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Expozoo is one of the main PET exhibition event in Europe. The new edition of the show, founded in 1979, will be in Paris on 10th and 11th January 2019 in a friendly and prolific background. They are expected many companies and many visitors! MyFamily will have the pleasure to introduce the latest novelties among which the Hushtag collection, composed of beautiful, noiseless and long lasting ID tags. Together with all the professionals, importers and potential customers, we will know the new market trends and we will propose our style and vision: affordable made in Italy products manufactured with innovative design and materials. Two intense days in Paris Porte de Versailles to confirm that MyFamily style can lead and inspire the entire Pet field, again. Find us at booth E10.

EXPOZOO 2019: MYFAMILY WILL BE PROTAGONIST IN PARIS!
Monday, January 7, 2019

Expozoo is one of the main PET exhibition event in Europe. The new edition of the show, founded in 1979, will be in Paris on 10th and 11th January 2019 in a friendly and prolific background. They are expected many companies and many visitors! MyFamily will have the pleasure to introduce the latest novelties among which the Hushtag collection, composed of beautiful, noiseless and long lasting ID tags. Together with all the professionals, importers and potential customers, we will know the new market trends and we will propose our style and vision: affordable made in Italy products manufactured with innovative design and materials. Two intense days in Paris Porte de Versailles to confirm that MyFamily style can lead and inspire the entire Pet field, again. Find us at booth E10.

Christmas is coming, the race for Christmas shopping has officially started and our four legged friends cannot be excluded. But among the various offers, which are the most useful and charming for this 2018? Here are some original tips.

1) We shall not forget that their main need is our company, our presence. Therefore we could buy a course of Agility Dog, that will allow us to spend a pleasant and amusing outdoor experience together!

2) During cold winter season our pets spend more time at home. There are many kennels available for our pets, among the most curious: the wood ones that are similar to real houses, fitted with padded pillows inside. They have two functions: in the lower part they are used as a kennel and in the upper part they can be used as a little table or as a stool. Don't forget real couches, expressly drawn for pets, which are original, comfortable and become integral part of our home furnishings.

3) Christmas holidays lead us to eat more sweets and this may be dangerous for our dog's health. The best idea is to give him some special treat, so that we don't let ourselves be tempted by giving him our food.

4) You should always think about his safety. Don't forget to let him wear the ID tag; there are various models for everyday life, and more elegant models, perfect to make him special on particular occasions. You can engrave free your and his data, so that he will be protected in any case. You can choose among the wide range that MyFamily has available. Discover our collections

5) And in order to keep up with times, don't miss the interactive webcam for pets. You can supervise your pet while you are at work, interact vocally with him and catch any precious moment while you are away.

There are a lot of proposals that you can easily find on-line or in Pet shops, but our suggestion is to do useful presents to your pet, useful for his safety and for his health. You shall not forget that the main thing for him is your love.

"A dog doesn't mind expensive cars, big houses, or designer clothes. A rotten stick is fine for him. A dog doesn't care if you're rich or poor, bright or clumsy , clever or dumb. Give him your heart and he'll give you his. "( From "Marley and me" by John Grogan )

WHICH GIFT COULD YOU PUT UNDER THE CHRISTMAS TREE FOR YOUR PET ? FIVE IDEAS
Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Christmas is coming, the race for Christmas shopping has officially started and our four legged friends cannot be excluded. But among the various offers, which are the most useful and charming for this 2018? Here are some original tips.

1) We shall not forget that their main need is our company, our presence. Therefore we could buy a course of Agility Dog, that will allow us to spend a pleasant and amusing outdoor experience together!

2) During cold winter season our pets spend more time at home. There are many kennels available for our pets, among the most curious: the wood ones that are similar to real houses, fitted with padded pillows inside. They have two functions: in the lower part they are used as a kennel and in the upper part they can be used as a little table or as a stool. Don't forget real couches, expressly drawn for pets, which are original, comfortable and become integral part of our home furnishings.

3) Christmas holidays lead us to eat more sweets and this may be dangerous for our dog's health. The best idea is to give him some special treat, so that we don't let ourselves be tempted by giving him our food.

4) You should always think about his safety. Don't forget to let him wear the ID tag; there are various models for everyday life, and more elegant models, perfect to make him special on particular occasions. You can engrave free your and his data, so that he will be protected in any case. You can choose among the wide range that MyFamily has available. Discover our collections

5) And in order to keep up with times, don't miss the interactive webcam for pets. You can supervise your pet while you are at work, interact vocally with him and catch any precious moment while you are away.

There are a lot of proposals that you can easily find on-line or in Pet shops, but our suggestion is to do useful presents to your pet, useful for his safety and for his health. You shall not forget that the main thing for him is your love.

"A dog doesn't mind expensive cars, big houses, or designer clothes. A rotten stick is fine for him. A dog doesn't care if you're rich or poor, bright or clumsy , clever or dumb. Give him your heart and he'll give you his. "( From "Marley and me" by John Grogan )

The abandonment of dogs is a very serious world problem. The World Health Organization estimates that despite the frequent awareness campaigns against the mistreatment and abandonment of animals, in Italy, more than 50,000 dogs are abandoned every year and  stray dogs are more than 200,000 million worldwide. In some countries, straying leads also to an increase of some dangerous diseases such as rabies, because of their easy spread.
In many countries of the world, abandoning a dog is a punishable offence: those who break the law, must pay not only a fine for abandonment, but also for possible damages caused.
 
Despite these rules, there are many abandoned dogs.
Abandonments are more frequent in some particular periods of the year:
  • in the summer when the so-called "owners" do not want to give up their holidays and the animal becomes "troublesome";
  • during Christmas holidays, when the family realizes the inability to manage a dog received as a gift, especially for children.
  • in autumn, when some dogs are considered as unsuitable for hunting by their owners-hunters.
 
80% of abandoned dogs lived in a flat, so they risk even more mistreatment, hunger and incidents, because they are absolutely not able to self-manage.
An abandoned dog unfortunately represents also a danger to others for several reasons:
- having to find food by himself, he might become violent, after many days that he does not eat;
- many dogs are abandoned along roads and motorways and this is a serious danger for themselves and for the others. A frightened, scared animal who is running away can cause serious road accidents.
 
Exactly for these reasons, it is useful to know how to behave if you find an abandoned dog or if you are in one of the situations described above.
 
The 6 steps to take when you find an abandoned dog.
 
First of all, it is important to observe carefully his mood. He could be dangerous if he's very hungry, scared by unknown people or very distressed and frightened. If he does not show any particular signs of aggression, move close to him slowly trying not to frighten him.
Once you are close to him, you should check that the animal has no clear injuries. In case of serious injuries, it will be necessary to call the Local Veterinary Service of the Local Health Authority. Never give any medicine, always rely on experts.
In case he squeezed into a space and could not set himself free, it will be necessary to call the Firemen .
After making sure that he is physically well, it will be necessary to check if there is the identification tag attached to the collar or to the harness.
If the owner cannot be found out, it will be necessary to check if there's a microchip. It will therefore be necessary to go to a veterinarian or to the  authorities in charge, such as the Veterinary Service of the Local Health Authority that have the proper reader and will be able to identify the code of the microchip and the corresponding data. Every dog should, by law, be registered to the canine registry, have a microchip and thus have an identifiable owner.
In any case, it is important to report the recovery as soon as possible to the local police or to the traffic police, in case you are in a motorway.
 
If you see someone who abandons a dog, how should you behave?
 
The first step in this case is to collect as much information as possible to identify the person in question. The most important one is the car license plate, the safest and easiest way to identify the responsible person.
After having marked all that could be useful, please contact the Police.
 
Abandoning a dog is a cruel and inhuman action. Dogs love us unconditionally and we don't always do enough to deserve their love.
 
Leave a comment if you want to share with us any experience related to abandonment .
Abandoned dogs: how to behave in this situation.
Tuesday, November 27, 2018

The abandonment of dogs is a very serious world problem. The World Health Organization estimates that despite the frequent awareness campaigns against the mistreatment and abandonment of animals, in Italy, more than 50,000 dogs are abandoned every year and  stray dogs are more than 200,000 million worldwide. In some countries, straying leads also to an increase of some dangerous diseases such as rabies, because of their easy spread.
In many countries of the world, abandoning a dog is a punishable offence: those who break the law, must pay not only a fine for abandonment, but also for possible damages caused.
 
Despite these rules, there are many abandoned dogs.
Abandonments are more frequent in some particular periods of the year:
  • in the summer when the so-called "owners" do not want to give up their holidays and the animal becomes "troublesome";
  • during Christmas holidays, when the family realizes the inability to manage a dog received as a gift, especially for children.
  • in autumn, when some dogs are considered as unsuitable for hunting by their owners-hunters.
 
80% of abandoned dogs lived in a flat, so they risk even more mistreatment, hunger and incidents, because they are absolutely not able to self-manage.
An abandoned dog unfortunately represents also a danger to others for several reasons:
- having to find food by himself, he might become violent, after many days that he does not eat;
- many dogs are abandoned along roads and motorways and this is a serious danger for themselves and for the others. A frightened, scared animal who is running away can cause serious road accidents.
 
Exactly for these reasons, it is useful to know how to behave if you find an abandoned dog or if you are in one of the situations described above.
 
The 6 steps to take when you find an abandoned dog.
 
First of all, it is important to observe carefully his mood. He could be dangerous if he's very hungry, scared by unknown people or very distressed and frightened. If he does not show any particular signs of aggression, move close to him slowly trying not to frighten him.
Once you are close to him, you should check that the animal has no clear injuries. In case of serious injuries, it will be necessary to call the Local Veterinary Service of the Local Health Authority. Never give any medicine, always rely on experts.
In case he squeezed into a space and could not set himself free, it will be necessary to call the Firemen .
After making sure that he is physically well, it will be necessary to check if there is the identification tag attached to the collar or to the harness.
If the owner cannot be found out, it will be necessary to check if there's a microchip. It will therefore be necessary to go to a veterinarian or to the  authorities in charge, such as the Veterinary Service of the Local Health Authority that have the proper reader and will be able to identify the code of the microchip and the corresponding data. Every dog should, by law, be registered to the canine registry, have a microchip and thus have an identifiable owner.
In any case, it is important to report the recovery as soon as possible to the local police or to the traffic police, in case you are in a motorway.
 
If you see someone who abandons a dog, how should you behave?
 
The first step in this case is to collect as much information as possible to identify the person in question. The most important one is the car license plate, the safest and easiest way to identify the responsible person.
After having marked all that could be useful, please contact the Police.
 
Abandoning a dog is a cruel and inhuman action. Dogs love us unconditionally and we don't always do enough to deserve their love.
 
Leave a comment if you want to share with us any experience related to abandonment .

Winter with its harsh temperatures is approaching and it is interesting to know some breeds that are best suited to this type of climate. Some have been specially selected to have characteristics, linked in particular to the type of hair, such as to create a greater cold protection than others.
We see the 5 that most love the cold and the snow and seem to find in these adverse weather conditions a pleasant and ideal environment.
 
The Mountain Dogs of the Pyrenees or Patou are very faithful livestock guardians, accustomed to low mountain temperatures and snow thanks to their thick hair. It is a canine breed belonging to the group of mountain dogs that traditionally performs the task of guardian of the flock on the French side of the Pyrenees. On the Spanish side of the mountain range, in the region of Aragon, the breed of the Mastiff of the Pyrenees developed from common ancestors. The mountain dog of the Pyrenees is not to be confused with the shepherd of the Pyrenees, his "colleague" of work, in charge of leading the flock (herding pastor), while the task of the mountain dog of the Pyrenees is to defend it (guardian shepherd ).
 
The Siberian Husky are instead Spitz-type dogs (along with numerous other breeds such as Norwegian Elkhounds, Keeshonds, Samoyed, Akita and Malamute). They are dogs known for their resistance to cold climates, thanks to their Arctic origins and for this reason they are chosen to tow the sledges on the snow. All Spitz dogs like the Husky have adapted themselves to the Nordic climates, thanks to their ability to heat insulation and a thick, water-repellent coat. If this happens, the ears of the dogs of this primitive race are small, a natural adaptation to avoid freezing.
The Siberian Husky, in particular, is a very robust subject, with a double layer of thickness that allows it to withstand the most extreme winter conditions.
It seems that even in the character these hairy are a bit '"cold": very independent, generally wary if not educated and socialized from an early age.
 
Even the Akita love winter climates. The breed was selected for guarding and hunting in the cold and mountainous Prefecture of Akita, on the Japanese island of Honshu, where these dogs flanked the hunters. Trained for hunting, their prey was the wild boar, the deer and the Tibetan bear. They were also used for the defense of property and since 1603 as fighting dogs.
 
The San Bernardo is instead the most famous dog among the races that love the cold climate, with its soft, dense and thick fur, it is also one of the largest as mole. It can exceed 90/95 cm in height and over 100 kg in weight.
There is no other race which, with such bulk and weight, is as dynamic and athletic as the Saint Bernard. Despite its massive size, the Saint Bernard is a docile dog, very close to the human owner. If adopted by a puppy it will remain a playful for life (8/10 years on average).
San Bernardo has an excellent relationship with children, but in general it is sociable with everyone, so much so that it is also used in pet therapy, thanks to its strong but extremely balanced personality. It is also the typical working dog, used to being outdoors in cold climates. In the past he was skilled in the guard to protect the mountain territory. It has not preserved any aggressive instinct, but is able to perceive every little noise or danger very quickly. This quality meant that the mountain man chose him to help him during the snowstorms, for example to identify people in difficulty.
In the Swiss Alps, the San Bernardo dogs have often contributed to the discovery of travelers at risk of freezing during the weather. Even today, they represent a valid help for man in the mountains, in the case of avalanches, thanks to the high resistance to cold and infallible smell.
 
The Russian Black Terrier, the last we will consider, is a relatively new breed, selected by the Russian army during the Cold War years and specially bred for military work in extremely cold climates. Everything about him has been said: biting and aggressive dog, with a terrible and dangerous jaw force, capable of crushing a duck with a single bite. It was also called the "killer dog of the KGB". These are folkloric statements but far from reality. Today, the skills of work, loyalty, ease of training, climatic resistance and balance have remained intact in the black terrier of yesteryear. In addition, through the selection on the already established breed, the defects and aggressiveness that were present in part of the bred subjects were eliminated. It is a docile and sensitive dog, even if it does not hesitate to turn into a deadly weapon if it senses a danger to its humans. Another characteristic of the breed is prodigious memory.
 
And have you had experience with any of these races? Tell us some trivia in the "comments" section and discover the medals that MyFamily has dedicated to them. Check out the Friends collection.
CURIOSITY: 5 dog breeds that love the icy winter.
Tuesday, November 20, 2018

Winter with its harsh temperatures is approaching and it is interesting to know some breeds that are best suited to this type of climate. Some have been specially selected to have characteristics, linked in particular to the type of hair, such as to create a greater cold protection than others.
We see the 5 that most love the cold and the snow and seem to find in these adverse weather conditions a pleasant and ideal environment.
 
The Mountain Dogs of the Pyrenees or Patou are very faithful livestock guardians, accustomed to low mountain temperatures and snow thanks to their thick hair. It is a canine breed belonging to the group of mountain dogs that traditionally performs the task of guardian of the flock on the French side of the Pyrenees. On the Spanish side of the mountain range, in the region of Aragon, the breed of the Mastiff of the Pyrenees developed from common ancestors. The mountain dog of the Pyrenees is not to be confused with the shepherd of the Pyrenees, his "colleague" of work, in charge of leading the flock (herding pastor), while the task of the mountain dog of the Pyrenees is to defend it (guardian shepherd ).
 
The Siberian Husky are instead Spitz-type dogs (along with numerous other breeds such as Norwegian Elkhounds, Keeshonds, Samoyed, Akita and Malamute). They are dogs known for their resistance to cold climates, thanks to their Arctic origins and for this reason they are chosen to tow the sledges on the snow. All Spitz dogs like the Husky have adapted themselves to the Nordic climates, thanks to their ability to heat insulation and a thick, water-repellent coat. If this happens, the ears of the dogs of this primitive race are small, a natural adaptation to avoid freezing.
The Siberian Husky, in particular, is a very robust subject, with a double layer of thickness that allows it to withstand the most extreme winter conditions.
It seems that even in the character these hairy are a bit '"cold": very independent, generally wary if not educated and socialized from an early age.
 
Even the Akita love winter climates. The breed was selected for guarding and hunting in the cold and mountainous Prefecture of Akita, on the Japanese island of Honshu, where these dogs flanked the hunters. Trained for hunting, their prey was the wild boar, the deer and the Tibetan bear. They were also used for the defense of property and since 1603 as fighting dogs.
 
The San Bernardo is instead the most famous dog among the races that love the cold climate, with its soft, dense and thick fur, it is also one of the largest as mole. It can exceed 90/95 cm in height and over 100 kg in weight.
There is no other race which, with such bulk and weight, is as dynamic and athletic as the Saint Bernard. Despite its massive size, the Saint Bernard is a docile dog, very close to the human owner. If adopted by a puppy it will remain a playful for life (8/10 years on average).
San Bernardo has an excellent relationship with children, but in general it is sociable with everyone, so much so that it is also used in pet therapy, thanks to its strong but extremely balanced personality. It is also the typical working dog, used to being outdoors in cold climates. In the past he was skilled in the guard to protect the mountain territory. It has not preserved any aggressive instinct, but is able to perceive every little noise or danger very quickly. This quality meant that the mountain man chose him to help him during the snowstorms, for example to identify people in difficulty.
In the Swiss Alps, the San Bernardo dogs have often contributed to the discovery of travelers at risk of freezing during the weather. Even today, they represent a valid help for man in the mountains, in the case of avalanches, thanks to the high resistance to cold and infallible smell.
 
The Russian Black Terrier, the last we will consider, is a relatively new breed, selected by the Russian army during the Cold War years and specially bred for military work in extremely cold climates. Everything about him has been said: biting and aggressive dog, with a terrible and dangerous jaw force, capable of crushing a duck with a single bite. It was also called the "killer dog of the KGB". These are folkloric statements but far from reality. Today, the skills of work, loyalty, ease of training, climatic resistance and balance have remained intact in the black terrier of yesteryear. In addition, through the selection on the already established breed, the defects and aggressiveness that were present in part of the bred subjects were eliminated. It is a docile and sensitive dog, even if it does not hesitate to turn into a deadly weapon if it senses a danger to its humans. Another characteristic of the breed is prodigious memory.
 
And have you had experience with any of these races? Tell us some trivia in the "comments" section and discover the medals that MyFamily has dedicated to them. Check out the Friends collection.

 

K-PET FAIR is the largest yearly exhibition in Korea devoted to pet products.
In 2017 more than 40.000 B2B and B2C visitors took part in this event; the strong development of Korean pet market envisages an increase of the attendees in 2018 edition.
This year the event will take place in the city of Goyan - at Korea International Exhibition Center.
We won't lose therefore the opportunity to be there (stand Z -58),in order to meet experts of pet worldin a new market, from whichwe will learn new trends of this sector.

K-PET FAIR - KOREA 2018
Friday, November 16, 2018

 

K-PET FAIR is the largest yearly exhibition in Korea devoted to pet products.
In 2017 more than 40.000 B2B and B2C visitors took part in this event; the strong development of Korean pet market envisages an increase of the attendees in 2018 edition.
This year the event will take place in the city of Goyan - at Korea International Exhibition Center.
We won't lose therefore the opportunity to be there (stand Z -58),in order to meet experts of pet worldin a new market, from whichwe will learn new trends of this sector.

The safety theme in the car is a very important topic both for the health and safety of your faithful life partner, and to avoid unpleasant discomforts such as accidents in the worst case, penalties on your driving licenses and fines in case the Highway Patrol should stop you for a check and not find you in order.
 
THE NEW ROAD CODE
The new Italian highway code provides that:
  • the dogs should be transported by car in a safe and correct way for any type of journey, both short and long for the safety of the animal, the driver and the motorists.
  • A stray dog or several domestic dogs (there is a difference to the highway code!) can be transported only if they are locked in a cage or placed in the dedicated location.
  • A dividing network can also be placed between the animal and the conductor, but only after having received a relevant authorization by the Italian authority for motor vehicles.
  • Basically, the animal should never have the possibility to hamper the driving, causing danger and the driver should never keep the animal in its arms, at the passenger's feet or, in any case, free in the passenger compartment.
 

Those who transgress these rules risk an administrative sanction and the deduction of a point from the driving license (Italian regulations).

 
3 WAYS TO CORRECTLY TRANSPORT YOUR PET
Basically there are 3 alternative methods provided by law to safely transport your pet during the trip by car.
  • CARRIER
The carrier, also called cage or kennel consists of a "container" in plastic or metal, available in different sizes; it usually fits the dog size.
It will be equipped with a comfortable front opening and will be placed in the luggage compartment of the vehicle; depending on the size, it is possible to place more kennels in case you should transport more than one pet.
It is the simplest and most economical way to organize transport, provided that the pet is already used to stay in one of this "cages", otherwise he could get stressed too much. Show it to your faithful friend in a positive way; let him sniff it a little before putting it in the car. When the cage is positioned on the car, put the pet inside, keep a positive approach and move away for a few minutes; make sure that he gets used to the carriage by putting tasty morsels, but without forcing him to enter.
It is the only way to transport the pet in the car according to the law and it also reduces the risk that the animal is frightened cause he has a limited view of the outside.
  • DIVISORY NETWORK
It is a special accessory to divide the space between the pet and the driver. It is the most commonly used method and allows the pet to have its own reserved space in which to move, relax and rest. It is good practice to place a blanket or a pillow to make the environment comfortable. Since the pet is free in an area that is not very restricted, it will be at ease but we must not forget that a sudden stop could represent a danger to the pet's health.
  • SAFETY BELT FOR DOG
Represents a fairly new accessory, which provides to place the animal on the seat of the car by tying him to the car's safety hook like a real belt.
These devices are inserted into the "female" buckle of the normal seat belt, while at the other end they are equipped with the classic leash hook; connecting the dog safety belt to the harness, it ensures that the pet is held by the body, thus avoiding damage to the neck in an emergency.
Nevertheless, It is a suitable condition for a short journey because the movement and the change of position are limited, moreover, as for the carrier, the pet should be gradually get used to that to avoid he get stressed or frightened.
  • GENERAL PRACTICAL ADVICE FOR THE JOURNEY
Here are some general tips for travelling with your pet especially during long journeys:
- place the pet in the car after he got tired tahnks to a nice walk and after it has had the opportunity to do all his needs
- always keep the pet's documents with you
- have water available to make him drink
- avoid giving food early before departure
- ensure a recirculation of air in the car (not the conditioned one!)
- provide stops at regular intervals
- never leave the pet alone in the car, especially in summer due to high temperatures the car can reach in a short time
- do not ever allow him to overlook the windows
- if the pet suffers car sickness, take all precautions to reduce as much as possible his discomfort (regular stops, no food, limited space and eventually, in the most serious cases, the administration of specific medications prescribed by the veterinarian).
 
Never underestimate the existent rules for transport by car, they are very important to avoid unpleasant consequences. I hope I have been useful.
SAFETY: how to properly transport the dog in the car.
Friday, November 9, 2018

The safety theme in the car is a very important topic both for the health and safety of your faithful life partner, and to avoid unpleasant discomforts such as accidents in the worst case, penalties on your driving licenses and fines in case the Highway Patrol should stop you for a check and not find you in order.
 
THE NEW ROAD CODE
The new Italian highway code provides that:
  • the dogs should be transported by car in a safe and correct way for any type of journey, both short and long for the safety of the animal, the driver and the motorists.
  • A stray dog or several domestic dogs (there is a difference to the highway code!) can be transported only if they are locked in a cage or placed in the dedicated location.
  • A dividing network can also be placed between the animal and the conductor, but only after having received a relevant authorization by the Italian authority for motor vehicles.
  • Basically, the animal should never have the possibility to hamper the driving, causing danger and the driver should never keep the animal in its arms, at the passenger's feet or, in any case, free in the passenger compartment.
 

Those who transgress these rules risk an administrative sanction and the deduction of a point from the driving license (Italian regulations).

 
3 WAYS TO CORRECTLY TRANSPORT YOUR PET
Basically there are 3 alternative methods provided by law to safely transport your pet during the trip by car.
  • CARRIER
The carrier, also called cage or kennel consists of a "container" in plastic or metal, available in different sizes; it usually fits the dog size.
It will be equipped with a comfortable front opening and will be placed in the luggage compartment of the vehicle; depending on the size, it is possible to place more kennels in case you should transport more than one pet.
It is the simplest and most economical way to organize transport, provided that the pet is already used to stay in one of this "cages", otherwise he could get stressed too much. Show it to your faithful friend in a positive way; let him sniff it a little before putting it in the car. When the cage is positioned on the car, put the pet inside, keep a positive approach and move away for a few minutes; make sure that he gets used to the carriage by putting tasty morsels, but without forcing him to enter.
It is the only way to transport the pet in the car according to the law and it also reduces the risk that the animal is frightened cause he has a limited view of the outside.
  • DIVISORY NETWORK
It is a special accessory to divide the space between the pet and the driver. It is the most commonly used method and allows the pet to have its own reserved space in which to move, relax and rest. It is good practice to place a blanket or a pillow to make the environment comfortable. Since the pet is free in an area that is not very restricted, it will be at ease but we must not forget that a sudden stop could represent a danger to the pet's health.
  • SAFETY BELT FOR DOG
Represents a fairly new accessory, which provides to place the animal on the seat of the car by tying him to the car's safety hook like a real belt.
These devices are inserted into the "female" buckle of the normal seat belt, while at the other end they are equipped with the classic leash hook; connecting the dog safety belt to the harness, it ensures that the pet is held by the body, thus avoiding damage to the neck in an emergency.
Nevertheless, It is a suitable condition for a short journey because the movement and the change of position are limited, moreover, as for the carrier, the pet should be gradually get used to that to avoid he get stressed or frightened.
  • GENERAL PRACTICAL ADVICE FOR THE JOURNEY
Here are some general tips for travelling with your pet especially during long journeys:
- place the pet in the car after he got tired tahnks to a nice walk and after it has had the opportunity to do all his needs
- always keep the pet's documents with you
- have water available to make him drink
- avoid giving food early before departure
- ensure a recirculation of air in the car (not the conditioned one!)
- provide stops at regular intervals
- never leave the pet alone in the car, especially in summer due to high temperatures the car can reach in a short time
- do not ever allow him to overlook the windows
- if the pet suffers car sickness, take all precautions to reduce as much as possible his discomfort (regular stops, no food, limited space and eventually, in the most serious cases, the administration of specific medications prescribed by the veterinarian).
 
Never underestimate the existent rules for transport by car, they are very important to avoid unpleasant consequences. I hope I have been useful.
 
Nowadays, one of the first and last actions of the day is to check WhatsApp chat and social notices. What does this mean ?!
Messages work because they are simple, informal and fast. For some time, chats have almost completely replaced  traditional SMS because they have more functions, are widespread and cheap, as messages are often not included in the tariff plans of mobile operators while internet is.
Throughout the world, WhatsApp has reached 1 billion and 500 thousand active users per month. In Italy it is first for the number of downloads and active users per month and, together with Facebook Messenger, has recorded a growth rate twice than Facebook.
Being the reference app for instant messaging, WhatsApp took a further step at the beginning of this year. In January 2018, WhatsApp Business app reached Google Play Store in Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, United Kingdom and United States. The choice of these countries for the launch was not accidental: except the U.S.A., the other countries are among the states where WhatsApp is more popular.
 
WHATSAPP BUSINESS, what advantages.
Are you looking for an easy-to-use tool that allows you to stay in touch with your customers by creating effective marketing campaigns?
What does it consist of, what is it? Why should you take it into consideration if you have a pet shop?
This new service is a free and effective tool, especially for small and medium-sized companies that provides tools to communicate with the customer more efficiently and to increase business.
I add two more data to understand why companies must consider WhatsApp Business as a communication channel, resulting from a worldwide survey that showed that:
  • 89% of the persons being interviewed prefers to communicate with companies through SMS and instant messaging apps;
  • 77% keeps notices for messages, while only 42% activates those of social apps.
In general, WhatsApp Business is similar to WhatsApp and includes all the functions users have become accustomed to over the last few years: sending of multimedia files, free calls, messages, group chats, offline messages and much more.
The account is identified as a business account; those who have a phone number associated with "standard" WhatsApp will have to choose whether to keep this or move to WhatsApp Business (although it's possible to use both in the same phone). The simplest solution is to associate a company number to be used only for WhatsApp Business, so that it's possible to get the certification of confirmed activity.
If you have already two different numbers, a business and a personal one, you can install both applications, WhatsApp Business and WhatsApp Messenger, in the same phone and register each application with the corresponding number.
 
What additional functions does Business app offer in comparison with the standard one?
  • COMPANY PROFILE: create a profile concerning your pet shop, so that your customers can more easily find useful information, such as your website, your address (which will also be displayed on Google Maps), your opening times and contacts. When you are asked to put in the name of your business in correspondence with the screen "Business info", please do it carefully: once put in, the business name can no longer be changed.
  • MESSAGING TOOLS: answer your customers as fast as you can, using away messages when you're not available, or welcome messages to send an introductory message when they first write you or after 14 days of inactivity in the chat. You can also choose to send it:
- to all contacts or only to those you selected
- automatically or by scheduling the date of sending
  • SUPPORT FOR FIXED NUMBERS: you can use WhatsApp Business by a landline and your customers can send you messages to that number. During the verification process, choose the "Call me" option to receive the code by phone.
  • WHATSAPP BUSINESS and WHATSAPP MESSENGER in the same phone: this modality is possible, but each application must be associated with a separate telephone number.
  • WHATSAPP WEB: allows you to answer your customers directly from the PC browser, in order to be even more efficient.
  • CREATE AND USE QUICK ANSWERS: Quick answers avoid you having to repeat the same sentences. After having set up the answers to the most frequent questions your customers ask, you can recall them by typing "/".
  • SEE THE STATISTICS OF MESSAGES: you can check how many messages have been sent, delivered, read and received. We trust that with the next updates you will also get better analytics.
  • CLASSIFY CONTACTS: you can create up to 20 labels, choose colours and classify contacts in order to find chats and messages. Currently WhatsApp Business does not support the search for companies directly in the app. You'll have to have your customer number and add it to your contacts to start an interaction or to add it to a group.
Ask always your telephone line manager about any costs that may be charged for data traffic.
 
WHATSAPP BUSINESS, which disadvantages.
This application is currently compatible only with Android, which is still the most used operating system.
It's an app linked to a telephone number, therefore it cannot be shared with the same contact that supports WhatsApp standard version.
Before you can chat with customers, you must have their consent. Registration procedures will be created (as for all kinds of Business communications!) through which customers will register, allowing the receipt of text messages.
 
Have you already considered WhatsApp Business in your marketing strategies?
WhatsApp Business can and must be efficiently used  to increase the visibility of your e-commerce and your pet shop. The main  purpose is to develop a strategy thoughtfully, so as to become interesting and not to get the opposite result of being reported for "SPAM" or losing contacts.
WhatsApp Business offers you the possibility to create customized campaigns, without having to count on specific offers. In fact, thanks to WhatsApp you have a greater chance of answer and you can allow yourself to be more creative. Maybe you will need more time, but it will certainly be effective to develop the idea of an active, nice and viral brand. And this will push the potential customer to feel more curiosity towards you and to want to find out more about you.
The possibility to "segment" the area of users is another way to do marketing efficaciously: you can plan the different campaigns according to users. For example, in case of a usual customer, you could use a more informal language and focuse on special products. Your customer already knows you, knows what you offer and does not need to trust, but only to be encouraged to get a new purchase! In case of a potential customer, you will have to focus more on a general and interactive point of view, actively catching their attention.
 
Although WhatsApp Business has still its limits to this day, it is certainly an effective tool that should not be underestimated to create fruitful relatioships with your customers.

Besides, this App will be changed, in order to improve even more work organization such as  holiday modality, silent modality and the connection with external accounts.

 

If you are already using it, describe us your experience in the comments below.

 
WhatsApp business, a useful tool for your pet shop.
Friday, November 2, 2018
 
Nowadays, one of the first and last actions of the day is to check WhatsApp chat and social notices. What does this mean ?!
Messages work because they are simple, informal and fast. For some time, chats have almost completely replaced  traditional SMS because they have more functions, are widespread and cheap, as messages are often not included in the tariff plans of mobile operators while internet is.
Throughout the world, WhatsApp has reached 1 billion and 500 thousand active users per month. In Italy it is first for the number of downloads and active users per month and, together with Facebook Messenger, has recorded a growth rate twice than Facebook.
Being the reference app for instant messaging, WhatsApp took a further step at the beginning of this year. In January 2018, WhatsApp Business app reached Google Play Store in Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, United Kingdom and United States. The choice of these countries for the launch was not accidental: except the U.S.A., the other countries are among the states where WhatsApp is more popular.
 
WHATSAPP BUSINESS, what advantages.
Are you looking for an easy-to-use tool that allows you to stay in touch with your customers by creating effective marketing campaigns?
What does it consist of, what is it? Why should you take it into consideration if you have a pet shop?
This new service is a free and effective tool, especially for small and medium-sized companies that provides tools to communicate with the customer more efficiently and to increase business.
I add two more data to understand why companies must consider WhatsApp Business as a communication channel, resulting from a worldwide survey that showed that:
  • 89% of the persons being interviewed prefers to communicate with companies through SMS and instant messaging apps;
  • 77% keeps notices for messages, while only 42% activates those of social apps.
In general, WhatsApp Business is similar to WhatsApp and includes all the functions users have become accustomed to over the last few years: sending of multimedia files, free calls, messages, group chats, offline messages and much more.
The account is identified as a business account; those who have a phone number associated with "standard" WhatsApp will have to choose whether to keep this or move to WhatsApp Business (although it's possible to use both in the same phone). The simplest solution is to associate a company number to be used only for WhatsApp Business, so that it's possible to get the certification of confirmed activity.
If you have already two different numbers, a business and a personal one, you can install both applications, WhatsApp Business and WhatsApp Messenger, in the same phone and register each application with the corresponding number.
 
What additional functions does Business app offer in comparison with the standard one?
  • COMPANY PROFILE: create a profile concerning your pet shop, so that your customers can more easily find useful information, such as your website, your address (which will also be displayed on Google Maps), your opening times and contacts. When you are asked to put in the name of your business in correspondence with the screen "Business info", please do it carefully: once put in, the business name can no longer be changed.
  • MESSAGING TOOLS: answer your customers as fast as you can, using away messages when you're not available, or welcome messages to send an introductory message when they first write you or after 14 days of inactivity in the chat. You can also choose to send it:
- to all contacts or only to those you selected
- automatically or by scheduling the date of sending
  • SUPPORT FOR FIXED NUMBERS: you can use WhatsApp Business by a landline and your customers can send you messages to that number. During the verification process, choose the "Call me" option to receive the code by phone.
  • WHATSAPP BUSINESS and WHATSAPP MESSENGER in the same phone: this modality is possible, but each application must be associated with a separate telephone number.
  • WHATSAPP WEB: allows you to answer your customers directly from the PC browser, in order to be even more efficient.
  • CREATE AND USE QUICK ANSWERS: Quick answers avoid you having to repeat the same sentences. After having set up the answers to the most frequent questions your customers ask, you can recall them by typing "/".
  • SEE THE STATISTICS OF MESSAGES: you can check how many messages have been sent, delivered, read and received. We trust that with the next updates you will also get better analytics.
  • CLASSIFY CONTACTS: you can create up to 20 labels, choose colours and classify contacts in order to find chats and messages. Currently WhatsApp Business does not support the search for companies directly in the app. You'll have to have your customer number and add it to your contacts to start an interaction or to add it to a group.
Ask always your telephone line manager about any costs that may be charged for data traffic.
 
WHATSAPP BUSINESS, which disadvantages.
This application is currently compatible only with Android, which is still the most used operating system.
It's an app linked to a telephone number, therefore it cannot be shared with the same contact that supports WhatsApp standard version.
Before you can chat with customers, you must have their consent. Registration procedures will be created (as for all kinds of Business communications!) through which customers will register, allowing the receipt of text messages.
 
Have you already considered WhatsApp Business in your marketing strategies?
WhatsApp Business can and must be efficiently used  to increase the visibility of your e-commerce and your pet shop. The main  purpose is to develop a strategy thoughtfully, so as to become interesting and not to get the opposite result of being reported for "SPAM" or losing contacts.
WhatsApp Business offers you the possibility to create customized campaigns, without having to count on specific offers. In fact, thanks to WhatsApp you have a greater chance of answer and you can allow yourself to be more creative. Maybe you will need more time, but it will certainly be effective to develop the idea of an active, nice and viral brand. And this will push the potential customer to feel more curiosity towards you and to want to find out more about you.
The possibility to "segment" the area of users is another way to do marketing efficaciously: you can plan the different campaigns according to users. For example, in case of a usual customer, you could use a more informal language and focuse on special products. Your customer already knows you, knows what you offer and does not need to trust, but only to be encouraged to get a new purchase! In case of a potential customer, you will have to focus more on a general and interactive point of view, actively catching their attention.
 
Although WhatsApp Business has still its limits to this day, it is certainly an effective tool that should not be underestimated to create fruitful relatioships with your customers.

Besides, this App will be changed, in order to improve even more work organization such as  holiday modality, silent modality and the connection with external accounts.

 

If you are already using it, describe us your experience in the comments below.

 

It's hard to manage the disappearance of your dog:  you can't think clearly because of emotion, but you have to act quickly and firmly.
 
In this article, you will find a guide with the instructions to follow step by step to look for your dog in case of loss.
 
Losing your pet is an unpleasant experience and you hope it will never happen, but if by chance you find yourself in this situation, you will have to know how to deal with it at best without wasting time uselessly.
 
1.  Gather your thoughts
At first, try to remember date, place, time and how you lost him. You must try to remember all the details before starting his search: anything could be essential.
 
2. Search in the neighborhood
As soon as you have all the details good in mind, start your search. Check the place where you last saw him as best as you can. Remember to call him often by his name; if he's near, he could hear you and appear.
If your search in the neighborhood has no positive outcome, keep on searching elsewhere.
Look for him in a place where he usually tends to go with you (gardens, park, pet shop ...).
Finally, try to go home. Dogs often memorize the place where they live and the way to reach it, they are also able to walk long distances. You could find him there waiting for you!
 
3. Submit your report to the competent authorities
In case the previous steps prove to be not very fruitful, your next step will be to submit your report to the competent authorities.
Report the loss of your dog with a written document to the police and to the competent authorities where he was registered during the application of the microchip. If the area of loss is close to a forest, to a park or to a mountain, you may also warn forest ranger.
 
4. Share the disappearance of the dog on social media
Do not underestimate the power of social media, you live in an age dominated by technology, take advantage of it! Write a message to find your 4-legged friend without forgetting to include the ways to contact you and the pictures to simplify his identification.  Many owners found their dogs this way!
 
5. Contact the shelter
Do not forget to contact the shelters in your area, because your dog may have been found and brought there. This way, you don't only check if he is there, but you can also spread the news about his loss. They could call you in case they find him.
 
6. Print leaflets
Leaflets are very useful, especially if hang up in the area where the dog has disappeared. By printing them you can not only spread them into your town, but you can also show them to the various shops or institutions you will encounter during your search.
 
7. Contact veterinarians
In addition to the area kennel, try also to contact veterinarians. Often those who find a dog take him to the nearest vet to check for the presence of the microchip and make sure that he is well.
 
8. Arrange group researches
If you have the opportunity, you can arrange big research groups in the area where he might have got lost: you can cover more ground, thus increasing the possibility of finding him.
 
9. Check every day announcements about dogs found, lost or taken for adoption 
Someone may have found your dog and, not knowing what to do, he could put an announcement of finding or loss, hoping that the owner, in this case you, can see the post and answer promptly. Sometimes they could publish directly the announcement of adoption of the dog found, so pay attention  also to them.
 
Once you have found your faithful friend:
  • take him as soon as possible to a veterinarian for a visit. An ordinary check is compulsory in these cases. You don't know where he was, what he ate and who he was in contact with, so it's better not to risk and make all the necessary checks.
  • Remember to remove the leaflets  you had spread in your town and communicate the discovery of the dog on the social media where you posted the announcement.
Finally, you should make sure to be more experienced for the next time, should it happen (let's hope not!), for this reason:
  • provide the microchip, if you haven't already done.
  • Make sure he wears a collar with an ID tag that shows at least your phone number, so you can be tracked quickly.
  • Check that your pet is registered at the Dog Registry Office.
 
Do not forget that in cases like this, promptness is very important and crucial for a positive outcome.
 

Have you ever had a similar situation? Share your experience in the comments below :)

 

Eleonora Bosoni 

Dr. in Veterinary Medicine

 
Lost dogs: how to find your four-legged friend
Friday, October 26, 2018

It's hard to manage the disappearance of your dog:  you can't think clearly because of emotion, but you have to act quickly and firmly.
 
In this article, you will find a guide with the instructions to follow step by step to look for your dog in case of loss.
 
Losing your pet is an unpleasant experience and you hope it will never happen, but if by chance you find yourself in this situation, you will have to know how to deal with it at best without wasting time uselessly.
 
1.  Gather your thoughts
At first, try to remember date, place, time and how you lost him. You must try to remember all the details before starting his search: anything could be essential.
 
2. Search in the neighborhood
As soon as you have all the details good in mind, start your search. Check the place where you last saw him as best as you can. Remember to call him often by his name; if he's near, he could hear you and appear.
If your search in the neighborhood has no positive outcome, keep on searching elsewhere.
Look for him in a place where he usually tends to go with you (gardens, park, pet shop ...).
Finally, try to go home. Dogs often memorize the place where they live and the way to reach it, they are also able to walk long distances. You could find him there waiting for you!
 
3. Submit your report to the competent authorities
In case the previous steps prove to be not very fruitful, your next step will be to submit your report to the competent authorities.
Report the loss of your dog with a written document to the police and to the competent authorities where he was registered during the application of the microchip. If the area of loss is close to a forest, to a park or to a mountain, you may also warn forest ranger.
 
4. Share the disappearance of the dog on social media
Do not underestimate the power of social media, you live in an age dominated by technology, take advantage of it! Write a message to find your 4-legged friend without forgetting to include the ways to contact you and the pictures to simplify his identification.  Many owners found their dogs this way!
 
5. Contact the shelter
Do not forget to contact the shelters in your area, because your dog may have been found and brought there. This way, you don't only check if he is there, but you can also spread the news about his loss. They could call you in case they find him.
 
6. Print leaflets
Leaflets are very useful, especially if hang up in the area where the dog has disappeared. By printing them you can not only spread them into your town, but you can also show them to the various shops or institutions you will encounter during your search.
 
7. Contact veterinarians
In addition to the area kennel, try also to contact veterinarians. Often those who find a dog take him to the nearest vet to check for the presence of the microchip and make sure that he is well.
 
8. Arrange group researches
If you have the opportunity, you can arrange big research groups in the area where he might have got lost: you can cover more ground, thus increasing the possibility of finding him.
 
9. Check every day announcements about dogs found, lost or taken for adoption 
Someone may have found your dog and, not knowing what to do, he could put an announcement of finding or loss, hoping that the owner, in this case you, can see the post and answer promptly. Sometimes they could publish directly the announcement of adoption of the dog found, so pay attention  also to them.
 
Once you have found your faithful friend:
  • take him as soon as possible to a veterinarian for a visit. An ordinary check is compulsory in these cases. You don't know where he was, what he ate and who he was in contact with, so it's better not to risk and make all the necessary checks.
  • Remember to remove the leaflets  you had spread in your town and communicate the discovery of the dog on the social media where you posted the announcement.
Finally, you should make sure to be more experienced for the next time, should it happen (let's hope not!), for this reason:
  • provide the microchip, if you haven't already done.
  • Make sure he wears a collar with an ID tag that shows at least your phone number, so you can be tracked quickly.
  • Check that your pet is registered at the Dog Registry Office.
 
Do not forget that in cases like this, promptness is very important and crucial for a positive outcome.
 

Have you ever had a similar situation? Share your experience in the comments below :)

 

Eleonora Bosoni 

Dr. in Veterinary Medicine

 

I decided to treat this topic as it is well-known especially among breeders, less among common owners, that some Collies, due to a genetic mutation of the MDR-1 gene, are intolerant to ivermectin, an antiparasitic that can cause intoxications and bring them even to death.
The phenomenon of ivermectin toxicity in the Colie was first described in 1983.
Contrary to what we could think, the mutation of this gene does not only affect Collies in all his various breeds (Scots, Border, Rough ...). Nowadays there are several breeds in which said mutation was detected.
Among the most common:
  • Collie
  • Australian Shepherd
  • Bobtail
  • Shetland Shepherd
  • German shepherd
  • Swiss shepherd
 
IVERMECTIN
Ivermectin is the active ingredient used in various medicines for the prevention and treatment of various parasites including Dirofilaria.
Treatments based on this substance can be given by mouth, by injection and applied to the skin as a spot-on with different doses.
For example: IVOMEC, GUARDIAN, CARDOTEK...
It is an active ingredient considered as safe and with a low risk of collateral effects by veterinarians. Let's consider the specific case.
 
MUTATION OF THE MDR-1 GENE
MDR-1 is a very important gene that encodes a protein, the P-glycoprotein responsible for the distribution of ivermectin (but not only) inside the body. When the MDR-1 gene changes, the produced p-glycoprotein is altered and can't perform its function:  the active ingredient transmitted by it is abnormally distributed, with consequent cases of toxicity, in particular as regards the central nervous sytem. The intoxication of the animal will happen quickly in case of massive dose of medicine, as for the therapy of dogs with Dirofilaria, bringing the animal to death; in case of smaller dosages, a prompt admission can save him.
 
Each gene is composed by two alleles: if they are identical, we speak of homozygosis, if they are different we talk about heterozygosis.
This mutation is autosomal recessive: therefore, a dog with homozygous mutated MDR-1 will have a higher sensitivity to ivermectin and will show symptoms much more serious than a heterozygous subject who, instead, having one healthy and one mutated allele, will be only moderately sensitive and the seriousness of his symptoms will be minor or sometimes null in the case of very low doses.
This defect then passes to the offspring, starting from even apparently healthy subjects but who are actually carriers.
 
Contrary to what we commonly believe, it is not only the dreaded ivermectin that may give problems to the dogs affected by this mutation: to date there are more than 20 molecules identified as dangerous and among them there are also common antibiotics, antiparasitics, antifungal, antiemetic, antacids, steroids and many medicines commonly used in veterinary anesthesia (doxorubicin, vincristine, vinblastine, doxycycline, erythromycin, itraconazole, ketaconazole, rifampicin, tetracycline, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, domperidone, ranitidine, butorphanol, ivermectin, morphine, moxidectin, phenothiazines, selamectin only to name a few among the most common).
The seriousness of the symptoms will obviously always be connected with the dose taken and with the degree of genetic defect (sick or carrier).
 
SYMPTOMS OF POISONING
Symptoms related to cerebral accumulation of ivermectin appear in 4-12 hours after exposure to the medicine in case of use of massive doses and in about 48-96 hours in the case of administration of smaller doses.
You will notice:
  • Dilated pupils with greater sensitivity to light
  • Digestive problems, lack of appetite and abundant salivation
  • Lethargy: drowsiness up to a real difficulty for the animal to stand up
  • Motor problems: the animal has difficulty in moving, stumbles, falls, staggers and can appear as disoriented and does not respond to your call
  • Respiratory problems: the animal will have a shallow, gasping breathing, which can cause him loss of consciousness, fainting. He may have epileptic fits that in case of lack of treatment will lead him to coma and death.
 
TREATMENT
Being a genetic disorder, treatment will only be palliative and will help to control the most dangerous symptoms, waiting for the animal to dispose of intoxication.
In any case, should you notice a symptom among those mentioned above in a genetically at-risk subject, it is important to contact immediately a veterinarian.
 
Dogs affected by mutation are apparently healthy and have normal physiological and haematological parameters; fortunately today it is possible to diagnose mutation with a specific genetic test through which you can establish with certainty if the dog is healthy, mutated heterozygous, that is with only one of the two mutated alleles, or mutated homozygous, that's to say with both mutated alleles.
The test is useful to identify the genotype of the reproducers intended for coupling and thus reduce the onset of this mutation. Considering the large number of potentially toxic medicines and the seriousness of symptoms that may occur following the intake of one of these molecules, in order to safeguard the health of our dog is very important to know if the MDR1 gene is changed or not. Therapies or anesthesia that may become necessary during the life of your dog will be calibrated according to the possible mutation of the MDR1 gene.
 
I hope I have been clear enough: it's difficult to simplify genetic concepts. Leave your comment, should you have other questions. I will be available.
I'll be back soon with my next article!
 

Eleonora Bosoni  

Dr. in Veterinary Medicine
Collie and ivermectin, what to know.
Wednesday, October 17, 2018

I decided to treat this topic as it is well-known especially among breeders, less among common owners, that some Collies, due to a genetic mutation of the MDR-1 gene, are intolerant to ivermectin, an antiparasitic that can cause intoxications and bring them even to death.
The phenomenon of ivermectin toxicity in the Colie was first described in 1983.
Contrary to what we could think, the mutation of this gene does not only affect Collies in all his various breeds (Scots, Border, Rough ...). Nowadays there are several breeds in which said mutation was detected.
Among the most common:
  • Collie
  • Australian Shepherd
  • Bobtail
  • Shetland Shepherd
  • German shepherd
  • Swiss shepherd
 
IVERMECTIN
Ivermectin is the active ingredient used in various medicines for the prevention and treatment of various parasites including Dirofilaria.
Treatments based on this substance can be given by mouth, by injection and applied to the skin as a spot-on with different doses.
For example: IVOMEC, GUARDIAN, CARDOTEK...
It is an active ingredient considered as safe and with a low risk of collateral effects by veterinarians. Let's consider the specific case.
 
MUTATION OF THE MDR-1 GENE
MDR-1 is a very important gene that encodes a protein, the P-glycoprotein responsible for the distribution of ivermectin (but not only) inside the body. When the MDR-1 gene changes, the produced p-glycoprotein is altered and can't perform its function:  the active ingredient transmitted by it is abnormally distributed, with consequent cases of toxicity, in particular as regards the central nervous sytem. The intoxication of the animal will happen quickly in case of massive dose of medicine, as for the therapy of dogs with Dirofilaria, bringing the animal to death; in case of smaller dosages, a prompt admission can save him.
 
Each gene is composed by two alleles: if they are identical, we speak of homozygosis, if they are different we talk about heterozygosis.
This mutation is autosomal recessive: therefore, a dog with homozygous mutated MDR-1 will have a higher sensitivity to ivermectin and will show symptoms much more serious than a heterozygous subject who, instead, having one healthy and one mutated allele, will be only moderately sensitive and the seriousness of his symptoms will be minor or sometimes null in the case of very low doses.
This defect then passes to the offspring, starting from even apparently healthy subjects but who are actually carriers.
 
Contrary to what we commonly believe, it is not only the dreaded ivermectin that may give problems to the dogs affected by this mutation: to date there are more than 20 molecules identified as dangerous and among them there are also common antibiotics, antiparasitics, antifungal, antiemetic, antacids, steroids and many medicines commonly used in veterinary anesthesia (doxorubicin, vincristine, vinblastine, doxycycline, erythromycin, itraconazole, ketaconazole, rifampicin, tetracycline, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, domperidone, ranitidine, butorphanol, ivermectin, morphine, moxidectin, phenothiazines, selamectin only to name a few among the most common).
The seriousness of the symptoms will obviously always be connected with the dose taken and with the degree of genetic defect (sick or carrier).
 
SYMPTOMS OF POISONING
Symptoms related to cerebral accumulation of ivermectin appear in 4-12 hours after exposure to the medicine in case of use of massive doses and in about 48-96 hours in the case of administration of smaller doses.
You will notice:
  • Dilated pupils with greater sensitivity to light
  • Digestive problems, lack of appetite and abundant salivation
  • Lethargy: drowsiness up to a real difficulty for the animal to stand up
  • Motor problems: the animal has difficulty in moving, stumbles, falls, staggers and can appear as disoriented and does not respond to your call
  • Respiratory problems: the animal will have a shallow, gasping breathing, which can cause him loss of consciousness, fainting. He may have epileptic fits that in case of lack of treatment will lead him to coma and death.
 
TREATMENT
Being a genetic disorder, treatment will only be palliative and will help to control the most dangerous symptoms, waiting for the animal to dispose of intoxication.
In any case, should you notice a symptom among those mentioned above in a genetically at-risk subject, it is important to contact immediately a veterinarian.
 
Dogs affected by mutation are apparently healthy and have normal physiological and haematological parameters; fortunately today it is possible to diagnose mutation with a specific genetic test through which you can establish with certainty if the dog is healthy, mutated heterozygous, that is with only one of the two mutated alleles, or mutated homozygous, that's to say with both mutated alleles.
The test is useful to identify the genotype of the reproducers intended for coupling and thus reduce the onset of this mutation. Considering the large number of potentially toxic medicines and the seriousness of symptoms that may occur following the intake of one of these molecules, in order to safeguard the health of our dog is very important to know if the MDR1 gene is changed or not. Therapies or anesthesia that may become necessary during the life of your dog will be calibrated according to the possible mutation of the MDR1 gene.
 
I hope I have been clear enough: it's difficult to simplify genetic concepts. Leave your comment, should you have other questions. I will be available.
I'll be back soon with my next article!
 

Eleonora Bosoni  

Dr. in Veterinary Medicine

Do you have a pet shop, a chain of stores? Do you want to improve their profitability?
 
Consider that every month people visit 1.5 billion destinations they had previously searched for on Google. If we actually think about it, we cannot blame these statistics. We read  reviews, we study itineraries, we read up on opening hours, we look at photos, maybe we visit directly the facility with the virtual tour.
When it's necessary, when there is an emergency and we need something to be searched for within a few kilometers, we use our mobile. 30% of mobile searches are connected with locations.
76% of users who look for a nearby store through their smartphone, goes to the store throughout the day and 28% of them realizes a purchase.
 
Well, this is why today let's talk about a free service you must absolutely know to give an added value to your store. This service will increase its local visibility and will make it more accessible to the customer.
Customers are the center of every business, they are the reason why companies flourish and their shared passion for your job is what makes business management so satisfying.
In the last few years Google has realised a very simple and useful tool for companies, which isn't yet well-known and used by them, perhaps because they don't know it in detail and ignore the big advantage that it has: I'm talking about GOOGLE MY BUSINESS, an easy and free way to find and connect with people, with your customers wherever you are.
 
You have to think that  enterprises that were verified  on Google are twice as likely to be considered reliable by consumers.
 
What is Google My Business?
Google My Business is a dashboard where the owner of a local business can manage his information and provide it to the huge Google database.
First of all Google My Business is free and can be intended as a site through which you can inform and keep Google updated about all that is related to your store.

Google My Business profile therefore offers a lot of useful information about the activity, offered to users who are looking for you both directly and indirectly. Basically, a My Business page must allow the user to know:
  • where your store is physically located
  • which services / products it sells
  • how to contact you
  • how you are judged by users who have already had experiences with your store.
 
Google My Business: how does it work?
The steps to take, to make things simple and clear:
 
  • first you create a Google account, linked to your store and not to yourself
  • check that there is not already an old record of this activity
  • if not, proceed with the creation of a new record, otherwise contact Google support team to help you
  • enter information about: name of your pet shop, country / region, address, postal code, city, province, main shop phone, category, delivery service"
  • at this stage you will have to confirm the ownership of the account by phone call or by sending a coupon with a code
  • once the account is activated, the next step will be to add the suitable contents to attract the interest of the customers, ensuring that the association between the research question and the results displayed is immediate.
Now you are really ready to  get down to work, to fill your record with interesting contents and information in order to make it useful for users who visit it. Where shall you start from? Obviously from the basic information of your store, namely: name, address, telephone number, branch, website.
 
Which contents are important to improve it?
Google My Business card allows you to receive many contacts, it is certainly useful for any activity. It will be important to keep the information up-to-date, as most of the research of this kind are carried out through the smartphone, therefore in a situation of "urgency" where the user needs to find as much information as possible in the shortest time required, we can talk about an immediate need. Remember that, as in reality,  network is also full of competitors, therefore your My Business card will have to offer something more than competitors do. The more you work well and you get positive reviews and ratings, the better the placement in the local search results of your pet shop will be.
Now in detail the items that you can enter to customize it at best.
 
CONTACT INFO
However, you have to consider a limitation, connected with many kinds of activities:  you usually answer company phone during working hours but people search the web anytime. Google MyBusiness has also thought about this: it is possible to receive requests, meetings, quotations, not only through phone calls! In your card you can add links that will be the landing pages (intended as  pages of destination); people  can leave messages or requests, ask for meetings or enquiries, or book a visit in your shop. It's really easy to add a landing page on Google My Business: you just have to change the URLs of the activity.
 
OPENING AND CLOSING TIME

You can also add special times in advance, such as during holidays. A message will appear on your regular times.
EXHAUSTIVE DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPANY
That includes the keywords related to your business and maybe even links to strategic pages of the site.
 
WEBSITE

The site service is designed for activities that do not have a website, it is not recommended for those who have already a company website.

 
IMAGES
For a perfect use of Google My Business, the first rule is to pay particular attention to the choice of images. They must be beautiful, high-quality, unchanged, taken from different angles that reflect reality at best.
It is advisable to add:
- a profile image in line with your pet shop, which can represent it at best, or a logo.
- a cover image that can help  users to identify you immediately, such as a photo of the shop's exterior.
- other images related to your store: photos of interiors and exteriors, photos of employees or team / staff at work or even of your best products.
 
VIRTUAL TOURS
Virtual tours of the activities on Google Maps are not directly used to sell products or offer services, but can still influence the decision about "purchase" or "visit" of the activity or of the place of interest.
 
POST
Surely there is the desire to make companies increasingly rich in information to be provided to their customers or potential customers; but beyond this, the novelty will necesarily lead to a natural selection of companies: on the one hand those who will use posts for new promotions, special offers, to promote events, to give more prominence to some products rather than others, and on the other hand companies that they will not conform to the change and will be damaged. If you want to improve your My Business card, updating posts is definitely a step towards the right path! Think first of all about what you want to notify; it could be the beginning of sales, a special promotion, or a novelty. The basic information to add is the text of the post and the image. The photo is actually optional, but strongly recommended to increase the visual impact and encourage potential customers.
The system is not limited to text and image, but also gives us the possibility to:
 
- turn the post into an event
- insert a button (call-to-action and link to the website).
 
REVIEWS
In addition to the information mentioned above, it is essential to develop strategies in order to get reviews checked by users and customers. Reviews are very important for many reasons: branding, reputation, indexing, and with Google My Business you will also have the opportunity to see the stars and the average rating of users on the search network. This last point can be crucial, there are researches that show that 97% of consumers claim to read online reviews on local companies and 90% of them are influenced by both positive and negative opinions for their own choice of purchase.  
In this regard, it could be very useful to set up a notification on the email in Google My Business account every time a user issues a review, so that you can monitor in real time the opinion of users on your business / store. When you receive reviews, it is advisable to answer, always remembering that what you write will be visible to everyone, so be always polite. Reviews are also useful to optimize the page: feedbacks allowGoogle to understand how your company is perceived by customers.
 
LOCAL MARKETING AND SOCIAL MEDIA
Another strategic aspect to be taken care of and not to be underestimated is that of social networks. You will have to  evaluate carefully the most appropriate social for your store, for the product you deal with ... Facebook page, for example, is in most cases the most suitable tool to represent a company on the web.
 
ANALYTICS SECTION
Dedicate periodically time to check the analyitics of your card, then view and analyze the in-depth section, from which you can understand how many calls you receive through the card, how many photos have been seen, the visits to your website and a lot of other important information. By entering the "manage headquarters" section, among the menu items, you will find "statistics". Here you will find any information, any data highlighted with beautiful coloured graphics, easy and quick to understand. Not just visibility, but also interactions. Let's see them in detail.
  • Views:
here you will have the total views of your business, divided into the different Google properties. You will then have data related to:
- Search, when the information of our office appeared following a user search on Google.
- G + page, the number of visits to our Google Plus page
- post: the G + post views by users
- photos: the views of our photos, by users, whether they come from G +, Maps or Google images.
  • Click:
after visibility the system will tell how the user interacted with our card; here are the clicks we received. What were users interested in?
- access to the website
- itinerary information
- phone calls
  • Street signs:
Where were users who clicked on "street signs"  located? We must be honest: data will not always be so accurate. We could also see a simple "Italy" and we must also have a certain number of clicks, otherwise we will see "unsatisfactory data".
  • Phone:
in this case time division is in weeks, not days, but the period is the same.
You can also choose to see the data by day, or by time of day.
Remember that:
- values ​​are approximate, but still communicate it
- the system does not collect information in real time, it takes about 48 hours to gather it.
 
Has been summarize the world of Google MyBusiness as simply as possible, I hope it will be a positive support for your pet shop and remember:
 
"People who do not have an online business and who are not in the social networks, in the near future will remain out of any business." Bill Gates
Google My Business: an extra kick for your pet shop.
Thursday, October 11, 2018

Do you have a pet shop, a chain of stores? Do you want to improve their profitability?
 
Consider that every month people visit 1.5 billion destinations they had previously searched for on Google. If we actually think about it, we cannot blame these statistics. We read  reviews, we study itineraries, we read up on opening hours, we look at photos, maybe we visit directly the facility with the virtual tour.
When it's necessary, when there is an emergency and we need something to be searched for within a few kilometers, we use our mobile. 30% of mobile searches are connected with locations.
76% of users who look for a nearby store through their smartphone, goes to the store throughout the day and 28% of them realizes a purchase.
 
Well, this is why today let's talk about a free service you must absolutely know to give an added value to your store. This service will increase its local visibility and will make it more accessible to the customer.
Customers are the center of every business, they are the reason why companies flourish and their shared passion for your job is what makes business management so satisfying.
In the last few years Google has realised a very simple and useful tool for companies, which isn't yet well-known and used by them, perhaps because they don't know it in detail and ignore the big advantage that it has: I'm talking about GOOGLE MY BUSINESS, an easy and free way to find and connect with people, with your customers wherever you are.
 
You have to think that  enterprises that were verified  on Google are twice as likely to be considered reliable by consumers.
 
What is Google My Business?
Google My Business is a dashboard where the owner of a local business can manage his information and provide it to the huge Google database.
First of all Google My Business is free and can be intended as a site through which you can inform and keep Google updated about all that is related to your store.

Google My Business profile therefore offers a lot of useful information about the activity, offered to users who are looking for you both directly and indirectly. Basically, a My Business page must allow the user to know:
  • where your store is physically located
  • which services / products it sells
  • how to contact you
  • how you are judged by users who have already had experiences with your store.
 
Google My Business: how does it work?
The steps to take, to make things simple and clear:
 
  • first you create a Google account, linked to your store and not to yourself
  • check that there is not already an old record of this activity
  • if not, proceed with the creation of a new record, otherwise contact Google support team to help you
  • enter information about: name of your pet shop, country / region, address, postal code, city, province, main shop phone, category, delivery service"
  • at this stage you will have to confirm the ownership of the account by phone call or by sending a coupon with a code
  • once the account is activated, the next step will be to add the suitable contents to attract the interest of the customers, ensuring that the association between the research question and the results displayed is immediate.
Now you are really ready to  get down to work, to fill your record with interesting contents and information in order to make it useful for users who visit it. Where shall you start from? Obviously from the basic information of your store, namely: name, address, telephone number, branch, website.
 
Which contents are important to improve it?
Google My Business card allows you to receive many contacts, it is certainly useful for any activity. It will be important to keep the information up-to-date, as most of the research of this kind are carried out through the smartphone, therefore in a situation of "urgency" where the user needs to find as much information as possible in the shortest time required, we can talk about an immediate need. Remember that, as in reality,  network is also full of competitors, therefore your My Business card will have to offer something more than competitors do. The more you work well and you get positive reviews and ratings, the better the placement in the local search results of your pet shop will be.
Now in detail the items that you can enter to customize it at best.
 
CONTACT INFO
However, you have to consider a limitation, connected with many kinds of activities:  you usually answer company phone during working hours but people search the web anytime. Google MyBusiness has also thought about this: it is possible to receive requests, meetings, quotations, not only through phone calls! In your card you can add links that will be the landing pages (intended as  pages of destination); people  can leave messages or requests, ask for meetings or enquiries, or book a visit in your shop. It's really easy to add a landing page on Google My Business: you just have to change the URLs of the activity.
 
OPENING AND CLOSING TIME

You can also add special times in advance, such as during holidays. A message will appear on your regular times.
EXHAUSTIVE DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPANY
That includes the keywords related to your business and maybe even links to strategic pages of the site.
 
WEBSITE

The site service is designed for activities that do not have a website, it is not recommended for those who have already a company website.

 
IMAGES
For a perfect use of Google My Business, the first rule is to pay particular attention to the choice of images. They must be beautiful, high-quality, unchanged, taken from different angles that reflect reality at best.
It is advisable to add:
- a profile image in line with your pet shop, which can represent it at best, or a logo.
- a cover image that can help  users to identify you immediately, such as a photo of the shop's exterior.
- other images related to your store: photos of interiors and exteriors, photos of employees or team / staff at work or even of your best products.
 
VIRTUAL TOURS
Virtual tours of the activities on Google Maps are not directly used to sell products or offer services, but can still influence the decision about "purchase" or "visit" of the activity or of the place of interest.
 
POST
Surely there is the desire to make companies increasingly rich in information to be provided to their customers or potential customers; but beyond this, the novelty will necesarily lead to a natural selection of companies: on the one hand those who will use posts for new promotions, special offers, to promote events, to give more prominence to some products rather than others, and on the other hand companies that they will not conform to the change and will be damaged. If you want to improve your My Business card, updating posts is definitely a step towards the right path! Think first of all about what you want to notify; it could be the beginning of sales, a special promotion, or a novelty. The basic information to add is the text of the post and the image. The photo is actually optional, but strongly recommended to increase the visual impact and encourage potential customers.
The system is not limited to text and image, but also gives us the possibility to:
 
- turn the post into an event
- insert a button (call-to-action and link to the website).
 
REVIEWS
In addition to the information mentioned above, it is essential to develop strategies in order to get reviews checked by users and customers. Reviews are very important for many reasons: branding, reputation, indexing, and with Google My Business you will also have the opportunity to see the stars and the average rating of users on the search network. This last point can be crucial, there are researches that show that 97% of consumers claim to read online reviews on local companies and 90% of them are influenced by both positive and negative opinions for their own choice of purchase.  
In this regard, it could be very useful to set up a notification on the email in Google My Business account every time a user issues a review, so that you can monitor in real time the opinion of users on your business / store. When you receive reviews, it is advisable to answer, always remembering that what you write will be visible to everyone, so be always polite. Reviews are also useful to optimize the page: feedbacks allowGoogle to understand how your company is perceived by customers.
 
LOCAL MARKETING AND SOCIAL MEDIA
Another strategic aspect to be taken care of and not to be underestimated is that of social networks. You will have to  evaluate carefully the most appropriate social for your store, for the product you deal with ... Facebook page, for example, is in most cases the most suitable tool to represent a company on the web.
 
ANALYTICS SECTION
Dedicate periodically time to check the analyitics of your card, then view and analyze the in-depth section, from which you can understand how many calls you receive through the card, how many photos have been seen, the visits to your website and a lot of other important information. By entering the "manage headquarters" section, among the menu items, you will find "statistics". Here you will find any information, any data highlighted with beautiful coloured graphics, easy and quick to understand. Not just visibility, but also interactions. Let's see them in detail.
  • Views:
here you will have the total views of your business, divided into the different Google properties. You will then have data related to:
- Search, when the information of our office appeared following a user search on Google.
- G + page, the number of visits to our Google Plus page
- post: the G + post views by users
- photos: the views of our photos, by users, whether they come from G +, Maps or Google images.
  • Click:
after visibility the system will tell how the user interacted with our card; here are the clicks we received. What were users interested in?
- access to the website
- itinerary information
- phone calls
  • Street signs:
Where were users who clicked on "street signs"  located? We must be honest: data will not always be so accurate. We could also see a simple "Italy" and we must also have a certain number of clicks, otherwise we will see "unsatisfactory data".
  • Phone:
in this case time division is in weeks, not days, but the period is the same.
You can also choose to see the data by day, or by time of day.
Remember that:
- values ​​are approximate, but still communicate it
- the system does not collect information in real time, it takes about 48 hours to gather it.
 
Has been summarize the world of Google MyBusiness as simply as possible, I hope it will be a positive support for your pet shop and remember:
 
"People who do not have an online business and who are not in the social networks, in the near future will remain out of any business." Bill Gates

PET SHOP EN

1.USEFUL FOR PET SAFETY
Identification tag is an essential accessory for the safety of our 4-legged friends that should not be missing in your store, as it is one of the first items to buy when a dog arrives in your family.
Your  pet customers should not be lacking their ID tag and above all their owners will not have to wait to buy it until it's too late.
 
WHAT IS IT IMPORTANT TO KNOW ABOUT IT?
In case  the dog gets lost,  ID tag is the best way to see him quickly come back home.
As a matter of fact its origins date back to the early 1900s to identify soldiers in any situation. Therefore, it represents an old and simple method, the most convincing today to protect your 4-legged friend.
Whoever meets him will be able to help him immediately and the tag will confirm that he is a domestic dog, of whom not to be afraid of.
Microchips and tags are two important realities that must coexist, do not think absolutely that one excludes the other.
Microchip in Italy and in other countries is mandatory by law and allows to find out the owners who might have  abandoned their dog on purpose. In order to read the identification code of the microchip, it will be necessary to contact the persons in charge (veterinaries, law enforcement agencies, local health authorities ...) who have the special device. On the contrary, the tag allows anyone who finds a dog in trouble, to get immediately in touch with his owner, thanks to the information engraved on the tag that he will wear attached to his collar.
A simple phone call will be enough!
These are the main notions that must be clear and that you should pass on to your customers about the safety of their pet.
Which person would not despair for the loss of his faithful friend?
 
2. QUALITY PRODUCT, 500 MODELS FOR ALL TASTES
MyFamily, allows you to offer your customer a medal that will not only be an essential accessory for his animal but also unique for quality and beauty.  SITE PRODUCTS
 
3. ENGRAVING SERVICE IN 2 MINUTES
Thanks to Techla, our engraving machine, tags can be free and easily engraved in your shop by you or even by your customer,  in a few minutes, to ensure a complete and performing service. VIEW OUR TECHLA
 
Should you need more detailed information about microchips and tags, please read: "The importance of the ID tag"
WHY IDENTIFICATION TAG IN YOUR PET SHOP? WHY MYFAMILY? THE 3 REASONS.
Tuesday, October 2, 2018

PET SHOP EN

1.USEFUL FOR PET SAFETY
Identification tag is an essential accessory for the safety of our 4-legged friends that should not be missing in your store, as it is one of the first items to buy when a dog arrives in your family.
Your  pet customers should not be lacking their ID tag and above all their owners will not have to wait to buy it until it's too late.
 
WHAT IS IT IMPORTANT TO KNOW ABOUT IT?
In case  the dog gets lost,  ID tag is the best way to see him quickly come back home.
As a matter of fact its origins date back to the early 1900s to identify soldiers in any situation. Therefore, it represents an old and simple method, the most convincing today to protect your 4-legged friend.
Whoever meets him will be able to help him immediately and the tag will confirm that he is a domestic dog, of whom not to be afraid of.
Microchips and tags are two important realities that must coexist, do not think absolutely that one excludes the other.
Microchip in Italy and in other countries is mandatory by law and allows to find out the owners who might have  abandoned their dog on purpose. In order to read the identification code of the microchip, it will be necessary to contact the persons in charge (veterinaries, law enforcement agencies, local health authorities ...) who have the special device. On the contrary, the tag allows anyone who finds a dog in trouble, to get immediately in touch with his owner, thanks to the information engraved on the tag that he will wear attached to his collar.
A simple phone call will be enough!
These are the main notions that must be clear and that you should pass on to your customers about the safety of their pet.
Which person would not despair for the loss of his faithful friend?
 
2. QUALITY PRODUCT, 500 MODELS FOR ALL TASTES
MyFamily, allows you to offer your customer a medal that will not only be an essential accessory for his animal but also unique for quality and beauty.  SITE PRODUCTS
 
3. ENGRAVING SERVICE IN 2 MINUTES
Thanks to Techla, our engraving machine, tags can be free and easily engraved in your shop by you or even by your customer,  in a few minutes, to ensure a complete and performing service. VIEW OUR TECHLA
 
Should you need more detailed information about microchips and tags, please read: "The importance of the ID tag"

The first time I met Lagotto in my vet clynic, I have been immediately fascinated by his cheerfulness and by the natural affection he showed in a situation which is usually unfriendly for the patients.
Before this occasion, I just heard about that breed, but I never had the chance to personally meet it.
The visit took place in a unique climate, with a dog that was not standing still, constantly trying to lick me, greeting me,  demanding caresses, cuddles and as soon as I stopped, he tried to draw my attention again. A hurricane of happiness!
So his owner began to tell me about his love for this little known breed and his passion for truffles and the visit became special.

I want to share with you the story of this curly dog starting from his origins, so you can know who the Lagotto is.

 

The LAGOTTO ROMAGNOLO, his story.

 
The Lagotto Romagnolo, also known as Lagotto, has been recognized in Italy by ENCI as a breed only in 1990, but it seems to be an ancient breed because it appears in some Italian paintings of 1400.
It is therefore deduced that this breed has Italian origins, particularly related to the swampy areas of Ravenna and Comacchio valleys where he was defined, in the local dialect, the "lake dog". Lagotto initially was a hunting dog, used as a retriver for waterfowl game. 
With the great reclamation of the valleys of the late '800, the Lagotto lost his active role in the economy of the territory, but his good character, his peculiar ease of learning and a developed smell made him soon a skilled truffle hunter.
In this way, he became the only breed in the world which is specialized in truffle hunting.
Obviously the man has made his hunting instinct gradually vanish to avoid distractions during his work.

In recent times, the knowledge of the breed has spread and the Civil Defense has also taken it into consideration to help in finding lost people thanks to his versatility and his easy adaptation to any type of environment.

 

Breed 's features and character

 
That day, I was immediately impressed by the hair of this dog: it was woolly, curly, thick; you could see the skin with difficulty and the hand sank into this soft mass. It seemed to touch a soft toy.
His blue eyes could hardly be seen. His coat was reddish brown. He was funny, he looked like a puppy despite he was 2 years old.
These are the distinguishing features of Lagotto. In particular the quality of the coat has made this breed suitable for any environment and situation.
Nothing stops him, he is able to look for truffles in the brambles, to withstand very low temperatures and to work in any type of environment, even for hours in the water; his coat is water repellent and it dries quickly. He does not have a real seasonal molt, but a minimum one and the hair, continuously growing, needs to be constantly cut. The recognized hair colors are: uniform white, white with brown spots, roan, brown liver uniform, orange and other various combinations of colors. Some white spots may appear during growth.
He is considered a small-medium size dog, the standards define him square in shape, since the height and length must correspond to shape a square.
He loves working, he considers everything as a game and this makes him unique in his being. The Lagotto can be easily trained and he can be a good truffle searcher even when is just 18 months old. His intelligence allows him to quickly learn what other breeds would learn in a much longer time.
This dog that loves to stay with his owner, but despite the fact that he loves sofa and cuddles, he needs to move and work in order to be happy. His work dog nature is perfectly expressed in his desire to play up to adulthood and this desire must be addressed and adequately exploited. Obviously this breed is not only appreciated by truffle searchers but also by dogs lovers.  If you are not fond of truffles you can still have fun with many sports such as agility, freestyle, disc dog, swimming, obedience.
He's a great playmate for children with whom he gets along very well and joins forces to make some pranks.
This dog can adapt himself to any situation, always seeing the positive side. He is calm and balanced, but, being a working dog, he needs incentives, goals, precise tasks to run near the man of whom he knows how to be a fun companion. He is not a conflicting dog, so it is enough to clearly teach him the rules to be followed since his early age and the life with him will be simple and pleasant.
In recent years, this breed has had a great success, worldwide. This dog's  working intelligence and excellent character make him a winning mix that will achieve great success in the coming future.
 

I hope this article has been useful and I invite you to get in touch with me in case of any curiosity you may have... you could rather propose the next topic to deal with, I will be happy to receive your suggestions! 

 

Eleonora Bosoni

Dr. in Veterinary Medicine

 

 
Lagotto and his love for truffles.
Monday, October 1, 2018

The first time I met Lagotto in my vet clynic, I have been immediately fascinated by his cheerfulness and by the natural affection he showed in a situation which is usually unfriendly for the patients.
Before this occasion, I just heard about that breed, but I never had the chance to personally meet it.
The visit took place in a unique climate, with a dog that was not standing still, constantly trying to lick me, greeting me,  demanding caresses, cuddles and as soon as I stopped, he tried to draw my attention again. A hurricane of happiness!
So his owner began to tell me about his love for this little known breed and his passion for truffles and the visit became special.

I want to share with you the story of this curly dog starting from his origins, so you can know who the Lagotto is.

 

The LAGOTTO ROMAGNOLO, his story.

 
The Lagotto Romagnolo, also known as Lagotto, has been recognized in Italy by ENCI as a breed only in 1990, but it seems to be an ancient breed because it appears in some Italian paintings of 1400.
It is therefore deduced that this breed has Italian origins, particularly related to the swampy areas of Ravenna and Comacchio valleys where he was defined, in the local dialect, the "lake dog". Lagotto initially was a hunting dog, used as a retriver for waterfowl game. 
With the great reclamation of the valleys of the late '800, the Lagotto lost his active role in the economy of the territory, but his good character, his peculiar ease of learning and a developed smell made him soon a skilled truffle hunter.
In this way, he became the only breed in the world which is specialized in truffle hunting.
Obviously the man has made his hunting instinct gradually vanish to avoid distractions during his work.

In recent times, the knowledge of the breed has spread and the Civil Defense has also taken it into consideration to help in finding lost people thanks to his versatility and his easy adaptation to any type of environment.

 

Breed 's features and character

 
That day, I was immediately impressed by the hair of this dog: it was woolly, curly, thick; you could see the skin with difficulty and the hand sank into this soft mass. It seemed to touch a soft toy.
His blue eyes could hardly be seen. His coat was reddish brown. He was funny, he looked like a puppy despite he was 2 years old.
These are the distinguishing features of Lagotto. In particular the quality of the coat has made this breed suitable for any environment and situation.
Nothing stops him, he is able to look for truffles in the brambles, to withstand very low temperatures and to work in any type of environment, even for hours in the water; his coat is water repellent and it dries quickly. He does not have a real seasonal molt, but a minimum one and the hair, continuously growing, needs to be constantly cut. The recognized hair colors are: uniform white, white with brown spots, roan, brown liver uniform, orange and other various combinations of colors. Some white spots may appear during growth.
He is considered a small-medium size dog, the standards define him square in shape, since the height and length must correspond to shape a square.
He loves working, he considers everything as a game and this makes him unique in his being. The Lagotto can be easily trained and he can be a good truffle searcher even when is just 18 months old. His intelligence allows him to quickly learn what other breeds would learn in a much longer time.
This dog that loves to stay with his owner, but despite the fact that he loves sofa and cuddles, he needs to move and work in order to be happy. His work dog nature is perfectly expressed in his desire to play up to adulthood and this desire must be addressed and adequately exploited. Obviously this breed is not only appreciated by truffle searchers but also by dogs lovers.  If you are not fond of truffles you can still have fun with many sports such as agility, freestyle, disc dog, swimming, obedience.
He's a great playmate for children with whom he gets along very well and joins forces to make some pranks.
This dog can adapt himself to any situation, always seeing the positive side. He is calm and balanced, but, being a working dog, he needs incentives, goals, precise tasks to run near the man of whom he knows how to be a fun companion. He is not a conflicting dog, so it is enough to clearly teach him the rules to be followed since his early age and the life with him will be simple and pleasant.
In recent years, this breed has had a great success, worldwide. This dog's  working intelligence and excellent character make him a winning mix that will achieve great success in the coming future.
 

I hope this article has been useful and I invite you to get in touch with me in case of any curiosity you may have... you could rather propose the next topic to deal with, I will be happy to receive your suggestions! 

 

Eleonora Bosoni

Dr. in Veterinary Medicine

 

 

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