Latest news with #petowners
The Sun
14 hours ago
- General
- The 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. 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. "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. 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 Vileda's Pet Pro Electrostatic Brush - which you can keep in your bedside drawer. 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." Make cleaning a BREEZ E 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.' 2
BreakingNews.ie
a day ago
- Health
- BreakingNews.ie
What every Irish driver should know - How to bring your dog in the car
Bringing along your furry best buddy for a spin is something that pretty much all pet owners will do, but many may be breaking the law, because there is a legal requirement to make sure your dog is properly restrained if it's in the car with you. Yes, that means a doggie seatbelt. These are simple enough devices that attach to the car's seatbelt and then clip onto your dog's harness — and a harness is definitely better than a collar in this instance. Once safely clipped in, your dog can carry on using your car's seat as a kind of comfortable, mobile sofa. Well, that's what my greyhound does, anyway. Advertisement If you want to put your pet in the boot of an estate, hatchback or SUV, then that's fine, but you still need a form of restraint. If the dog is in the boot, then you'll need either a divider that goes between the back seats and the boot — which prevents the dog from being flung forwards into the passenger cabin in the event of an accident or emergency braking (which can hurt both them and you) — or you'll need a crate or cage that fits in your boot. Just be aware that some larger crates won't fit into a conventional hatchback. @ Bringing along your furry best buddy for a spin is something that pretty much all pet owners will do, but many may be breaking the law, because there is a legal requirement to make sure your dog is properly restrained if it's in the car with you. ♬ original sound - Once you've done the restraining bit, you'll then have to think about heat. Dogs heat up far faster than humans — it's all the hair — so it's a good idea, on a warm day at least, to drive with the windows slightly open to make sure that your dog is getting a constant flow of fresh air. Air conditioning with vents in the back seats can help, but an open window is better. That said, don't open the window much. Dogs sticking their heads out of car windows might be fun for them and look cute to onlookers, but it's a sad fact that many dogs have been injured — either by being hit in the face, or worse, if the window is fully open — by jumping or tumbling out of the car altogether. So, it's best to just open the window a little. For the same reason, it's also a good idea to invest in some window shades, even the simple stick-on ones, which will keep the sun off your dog as you drive and ensure that it's kept at a more comfortable temperature. Advertisement When you come to a stop, never leave your dog alone in the car with the windows up. On a day that's just nicely warm from a human perspective — say 20 degrees Celsius — a car interior can quickly heat up to as much as 47 degrees Celsius, and that's enough to give your dog heatstroke, and maybe even kill them. While some people with electric cars use dedicated settings to keep the air conditioning running while the car is parked, that's not really good enough — the interior can still heat up to the point of heatstroke, and the air conditioning will switch off if the car's systems detect that it's overworking the battery. So, don't assume that tech is going to get you off the hook in this instance. You'll also want to bring along some water for your dog, especially if it's a long journey, and there are some very handy collapsible bowls that fold up almost flat, precisely for this purpose. Explained Things every Irish driver should know: What to do... Read More Be careful about feeding your dog before they get in the car for a long journey. Animals get car sick just like humans, and a full stomach is going to make that so much worse. Even a dog that has been happy to be in the car in the past can get car sick unexpectedly, so keep the food intake down before a long journey. Advertisement Any long journey should always be interspersed with rest breaks, allowing your dog to stretch their legs and go for a pee and a poop. Which means it's also a good idea to keep a roll of dog poop bags handy in the glovebox for cleaning up afterwards. As well as heatstroke, car-sickness and thirst, another very human issue that can afflict dogs is mental health, which is why it's important to bring your dog in the car for regular little spins that don't end in a trip to the vet. Many owners only ever bring their dog in the car for vet visits, which can lead to anxiety around car journeys — so it's important to teach your dog that going in the car can also be fun, such as driving to a new park or beach for a run. Finally, don't forget to bring some items to keep your dog happy on a long journey — whether that's their favourite chew toy or just a few treats that they can nibble on as you go. And, of course, never allow the fact that your dog is in the car with you to distract you from your driving.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Innovative Playtime: How Dog Treat Launchers Are Captivating Pet Owners Worldwide
As pet ownership dynamics evolve, these interactive tools become essential, blending play with positive reinforcement. Driven by trends in smart pet accessories and health-focused pet care, dog treat launchers are increasingly popular among diverse pet owners, from tech-savvy millennials to elders. Key innovations include automatic launches, connectivity features, and ergonomic designs. Discover in-depth market analysis and forecasts across regions like the U.S., China, and Europe, while navigating the latest tariff developments shaping the industry landscape. Dog Treat Launchers Market Dublin, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Dog Treat Launchers - Global Strategic Business Report" has been added to global market for Dog Treat Launchers was valued at US$320.0 Million in 2024 and is projected to reach US$433.3 Million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2024 to 2030. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of market trends, drivers, and forecasts, helping you make informed business decisions. The report includes the most recent global tariff developments and how they impact the Dog Treat Launchers market. Global Dog Treat Launchers Market - Key Trends & Drivers SummarizedThe global market for dog treat launchers is witnessing significant traction, underpinned by shifting pet parenting trends, rising expenditure on pet care, and an increasing focus on smart pet accessories. With a growing inclination toward devices that promote active lifestyles for pets, treat launchers are finding appeal among a wide demographic of dog owners - from tech-savvy millennials to aging pet owners seeking easier ways to reward their integration of automatic and semi-automatic mechanisms in these devices is also attracting attention. Some models feature spring-loaded or air-powered launches, while others are motor-driven with adjustable angles and distance settings. Technological improvements such as motion sensors, Bluetooth connectivity, and app-based controls are further augmenting the product value proposition. Brands are increasingly launching models with ergonomic designs and safety locks to prevent accidental releases. The growing interest in training-oriented features - such as timing mechanisms and reward delay settings - demonstrates how this product category is evolving from a novelty into a tool that supports structured behavioral Are Changing Pet Ownership Dynamics Fueling Innovation in Dog Treat Launchers?Dog ownership has surged globally, with countries like the U.S., U.K., China, and Brazil reporting double-digit growth in pet adoption since 2020. This uptick is accompanied by a notable shift in how pets are perceived - no longer just animals, but companions or even family members. As a result, there is greater demand for interactive and health-promoting pet products. Dog treat launchers respond well to these evolving needs by offering a hybrid of mental stimulation and physical exercise. Their ability to keep dogs engaged during indoor playtime is especially important for urban households, where outdoor activity may be limited due to space constraints or adverse proliferation of e-commerce platforms and the influence of social media are also playing a major role in the product's marketability. Influencers and pet content creators often showcase treat launchers in action, driving consumer interest and shaping purchasing behavior. Moreover, as pet owners seek tools that offer convenience, hygiene, and entertainment, dog treat launchers are increasingly positioned as a premium lifestyle accessory for pets. The ability to combine play, training, and treat dispensing in a single device resonates particularly well with younger pet owners, who are more open to multifunctional and tech-enabled pet Is the Dog Treat Launchers Market Gaining Momentum Globally?The growth in the dog treat launchers market is driven by several factors related to technology, consumer behavior, and evolving pet care norms. First, the rising adoption of smart pet devices is encouraging manufacturers to integrate advanced features such as programmable timers, app controls, and interactive launch modes. These advancements not only increase product appeal but also allow for customizable training routines, a critical element for modern pet owners who value tailored solutions. Second, the expansion of the pet accessory retail landscape - particularly online platforms - has made it easier for consumers to access a wide variety of treat launcher models with transparent pricing and peer significant driver is the increased focus on pet mental and physical health, which has been amplified post-pandemic as owners spend more time observing and engaging with their pets. Dog treat launchers are being adopted as a way to manage pet energy levels, reduce anxiety, and support solo play. Furthermore, the rise of pet product subscription services and curated boxes is increasing the frequency of product trials and impulse purchases, accelerating market penetration. The device's suitability for urban environments, where space for traditional fetch is limited, also makes it an attractive solution in densely populated regions. Finally, the commercialization of multifunctional pet gadgets - combining fun, training, and dietary control - is encouraging further product development and fostering brand differentiation, fueling a virtuous cycle of innovation and adoption. Key Insights: Market Growth: Understand the significant growth trajectory of the Below 1.7 mtr Range Launchers segment, which is expected to reach US$225.1 Million by 2030 with a CAGR of a 6.5%. The 1.8 - 2.5 mtr Range Launchers segment is also set to grow at 3.5% CAGR over the analysis period. Regional Analysis: Gain insights into the U.S. market, valued at $87.2 Million in 2024, and China, forecasted to grow at an impressive 8.5% CAGR to reach $87.5 Million by 2030. Discover growth trends in other key regions, including Japan, Canada, Germany, and the Asia-Pacific. Report Features: Comprehensive Market Data: Independent analysis of annual sales and market forecasts in US$ Million from 2024 to 2030. In-Depth Regional Analysis: Detailed insights into key markets, including the U.S., China, Japan, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa. Company Profiles: Coverage of players such as All for Paws, BarkBox, Chuckit!, Furhaven Pet Products, Hyper Pet and more. Complimentary Updates: Receive free report updates for one year to keep you informed of the latest market developments. Tariff Impact Analysis: Key Insights for 2025Global tariff negotiations across 180+ countries are reshaping supply chains, costs, and competitiveness. This report reflects the latest developments and incorporates forward-looking insights into the market analysts continuously track trade developments worldwide, drawing insights from leading global economists and over 200 industry and policy institutions, including think tanks, trade organizations, and national economic advisory bodies. This intelligence is integrated into forecasting models to provide timely, data-driven analysis of emerging risks and Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 374 Forecast Period 2024 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $320 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $433.3 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 5.2% Regions Covered Global Key Topics Covered: MARKET OVERVIEW World Market Trajectories Dog Treat Launchers - Global Key Competitors Percentage Market Share in 2025 (E) Competitive Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial for Players Worldwide in 2025 (E) FOCUS ON SELECT PLAYERS Some of the 44 companies featured in this Dog Treat Launchers market report include: All for Paws BarkBox Chuckit! Furhaven Pet Products Hyper Pet iFetch KONG Company Mammoth Pet Products Nerf Dog Outward Hound Paws & Pals PetSafe Pet Stages Petz Planet Protocol Design Ruffwear Taotanxi The Company of Animals Tomofun (Furbo) Trixie MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS Rising Pet Humanization Trend Drives Demand for Interactive, Play-Based Feeding Devices That Mimic Human-to-Pet Bonding Increased Awareness Around Pet Obesity and Portion Control Strengthens Business Case for Measured-Dispensing Dog Treat Launchers Millennial and Gen Z Pet Ownership Patterns Expand the Addressable Market for Smart, Connected, and Entertaining Pet Accessories Rapid Technological Innovation in Spring-Loaded and Pneumatic Mechanisms Spurs Product Differentiation in Launcher Designs Adoption of Bluetooth-Enabled, App-Controlled Launchers Accelerates as Consumers Seek Real-Time Engagement with Pets via Mobile Devices Soaring Demand for Cognitive and Physical Enrichment Tools Propels Growth of Treat Launchers as Dual-Function Reward and Play Gadgets Aging Pet Owner Demographics Generate Opportunities for Hands-Free, Effortless Treat Dispensing Tools That Improve Accessibility Increased Demand for Sustainable and Recyclable Materials in Pet Products Throws the Spotlight on Eco-Friendly Treat Launcher Development Expansion of E-Commerce and Direct-to-Consumer Channels Broadens Global Reach and Accessibility of Dog Treat Launchers to New Markets The Rise of Pet Influencers and Social Media Content Creation Significantly Drives Market Visibility and Consumer Engagement for Novelty Devices Design Innovations Focusing on Ergonomics, Safety Locks, and Pet-Friendly Materials Sustain Growth in the Premium Product Segment Intensifying Regulatory Scrutiny Around Pet Product Safety Standards Creates Compliance Pressures and Entry Barriers for New Market Entrants DIY Pet Product Enthusiast Communities and Open-Source Hardware Trends Expand Innovation Pipelines for Customizable Launcher Kits For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Dog Treat Launchers Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Forbes
5 days ago
- General
- Forbes
How To Keep Your Dog Comfortable And Your Home Clean On Rainy Days
Welcome to Pet Peeves, a monthly series that aims to provide pet care solutions and expert advice for challenging scenarios that involve your beloved animal companions. Walks in the rain when you have a dog are often unavoidable—and when the weather is warm, you might want to keep your pup out longer than you would the wintertime, which means more potential for mud and mess. Even if you have outdoor space that they can use, you still need to take measures to dry them off and keep muddy paw prints from getting all over your home. Not to mention that many pups can also be fearful of thunderstorms (or simply not want to do their business in the rain because they don't like the feel of it), which can add another layer of stress for dog guardians during inclement weather. Dogs and rain aren't the most pleasant combo, but we rounded up tips for how to make the best of wet ... More weather, including how to keep your pup comfortable and your home clean. Whether you're a longtime dog owner dealing with the challenges of a senior pet in wet weather or have a new pup in the home, I've rounded up some expert tips (plus a few tried-and-true products) to help navigate rainy days with your pooch. I chatted with Dr. Andrew Findlaytor, chief veterinarian at Roo, about what to keep in mind when it comes to potential health issues that rainy weather can contribute to or exacerbate, as well as Juliana DeWillems, owner of JW Dog Training, for advice on keeping fearful pups comfortable during storms. While booties can be a big help in keeping your dog's paws clean and dry when it rains, pups are notoriously finicky about their tolerance for them. I've used Pawz dog boots, which work well (if your dog keeps them on); Forbes Vetted baby and kids gear writer Alicia Betz also used these when her dog Silas had a cut and it needed to stay covered. 'They stayed on his feet really well and kept them completely dry,' she says. If your pup isn't a fan of boots, though, you might instead want to invest in a paw cleaner like the Mudbuster, which Betz swears by as well. It comes in three sizes and uses silicone bristles to remove any dirt. Just add a little water, twist gently around your dog's paws and pat dry. Amazon Raincoats can also help keep much of your dog's body dry, and you don't have to break the bank to find one that's functional. This adorable doggie raincoat does an excellent job at protecting your pup in wet weather, it's easy to take on and off, and it also features a hood—which, again, will come in handy so long as your dog doesn't mind the feeling of it. Otherwise, Findlaytor recommends using an oversized umbrella for the most efficient rain coverage. Amazon If you have a dog with touch sensitivity, DeWillems advises keeping a snuffle mat by the door and crumbling a bunch of treats into it to keep your pup busy while you wipe them off. (Here's a video of this in action.) Another option, she notes, is to stick a suction lick mat on a door and smear peanut butter, cream cheese or any other treat on it while you dry their paws and body. (See what that looks like here.) 'The underlying theme in both of these tricks is that your dog is kept occupied using an activity and treat that they love—high value treats can be key here,' she says. 'This accomplishes a lot: Your dog stays in one place without restraint, their mouth is occupied so they can't try to grab the towel and a positive association is being made.' As far as keeping your home clean, you might want to consider a furniture cover to use on particularly wet days as an added layer of protection. I'm a big fan of Orvis' products for pets; the brand's couch covers, which come in three sizes and three colors, get rave reviews. (And if you're traveling with your pup in the rain, a dog car seat cover is a must.) If your dog isn't necessarily terrified of thunderstorms but simply won't step outside the door when it's raining (as someone who once had a 50-pound pit bull too scared to go out in even the slightest drizzle, I understand your pain), there are a few tactics you can try. 'I'll tell owners, put your dog on a leash and still walk them out in the backyard, even though it sounds weird,' says Findlaytor. 'I have seen dogs that, just having a leash on, it makes them feel like, 'Hey you're here with me, and I'm here with you, and and I'm okay to do my business.'' If you have a covered porch or patio area, you can also try using a patch of artificial or real grass. I have a subscription to DoggieLawn (it's also available without a subscription via Chewy), which I use primarily for my senior arthritic dog so she doesn't have to go up or down any steps when it's raining. There are also plenty of artificial turf options to choose from. Otherwise, training your dog to use indoor pee pads might be necessary. Chewy Things can be trickier if you've adopted an adult dog who's already rather set in their ways—but if you have a puppy, 'the best time to work on a dog's fear around rain and rainy days is before it starts,' says DeWillems. 'This is a part of puppy socialization that many pet parents don't think about: Getting them used to going outside when it's wet.' She advises using treats and playtime to introduce them to the feeling of wet grass, the feeling and sound of rain and even the sounds of thunder; she recommends using a recording where you can turn the volume way down to start. 'As is the rule with all puppy socialization, exposure alone is not enough," she says. 'It has to be positive.' Both Findlaytor and DeWillems note that the ThunderShirt can be effective for some pups, but it requires regular practice. 'One thing that is important if you use a ThunderShirt is that you don't only put it on your dog when there is a storm," DeWillems says. "That's a great way to teach your dog to worry any time they see the ThunderShirt. Put it randomly as much as you can outside of storms.' Most importantly, be present to help and comfort your dog. 'Our dogs really need our support in these moments of fear and stress,' she adds. Chewy For dogs whose fear of stormy weather is more severe (think: hiding, panting, pacing, trembling), you may want to talk with your veterinarian to see if anti-anxiety medication is an option for them. If your pup shows more mild fear, however, DeWillems recommends calming pheromones and supplements, particularly the bSerene line or Adaptil products. Some dogs may also respond well to sound-reducing ear covers, or you can turn on a white-noise machine or use a box fan to drown out the sound of the storm. Rainy weather brings with it more potential for ear and skin infections, says Findlaytor, so it's important to make sure not just their coat but also their ears are dried well after a rainy-day walk: 'The more water dogs get in their ear, the more I tell owners, it's almost like you're watering little seeds of bacteria or yeast in your dog's ear, so it's easier and easier to get infections in there. Same goes with their skin.' You also want to avoid having your dog drink from any puddles; parasites like Giardia, which cause diarrhea and an upset stomach, can lurk in there, and bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli may be present wherever there is runoff near deer. Leptospirosis is another disease transmitted by animals like deer, raccoon, squirrels and rats via their urine, which can be present in contaminated water; you may want to talk with your vet about vaccinating your dog against it. As a city dweller where rats are seemingly at every corner, I always make sure my pups are up to date on their lepto vaccination. If you have a senior dog, Findlaytor advises avoiding slippery surfaces as much as possible. Walk on grass, gravel or any other stable surface. 'You don't realize it, but when they're elderly, [many dogs are] almost doing a handstand. We'll see that they have really big, kind of almost buff shoulders and really lean hips, because they don't get as much arthritis in their shoulders and elbows as they do their hips and knees,' he says. 'They kind of lean forward, so I tell people traction control is really important.' If your pup is on any kind of pain management for arthritis, he also recommends administering it in the evenings, after your walks are done, if possible—this way your dog doesn't overdo it and is more aware of their own limits. It's also essential to make sure your pup's paws are fully dried off before they come inside, to avoid any accidents on slippery floors. 'The most dangerous time of your walk is right when you're walking back in the door, if you have a slippery surface,' Findlaytor says. In general, yoga mats and runners are great to place around your home to provide more traction for senior and arthritic pets. Findlaytor adds that for pups using wheelchairs, it's especially important to keep them as dry as possible: 'We found that when it rains, that nylon material kind of actually swells … so we'll have a wheelchair that fits really well in dry conditions, but causes a lot of tummy rashes and abrasions when it's wet.' He advises people to try everything they can not to get those wheelchairs wet, or, if they do, make sure to take a blow dryer and dry them out thoroughly. The Forbes Vetted home team covers a wide range of pet products, from litter boxes to the best dog beds, as well as pet care topics, like how to make traveling with pets less stressful and tips for keeping your senior pet comfortable. We strive to help readers make smart, expert- and editor-backed purchases and decisions for their pets. Have a question for us? Email efavilla@ with the subject line 'Pet Peeves.'
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
How Britain was sold a pup over cockapoos: They were sold as being cuddly, good with children and cute as a stuffed toy. But as owners complain they chew everything, and many aren't even genuine, no wonder prices are falling...
Inflation has been rampant for the past five years in the UK. Houses, hotels, butter, cappuccinos – all are more expensive. But one thing has fallen in value: dogs. In particular, the cocker spaniel-poodle cross-breed, the cockapoo.
