Latest News

Pound Paws Dog Day at Bondi Beach - May 23



Bondi Beach’s iconic Dog Day returns, coming in hot thanks to a successful first year event (2019) hosted by Pound Paws and supported by Waverley Council, Baxta Pets and Mad Paws.

Whether you're a Bondi Hipster, Yogi or from out of town, all hoo-mans are welcome to join in for a paw-some day, raising awareness about the importance of choosing to adopt instead of shop!

Judging from the amount of tails wagging and human smiles from the first year, the Pound Paws team have gone above and beyond, to ensure this follow-up event is just as pawsome.

​Attendees can get creative and enter the Best Dog Trick and Best Costume Contests. Their little dog-tor or Hairy Potter is sure to impress our VIP Judges, including Simon Hill from Plant Proof, Dr Kate Adams from Bondi Vet, Chris Kerr from Waverley Council, and Coco Stedman from Married At First Sight 2021!

Event Highlights:

✔️ Bondi Doggie Lifeguard Challenge - sponsored by Petsy

✔️ Dogs available for adoption 

✔️ 25+ Pet Market Stalls

✔️ DOGUE Fashion Show 

✔️ Competition for Best Dog Trick - Registration fees donated to Dog Rescue Groups involved

✔️ Competition for Best Dressed Dog - Registration fees donated to Dog Rescue Groups involved:

✔️ Doggie Tarot Card Readings  

✔️ Dog Treat Tasting 

✔️ Puppy Paw-traits

✔️ Q&A Panel on Dog Training with local dog trainers: Bondi Behaviourist, Dog Brigade & So Help Me Dog

✔️ Puppy Pilates

✔️ Live Music and lots more...

Don't have a dog? No worries, there will be a number of dog rescue groups involved so you can come and meet a rescue doggo!

Make sure to arrive early, the first 200 guests will receive a Kong Goodie Bag on arrival!

This guaranteed tail-wagging event is proudly supported by Waverley Council.



When: Sunday 23rd of May 2021, from 11:00am to 3:00pm.

Where: North Bondi Park (opposite the beach), Bondi Beach, NSW, 2026

Because the organisers are monitoring numbers, with a COVID check-in upon arrival, you will need to register your attendance prior using this link: www.eventbrite.com.au

After the event, the fun will continue at Bondi Beach Public Bar at 3pm, where Pound Paws will be throwing the ultimate Doggy After Paw-ty. Join them for a hair of the dog, whilst they roll out the red carpet and pup-arazzi, whilst enjoying the sunset and bonding over the love of dogs.




About Pound Paws Charity

Pound Paws provides a modern approach to the overall adoption process, furthermore reducing the amount of pets that end up on death row per year. Their aim is to educate the Australian public about the importance of pet adoption, aid rescue centres and pounds across Australia, as well as streamline the whole adoption process, via their online search engine.

Pound Paws Dog Day events have been running for over four years around Australia. The events that Pound Paws organise are 100% charity fundraising events, as a way to not only raise awareness about pet adoption to local communities, but celebrate the wonderful companionship which we share with our pet. For more information, visit www.poundpaws.com.au

Heartworm Disease: Signs, Symptoms & Treatment



April is Heartworm Awareness Month around the world.

Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) disease is a worrying condition for dog owners: whilst many of us think it is much less common than decades ago, it is still a disease that kills pets.

Heartworm is one of those prevalent and preventable diseases.

Dr Jennifer Scott from Southern Cross Vet explains that “without prevention, your dog has roughly a 1 in 10 chance of being infected with heartworm, with infection leading to potentially fatal consequences. “

In Australia, it is recommended to use heartworm preventative all year round as it is impossible to reliably estimate a “mosquito season”. Dogs should start heartworm prevention by three months of age, but some products are safe to use on puppies from two weeks of age.

A survey of 1,600 Australian dog owners found that many were not compliant with disease protection with 64% admitting to administering monthly heartworm prevention AFTER it was due. [1]

Of most concern was the fact that, although 99% of dog owners acknowledged that heartworm could be fatal to dogs, 8% did not use any prevention and although 48% use monthly prevention, many were missing doses.

These findings support recent data from the Heartworm Surveillance Project, which found that 40% of recently-reported heartworm cases were in dogs on monthly heartworm tablets or spot-ons [2]. Vets are reminding us that it only takes one bite from an infected mosquito for a dog to catch this fatal disease.

How are dogs usually infected?



Heartworm is carried and spread by mosquitoes - just like Ross River and Dengue Fever affecting people. It is a slow, insidious disease that gradually incapacitates pets. By the time you notice the tell-tale signs of the disease, the damage that has been caused is serious.

Heartworm is a parasitic worm, transmitted to dogs and cats by mosquitoes.  

The entire lifecycle requires 6-7 months 
depending on environmental conditions
When a mosquito infected with heartworm larvae bites your dog the larvae is transferred into their system. It is here where they develop into adult heartworm and live in your dog’s heart and lungs.

Dogs get infected by being bitten by a mosquito carrying a life stage of the heartworm. It will require two dogs plus an infected mosquito to complete the disease transmission. 

After injection by a mosquito, adult worms eventually start to grow inside a pet's heart and lungs, causing very serious damage. 

Adult worms live within the heart and large blood vessels where they can grow to more than 30 cm in length. Being so large, they are a major barrier to the free passage of blood from the heart to the lungs. The infection slowly progresses. The heart dilates and becomes weak and in the lungs, the worms cause scarring and pneumonia.

If you want to see how large adult worms are, watch this (graphic) video here showing live worms during the autopsy of a dog that died of heartworm disease.

What are the signs of infection?

Heartworm disease damages the lining and valves of the heart, and with time this causes severe congestive heart failure and death when not diagnosed or treated.






The symptoms of heartworm include:

✔️ chronic coughing,
✔️ exercise intolerance,
✔️ reduced appetite / weight loss,
✔️ weakness / collapse and even
✔️ sudden death.

The severity of these signs depends on the number, size and location of the worms. 
If left untreated, a heartworm infected dog will progress to heart failure.
In severe cases, fluid leaks out of the blood vessels and accumulates in the lungs and the lower part of the abdomen. This fluid gives the dog's abdomen a 'pear-shaped' appearance, resembling the shape of a balloon filled with water.

Sometimes, the animal will suddenly collapse with no warning. It is associated with laboured breathing, extreme weakness, a blue appearance to the tongue, and very pale gums.

Which areas of Australia are most commonly affected?

Heartworm is more prevalent in areas with large numbers of mosquitoes and a warmer climate.

Environments where mosquitoes thrive usually share those common factors:

• High temperatures, and high humidity
• Storms, extreme rainfall and flooding events
• Urban expansion into previously rural areas
• Infected dogs (or wild dogs or foxes) acting as a reservoir of infection for other pets. Fox studies have shown that around 9% of foxes in the Sydney surrounds, and around 7% in the Melbourne surrounds carry heartworm, acting as a source of infection for city pets!

Unfortunately the increased infection rate in unprotected dogs has put everyone else’s pet at risk. Just as with unvaccinated children, the message is clear: if your dog is not properly protected, it is part of the problem!

How is Canine Heartworm diagnosed?
Early infection is the best time to diagnose the problem.

A diagnosis of heartworm is based on your dog’s current symptoms, a thorough physical examination performed by your veterinarian as well as blood tests.

If your dog is diagnosed with heartworm, your veterinarian may also recommend further diagnostics, including chest x-rays, an ultrasound and full blood tests. 

These results will assist in formulating a tailored treatment plan for your dog. It is important to note that although treatment options are available, the damage caused by heartworm can be irreversible, and treatment can be lengthy, expensive and include strict exercise restrictions for your dog.

How is Canine Heartworm treated?

It really depends on how severe the infection is but treatment usually involves a combination of the following:

✔️ a blood test (for at least two decades the most commonly used diagnostic tests have been antigen tests which detect small pieces of the female worm's body)
✔️ radiographs of the chest
✔️ a series of injections called Immiticide® into the dog's muscles
✔️ medications to reduce reaction to the drug injections
medications to kill the microfilariae in the blood stream and reduce reactions to the heartworms dying.
✔️ medications to combat heart failure signs if indicated.
✔️ restriction of activity for 6-8 weeks minimum.

Treatment with melarsomine (brand name Immiticide®) in hospital is expensive and most people have not budgeted for it. However the disease gets worse with time and we encourage people to start treatment straight away.

If you're not in a position to draw on your savings to cover unexpected vet bills, maybe you need to consider a pet health insurance cover.

What are the dog's chances of survival?

The earlier the diagnosis the better. The chance of survival is excellent with a dog showing little or no clinical signs. The survival is good with dogs who are showing mild clinical signs and then decreases depending on how severe the cardiovascular system is affected beyond that.

Confining/keeping your dog quiet for 12 weeks or even up to two years (using a slow kill treatment) has been highlighted as one of the most important factors affecting outcomes in patients after treatment.




So what do I need to do know?

If your dog is NOT on heartworm prevention: get him tested now! Early infections have simple and cost effective treatment available. Even advanced disease is treatable. Don’t start prevention without knowing your dog’s heartworm status – not only does it carry serious risks, it also doesn’t fix the problem!

The good news is you can protect your dog from heartworm by stopping the heartworm larvae developing into adult worms. Prevention options include:

✔️ monthly tablets or chews,
✔️ monthly topical spot-on-treatments or
✔️ an annual injection.

The ideal time for your dog to receive the injection is at the time of their annual vaccination.

This heartworm prevention injection can be given to puppies as early as three months of age however due to the pup's rapid growth it will need to be repeated at six months of age.

"When considering the prevention options best for you and your dog, it is important to consider how reliably you can give your dog their medication." said Dr. Jennifer Scott. "An advantage of the annual injection, over other forms of prevention is that it provides a three month safety margin of protection for your dog. This means that if you are a one or two months late to organise the annual injection, your dog will still be protected."

Monthly heartworm medications are still very popular.

Heartworm Preventatives Comparison Chart



* This table (Credit: Budget Pet Care) gives simplified product - comparison information only. You should carefully read the individual product information to be sure the product is right for your pet.

Note: Beware of products advertised as an “Allwormer”. This term refers to treatment of intestinal worms only, and many products sold for intestinal worms do not prevent heartworm.

Speak to your local veterinarian to decide which heartworm prevention treatment will best suit your dog but don't be complacent and ensure your dog is protected!

To summarise, heartworm can be a serious and potentially fatal disease BUT easily avoidable.

Heartworm prevention is an affordable and easy way to protect your dog from this disease and ensure they live a happy, healthy, heartworm free life. Please contact your veterinarian to discuss which form of prevention will best suit you and your dog.

We’d like to thank Dr. Jennifer Scott from Southern Cross Vet for her contribution to this revised version of our article. 

Follow Southern Cross Vets on Facebook at www.facebook.com/southerncrossvetclinic/ 

References:

1. PawClub, Australian Dog Owner Survey, Weber Shandwick, December 2015. 
2. Heartworm Surveillance Project. Available from: vetsaustralia.com.au/heartworm.
3. For more information, visit www.heartwormsociety.org

International Guide Dog Day 2021 - April 28



Doggie distraction: 70% of Guide Dogs Handlers report poor "petiquette" from pet dogs and owners 

Over 40 per cent of Guide Dogs handlers across Australia have reported an increase in their Guide Dogs having to deal with distractions from pet dogs and owners in the past 12 months.

This is according to a new client survey by Guide Dogs Australia ahead of International Guide Dog Day (IGDD) on April 28.

This year, Guide Dogs Australia is focusing on what the community can do to let Guide Dogs carry on their important work of guiding a person with low vision or blindness undistracted, with the research showing off-lead dogs (31%) and uncontrolled dogs on leads (22%) are the most common distractions.

Through 2020, animal adoption agencies recorded the biggest spikes for adoptions and breeder waiting lists were at capacity. This influx of isolated COVID-pups is likely to blame for spikes in dog distraction, with at least 70 per cent of Guide Dog handlers reporting distraction from poorly behaved pet dogs in the past 12 months.

People with pet dogs not making themselves known before approaching a handler and their Guide Dog is the biggest ‘petiquette’ issue, with 40 per cent of handlers experiencing this weekly.

Half of Guide Dog handlers said this made them feel anxious and unsafe (50%), with many changing their travel habits or avoiding locations (68%) as a result.

And it’s not just ourselves and our puppies that we need to keep in check, but our kids too. To help parents teach kids about Guide Dog etiquette Aussie children's band, The Quokkas, have released a song inspired by band member and Guide Dog handler Matt McLaren's own personal experience with his own Guide Dog Indy.

‘Don’t Pat Me’ explains how to behave around a Guide Dog in harness and is available from today on Spotify and iTunes.

"International Guide Dog Day is about recognising the important role Guide Dogs play in supporting people all around the world with low vision or blindness to achieve their goals and live independently," said Guide Dogs NSW/ACT CEO, Dale Cleaver.

"The past year has thrown everyone challenges and while pets brought so much joy to Australian homes during the pandemic, reduced socialisation and training of pets during lockdowns can lead to poor 'petiquette'. This can cause anxiety for Guide Dog handlers. While you or your pet dog may not intend any harm, for someone with low vision or blindness, a distracted Guide Dog can be hazardous.”

"And while Guide Dogs are trained to stay focussed and overcome many distractions, these situations can become dangerous with almost a third (33%) of handlers surveyed saying their Guide Dog has been attacked by another dog at least once.”



“This International Guide Dog Day, we are asking everyone to keep their pet dog on leash in the presence of Guide Dogs. By keeping control of your own dog, you can help create a safe community, not just for Guide Dogs and their Handlers, but for everyone," said Mr Cleaver.

18-year-old Guide Dog Handler Ben agrees.

“Since being matched with my Guide Dog Jontie almost three years ago, my life has changed in so many positive ways – with him by my side I have confidence, freedom and independence that I thought was lost to me. He plays such a vital role in helping me get to school and work, to my cycling training, to travel, all in a safe way,” said Ben.

“I live in a beach side community with lots of pet dogs. While most people do the right thing, myself and Jontie deal with distractions from off-leash or poorly behaved dogs almost daily, especially since COVID-19. It's frustrating, can be disorientating, and even dangerous. My one piece of advice to the community would be keep your dog on a lead when out in public and don’t approach a working Guide Dog with your pet dog just to say hello. 

Give us plenty of space so we can get around in the safest way possible.

Good 'Petiquette’ Tips:

✔️ Keep your dog on a lead in designated areas. Your leash should be short enough to prevent your dog from contacting or jumping on passers-by.

✔️ If you see a working Guide Dog in public while you are with your dog, give the Handler space.

✔️ Prevent barking at other dogs. Practice getting your dog's attention to easily redirect them if they bark at people or other dogs.

✔️ Always ask any dog owner if you or your dog can greet their dog.




✔️ Never pat, feed, whistle or otherwise try to distract a working Guide Dog. If you have a question, approach the Handler directly.

MEDIA RELEASE, 27th April 2021

Pawfect Surprise Dog Subscription Box - Review


Are you finding it hard to keep up with the sheer number of new dog subscription boxes for dog owners in Australia? You’re not alone!

Until 5 years ago, we’d never heard of the concept of dog subscription boxes, let alone tried one. Now, there are dozens to select from just on the Australian market so where to start?

We would normally consider these gift ideas only to celebrate one of our dogs' birthday or Gotcha’ Day but who does not love to receive a Pawfect Surprise?

Our twins, Porthos and Aramis, have realised that most deliveries are for them these days and they will make a beeline to get a close look and sniff any parcels as soon as they arrive!


They may have missed their vocation as working detection dogs…

How does the Pawfect Surprise Dog Subscription Box work?

One of the newest entrants on the Australian marketplace in late 2019, Pawfect Surprise is a more traditional monthly dog subscription, where you first choose your preferred option
then patiently wait for your delivery each month... However, the good news is that your first one will be dispatched immediately!

Depending on your chosen option (ranging from $39 - $69 per month) you will receive more toys and bonus items (grooming product, health & wellness supplements, bonus etc.)

You will first need to enter a few basic details regarding your pet (dog or cat, their size and sex, you can also choose to exclude soft toys if you have a heavy chewer). 

If you’re happy to share additional personal information about their breed, name, birthday and whether they suffer from any food allergies or behavioural issues, this will allow the team to personalise your box even further as each box will contain a selection of items individually curated for your pet.

All options include a selection of chew and soft toys, accessories and 100% natural meat treats to make playtime and training time more fun!

Because there is no lock-in contract, you can change options or cancel at any time.

What was in our Pawfect Surprise Empawrium Dog Subscription Box?



For our trial, the team at Pawfect Surprise selected the Empawrium Dog Box ($69/month) to be shared between our two large dogs as it delivers the most value (RRP: $216).

This top option includes the widest choice of items and accessories and in our opinion would be best suited to new puppy owners or those of us with multiple dogs who may not be so gentle on their toys!

The first items we decided to trial with our dogs (at their request!) were the chew toys and soft toys: all our Shepherds always love the challenge of unravelling rope toys but they tend not to last very long in our house… However, when we reflect on how much we used to spend on similar items in pet stores, these were a bargain!




At first glance, our selection seemed maybe more appropriate for a puppy or a small dog than our 30kg Malinois but they looked like they were having lots of fun, especially with the squeaky transparent dumbbell - surprisingly still in one piece…

Our fourth toy was the Suction Cup Self-Play Rubber Ball Food Dispenser which can best be described as an interactive dog toy. 

Simply stick the strong suction cap onto any smooth surface (like a window) and let your dog pull and play to their heart's content!

The flexible grooves on the ball can help clean your dog's hard-to-reach tooth surfaces as they chew, and can be stuffed with their favourite treats or paste to provide a fun interactive play session. 

The bouncy elastic rope provides entertaining but erratic movements and Porthos was a bit unsure what to make of this at first but once he discovered he could extract treats, he decided it was great fun!

As we finish writing our review, Aramis is sound asleep after collecting 3 out of the 4 toys in her bed (best to keep those close in case someone - like a pesky brother - should attempt to steal them!).





Our mystery bonus item were some Beef Paddywhacks (3 large strips) which were a great fit for our dogs. They loved chomping on these on the deck (it can get messy) under the sun as a reward for posing for our photos! 

Made from 100% Australian Beef Tendon, these are a long-lasting, digestible chew that your dogs will love too. They are especially good for heavy chewers and a fabulous natural alternative to rawhide (we would never touch those!).











These were quite crunchy so not suited to our older dog which is why it is essential to provide as much information as you're comfortable with, when you first set up your subscription.

We don’t give our dogs too many baths (also at their request!) and you're short on time but share your bed with your dogs these natural pet spritzers are awesome for a quick refresh in-between baths. 

Pawfect Surprise have created their own branded Furry Fresh Lavender & Peppermint Spritzer made with doTerra essential oils (safe for humans and pets). A few squirts (3-4) go a long way and were enough to keep our pets fresh smelling for a day until they decided to roll into something unmentionable in the backyard!

Instead of the expected Health & Wellness supplement, we received the Pet Drs Natural Nose Balm which will come in handy during the winter months. 




Made with coconut & avocado oils and natural beeswax, it will help moisturise our dogs’ noses though Aramis thought it would be a good idea to give it a lick as well just in case it was one of those fancy edible treats!

You can never have too many dog waste bags but when in a hurry it's easy forget to pack them before heading out for a walk. Our Supaw fun accessory was a dog bag dispenser with a carabiner clip so you could keep it permanently on your dog's walking harness or leash (it simply unscrews to fit a new roll). A neat feature is the built-in LED light which is great for early morning and late night walks or to find the keyhole to your front door!

Like many dog subscription boxes, Pawfect Surprise have packaged their own range of Australian-made treats. 



In our box, we received a 150g pack of Wild Roo Jerky (the squares are perfect for training and can easily be snapped into even smaller pieces).

What Dog Subscription Box options are available?

We all love to spoil our dogs but who has an unlimited budget for treats and toys not to mention the time spent scouting around for the latest and best deals? If you regularly spend money on dog toys and dog treats, getting a Pawfect Surprise is totally worth it to see your dogs beaming at you!

Their items (most under the Pawfect Surprise own label) are sourced from all over the world but they always make sure that they evaluate and test each product in Australia before they are provided to customers. The company works with a number of vets and behavioural specialists who assist in the selection of products that go into each subscription box.

We like the fact that there is a very affordable option at only $39/month for the Pawfully Fun! Box to dip your toes in if you'd like to trial one for the first time.

You can then decide to upgrade to either the Supaw Fun! Box at $55/month or go all out with The Empawrium! Box at $69/month.

Your first Pawfect Surprise subscription box will be dispatched the next business day after you sign up and then on the same day of each following month.

Deliveries within VIC, NSW & QLD may take between 1-10 business days to arrive, while deliveries to other states and territories may take 3-14 business days to arrive. Deliveries to remote areas may take a little longer.

Price & Where to Buy

RRP: from $39/month (Pawfully Fun), $55/month (Supaw Pet) or $69/month (The Empawrium) from www.pawfectsurprise.com

Follow Pawfect Surprise on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PawfectSurprise and 
on Instagram at www.instagram.com/pawfect.surprise/

Disclaimer: The Empawrium! Dog Subscription Box (April 2021) was sent to us in order to complete this Review.

There is also a Pawfect Surprise option for your cat.. though they may like the box more!


Royal Canin partners with TerraCycle to launch free pet food recycling program


With 55 million pet food bags sold in Australia last year, Royal Canin launches free pet food recycling program to fight waste

Premium pet nutrition brand Royal Canin has joined forces with TerraCycle to launch a free recycling program for Aussies who can now recycle their Royal Canin® and Eukanuba™ pet food bags at veterinary practices across Australia.

With over 55 million pet food bags and wet food pouches sold in 2020 alone, Australia’s favourite scientific pet nutrition brand is extending its care beyond pets to looking after the planet with the Royal Canin Recycling Program in partnership with TerraCycle.

The program, which has already launched in veterinary clinics across the country, will significantly reduce the amount of pet food packaging that ends up in landfill each year.

Matt Foster, General Manager of Royal Canin Pacific has said that the initiative underpins Royal Canin’s wider goal to provide a sustainable future for pets, people and the planet.

“Without a doubt, pets play such an important role and improve our lives in so many ways. Our mission at Royal Canin is to create a better world for pets through health, nutrition and responsible pet ownership. Partnering with TerraCycle is one way we’re working towards creating a better, and sustainable world, for our pets across the country.

“The pet food industry is one of the largest industries in the country, with more than 7.5 million cats and dogs in Australia alone. However, much of this pet food packaging can end up in landfill as most of these products cannot be recycled through kerbside recycling collection. 

If you imagine the average medium adult dog consumes 22 bags of dry food and 730 pouches of wet food each year, you can easily see how vast the packaging issue is in our country.

“Our Royal Canin Recycling Program is working to reduce this environmental impact while also connecting pet owners and pets with their local veterinary community. We’ve strategically partnered with vet clinics as our collection network as we strongly believe all pets should have access to veterinary health and care throughout their lives.

“Our goal for our first year is to prevent 20,000kg of packaging from entering landfill and to connect many more pets with their local vet clinic.”

Jean Bailliard, General Manager of TerraCycle Australia and New Zealand has praised Royal Canin for taking responsibility and providing a sustainable solution for pet owners.

“The pet industry has grown substantially over the last year, fuelled by the increase in pet adoption throughout 2020. The majority of all pet food packaging is made from flexible plastic or multi-material packaging. These complex materials are difficult to recycle and frequently not accepted in kerbside recycling.


“It’s amazing to be a part of an initiative that will make a huge difference in creating a positive future, not only for pet owners but also pets.”

The Royal Canin Recycling Program has partnered with Vision Australia’s Seeing Eye Dogs, with $1 for every 1kg of packaging returned through the program to go towards the incredible and life-changing work Seeing Eye Dogs does for visually impaired Australians.

“Over the next 12 months, Seeing Eye Dogs aims to train and match more than 40 Seeing Eye Dogs with handlers all across Australia. 



This partnership with the Royal Canin Recycling Program will play an important part in our fundraising efforts to help ensure we can continue to support Australians who are blind or have low vision live the life they choose,” said Lester Chriam, Client Services Manager, Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs.

With more than 80 clinics on board around Australia, Royal Canin is inviting all of its veterinary clinic partners to join the program to help fight waste in the pet care industry.

Pet owners wishing to join the program are encouraged to sign up through the TerraCycle website

MEDIA RELEASE, 27th April 2021

Eukanuba Barkrun Dog Day Out - May 8



Eukanuba's Barkrun to land in Darebin - Melbourne

Dog lovers from around Melbourne are set to enjoy the ultimate Dog Day Out at Darebin’s C T Barling Reserve on Saturday, 8 May 2021 for the city’s first ever Eukanuba™ barkrun.

The clever creation comes from the teams at premium dog-food brand Eukanuba™ and community-led parkrun with an objective to encourage more Melburnians to enjoy the outdoors with their local community and their four-legged friends. The event will be the first of many free, family friendly events run across Melbourne throughout the year.

“We’ve seen the significant health benefits that pets bring to our lives,” said Eukanuba™ Scientific Communications Advisor, Dean Richardson.

“We believe that every dog is born to be active and after the challenging year we’ve all had, we’re thrilled that this partnership with parkrun, a world-leader in community-lead activity and connection, is helping more Australians to get outside and be more active alongside their four- legged best friends.”



Tim Oberg, parkrun Asia Pacific Strategic Director adds, “at parkrun, our vision is to create a healthier and happier planet by empowering local communities to gather together and enjoy the physical and emotional connection that our events bring. 
After a year where most of our events were cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions, these benefits that parkrun offers are even more important, and our community is incredibly excited to be outdoors and active together once again. 

Every Saturday, more than 200 people join our event in Darebin, and we’re excited to welcome many more new faces and their beloved dogs on 8th of May 2021 for the first ever Eukanuba™ barkrun in Melbourne.”

Whether you have a dog, or you simply love dogs, this event is for you! The course runs alongside Darebin Creek Trail between C T Barling Reserve through to Southern Road and back, making it the perfect 5km walk, run, jog.

With more than 700,000 parkrun members across Australia alone, parkrun is proud to be working with one of Australia’s leading pet food brands, Eukanuba™ to encourage more dog-owners to become active, enjoy the great outdoors and participate in their local community’s parkrun.





Event organisers ask all pet owners to demonstrate responsible pet ownership when bringing their dog to the event, including ensuring dogs are well socialized, on a lead at all times, respect other dogs’ boundaries and clean up after their pet. Eukanuba™’s dog hydration station will be available for all dogs post event.

When: Saturday 8th May 2021, from 8:00am

Where: Darebin’s C T Barling Reserve, Plenty Rd, Reservoir, VIC, 3073

Cost: Free


For more information, please visit www.eukanuba.com or www.parkrun.com.au 


About Eukanuba

With 50 years of research and experience, EUKANUBA™ offers a complete food lineup, delivering exceptional customized nutrition by lifestage, breed size as well as health and performance requirements. Every day our mission is to make a positive difference in dogs’ lives, so they can have a lifetime of adventure with us. EUKANUBA™ is a pet food brand of Royal Canin with products available at all specialty pet retailers. For more details, please visit www.eukanuba.com.au

About parkrun

parkrun is a series of free, volunteer-led 5km and 2km events every Saturday and Sunday morning. Events are free to participate in as walkers, runners, or volunteers. The first parkrun in Australia took place in April 2011 with 115 participants at Main Beach on the Gold Coast, there are now over 400 parkrun events taking place around Australia. For more information and to find your local parkrun, please visit www.parkrun.com.au

MEDIA RELEASE, 27th April 2021
Subscribe to: Comments ( Atom )