Latest news with #AxelLagercrantz
BreakingNews.ie
2 days ago
- Climate
- BreakingNews.ie
How to keep dogs safe in hot weather
As temperatures begin to rise, you might be enjoying soaking up all the sunshine – but it's important not to forget about our four-legged friends. Unlike humans, dogs aren't as effective at regulating their body heat, which means it's crucial to take extra precautions and to show them some additional TLC during those uncomfortable sweltering days. Advertisement To help keep your pooch safe and comfortable this summer, we consulted some experts who have shared the following tips… Never leave your dog alone in a car Never leave your dog unattended in a car, even with the windows slightly open (Alamy/PA) 'This is the most common tip that comes to mind when we think of dogs in hot weather,' says Axel Lagercrantz, CEO of Pets4Homes . 'That's because it can and often does have tragic consequences. Temperatures can rise rapidly leading to heatstroke, so don't leave your dog in a hot car, even if you're popping out for five minutes.' Sue Ketland , dog behaviour and training specialist at Woodgreen Pets Charity, agrees and adds: 'Please don't take your dogs out and about in the car unless you absolutely have to. Some people will say, 'but I've got air conditioning in the car' – but what if you break down? What if your air conditioning fails? What if you get stuck in traffic? What if you do have an accident? Some breakdown vehicles won't take dogs in them.' Provide constant access to cool, fresh water Make sure they stay hydrated (Alamy/PA) 'Leave multiple bowls around the house so your dog is never far from a source of hydration,' recommends Lagercrantz. 'If your dog is also playing outside, make sure there is water out there too.' Be extra cautious at the beach or near open water 'Try to keep your dog to shady areas on the beach and make sure you take your own fresh water with you for them to drink,' advises Ketland. 'Also, make sure that you know if the tide is coming in or going out and be aware of how strong the current is. There have been cases where dogs have been swept out to sea or have been taken down a river, so consider keeping your dog on a long-line lead.' Advertisement Don't put a damp towel over your dog in the heat 'Some people put a wet towel over the top of their dog, but that can actually trap the heat underneath, so don't do that,' says Ketland. 'Let them lay on the towel instead.' Adjust your walk to early morning or late evening 'Temperatures tend to get to their most intense between 11am and 3pm,' highlights Lagercrantz. 'So try and adjust your walking schedule to times when temperatures are not peaking, so early morning and evening.' Avoid hot pavements Protect your dog's paws from hot pavements (Alamy/PA) 'Pavements, roads and sand can be very hot in the sun and can burn your dog's pads,' warns Lagercrantz. 'Test the ground with the back of your hand for a few seconds – if it's too hot for you, it's too hot for your dog's paws. Stick to shaded or grassy areas where you can.' Check your home cool 'Keep your doors and windows closed during the day and draw your curtains to keep it shady,' recommends Ketland. 'Have a fan on, consider getting a cool mat and make sure there's multiple bowls of fresh water down. My Golden Retriever loves lying on her cool mat. Advertisement 'You could also set up a paddling pool in a shady area of the garden for your dog.' Adjust how vigorous walks and activities with your dogs are Don't overexert dogs in the heat (Alamy/PA) 'If you usually run or do more vigorous activities with your dog, try to slow down a bit,' suggests Lagercrantz. Ketland recommends avoiding anything that involves really hard running, like the repetitive chasing of balls. 'Young puppies, in particular, can't regulate their body temperatures very well, and dogs don't really know when to stop,' says Ketland. 'If you're chucking a ball around in really hot weather, they will just keep going and going and going until they get to the point of collapse.' Offer frozen treats Advertisement Treat your dog to a doggy ice cream (Alamy/PA) 'Giving your dog ice cubes, frozen treats, or ice lollies made for dogs can keep them hydrated and help cool them down,' says Lagercrantz. Look out for the warning signs 'Dogs that are overheating tend to become restless, find it difficult to settle and pant heavily,' highlights Ketland. 'Their mouths can appear dry, their tongues can start to go a bluey colour and sometimes their eyes will go bloodshot. 'They'll either get to the point of collapse, or in the earlier stages dogs tend to know something's not right and will pace around heavily, panting and will look agitated.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by RSPCA England and Wales (@rspca_official) Contact a vet If you notice your dog is overheating, take immediate action to cool them down and promptly contact a vet. Advertisement 'Get them into the shade and run cold water over their groin area, their armpits and any area where there's heavy blood flow, because we want to cool the blood down,' explains Ketland. 'Then get them to the vets as soon as possible.'
The Independent
21-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
‘Handbag dogs' fall from favour as Brits seek ‘status symbol' breed
The British bulldog has become the UK's most expensive dog breed, with an average puppy price of £1,694, a 20 per cent increase in the last year. "Handbag dogs" like the chihuahua and miniature dachshund are declining in popularity, with a 43 per cent drop in sales. Other breeds which have seen a popularity decrease are the chow chow and labradoodle, which have seen prices fall by 9 to 10 per cent. Viewings of each British bulldog puppy on sale rose by 230 per cent over the past five years. Axel Lagercrantz, chief executive of Pets4Homes, said they were becoming a new 'status symbol'. The RSPCA warns that bulldogs are four times more likely than other dogs to suffer from various diseases and have an average life expectancy of only six years. 'Status symbol' dog becomes the UK's most expensive breed
The Independent
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
‘Status symbol' dog becomes the UK's most expensive breed
The British bulldog is now the nation's most expensive dog breed, according to recent sales figures. Historically bred for bull-baiting, the breed known for its flat face and breathing problems has now become a status symbol in the UK. Online pet marketplace Pets4Homes said new sales figures revealed the average asking price for a puppy stood at £1,694 - a rise of almost 20 per cent in the last year. In second place was the golden retriever, which sold for an average of £1,453, and in third was the boxer at £1,356. Axel Lagercrantz, chief executive of Pets4Homes, said 'handbag dogs' like chihuahuas, French bulldogs and miniature dachshunds are falling out of favour, with sales plummeting by up to 43 per cent. 'Now, the country's affluent buyers have chosen a new status symbol: the stocky, wrinkled and unmistakably British English bulldog,' he said. 'While other flat-faced dogs are officially losing their grip on popularity - sales of pugs and French bulldogs have plummeted by a staggering 50 per cent over the past years - the English bulldog is holding steady. 'This popularity can be explained by their affectionate, courageous, and irresistibly charming nature, making them excellent companions for families and seniors.' Viewings of each British bulldog puppy on sale rose by 230 per cent over the past five years, with a 45 per cent increase in the last year. Other breeds which have seen a popularity decrease were the chow chow, labradoodle, and the dachshund, which have seen prices fall by 9 to 10 per cent. Cavapoos and cockapoos also saw their asking prices fall over the last year. Animal welfare organisations have, however, warned that the British bulldog breed is prone to breathing issues and have urged owners to make sure the breed avoids overexertion and is taken to regular vet checkups. Lauren Bennett of the RSPCA said: 'Bulldogs are four times more likely to suffer from a variety of diseases due to their appearance and the way they have been bred. 'This significantly impacts their health and welfare and means they have an average life expectancy of just six years.'
Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Times
British bulldog becomes most the country's most expensive breed
For generations it has been a waddling, wheezing national mascot, the very embodiment of tenacity and Blitz spirit. But the British bulldog appears to have undergone a makeover. Trading grit for glamour, it has become a four-legged status symbol with a luxury price tag to match. The bulldog is now the UK's most expensive breed, according to recent sales figures, with the average asking price for a puppy standing at £1,694. In second and third place were the golden retriever, at £1,453, and the boxer, at £1,356. According to Axel Lagercrantz, chief executive of Pets4Homes, the online pet marketplace that supplied the data, buyers are eschewing once-trendy 'handbag dogs' — including French bulldogs, pugs and chihuahuas — in favour of the bigger British bulldog. Sales
