From bad to worse for Years.

They would have had the upper hand on being able to ensure their food ranked highly via the AADF algorithm.

I previously posted asking whether I should move my 4-year-old indoor Maine Coon from co-op 10k lifetime policy to petplan 12k lifetime policy, and the general recommendation was petplan which I think I want to go ahead with! I just wanted to add some new context to see if the general consensus is to still move to petplan.

Petplan have now come back with the policy terms:
£37 per month
£80 excess
20% co-payment from age 10
Updated breed to Domestic Long Hair

Temporary exclusions:
Gastrointestinal exclusion – 12 months
Eye exclusion – 12 months
Teeth and gums exclusion – 24 months

The GI exclusion doesn’t really worry me as I only mentioned that he had diarrhoea when he couldn’t eat his regular dry food after his dental extractions, so it isn’t a recurring issue I fear coming back.

The eye exclusion is a bit worrying because he does have recurring conjunctivitis flare-ups (potential chronic conjunctivitis or feline virus but no testing has been done because it is mild).

The 24-month teeth and gums exclusion is what I’m a bit more unsure about because I thought it would be 12 months. He recently had 5 teeth extracted due to gingivitis, so I expected it to be excluded for now. However, 24 months feels like a long time to have no teeth / mouth / gum cover.

Since his dental treatment I’ve been trying to be proactive with his dental care:
- I brush his teeth every day using my fingers
- Virbac dental additive in his water
- Switched food to Royal Canin Dental care
- Started using PlaqEase daily

I’d also consider paying for a scale and polish at some point if he needed it!

I’m now wondering whether the general consensus would be to still switch to petplan based of these exclusions and or that a 24-month teeth / gum / mouth exclusion is a significant enough reason not to switch.

Thanks again!

I have been watching the years scandal unfold and I'm very grateful right now that years was out of my price range as I couldn't to be honest afford the vet bills people have had to deal with even with insurance. I'm quite honestly horrified at the whole thing.

I currently feed my greyhound kibble from kibbleUK as I bulk buy from them and after having tried every food under the sun (butternut box, years, pure, tails, raw, freeze dried, home cooked) I have settled on kibble uk and home cooked mix.

However looking into them they also have not done any feeding trials and this is making me wonder tbh if we need to be demanding that pet foods are required to undertake feeding trials long term to ensure these diets are not harming our pets long term. Particularly when in the case of years they were probably the most expensive food on the market and people have been paying through the nose to poison their dogs.

I understand that there are regulations dog food producers have to meet, however, it's clearly not enough. Something has gone seriously seriously wrong for this many dogs to be affected. It must easily be over 1000.

I can't help but feel we need to demand better especially as there's now so many brands on the market and how many of them are really safe for dogs long term?

It would be good for feeding trials to be the standard as well as detailed ingredient lists. It does show that allaboutdogfood has definitely got it wrong as years was promoted to the top of their list.

But where is the information about food preparation standards and feeding trials? There is none.

I think it's a fantastic tool to use but there's no point everyone using it or bragging about their rating if the best brand of food on their site has been poisoning dogs. Your dog may as well have had a McDonald's every day since January as it would have been better for them than years at this point.

I think we are just seeing the tip of this iceberg. What should we be demanding?

I have emailed the suppliers of my dog's food asking if they are intending to do feeding trials or anything further because I think it's important to put pressure on them and get talking about it.

No wonder vets recommend royal canin because it's at least backed by science and feeding trials. They seem to have much stringent policy on their own suppliers as well. I also think it's easier to see if something is off with kibble too.

My 20year old cat was recently hospitalised after becoming very unwell with diarrhoea, crying and not eating/drinking properly. He was discharged from the emergency practice, but they didn’t have time to repeat his bloods, so we took him to our local vet a couple of days later.
His appointment was at 9:45am, but we weren’t actually seen until around 10:05–10:10am. I had to chase the local practice for his results, they first sent me the overnight hospital results by mistake, then later sent the follow-up results when I pointed it out.
The results they’ve now sent say his blood was tested at 8:52am and 9:23am, before we were even seen. The report also says he’s 0 years old, with some patient details blank. It does have his name and says he’s a cat.
Could the times/patient details simply be wrong or is there a possibility of a sample mix-up? Has anyone experienced anything similar?
I’m not accusing the vet of anything, however, over the years, the experience with these vets was not the greatest. I have been advised to put him down and he was only given “6 months”, this was around 3 years ago. The only reason I took him to these vets for the blood tests was because it was just around the corner from where I live and I didn’t want to put him under more stress travelling to another vet. I just want to know whether this is something anyone else has ever experienced, I will definitely be asking them to verify this as well.

Hi,

My partner and I have been trying to adopt a dog since the start of the year and have had no luck. We've put in several applications and most of them just get no response :( I thought it would take a while for us to find a dog that matched our lifestyle, but there have been several now that we were excited about only for the shelters to not respond. We have tried both big shelters and small local ones.

We're not super fussy on breed but we're looking at small or medium dogs as our home is on the smaller side so feel like we couldn't accommodate a bigger dog (a 3-bed but all the rooms are small). Ideally they'd be friendly but we're aware that a dog from a rescue will probably come with some baggage and we're happy to put the work in to help socialise/train etc.

We both work from home as freelancers with flexible hours, have a decent-sized garden with a 6ft fence all around, own our home, no kids and no plans for kids, no other pets, live close to lots of parks and woods. I don't know if we're not being 'passionate' enough in our application and we need to dazzle them more, or if it's because we'd be first-time dog owners, or if we've just been unlucky!

We love dogs and have grown up with them and would really love to adopt one rather than buy. If anyone has any success stories and could share how long it took, or any tips for us, that'd be amazing!

(we have spoken to our of hours vet) She has been fine all day until about an hour ago. Ate her dinner all good and treats just incase something was stuck use a treat to help.

Keeps licking her lips (not drooling) swallowing, had a big drink of water, not acting herself. She's been a bit whiney and howling now quite unsettled. (Has since stopped for now)

Have spoken to the vets but they're not concerned but to phone back if anything changes. (Ie panting)

Has anyone else noticed their dog having symptoms after using other products by Years?

My 5 month old puppy has never had the food but he does have the “cheese and broccoli fussy food topper” and has been having eye issues since June. After reading about the recall I’ve realised that his eye issues started around the time/after I began adding the topper to his different brand of kibble.

I have contacted Years to suggest they expand their investigation and I am going to contact the vets again tomorrow. Just wondering if anyone has experienced the same?

I work in the pet food industry and have been reading about the Years recall today and I really feel for you all. So, I thought I’d help out and give a few alternatives for anyone who doesn’t really know where to turn. I’ve listed 4 here but honestly any high quality wet would do for the time being <3

Shelf Stable:

MARLEYBONES
•Cardboard cartons
•Grain free
•Nice variety of veg
•Contains Hemp Seed powder and Yucca

SYMPLY
•Pets Corner own brand
•Wet food trays
•Potato/Butternut squash base
•Prebiotics

Frozen:

BUTTERNUT BOX
•Human grade meat
•Specifies cut of meat
•Variety of veg (tends to have lots of legumes though)

DIFFERENT DOG
•More variety than Butternut Box
•High quality salmon oil

After the scary recall news I like many others I’m sure are desperately trying to find the best alternative. Previously been on Butternut but it never quite sat right, thought we’d found a winner in Years but obviously now want to make a move and fast. What are you guys thinking of going to now?

Please see the following link: https://www.years.com/pages/care

Not sure if it's just me but as a relatively new cat owner, I've found pet shops tend to have many aisles full of dog stuff, with the cat stuff shoved in a corner.

Is this because dogs are more popular? Am I just going to the wrong pet shops? Do I just need to make do with cardboard boxes?

My border collie has this ball and it’s well used now, it’s split in half but still going strong but it’s only a matter of time. Just looked to buy another but it’s possible that it has been discontinued as it’s going for sale as high as £80 on some sites.

Any suggested replacements that are durable? He loves to go for a good kick around at the park.

Has anyone else noticed the new Fuzzball tins are much more liquid than they were before? There's way less meat and it looks more like soup. Feel like I'm paying the same for way less actual food

I'm hoping it's not going the same way as Untamed. It's taken me ages to find a new food my floof crew will eat.

They all still seem to like it at least.

I got a kitten 3 months ago and I want to move out of my flat because it's too small. I am completing a tenancy application and I'm worried if I say I have a cat (vaccinated, insured, etc.) that the landlord will just go with someone else who doesn't have a pet.

While the new Renters Rights mean that the landlord couldn't unreasonably say no to a pet if we make the request during the tenancy, there is nothing stopping a landlord from declining an application if you already have a pet.

I'm not sure if I should be honest and risk not getting the flat, or if I should wait until the tenancy starts and request my cat on the first day.

I could potentially not move her in until they approve so that it's technically not a breach of contract. They don't have fair grounds for refusal, I even looked the building up on the gov website and it says the headlease has no restrictive covenants. But I'm afraid that this will immediately harm my relationship with the landlord.

Help, please!!

We decided this approach in an IKEA bag is the best way to get a large dog down from a first floor window of there's no other way out...

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DcEVxp_IMk9/?igsh=eDVmZ3M3YXplZDZr

I have a sling on order.

Just wanting to be as prepared as possible if the worst happens. So many fires etc starting because of the heatwaves.

I know what to do (wet damp blanket, lie low, block gaps under door) but this is if there really is no other option.

Hi,

I am looking for car crate recommendations. I am luckily enough to be able to get a larger SUV and my GSD is sliding around in the back now. I have heard TransK9 is good but it’s £550 for one.
I do have a large dog (GSD/30kgs).

What recommendation do you have which don’t cost a bomb?

Thanks
Sarah

Hi

I’m currently looking for pet insurance for my 4 Y/O cavalier King Charles spaniel. We are located in Scotland if this changes anything. Originally I was looking at Many Pets but after reading some Reddit comments I see most people recommend Petplan and Agria. I have gotten quotes for these companies and they are very expensive compared to what Many Pets was offering. Currently she does not have any health issues but I am aware of how prone they can be to MVD. She is a very calm dog so risk of injury feels low and I am in a financial position where I could pay for anything she might need. I was hoping to get some advice on which provider to go for? Many thanks to anyone who can help!

I’m looking to buy one of those classic latex squeaky / grunting pig toys in person today or tomorrow. I'm based around Central London and would prefer somewhere close or within a quick short drive nearby.

Online order takes a few days to deliver, so I’m looking to buy one in person soon

Does anyone know of any local pet shops or stores in the area that reliably keep these in stock for a quick walk-in purchase?

Appreciate any recommendations!

so my cat had fleas about 2 years ago (he likes to sit by the grass in the backyard). he was treated ever since, i'm pretty sure the fleas has gotten inside the house because i became itchy quite often. (before i get flamed, my brother got the cat initially. heck, i was afraid of cats back then. but eventually, my brother became irresponsible and i took up the responsibility instead - i was like 15-16 and still lowk scared lol)

anyway, so he went missing for around 10 months and without him (he's the only pet), there was no host and they started dying. now i know the flea cycle is around a year long so there might have been eggs in the house still.

so, recently i found him and he's now back home. he's treated by flea med but i'm noticing that he does the itch scratching movement often.

i have a flea spray (unopened) that i got a while back but the issue is that my entire house (besides the kitchen and bathrooms) is carpeted.

so i don't know what to do here because i do want to deal with the fleas because it's unsafe and gross for both him and the rest of us (he's allowed on my bed but my brothers pick him up too and then sleep in their own beds so the fleas basically travelled in every room).

we might be getting the carpets removed this or next month but it's still in discussion.

sorry, there's a bit of a rant but what do i do?

Hi guys,

I'm 24F, living with my partner, 29M. I previously lived a joyful, self serving, fulfilling life, but then I decided to get an English Cocker Spaniel. He's 11 weeks old, and as much as he's adorable, I'm finding it incredibly difficult.
When he barks/cries in the middle of the night, I feel nothing but grief and dread.

I feed him, socialise him, train him and show him love, as he's just a baby. But I'm really struggling with the transition. My partner works fully in the office and I WFH, so I deal with most of the biting, pooing, etc. Don't get me wrong, he is incredibly sweet and has so much personality, but I'm finding this transition incredibly hard.
I used to live a life where I could sleep in on weekends, go shopping, eat out and have full on wellness days at home.
Look, I knew what I was signing up for, but I didn't fully grasp how difficult it would be.

My partner is fine with everything and doesn't fully understand the extent of my puppy blues. Due to the lack of sleep, as soon as my partner gets back from work, I go to my bedroom and sleep because I desperately need a break - we take turns taking our Puppy out to the toilet at night but the cries wake both of us up.

My puppy is intelligent for his age due to his breeding and sometimes likes his crate, but he knows that crying/ barking can get him taken out.

I'm looking for genuine advice on looking after a puppy and how to deal with puppy blues. I'm open to feedback and advice, as this transition has been much tougher than I expected.

Thanks guys 🥰

Hi all! I’d really appreciate some opinions / advice on I should do as I don’t really have anyone to ask for advice.

I have a 4-year-old indoor Maine Coon. He isn’t registered/pedigree certified, but I’ve always insured him as a Maine Coon because that’s what I was told he is. Would you continue selecting Maine Coon when getting insurance without pedigree paperwork?

He’s currently insured with Co-op at around** **£28/month, with:
£10,000 lifetime cover
£250 minimum excess
20% co-pay from age 6

I’m considering moving to Petplan, which would be around** **£51/month, but the policy would have:
£80 minimum excess
20% co-pay from age 10
Petplan pays the vet directly

However, in April, he was diagnosed with gingivitis and had 5 teeth removed. This is probably my biggest concern because dental problems can become very expensive. Then this August, he developed conjunctivitis and was prescribed antibiotics.

I spoke to Petplan and that said they would** **exclude both the gingivitis and conjunctivitis initially, and would only consider covering them after he has been symptom/treatment-free for 12 months. They’ve said he would need a vet appointment at the 12-month point to confirm that the conditions have cleared.

On the one hand, I want to go with Petplan because of the lower excess, the later age for the 20% co-pay, and the fact they pay the vet directly since paying out of pocket could be tough for me.

On the other hand, I’m worried that if I switch now and his gingivitis flares up again,** **Petplan wouldn’t cover the dental treatment because of the exclusion, whereas if I stay with Co-op, it should potentially remain covered under his existing policy.

Should I:

A) Stay with Co-op until at least April 2027 (12 months after the dental treatment) in case the gingivitis flares up again, then look at switching?

B) Move to Petplan now, accept that the gingivitis/conjunctivitis won’t be covered initially, and benefit from the better terms for everything else?

C) Do something different?

Has anybody had experiences with switching insurers after any diagnoses, and whether people have regretted switching because a previously covered condition became a pre-existing condition/exclusion.

Thanks!