Every week Ireland exports thousands of puppies abroad, mostly to Britain and Europe. It is something to be ashamed of and we should ban puppy farms.

In 2010 it is time to take action.

What can you do?

• Contact your local political representatives and let them know you support the ban on puppy farms
• Tell your friends on Facebook. Start a group, invite your friends: get active!
• Don’t buy a puppy from the wrong people, you will be supporting the trade. Adopt from a dog sanctuary instead – support your local dog sanctuary.

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Scientists from Edinburgh University, are investigating how diet and exercise influences a Labrador’s susceptibility to illness.

Owners will be encouraged to update a web log detailing exercise routines and eating habits.

Labradors are among the most common breeds of dogs.

Dylan Clements of the Royal School of Veterinary Studies, said the study could enable them to form a picture of how dogs are cared for.

Click here to compare dog insurance in Ireland.

Photo by Aureusbay

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Keeping your pet cool and well looked after in the summertime is as essential as it is any other time of the year, but there are lots of different things you need to think about.

Here are some bite-sized summer pet care tips to help you get an idea:

Water

• Always have plenty of fresh water available for your pets, and keep it topped up throughout the day. Don’t forget to take water with you if you are taking your dog out on a hot day.

Clean

• Keep rabbit hutches clean. Summer brings with a host of problems for rabbits, if their hutches get in a bad condition they will quickly get parasites and infections – including dreaded maggot infestations. Eek.

Heat / Cars

• Never keep your pets/dogs in enclosed spaces like cars. Even a few minutes can be fatal.

You can find lots more tips, including a podcast and PDF summer tips survival guide on the Blue Cross website here.

Looking for pet insurance for your pet? Click here to compare or review pet insurance companies in Ireland.

Photo by >wZa HK

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Rather than buying a dog from a pet shop or breeder, many people choose to adopt a dog from a sanctuary.

Sanctuaries are often at stretching point: full of dogs, critically short of money, staff and resources.

By adopting, you are homing a poor doggy – which means one less mouth for the sanctuary to feed, and the donation it is customary to make will help them carry on doing their wonderful work.

What to consider before of adopting a dog

Just like the purchase of any animal, when adopting a dog you need to bear lots of things in mind. Getting a pet is a BIG commitment on par with having a child!

• Can you properly look after the dog?

You will have to feed, walk and provide living space for the dog’s whole life – not just a few years.

European dogs live on average for 12.8 years (that’s human years not doggy years!).

Dog food is expensive. It is a significant expense on a monthly basis, especially for bigger dogs.

• Do you rent your property?

Some landlords don’t allow pets, and unless you are prepared to break the rules it can take a lot of planning to find somewhere.

Can you guarantee that you will be able to find a pet friendly house for the next 12 years?

Useful article: You can read can read more information about what to consider before buying/adopting a pet here.

Where to adopt a dog

Here is a list of places we know of where you can adopt a dog in Ireland.

Unfortunately it’s not as big as we would like, so if you know of somewhere else do let us know via our contact form.

• Dogsaid
• DSPCA
• Last Hope Animal Charity
• Dogs in Distress
• Lost Dogs
• Blue Cross
• Irish Animals
• Madra
• Pets Ireland Forum
• Rainbow Rehoming
• Collon Animal Sanctuary
• ISPCA
• Wicklow SPCA
• Limerick Animal Welfare
• Friends of Animals Mullingar
• Roscommon Animals

Sponsor a dog

Don’t be put off if you are worried about being able to look after a dog. The alternative to adopting a dog is sponsoring one.

This way you can still really help out dog sanctuaries as  sponsorships and donations are usually their only source of income.

In sponsoring a dog you are helping sanctuaries to rehome more dogs, so it is hugely appreciated.

Contact one of the sites above, or pick from the list below.

Where to sponsor a dog

• Paws.ie
• DSPCA
• Dogs Trust
• Irish Guide dogs for the Blind
• Cork Dog Action Welfare Group
• East Galway Animal Rescue
• ASPCA

Photo copyright BobMarley753

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According to Vicki McGonigal in the Burlington County Times an oral examination should be carried out at least once a year, and teeth should be brushed at least three times a week. Dental chew are also reportedly helpful.

“If teeth become filled with plaque, pets can get periodontal disease. That can lead to kidney, heart, liver and other health problems.”

Read more.

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