Latest news with #pethealth
South China Morning Post
2 days ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Shanghai's Gogogym eyes pet fitness revolution with canine treadmills
China is set to open its first pet gym, which will feature swimming pools, treadmills and fitness coaches. A pet fitness center in Shanghai, called Gogogym, gained popularity online after sharing a video of dogs running on treadmills. Gogogym was created by Heal Petcare, a pet healthcare brand based in Singapore. It is designed specifically for dog health. The facility features four key areas. These include a fitness zone, a spa and rehabilitation area, a massage room and pet retail space. The gym will open in late June and is currently testing operations. According to staff, the goal is to help pets stay active and prevent illness through regular exercise. Professional trainers will also be on-site to create personalised workout plans based on each dog's needs. A job posting from March revealed that the gym is hiring certified pet fitness coaches and therapists. The gym has a preference for candidates experienced in canine rehabilitation or veterinary care. On April 19, Gogogym launched a dog fitness model contest on social media. Staff mentioned that membership prices are still being finalised, but those who attend pre-opening events will get free gym passes.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Limping Golden Retriever Is 'Miraculously Healed' When Given a New Toy
Limping Golden Retriever Is 'Miraculously Healed' When Given a New Toy originally appeared on PetHelpful. If you have kids at home, you know that they sometimes fake being sick or injured to get out of doing something, or more often, for attention. If you have pets at home, you know that they sometimes do the same thing, and for Megan Bartels, an inexpensive toy saved her from a very expensive vet trip when her Golden Retriever faked a leg injury. Megan shared the video towards the end of May, saying that her Golden inexplicably woke up with a limp, and they didn't know why. All he wanted was his favorite stuffed animal and to lay down, with mom doting on him. He was sad and he noticed a $7 toy from TJMaxx that was just for him! Watch on to see what happens next. For some reason, his leg immediately started feeling better and just like that, he was miraculously healed! Megan wasn't too upset - the toy saved her from a $500 vet visit. Isn't it funny how quickly pets (and kids!) feel better when they find something that they want or like?!Viewers got a kick out of the Golden's miraculous recovery and shared some funny stories of their own. @loveunicorns shared, "You can't blame him for being a smart cookie. He loves his momma and he will do anything to have her and get a toy. He knows he is a good boy!" @lilyandmaverick joked, "He's thinking 'Am I the drama????' Yes sir you are!" @tammycortwright added, "Praise the lord it's a miracle!" Commenter @Susan Ann Davis pointed out, "He's acting like a human child LOL! Play hurt and if I get something I may feel better!!!" @Jess shared, "When my dogs are hurt, I ask them if they're hurt enough for the vet. It changes their attitude quickly!" @Ciara Connery shared this relatable story, "My black Lab did this. I brought her to the vet, x-rays, everything. Got her a toy and treats because I felt so bad. Vet told me she was fine, later found out she would do this when she didn't want me to leave for work." Dogs know exactly what they're doing! Limping Golden Retriever Is 'Miraculously Healed' When Given a New Toy first appeared on PetHelpful on May 31, 2025 This story was originally reported by PetHelpful on May 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
Associated Press
7 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
NutraDoodle Paws the Market with New Line of Premium Canine Supplements
NutraDoodle introduces a new line of fun yet effective supplements for dogs, with a focus on holistic, non-GMO ingredients to improve canine wellness. United States, May 28, 2025 -- NutraDoodle: Revolutionizing Dog Wellness with Premium Supplements NutraDoodle, a new and innovative brand, is quickly making a mark in the canine wellness industry with a unique approach to dog health supplements. Founded by Lisa Williams, the brand was born out of a personal need when Williams' own Bernedoodle struggled with joint and hip issues. After trying numerous supplements without success, Williams took matters into her own hands, creating NutraDoodle, a company that combines the best of nature and science to craft premium, effective, and delicious supplements for dogs. NutraDoodle is committed to offering high-quality products that cater to a wide range of dog health issues, including joint health, digestion, anxiety, and more. The brand stands out by prioritizing clean ingredients that are both holistic and non-GMO, ensuring that every product is safe, effective, and made with love in the USA. A Fun, But Serious Approach to Dog Health NutraDoodle's approach to canine wellness is both serious and fun. While many dog owners often find it difficult to get their furry friends to take supplements, NutraDoodle has cracked the code. Williams focused on creating products that not only benefit a dog's health but also taste great. The brand's playful product names—like 'Chill Dood' for calming chews and 'Regular Dood' for probiotics—speak to the fun and lighthearted side of the business. However, behind these catchy names lies a serious commitment to providing dogs with high-quality nutrition. 'The toughest part was finding a supplement that my dog would actually eat,' says Williams. 'It was frustrating, but it gave me the inspiration to create something that would work for all dogs. Our products are not only effective, but they are also designed to be tasty and enjoyable for dogs, no matter how picky they are.' NutraDoodle is also BPA-free, ensuring that every product is free from unnecessary chemicals. The brand's dedication to using only the best ingredients means that every dog—regardless of breed—can benefit from improved health and wellness. And despite its playful exterior, NutraDoodle maintains a serious commitment to delivering results. Made in the USA: A Promise of Quality and Integrity In an industry where claims of 'Made in the USA' are often used without verification, NutraDoodle stands firm in its commitment to quality. Every product is crafted and manufactured in the United States, ensuring full transparency and accountability in the production process. 'We take pride in offering a product that is truly made in the USA,' says Williams. 'It's important to us that we not only create a premium product but also support local businesses and ensure that our customers can trust where their products are coming from.' Giving Back to Rescue Organizations In addition to offering premium products, NutraDoodle is passionate about making a difference in the lives of dogs in need. Williams is actively working with several rescue organizations to donate NutraDoodle products to dogs that are struggling with various health issues, such as allergies, skin and coat conditions, and anxiety. 'I've always believed in doing good and giving back,' says Williams. 'NutraDoodle is not just about selling products; it's about helping dogs live their best, healthiest lives, whether they're a beloved pet or a rescue.' The Future of NutraDoodle With an eye on the future, NutraDoodle is looking to expand its range of products to meet even more canine health needs. Williams is eager to build the brand into a trusted name that dog owners can rely on for premium supplements that work. Her extensive background in business has played a crucial role in the successful launch and growth of NutraDoodle. 'We're just getting started,' says Williams. 'NutraDoodle has the potential to become a brand that dog owners everywhere can rely on for effective, high-quality nutrition.' As the brand continues to grow, NutraDoodle's commitment to quality, transparency, and fun will continue to set it apart in the crowded market of dog wellness. About NutraDoodle NutraDoodle is a premium canine wellness brand focused on crafting high-quality, effective, and delicious supplements for dogs. Founded by Lisa Williams, the brand uses only holistic, non-GMO ingredients to promote joint health, digestion, and overall well-being for dogs of all breeds. Made with care in the USA, NutraDoodle offers products that dogs love to eat and owners trust for their health benefits. NutraDoodle is committed to supporting rescue organizations and giving back to dogs in need. Media Contact Lisa Williams, Owner NutraDoodle Phone: 702-275-7600 Email: [email protected] Contact Info: Name: Lisa Williams Email: Send Email Organization: NutraDoodle Website: Release ID: 89161106 In the event of any inaccuracies, problems, or queries arising from the content shared in this press release, we encourage you to notify us immediately at [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our diligent team will be readily available to respond and take swift action within 8 hours to rectify any identified issues or assist with removal requests. Ensuring the provision of high-quality and precise information is paramount to us.
South China Morning Post
25-05-2025
- Health
- South China Morning Post
Deep Dive: Hong Kong's consumer watchdog finds pets bought online likely to have more health problems
Deep Dive delves into hot issues in Hong Kong and mainland China. Our easy-to-read articles provide context to grasp what's happening, while our questions help you craft informed responses. Check sample answers at the end of the page. News: Hong Kong vets report higher rates of poor health for online-bought cats, dogs Hong Kong veterinarians are reporting higher rates of poor health among online-bought cats and dogs compared with those purchased at physical stores, the Consumer Council has said. The council suspected that nearly all the internet-based canine sellers it had checked were involved in illegal smuggling or unlicensed breeding. In a report published earlier this month, the city's consumer watchdog said it had conducted a study alongside the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD). The two organisations surveyed registered veterinarians and targeted 18 online platforms in a mystery shopper operation. 'The survey results found that more cats and dogs purchased online were in poor health, with a significantly higher proportion than those purchased from physical pet shops,' said Chung Chi-yung, chairman of the council's research and testing committee. On average, five out of every 10 dogs and 5.5 out of every 10 cats bought online and presented for veterinary care were sick or in poor condition. The rates were 3.3 for dogs and 3.9 for cats bought at physical pet shops. The most common diseases faced by online-bought pets included upper respiratory infections, diarrhoea and the canine parvovirus. Hong Kong's annual Dogathon raises HK$2.2 million for animal welfare The study also showed that the eight most common diseases in canines were found more in dogs bought online than those purchased at stores. The common disease prevalence rates for the former ranged from 52 to 86 per cent, compared with the latter's range of 29 to 78 per cent. Cats purchased online had higher rates of common feline illnesses, such as cat flu and skin infections. Feline panleukopenia, a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease, affected 61.9 per cent of online-purchased cats, compared with 31.4 per cent of those from pet shops. The survey of veterinarians also found that more than 90 per cent of cats and dogs purchased online lacked vaccination cards. Some owners presented documents that lacked signatures from accredited professionals and were only in simplified Chinese. Some sellers claimed their dogs had received their jabs on the mainland. They suggested customers give the animals 'booster shots' in Hong Kong. In addition, pets bought online were more unlikely to match the descriptions of ages and breeds given to their owners than those purchased at stores. Staff writers Question prompts 1. What did Hong Kong's Consumer Council discover about pets bought online? (1) They were more expensive than pets bought from physical stores. (2) They were more aggressive than store-bought pets. (3) They were more likely to be in poor health. (4) They were more likely to be a different breed or age than what was advertised. A. (1), (2) only B. (2), (4) only C. (1), (3) only D. (3), (4) only 2. Using News, name TWO activities the Consumer Council suspects most online pet sellers of doing. 3. How does the health and documentation of cats and dogs purchased online compare with those bought at physical pet stores? Explain using News and Glossary. Photo A veterinarian makes an injection of a vaccine to a pet cat. Photo: Shutterstock Question prompts 1. According to News, why is proper vaccination particularly important for pets purchased online? 2. What potential health risks are associated with buying a cat from an online seller? Explain using News and Glossary. Issue: Survey finds problematic sales tactics among online pet sellers Operation reached out to 13 social media accounts selling dogs; only one could provide documentation None of the sellers provided contracts to ensure they would honour their promises A recent mystery shopper operation by Hong Kong's Consumer Council has raised suspicions that 90 per cent of online pet sellers were smuggling in animals from mainland China or operating unlicensed local breeding or trading businesses. The operation involved reaching out to 13 social media accounts that appeared to sell dogs. Among the sellers contacted, five claimed their dogs came from breeding farms or kennels on the mainland, with some vendors saying delivery to Hong Kong could take one to two days. Five of the sellers identified themselves as Hong Kong-based 'private breeders'. Three of the vendors claimed they had local dog breeding licences. Among those three, only one was able to provide a 'yellow paper', or a dog breeder's declaration – a legal document issued by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD). The other two gave various reasons for being unable to share the documents, such as claiming that the papers were missing or that their site was awaiting a government inspection or undergoing processing. The five sellers claiming to offer mainland-bred dogs and the five claiming to be local private breeders were unable to provide any proof of legal origin or relevant documentation for their canines. The report also revealed that dogs sold online generally lacked microchips. Only three of the vendors claiming to be local dog breeders said their canines were or would be microchipped. Some of the vendors offering mainland-bred dogs falsely claimed their pets could not be microchipped before being transported to the city. Others claimed that dogs privately bred in Hong Kong were not typically microchipped. InfoSpark: How to be respectful of dogs in Hong Kong While 11 of the 13 sellers offered a health guarantee period, the details of the policies varied or were unclear. None of the sellers provided contracts or justifications to ensure they would honour their promises. The council also noted concerning sales tactics, such as only responding with voice messages, deleting photos or videos if buyers needed time to think and pressuring customers into making quick transactions by claiming demand was high. The watchdog urged consumers to consider adopting pets, avoid buying animals of unknown origin online, and to patronise reputable licensed animal traders. Residents should also learn more about a pet's health before buying it. The AFCD said that pets bought online carried risks due to owners' inability to assess the animals' real condition and past living environment, as well as the potential promotion of unlicensed breeding and smuggling. Staff writer Question prompts 1. According to Issue, which of the following problems were identified by the Consumer Council regarding online dog sellers? (1) Most sellers surveyed were suspected of smuggling or unlicensed breeding. (2) The majority of dogs sold online were microchipped before transport. (3) Sellers often failed to provide legal documentation proving the dogs' origins. (4) Most sellers were in mainland China. A. (1), (3) only B. (2), (4) only C. (2), (3) only D. (3), (4) only 2. List TWO problematic sales tactics used by online pet sellers. 3. What are the risks of buying a pet online, and what does the Consumer Council recommend doing instead? Explain using News, Issue and Glossary. Photo A group of animal rights supporters dressed in dog costumes gather outside Central Plaza. Photo: May Tse Question prompts 1. What message is being conveyed in the photo? 2. To what extent do you agree that Hongkongers should adopt pets instead of buying from online pet sellers? Explain using News, Issue and your own knowledge. Glossary canine parvovirus: a highly contagious virus in dogs that causes severe stomach illness. It is often life-threatening, especially for puppies. feline panleukopenia: a contagious and often fatal virus in cats. It is also known as feline distemper and affects the immune system, stomach and intestines. microchips: small electronic devices implanted under a pet's skin. The chip gives the animal a unique identification number. If the pet gets lost, the chip can be scanned to find the owner's contact information. reputable: having a good reputation; trustworthy Online pet sellers can be very problematic, so it's best to avoid them. Photo: Shutterstock Sample answers News 1. D 2. illegal smuggling and unlicensed breeding 3. According to the Consumer Council's report, cats and dogs bought online were in significantly poorer health than those purchased from physical stores. On average, 5 out of 10 dogs and 5.5 out of 10 cats bought online were sick or in poor condition, compared to 3.3 dogs and 3.9 cats from pet shops. Additionally, over 90 per cent of online-bought pets lacked valid vaccination cards, with some documentation missing professional signatures or written only in simplified Chinese. (accept all reasonable answers) Photo 1. Vaccination is especially important because although some sellers claim their dogs had received vaccinations on the mainland, they still advise buyers to get 'booster shots' in Hong Kong. This raises concerns about whether the animals received any vaccinations in the first place or if they haven't received them all. (accept all reasonable answers) 2. Cats bought from online sellers were more likely to suffer from serious health issues such as cat flu, skin infections, and feline panleukopenia, which is a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease. These risks are heightened due to the lack of proper vaccinations and incomplete or falsified health records provided by many online sellers. Issue 1. A 2. Many online sellers use problematic sales tactics such as only responding with voice messages, deleting photos or videos if buyers ask for time to think and pressuring customers into making quick transactions by claiming demand is high. (accept all reasonable answers) 3. According to the AFCD, online pet purchases carry significant risks due to poor health transparency, difficulty tracing sellers, and the promotion of illegal breeding and smuggling. People are urged to avoid buying pets of unknown origin online, adopt pets from shelters, and support licensed traders. Photo 1. The message encourages people to adopt animals instead of supporting breeders. 2. To a large extent, I agree that people should adopt pets instead of buying from breeders, especially online sellers. Many online sellers are suspected of illegal smuggling or unlicensed breeding, and animals sold this way are often in poor health, lacking proper documentation, vaccinations, and microchipping. Buying from such breeders can support unethical practices and increase the risk of adopting sick or misrepresented pets. Adoption, on the other hand, helps reduce demand for irresponsible breeding and gives animals in need a chance at a better life. (accept all reasonable answers)
South China Morning Post
25-05-2025
- Health
- South China Morning Post
Spark Deep Dive: Hong Kong vets report more health problems for dogs, cats bought online
Deep Dive delves into hot issues in Hong Kong and mainland China. Our easy-to-read articles provide context to grasp what's happening, while our questions help you craft informed responses. Check sample answers at the end of the page. News: Hong Kong vets report higher rates of poor health for online-bought cats, dogs Hong Kong veterinarians are reporting higher rates of poor health among online-bought cats and dogs compared with those purchased at physical stores, the Consumer Council has said. The council suspected that nearly all the internet-based canine sellers it had checked were involved in illegal smuggling or unlicensed breeding. In a report published earlier this month, the city's consumer watchdog said it had conducted a study alongside the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD). The two organisations surveyed registered veterinarians and targeted 18 online platforms in a mystery shopper operation. 'The survey results found that more cats and dogs purchased online were in poor health, with a significantly higher proportion than those purchased from physical pet shops,' said Chung Chi-yung, chairman of the council's research and testing committee. On average, five out of every 10 dogs and 5.5 out of every 10 cats bought online and presented for veterinary care were sick or in poor condition. The rates were 3.3 for dogs and 3.9 for cats bought at physical pet shops. The most common diseases faced by online-bought pets included upper respiratory infections, diarrhoea and the canine parvovirus. The study also showed that the eight most common diseases in canines were found more in dogs bought online than those purchased at stores. The common disease prevalence rates for the former ranged from 52 to 86 per cent, compared with the latter's range of 29 to 78 per cent. Cats purchased online had higher rates of common feline illnesses, such as cat flu and skin infections. Feline panleukopenia, a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease, affected 61.9 per cent of online-purchased cats, compared with 31.4 per cent of those from pet shops. The survey of veterinarians also found that more than 90 per cent of cats and dogs purchased online lacked vaccination cards. Some owners presented documents that lacked signatures from accredited professionals and were only in simplified Chinese. Some sellers claimed their dogs had received their jabs on the mainland. They suggested customers give the animals 'booster shots' in Hong Kong. In addition, pets bought online were more unlikely to match the descriptions of ages and breeds given to their owners than those purchased at stores. Staff writer Questions 1. What did Hong Kong's Consumer Council discover about pets bought online? (1) They were more expensive than pets bought from physical stores. (2) They were more aggressive than store-bought pets. (3) They were more likely to be in poor health. (4) They were more likely to be a different breed or age than what was advertised. A. (1), (2) only B. (2), (4) only C. (1), (3) only D. (3), (4) only 2. Using the news, name TWO activities the Consumer Council suspects most online pet sellers of doing. 3. Based on the Consumer Council's report, how does the health and documentation of cats and dogs purchased online compare with those bought at physical pet stores? Explain using the news and glossary. Photo A vet prepares to give a cat a vaccine. Photo: Shutterstock Question prompts 1. According to the news, why is proper vaccination particularly important for pets purchased online? 2. What potential health risks are associated with buying a cat from an online seller? Explain using the news and glossary. Glossary smuggling: to transport things, animals or people somewhere secretly and often illegally mystery shopper: someone employed to test the service of a business by pretending to be a normal customer canine parvovirus: a highly contagious virus in dogs that causes severe stomach illness. It is often life-threatening, especially for puppies. feline panleukopenia: a contagious and often fatal virus in cats. It is also known as feline distemper and affects the immune system, stomach and intestines. Sample answers News 1. D 2. illegal smuggling and unlicensed breeding 3. According to the Consumer Council's report, cats and dogs bought online were in significantly poorer health than those purchased from physical stores. On average, 5 out of 10 dogs and 5.5 out of 10 cats bought online were sick or in poor condition, compared to 3.3 dogs and 3.9 cats from pet shops. Additionally, over 90 per cent of online-bought pets lacked valid vaccination cards, with some documentation missing professional signatures or written only in simplified Chinese. (accept all reasonable answers) Photo 1. Vaccination is especially important because although some sellers claim their dogs had received vaccinations on the mainland, they still advise buyers to get 'booster shots' in Hong Kong. This raises concerns about whether the animals received any vaccinations in the first place or if they haven't received them all. (accept all reasonable answers) 2. Cats bought from online sellers were more likely to suffer from serious health issues such as cat flu, skin infections, and feline panleukopenia, which is a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease. These risks are heightened due to the lack of proper vaccinations and incomplete or falsified health records provided by many online sellers.
