As a dog-loving nation, are we doing enough for our faithful, four-legged friends?

It’s estimated that 62% of UK households own 36.5 million pets, according to the latest research by industry body UK Pet Food. Topping the list as the country’s most popular pet are dogs, with 41% of households reporting that a canine is part of their family. Tallying up the numbers, that works out at around 15.5 million pet dogs currently in the UK.

With dogs such an integral part of many people’s lives, it begs the question – are they all living their best life? Could we do more for our faithful, four-legged friends?

Burgess in-house vet, Dr Suzanne Moyes, says: “Dogs can be wonderful pets, but they are a huge commitment and it’s essential that all their needs are met so they can be as happy and healthy as possible. A responsible owner will ensure they have enough time to provide their dog with all the companionship, games and walks they need, a suitable, safe environment, correct veterinary care, training to reward them for good behaviours and the right nutrition.” 

What does it mean to be a responsible dog owner?

To help both new and experienced dog owners have a better, more consistent understanding of what it means to be a responsible dog owner, animal charities Dogs Trust and the RSPCA have developed the Dog Ownership Guide. 

Dogs Trust says: “As a dog-loving nation, we should all be working towards a society where dogs, their owners and the wider community live peacefully side by side. By following the key themes of this guide, we can take giant steps towards that future.”

The Dog Ownership Guide is split into sections covering a good life, safe and secure, good citizen and lifetime commitment, with useful examples of what each of those aspects looks like in real life. 

In addition, it covers the impact on the wider community, advocating for humans to learn how to interact with canines safely, creating dedicated spaces for dogs to exercise and socialise, and knowing where to find trusted support services and facilities such as groomers, walkers and boarding organisations that have dog welfare at their core.

For anyone wanting to do the best for their canine chum, the Dog Ownership Guide is a treasure trove of information. Below is a summary of what each topic covers. 

A GOOD LIFE

Make sure your dog is happy and healthy, and that you have a good life together by:

• Caring for the physical and nutritional health of your dog. Avoiding injury or disease and finding appropriate and preventative vet care quickly.
• Noticing signs of pain and disease and arranging treatment plans so they have a good quality of life and don’t have to live in chronic pain.
• Caring for your dog’s behavioural health so they are relaxed and happy. 
• Creating a suitable environment around your dog that enables good physical and behavioural health, leading to an overall healthy mental and physical state.

Examples of ‘good life’ behaviour include preparing your home and outdoor space for a dog, making sure your dog gets a full health check from a vet and asking about vaccinations and neutering, providing reward-based training, socialisation, exercise and enrichment and feeding your dog a balanced diet to keep them happy and healthy.

SAFE AND SECURE

Make sure you prioritise safety by:

• Keeping yourself safe and secure
• Keeping your dog safe and secure
• Keeping others safe and secure

Examples of ‘safe and secure’ behaviours include learning how to read your dog’s body language and understanding their behaviours, keeping your dog under control and in sight at all times when in public, supervising your dog when they’re around other people, especially children or animals in your home or outside, keeping your dog safe around water, supporting your dog through fireworks season and making sure your dog is safe and secure when travelling.

GOOD CITIZEN

Make sure you and your dog get the most out of interacting with the wider world by:

• Following local and national rules
• Being considerate of others. Keeping your dog under control and cleaning up after them in public spaces

Examples of ‘good citizen’ behaviours include getting your dog a collar and a tag with your address and contact information – by law, dogs must wear a collar with an identity tag in public, even if you’re walking them using a harness – ensuring your dog is microchipped and the details are kept up to date, and training your dog to come when called before letting them off the lead in public.

LIFETIME COMMITMENT

Make sure you can support your dog through life’s twists and turns, by:

• Supporting them through short, medium and long-term changes
• Planning ahead for changes that could affect your dog’s care – such as your living situation, finances or health.
• Handing your dog over to a safe, ethical and responsible rehoming organisation, should this ever become necessary.

Examples of ‘lifetime commitment’ behaviours include making sure you have the time to help your dog adapt to and thrive within your lifestyle, preparing for unexpected vet bills or lifelong medical conditions via pet insurance or by putting money aside, adapting to situations where your dog may not feel comfortable – such as in a busy restaurant, preparing your dog for a new baby in your home and finding out where you can go for dog ownership advice to help you and your dog cope with changes in your lives.

Dogs Trust adds: “We hope this will lead to happier dogs, more harmonious and loving dog-owner relationships, and ultimately fewer dog control incidents over time; protecting more people, dogs and other animals from harm. We can help make sure that all dogs enjoy a good life, feel safe and secure and are an asset to their community.”

And dogs definitely deserve it. As psychology professor and well-known writer on the intelligence, mental abilities and history of dogs, Stanley Coren, revealed when asked about his most cherished quotes about dogs, he said:

“One of my favourites comes from Roger Caras, an author who also served as the president of the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). It went: ‘We give them the love we can spare, the time we can spare. In return dogs have given us their absolute all. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made’.”

Working together for a better deal for dogs is something every dog lover should take to heart. And, just as you can teach and old dog new tricks, no matter how many years you’ve been an owner or how many dogs you’ve cared for, there’s always something new to learn about our fabulous four-pawed friends.

“The Dog Ownership Guide provides lots of really useful practical ideas on how to ensure your canine companion is set up for success and can enjoy life to the full,” says Dr Moyes. “A world with happier dogs and a greater understanding between humans and canines is undoubtedly a better place, for everyone.”

HOW BURGESS PET CARE HELPS DOGS IN NEED

• Burgess Pet Care has been raising awareness of Greyhounds and Lurchers in need since 2019 via its Greyhound & Lurcher takeover campaign. Along with highlighting the amazing work of rescue charities, this annual event also draws attention to rescue hounds needing happy forever homes. Every year, thousands of pounds worth of Burgess Supadog Greyhound & Lurcher food is delivered by members of the Burgess team to hardworking rescue charities across the UK.
• To support independent animal rescue charities across the UK, Burgess hosted the Yorkshire Rescue Dog Takeover Week, providing special deliveries of free food. The seed for this campaign was sown in 2022, when Supadog Rich in Salmon food was launched, featuring an on-pack image of Jess, a two-year-old rescued Staffy Cross.

SOMETHING TASTY FOR EVERY DOG – PREMIUM DOG FOOD WITHOUT THE PREMIUM PRICE! 

Every dog deserves a first-class dinner from puppy to adult and senior. Burgess Pet Care is a British, family-owned company, and all our dog foods are made using only ingredients that meet our stringent specifications. We’ve also developed foods to meet the specific nutritional needs of sporting and working dogs, Greyhounds and Lurchers and dogs with sensitivities. 

GOOD TO KNOW 

• COMPLETE NUTRITION Each of the recipes in the Burgess Dog Food range are complete, providing all the nutrients dogs require in the right proportions.
• PORTION CONTROL With dry food, it’s easy to measure out the right-sized portion to help your dog maintain a healthy weight. 
• HEALTHY AND SAFE The thorough cooking process ensures that any harmful bacteria, such as salmonella, and viruses are destroyed, and the dry food stays fresh inside the pack.
• TEETH FRIENDLY Dry dog food has the added benefit of exercising your dog’s chewing muscles and provides a mild cleaning effect on the teeth.
• MADE IN BRITAIN Crafted at Burgess Pet Care’s own factory in the heart of Yorkshire, Burgess Dog Food contains high-quality ingredients that meet stringent specifications, locally sourced wherever possible to support British farmers.

With a whole host of *5-STAR REVIEWS*, our customers have told us:

* “This has really settled my puppy's stomach down as she has such a sensitive tummy... have just ordered more.” * “I’m absolutely over the moon with this dog food. My dogs are so much happier on this food. Thank you.” * “This food has really helped firm up my puppy’s poop!!! Plus, she loves it!!!” * “Very happy, puppy enjoys the kibble and is always excited at mealtimes.” * “Works well for my puppy and has made a great difference to his digestive system.” * My 12-year-old Border Collie, Aston, loves Burgess food. I have tried other kibble, but he has been reluctant to eat it, so I go straight back to Burgess.” * “Our Labrador loves this! It's the only food he doesn't get fed up of”. * “Perfect purchase, delivery and product. Very impressed.” * “Stopped the soft poo and made it much easier to clean up!” *“An excellent dog food, definitely a market-leading brand. My dog thrives on it, no upset stomach ever.” * “A leader amongst dog foods.” *

NEED MORE ADVICE?

If you’re at all unsure about the best way of feeding your dog or have any concerns about specific nutritional requirements, ask your local veterinary practice for advice. You can also call our expert team, available 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday, on +44 (0)1405 862241 who’ll be happy to help. Alternatively, use our online contact form to get in touch.

CARE MORE Find lots of useful advice on caring for your dog from Burgess, the pet experts >> 

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