !, you spent how much ??

Paul | blog | December 17, 2010

Astonishingly, people are now spending more on their pets than they are on their children.

I read the above on a blog over the W/E..

This is of course in America, and does take into consideration the buying of pet food combined with toys and treats etc.

In the same article it went on to say that some people would be up in arms over people buying pets presents at this time of the year when over half of the worlds population is below the poverty line.

Pets, and in our case, dogs in particular bring so much into our lives, in return for bed and board. In the past I have “splashed” out on new beds etc when the need arose, but have been on the quiet side when it comes to buying our dogs gifts.

When I stop to think about what our lives would be with out our canine companions, maybe I for one will have a re think on my attitude to this subject, and go on line or pop down to my local maxi zoo and pop something small in their stocking this festive season. Iit could of course be a training tool like a kong or something that will only enhance your relationship !

And after all they are more deserving of a gift than half the people we end up buying for, don’t you reckon ??

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Hello, Can you help me it’s an EMERGENCY !

John | blog | December 16, 2010

Hello Can you help me it’s an EMERGENCY

Although the majority of calls received by the RSPCA are serious, they occasionally wander into the “weird to the wonderful” territory. With this in mind, the charity has revealed its Top 10 funny phone calls, all of which were received in the last 12 months:

Top 10 funny phone calls

* A lady called the charity’s emergency phone line to ask which bus she needed to catch to visit Putney animal hospital.
* Someone called to report a cat stuck on a roof, which turned out to be a satellite dish.
* A woman asked call centre staff to speak to her husband as he was refusing to get out of bed and walk the dog.
* A very unhappy woman called to say that a cat had been abandoned in her garden, but called back to say it was, in fact, a surprise present from her husband.
* One lady called to request that a branch be opened up as she had left her hearing aid there.
* A caller asked to borrow a cat from one of the charity’s centres. She didn’t actually want a cat but she had a problem with mice in her house.
* A woman called to say there was something in her bathroom, but she was unsure whether it was a hamster or a spider.
* An RSPCA inspector went out to an incident following reports that a cat had been found under a bush. It turned out to be a jumper with a reindeer print on it.
* The charity was asked to help solve a neighbourly dispute as someone wanted to stop nearby residents talking to the postman, because it was causing her dog to bark.
* A displeased shopper called to ask how she could make sure she only bought milk from happy cows.

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Pedigreedogs.ie

Paul | blog | December 15, 2010

Buy or Sell a dog in Ireland ? ” Pedigreedogs.ie it’s Irelands # 1 online classifieds for buying or selling your Pedigree Dog. So if you are looking to Buy or Sell a dog in Ireland, that is registered with the Irish Kennel Club or Kennel Club (London) you have come to the right site ”

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Pedigree Dogs Vet – Christmas Hazards

Paul | blog | December 15, 2010

Tis the season to be jolly’ — and to keep our pets safe over the holidays. There are many surprising hazards in the home now, such as certain foods, Christmas trees and decorations, and even visitors. Here are few tips to keep your pet safe.Holiday foods are the biggest hazard for our beloved pets. Most are rich in fat, which can cause severe intestinal upset, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Fat-rich foods can also cause life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas. Chocolate and alcoholic beverages are severely toxic to dogs and cats. Symptoms can range from vomiting and diarrhoea to muscles tremors, unconsciousness, and death. It is vital to tell family members and guest not to give your pets anything from the table before, during, or after dinner!Christmas trees present dangers too. They are tempting objects for cats to climb, and their decorations attract both dogs and cats. Trees can be knocked over easily by pets, so make sure your tree is secure. Decorations can be lethal because cats will play with and eat string-like decorations, which can cause intestinal blockage. Dogs may mistake glass balls for playthings and chomp down on them, cutting their mouth and digestive tract. Cords from lights are also tempting objects to chew. This can cause electric shock, burns to the mouth and tongue, and most importantly, fires. Dogs may also decide to unwrap and chew presents under the tree. And dogs that eat real or fake Christmas trees can get stomach upset and intestinal blockage. Prevent unwanted surprises — keep your pets away from the Christmas tree, lights, and presents. Other holiday plants can also be toxic to dogs and cats. If your pet chews on the leaves of poinsettia or mistletoe, it may start to drool or have mouth pain. In severe cases, vomiting and even death can result. Prepare for the arrival of guests by setting aside a room for your pet to prevent it from getting stressed by all the activity or running out an open door. When things have settled down, you can then bring your pet out to introduce it to everyone. If you follow these simple tips, everyone can have a safe and happy holiday. Nevertheless, have your vet’s number near the phone in case of an emergency.For further enquiries, please phone 045 480 478

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Poop Scoop Detective

Paul | blog | December 14, 2010

In the current economic climate, why dont local councils in Ireland adopt a similar strategy to the one listed below ?

We all see notices up when out walking our dogs about on the spot fines for dog fouling, but can you tell me if you know of anyone that has actually been issued with the same?

Where I live we don’t have a regular dog warden…Who is policing this policy ???

Needles to say some of the paths I wander are used morning an evening for dogs to empty on and I’m yet to have seen a warden spring from the bushes to catch the perpetrator…

Having said that even if the owner did scoop afterwards, there are no bins provided to discard in.

What’s it like in your locality ??

“Town hall chiefs in Manchester have launched an undercover squad of ‘dog dirt detectives’ to crack down on the menace of fouling.

Under the cover of darkness plain clothed officers from Oldham council are stalking the borough’s parks, streets and open spaces armed with a keen eye and a fixed penalty notice book. And if they spot anyone failing to clear up their pet, they pounce. The patrols, introduced earlier this year, have so far caught 52 offenders.

Each is hit with a £50 fine which is raised to £80 if it is not paid within ten days. If anyone fails to pay they are prosecuted.”

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Something to look forward to ??

Joe | blog | December 13, 2010

With the new legislation due to take affect in Ireland re the Dog Breeding Establishment Bill, what are the chances of the case stated below happening here ?

TULSA, Oklahoma — Animal rescue groups say new puppy mill regulations that are set to take effect in January are already having a big impact, and not in a good way.

Breeders are dumping extra pups in an effort to bypass the laws. The new rules will only apply to breeders who own 11 or more breeding females. So to stay underneath the threshold, puppy mills are abandoning dogs by the truck load.

One hundred and twenty unwanted dogs from a puppy mill were dropped off with rescue groups. The Animal Rescue Foundation says owners either want out of business or just want to comply with the pending legislation.

“They were terrified of walking on solid ground. Because they are used to being in cages and things of that nature,” said Jennifer Murray, City Vet Hospital.

“It’s difficult to say what the puppy mill has done is right at all,” Murray said. “But it is better that they are getting rescued instead of continuing with their life stuck in a cage.”

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Greyhound

Paul | blog | December 11, 2010

ORIGIN : Great Britain.

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE ORIGINAL VALID STANDARD : 24.06.1987.

UTILIZATION : Sighthound.

CLASSIFICATION F.C.I. :Group 10 Sighthounds.
Section 3 Short-haired Sighthounds.
Without working trial.

GENERAL APPEARANCE : Strongly built, upstanding, of generous proportions, muscular power and symmetrical formation, with long head and neck, clean well laid shoulders, deep chest, capacious body, arched loin, powerful quarters, sound legs and feet, and a suppleness of limb, which emphasise in a marked degree its distinctive type and quality.

BEHAVIOUR / TEMPERAMENT : Possessing remarkable stamina and endurance. Intelligent, gentle, affectionate and even tempered.

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Christmas Cards

Paul | blog | December 10, 2010

If you are buying Christmas Cards this year, please try and support a local charity…

I got some lovely ones from DAWG Cork.. www.dogactionwelfaregroup.ie

Best regards
Paul Barry
Pedigreedogs.ie

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Hair of the dog that bit me

Joe | blog | December 10, 2010

Following on from yesterday’s blog…and the Christmas party scene is well under way…

I’m sure that a lot of people will wake up with the hangover of all hangovers.

There are plenty of remedies to soothe the same on offer, some home made and some off the shelf or over the counter..

Maybe we should take a leaf out of our ancestors book and try the “Hair of the dog that bit me”

Fighting a hangover by drinking “the hair of the dog that bit you” may have originated in an ancient belief that ingesting the hair of a dog that literally bit you could guard against infection.

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Pedigree Dogs Vet – RESPONSIBLE DOG BREEDING

Paul | blog | December 8, 2010

There are many aspects to being a responsible dog breeder. These range from appropriate housing and feeding, to vet checks and vaccinations for puppies going to new homes, to mating only bitches that are neither too young nor too old to bear litters. Another aspect to being a responsible dog breeder is testing for genetic diseases, and obtaining hip and elbow scores before breeding any dog or bitch. By breeding from animals free from heritable genetic diseases and low hip scores, it will help to eliminate certain genetic diseases, such as hip dysplasia, certain eye diseases, bleeding disorders, and various heart diseases.

There are over 300 genetic diseases affecting dogs today. Many of them are minor and can be corrected, such as umbilical hernias, tooth misalignments, and inverted eyelids. Other diseases, such as hip dysplasia, and eye disease are much more serious.

Genetic diseases can manifest themselves at any stage of a dog’s life. For example, hip dysplasia is commonly diagnosed by veterinary surgeons in dogs that are 6 to12 months of age. Quite often, heart diseases are present at birth and can cause sudden death or stunted growth in puppies. Heart disease can also be diagnosed in older dogs, e.g. Cavalier King Charles with mitral valve disease, or Great Dane with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Because many genetic diseases are specific to certain breeds, your dogs can possibly be tested for some of them. You can also have your dogs’ hips scored by your veterinary surgeon. The procedure involves sedation, and the resultant x-rays are sent to a panel for scoring. You should only breed from dogs that are below the breed average. For breeds in which the incidences of hip dysplasia are high (Basset Hounds and Labradors, for example), you should also tell people buying your puppies to restrict exercise and to limit jumping and stair-climbing until puppies are 18 months old. Also, these puppies benefit from a complete, meat-based super-premium dry dog food with no supplementation.

To diagnose other genetic diseases, blood tests and cheek swabs are required. At present, tests exist for about 20 genetic diseases. The DNA from the samples is analysed by specific laboratories. If results read normal or clear, meaning the dog is not a carrier of the disease. A dog that is a carrier can pass the disease to the offspring; these dogs should only be bred to dogs that are normal or clear, thus greatly increasing the chances of puppies free from disease. Dogs actively affected by a genetic disease should not be bred from under any circumstances.

As a responsible breeder, you should also keep records and stay in contact with people who have purchased puppies from you. You should check to see if any of the puppies have developed a genetic disease, and then act accordingly to ensure that these puppies are not bred.

For further enquiries, please phone 045 480 478 or www.animalsfirst.ie
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