Dogs In Lockdown…

✦ Extraordinaril yaswe ease out of lockdown this summer it’s not loo roll, pasta or eggs that’s in short supply – but puppies!

✦ The unprecedented demand for puppies has outstripped Britain’s supply, and enquiries about buying a dog are up 180% on this time last year.

✦ As we acclimatise to a new normal, there are concerns that with dogs now used to having their people at home 24/7, doggy behavioural issues are forecast to soar.

✦ A recent study by the Royal College of Vet Surgeons into the impact of lockdown on dogs shows

Broadcaster and author Anna Webb has studied at the College of Integrated Veterinary Therapies (CIVT). She lives in London with Prudence and Mr Binks.

increased barking is a consistent symptom across the UK, Spain and Italy.

✦ While 60% of owners found their dog a great comfor t during lockdown, 37% said their dogs weren’t coping well, showing signs of nervousness, frustration and attention-seeking. Another 20% admitted giving their dogs more treats!

✦ Summer’s a perfect time to adjust to new routines, rebuild confidence and shed some unwanted lockdown pounds by enjoying the great outdoors.

✦ Take preventative measures against fleas, ticks and biting bugs. Watch out for allergy-causing grasses and grass seeds, which cleverly penetrate through paws and ears for an unwelcome veterinar y emergency.

✦ Every year, dogs die in hot cars despite animal welfare organisations repeatedly stressing to never leave dogs in cars!

✦ When you feel hot, your dog is boiling! Dogs’ body temperature is two degrees higher than ours, exacerbated by fur coats. They only perspire using their tongues and paw pads.

✦ Taking a dip in the sea safely is perfect to cool a hot dog, but be aware when swimming in lakes or ponds that blue algae is potentially toxic to dogs.

✦ For “lockdown pups” – let’s hope they’re staycationing with their owners and haven’t already been abandoned in a shelter after a one-click impulse purchase online.