Latest news with #Labradors
Scottish Sun
13 hours ago
- General
- Scottish Sun
I'm a vet – here's the five dog breeds that shed the most and how to avoid a hairy home
Scroll down to see the top five offenders PET HATE I'm a vet – here's the five dog breeds that shed the most and how to avoid a hairy home DOG and cat owners are daft about their furry friends. But many have one big pet hate - how much fur they leave all over your home. Advertisement 2 Cleaning up after your pet doesn't have to be a chore A recent survey by Vileda revealed that three in five women would rather share the sofa with a pet than their partner when watching telly. But with many households struggling to keep on top of cleaning up after their fluffy friends, one pet expert has revealed the top shedding breeds that will wreak havoc in your home. Vileda, the expert cleaning brand behind the Pet Pro range, has teamed up with pet expert, and influencer, Cat The Vet to spill the beans on the breeds most likely to leave your home covered in fluff. Cat said: "Unless you've got a non-shedding dog breed like a poodle cross, you'll know all about the pet hair struggle. Advertisement "While some breeds shed all year round, for most, their coats change with the seasons." She adds: "Did you know that how much your dog sheds is all down to their genes? "Some breeds are seasonal shedders, losing their coats twice a year in a big 'blow out' – think Akitas and Huskies. Others, like Labradors, shed non-stop!" Coming top of the list of doggy offenders are Labradors. These gorgeous dogs have a dense undercoat and a thicker outer coat. Advertisement This allows them to regulate their body temperature - but also means they have lots more fur to shed. In second place is German Shepherds which also have a double coat. They tend to shed their coat fully twice a year, in spring and autumn. The Supervet's Noel Fitzpatrick reveals how a dog exposed man's affair in the most astonishing way Meanwhile, third on the ranking is an Akita. Another double coated dog, they tend to leave clumps of fair coloured hair during the main shedding season. But don't throw in the towel if you're struggling to win the battle against fur and dander. Advertisement Cleaning expert Clare Bolland, from Vileda, has some brilliant hacks to keep your home gleaming, even with the fluffiest of breeds. She says: "On average, we spend more than four hours a week on cleaning tasks caused by our pets and 35 per cent of pet owners admitted they underestimated how much cleaning they'd have to do before getting their pet. "But there are loads of handy hacks to make cleaning quicker and easier – leaving you more quality time to spend with your pet.' Advertisement Brush them OUTSIDE Clare warns: "Brushing your dog or cat regularly will seriously cut down on indoor shedding – and the trick is to do it outdoors. "Take them into the garden at least once per week to brush their coat. "Doing this inside might not seem like a big problem, but fine hairs will be dispersed in your home – then settling and creating more work to clean up later.' Fur-free forty winks Clare said: "We love our pets so much that 79 per cent of us let them sleep in our beds. Advertisement "But here's the main tip: change your bedding every three to four days. Even if your dog or cat looks clean, they'll bring dirt and debris into your bed that hides in their fur or on their paws. That ends up on your sheets, pillows, and duvet cover." Stray pet hairs will cling to your bedding and fabric headboards. The expert added: "Leave it too long and it can become trapped inside your pillows, duvet, and mattress, making it even more difficult to remove later down the line." Her secret weapon is Vileda's Pet Pro Electrostatic Brush - which you can keep in your bedside drawer. Advertisement Clare says: "A quick once-over of your bed each morning removes pet hair in minutes, so you can enjoy plenty of cuddles from your furry friend every night. And give your duvet and pillows a good shake when you change your bedding to stop fur getting embedded." TOP SHEDDING OFFENDERS HERE are the top offenders according to the pet experts: Top five dog breeds for shedding: Labradors German shepherds Akitas Huskies Basset hounds Top 5 cat breeds for shedding: Maine Coon Long haired moggy Short haired moggy Ragdoll Persian Make cleaning a BREEZE The expert said: "Having the right products on hand is vital to streamline your cleaning routine. "We designed the Vileda Pet Pro Always Clean Broom for ultimate ease and speed. Its rubber bristles attract and collect dirt and pet hair from any floor type – including hard floors, carpets and rugs. "The angled bristles make it quicker to reach and clean corners, and it's easy to clean: simply rinse it under the tap after use.' Advertisement
The Irish Sun
13 hours ago
- General
- The Irish Sun
I'm a vet – here's the five dog breeds that shed the most and how to avoid a hairy home
DOG and cat owners are daft about their furry friends. But many have one big pet hate - how much fur they leave all over your home . 2 Cleaning up after your pet doesn't have to be a chore A recent survey by women would rather share the sofa with a pet than their partner when watching telly. But with many households struggling to keep on top of cleaning up after their fluffy friends, one pet expert has revealed the top shedding breeds that will wreak havoc in your home. Vileda, the expert cleaning brand behind the Cat said: "Unless you've got a non-shedding dog breed like a poodle cross, you'll know all about the pet hair struggle. READ MORE IN FABULOUS "While some breeds shed all year round, for most, their coats change with the seasons." She adds: "Did you know that how much your dog sheds is all down to their genes? "Some breeds are seasonal shedders, losing their coats twice a year in a big 'blow out' – think Akitas and Huskies. Others, like Labradors, shed non-stop!" Coming top of the list of doggy offenders are Labradors. These gorgeous dogs have a dense undercoat and a thicker outer coat. Most read in Fabulous This allows them to regulate their body temperature - but also means they have lots more fur to shed. In second place is German Shepherds which also have a double coat. They tend to shed their coat fully twice a year, in spring and autumn . The Supervet's Noel Fitzpatrick reveals how a dog exposed man's affair in the most astonishing way Meanwhile, third on the ranking is an Akita. Another double coated dog, they tend to leave clumps of fair coloured hair during the main shedding season. But don't throw in the towel if you're struggling to win the battle against fur and dander. Cleaning expert Clare Bolland, from Vileda, has some brilliant hacks to keep your home gleaming, even with the fluffiest of breeds. She says: "On average, we spend more than four hours a week on cleaning tasks caused by our pets and 35 per cent of pet owners admitted they underestimated how much cleaning they'd have to do before getting their pet. "But there are loads of handy hacks to make cleaning quicker and easier – leaving you more quality time to spend with your pet.' Brush them OUTSIDE Clare warns: "Brushing your dog or cat regularly will seriously cut down on indoor shedding – and the trick is to do it outdoors. "Take them into the garden at least once per week to brush their coat. "Doing this inside might not seem like a big problem, but fine hairs will be dispersed in your home – then settling and creating more work to clean up later.' Fur-free forty winks Clare said: "We love our pets so much that 79 per cent of us let them sleep in our beds. "But here's the main tip: change your bedding every three to four days. Even if your dog or cat looks clean, they'll bring dirt and debris into your bed that hides in their fur or on their paws. That ends up on your sheets, pillows, and duvet cover." Stray pet hairs will cling to your bedding and fabric headboards. The expert added: "Leave it too long and it can become trapped inside your pillows, duvet, and mattress, making it even more difficult to remove later down the line." Her secret weapon is Clare says: "A quick once-over of your bed each morning removes pet hair in minutes, so you can enjoy plenty of cuddles from your furry friend every night. And give your duvet and pillows a good shake when you change your bedding to stop fur getting embedded." TOP SHEDDING OFFENDERS HERE are the top offenders according to the pet experts: Top five dog breeds for shedding: Labradors German shepherds Akitas Huskies Basset hounds Top 5 cat breeds for shedding: Maine Coon Long haired moggy Short haired moggy Ragdoll Persian Make cleaning a BREEZ E The expert said: "Having the right products on hand is vital to streamline your cleaning routine. "We designed the "The angled bristles make it quicker to reach and clean corners, and it's easy to clean: simply rinse it under the tap after use.' 2 The expert says getting the right products is key
Indian Express
7 days ago
- Indian Express
From Hisar's Rambo to Sonipat's Tom, Haryana Police's ‘K9 warriors' set to break records in fight against drugs
From Hisar's Rambo and Hansi's Mahi to Sonipat's Tom and Rony, Haryana Police's well-trained narcotics-detection dogs, termed as its 'K9 warriors', are showing immense results in the state government's ongoing crackdown against narcotics abuse. According to state police force data, in 2025, the dog squad has surpassed all previous records by achieving 'remarkable success' in the anti-drug campaign. 'In the first quarter of the year alone, 28 FIRs were registered with the help of narcotic-detection dogs,' the police said, adding that the Hisar unit's Rambo delivered the best performance by playing a decisive role in several cases. In 2024, the dog squad assisted in registering 28 FIRs, with Mahi from Hansi district achieving the highest success. In 2023, 26 FIRs were registered with the help of the dogs, with Tom from Sonipat contributing significantly. 'The FIRs registered in 2025 so far indicate that this year's performance by the dog squad has been more impactful and extensive than in previous years,' the police said. Rambo, Tom and Mahi are part of the state police force's dog squads, which include 62 dogs trained in narcotics detection. Most of these dogs are Labradors or German Shepherds. Currently, at least one or more narcotics detection dogs are deployed in every district of Haryana. All these dogs undergo intensive training of at least six months, during which they are trained to detect narcotic odours, search suspicious locations, and stay calm and efficient in emergencies. 'The narcotics detection dogs of Haryana Police have become an integral part of our anti-drug strategy. The exceptional sniffing abilities of these trained dogs, combined with the commitment of their handlers, have helped the police resolve several complex cases at the grassroots level. This success is not just of technology but of the unwavering loyalty these dogs show in the field every day,' Shatrujeet Kapur, Director General of Police (DGP), Haryana, said. A special diet chart is prepared for each dog by a veterinarian and followed under the supervision of its handler, DGP Kapur said. 'A narcotics refresher course is conducted every six months at the K-9 centre to retrain the dogs according to the latest trends. Daily morning and evening practice and exercise ensure that their fitness and skills remain sharp,' he added. Each dog is paired with a trained handler who is responsible for everything from its care to maintaining its performance. 'The handler shares an emotional bond with the dog, which enhances their coordination during operations. This teamwork is the real key behind the success of these missions,' DGP Kapur said. 'They may not appear on public platforms, but when it comes to identifying suspicious packages, sealed vehicles, or narcotics hidden in walls, their extraordinary olfactory sense and a mere signal can redirect the entire course of an investigation,' he added. Praising the 'K9 warriors', DGP Kapur said, 'In Haryana Police's ongoing campaign against narcotic substances, while technical tools, human intelligence networks, and legal frameworks play a critical role, there exists a unique unit that reinforces this fight silently, with utmost dedication and efficiency.'
Scottish Sun
24-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
From a poodle with an odd peeing ritual to best reptile for kids – your pet queries answered
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HE is on a mission to help our pets . . . and is here to answer YOUR questions. Sean, who is the head vet at tailored pet food firm has helped with owners' queries for ten years. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Sean McCormack, head vet at promises he can 'help keep pets happy and healthy' 4 Sean helps a reader whose female poodle pees like a boy Credit: Getty Q: MY female dog Petra cocks her leg like a boy when she pees. She's a poodle. Is she an oddball? Shaun Spencer, Burnley, Lancs Sean says: It's not that unusual, really. I see it quite often and generally it's nothing to worry about. Some female dogs just develop the habit of going that way. Others might want to save their undercarriage from getting wet or cold. Some may even have more naturally occurring testosterone than others, which can drive the behaviour. And despite what recent court rulings have suggested, biological female versus biological male are not always clearly defined in the mammal kingdom. I have heard of some cases where a dog is intersex and has both male and female internal equipment. If Petra is straining to urinate or going more often than normal, get her checked out. Otherwise, accept it as a quirk. I'm a property expert, here are the five key things when moving with a pet Q: WHAT is a good starter reptile for children? I have a ten-year-old son Ollie and he's been asking forever to have a snake or lizard. He's sensible. What do you recommend? Kyle Brown, Exmouth, Devon Sean says: The honest answer is there's no perfect choice, because reptiles are pets which require a fair degree of understanding, research, expensive equipment and housing — regardless of species. So I always say if a child wants one, their parents/guardians need to want one, too. It's going to be down to the adult to make sure all of the animal's needs are being met. Saying that, the top four list of species that are robust and suitable for this arrangement include corn snakes, bearded dragons, leopard geckos and crested geckos. Q: HOW do I know if my dog is too fat? Bob is a labrador cross and he is a bit barrel-like. He loves his food and my kids always give him snacks. Does he need to be put on a diet? Someone said you should see the ribs — is that true? Derek Peters, Brighton Sean says: There is a great technique that lets you get hands on to assess any breed of dog called body condition scoring. It looks at three key areas — the ribs, belly and waist — to check if your dog is overweight, underweight or just right. Your vet team can also help you set a target weight for Bob, as even among pedigree Labradors there are all shapes and sizes, let alone with cross breeds. Search for 'body condition scoring on YouTube — you'll find some videos I've made on this topic. This has just made me realise that I have certainly crept up in the body condition score department since I started working at — with a few more grey hairs to boot! Q: I'VE always wanted a pot-bellied pig. Do you think they would make a good pet? Can they be house trained? Sam Bryant, Skegness, Lincs Sean says: Being brutally honest, they make terrible pets for most people, and many who insist on getting one live to regret their decision as they didn't fully understand the commitment, space and care required. Pigs are social animals so you need at least two. They are clean animals, but they dig up and trample the ground so they need a lot of it to prevent their enclosure becoming a muddy quagmire, especially in winter. They also don't toilet train well, so prepare for accidents if they are indoors. Unless you have a smallholding and serious dedication, they are not a great idea as house pets. Star of the week TAYLOR the Labrador has helped his owner to inspire others – and even run her first marathon. The Rev Melissa Carter, 44, a visually impaired runner from Dover, raised money for Guide Dogs, as the three-year-old pup is her fourth dog from the charity as well as her exercise buddy. 4 Taylor the Labrador has helped his owner to inspire others – and even run her first marathon Credit: Supplied Rev Carter, of the diocese of Canterbury, who ran this year's London Marathon in just over five hours said: 'Having Taylor has given me the confidence to go out, work and live life to the full.' She joined her local Snap Fitness in August 2024 to help her train using the motto: 'One step at a time.' Manager Max Brunetti-Leach said: 'Her determination is an inspiration.' WIN: Dog dental kit GIVE your furry friend something to smile about with Plaqtiv+. It's hard to get started with a teeth cleaning regime but keeping on top of oral hygiene with your dog or cat can help avoid health problems. We have five sets of Plaqtiv+ products, worth £65 each, to give away including vanilla and mint-scented oral spray, dental wipes, water additive and toothpaste. To enter, send an email titled Plaqtiv+ to: sundaypets@ by June 15. See T&Cs apply. PROTECT PETS FROM SUN'S HARMFUL RAYS OWNERS are being urged to protect their pets from the sun in a bid to prevent skin cancer. It comes after harmful rays caused the disease in seven-year-old cat Gracie, who then had to have her ears amputated. 4 Seven-year-old cat Gracie had to have her ears amputated due to skin cancer Credit: Supplied If Gracie hadn't had her op, the cancer could have spread and claimed her life. Following treatment, she has now been rehomed. Charities Cats Protection and the RSPCA are warning readers their four-legged friends are also at risk of sunburn and heatstroke. Nikki Butcher, co-ordinator at Cats Protection Bracknell and Wokingham, said: 'We see too many cats suffering from the effects of sun damage and it can be easily prevented. 'Hopefully, Gracie's story will make more pet owners aware of the risks of the sun and save other cats from losing their ears.' Dominika Jagoda, from the RSPCA, added: 'You can use pet-safe sun cream on exposed skin, such as the ears or nose, especially on those with white or light-coloured fur and pale skin, to avoid sunburn.' Cats Protection advises keeping pets indoors between 10am and 3pm, when it's hottest, and providing plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
South Wales Argus
23-05-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
Chepstow puppy Umber wins stud dog title with Guide Dogs
Umber, a black Labrador, has been selected as a stud dog, meaning he will help produce future generations of life-changing puppies. He spent his first year with volunteer puppy raiser Cara Moulton in Chepstow, where his potential as a guide dog dad was quickly spotted. Now 16 months old, he has moved to the Worcester area with Cara's son, Haydn, so he is within easy reach of the Guide Dogs National Centre in Leamington Spa. All three of Cara's guide dog puppies have been black Labradors. The first, Hunter, has gone on to qualify as a guide dog in Cumbria. Her current puppy, Diesel, is also being assessed as a potential stud dog. Cara said: "It is a joy and honour being part of these puppies' lives and helping them become confident, relaxed dogs. "They are all different, but they all love to play and learn and they give us so much back. "We are so proud to have raised Hunter, Umber and Diesel and we are already planning the arrival of the next guide dog puppy." To find out more about volunteering for Guide Dogs, visit
