IS YOUR DOG A VICTIM OF WALKING DANDRUFF?

The next time your dog's coat looks dry, flaky and a tad manky - and it is constantly shaking its head,  scratching behind the ears with a hind leg that looks like a whirling propeller working overtime, pick up a magnifying glass and take a look at one of the flakes.  Dandruff doesn't move, but "walking dandruff", is the common name for a weeny, mobile parsite called Cheyletiella.  

This mite is the cause of walking dandruff, also called Cheyletiellosis. The unusual name comes from the motion of the visible mites, which makes the dandruff appear to "walk" on the infected individual. These "boochies" ( as my childhood african nanny used to  call anything creepy crawly), pretend to be flaky skin, They constantly move around the skin, searching for food - causing itchy, red patches on both you and your dog.

Walking dandruff isn't a serious problem but they do make the dog very itchy and they are contagious - to other pets and to humans.  Sometimes if left untreated, it will cause mange and bald patches on your dog.  Puppies seem to be the main carriers and if you have a puppy that you carry around, and suddenly get get itchy spots, then you too have picked up walking dandruff.  These days a good shower with a medicated body wash will get rid of it. In the old days you would have had to get a jab from a dermatologist.  I know, because I've been there!

OK but let's not panic! Walking dandruff isn't  life threatening nor difficult to treat and can be cleared up quickly by dunking the dog in a bath of shampoo containing Pyrethrin. Selsun shampoo is pretty effecive in killing off the mites. A good chemist will stock it. The online pet supplies www.MedicAnimal.co.uk and www.PetMeds.co.uk do sell a selection of Pyrethrin based shampoos.  Another very effective shampoo is Malaseb that you can get from the vet.

To avoid a recurrance, its best to give the carpets and furniture a thorough clean up to get rid of the dead scales and any lurking mites, otherwise a few months later they will come marching back again.

Home remedy
My home remedy of  a  diluted cider vinegar rinse  applied with some cotton wool over the itchy areas, is great for  humans and pets with skin conditions as it kills off any skin irritation and neutralises stinging and itching. Supermarket cider vinegar will do the trick so don't be schmoozed into buying 'organic' cider vinegar. Cheap and cheerful will do just as well. The  only downside of slathering the dog in vinegar is the pungent, penetrating smell that lingers for a few minutes.

 Now that you are scratching like mad just reading about walking dandruff, I think its time to take your mind off the subject by getting you to watch this charming little clip of a clever bird fishing for its dinner using logic and intelligence. Who said our feathered friends were bird brained?
 (Thank you to Rita Morris in Devon, retired production manager on the  early BBC David Attenborough Wild Life series now being repeated on the satellite channels, for sending me this clip for inclusion in this weeks's blog). Nice one Reet!

                                              Now didn't that make you say "Aww! sweet!"

Have a nice week and if you have any interesting items you want me to include on this page, email them to me.

Dawn (")

c'mon folks! do your bit for a worthy cause and help raise money for the Brain Tumour Research Campaign

                                                       Magic Wand Dog Show 13 April 2013

Enjoy a great day out with your pampered pooch– there will be 15 fun competition classes, such as “The Waggiest Tail”, “The Best Golden Oldie”, or “Most like the Owner” judged by celebrities. Entertainment such as “Musical Mats” and dog agility displays; side attractions such as dog tombola, culminating in a dog fashion show! Download the programme opposite.

It will be a fun day for all to enjoy – especially your dogs! There is no need to book in advance, just come along on the day!

Dovehouse Green, Kings Road, SW3 (next to Chelsea Fire Station)
10.30am to 4.30pm
FREE ENTRY

Why not enter the Online Photo Competition now for a chance to win a Spa Day for your dog, kindly donated by Harrods. The winner will be announced at the Dog Show

http://www.wayahead-btrc.org/2013/02/26/magic-wand-dog-show

I look forward to seeing you and your canine companion at the show!

Kind regards,

Wendy Fulcher
BTRC Founder
Direct Line: +44 (0)20 8601 2402
Brain Tumour Research Campaign
12-15 Hanger Green
London
W5 3EL

















WHAT AND WHERE EXACTLY IS RAINBOW BRIDGE?

When I mentioned in last week's blog that our little Maggie had gone to Rainbow Bridge, I had several people, asking me what exactly is this Rainbow Bridge that people keep talking and writing about. For those of you who don't know, this prose should explain what it is.

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. They have minders to care for their every need.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigour; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His/her bright eyes are intent; His/her eager body quivers. Suddenly he/she begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his/her legs carrying them faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...                            

Brings tears to the eyes but also a great comfort to anyone who has lost a much loved pet.  Many people like to have a lasting memento made from their pet's ashes. The following sites offer some interesting options. I rather like the idea of a pretty glass paper weight made from Maggie's ashes.
                                        
ww.LifeGemdiamonds.com
www.Sentimentalconnections.com
www.ashesintoglassco.uk
www.keepsakejewellery.com 

Now onto something a little more cheery. Here is a clip of a wonderful trainer with some very happy pets. (Unfortunately, I can't seem to get it to embed on this page so to watch it, you will have to copy it into your browser).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXoxrvGHna0

Until the next blog ........  take a bracing walk in the park with your best friend. Oh! and I hope you remembered to put your clocks forward? 



Dawn ("")

Maggie has now gone to Rainbow Bridge
R.I.P  1st June 1996 - 14th March 2013

KEEPING YOUR DOG HAPPY WITH THOUGHTS, FEELINGS AND SOUNDS

I know! I know! it all sounds very New Age and hippy crap (as my husband, Richard describes it) but dogs understand a lot more than we give them credit for - not only the words we use but also the pitch, intonation and emotions in our voices.  Their uncanny attention to detail makes them seem like mind readers, and that explains why they always seem to hide when we are ready to give them a bath, see us take down a suitcase or get them ready for a visit to the vets. 

With their sharply tuned senses and their ability to perceive the most subtle signals, dogs are intimately involved with everything around them. They react to things that we are barely aware of, from the the tone of our voices to the composition of the light that surrounds them.  Some holistic vets believe these and thousands of other things emit a kind of vibrational energy, which if properly directed, can be used as a way to heal the body as well as the mind.

Are you still with me or have you lost the will to live?

In the last decade or so many vets have started to use "energy therapies".  They have found that using such things as light, music, colour, crystals and even thoughts are a good way of treating many ailments, from pain, emotional stress to problems with the immune system.  However, the wonderful thing about these therapies is that you don't have to be a veterinarian or a specialist to use these healing techniques.

I find that Touch is the most wonderful way to gain a dog's trust. If a dog could talk, they would tell you that touching keeps them healthy.When a sick or nervous dog comes to stay with me, I use the power of Reiki healing to calm them down.  Just 20 minutes of holding them on your lap and gently moving your hands over their body makes them settle into a deep sleep.  Its a bit like a gentle vibrational massage without  firm touch, and to a dog must be very soothing. Certainly after that they are more willing to trust you. Dogs who come to stay with me on a regular basis love their reiki sessions.  They are so blissed out after.

Sound is another good way to calm, heal and bond with a dog. Talk to them as you would a person.  They love to hear the soud of your voice talking to them softly and asking them what's troubling them.  You will get a deep sigh as they settle down  putting their head on their front paws. Dont worry about clearing your mind or getting into a meditative state. Listen to the answer that comes into your mind. Most people are afraid to trust their intuition. Even if the images that come to mind seem weird, write them down and once you start keeping track of them, you will be amazed at right your first instinct turned out to be. It may be a subtle vague impression about a certain part of the body that hurts, or the voice will say it feels queasy or it doesn't want you to go out or it will feel insecure and ask if you really love them.  Once you know what is troubling the dog, you can then do something about it.  A nice big hug and some sweet words whispered in its ear makes all the difference.

How often have you heard people say "I swear he understands every word I say".  I hate to tell you this but he does.  He may not recognize the sentence but he senses the meaning.  It does make me chuckle when you hear an owner saying to their dog "Be nice now, be nice!"  To the dog that sounds like "Nmnm, nmmn, numnum."  Dogs pick up your anxietes so if you worry that a fight will start, the dog picks this up and says to itself "Wayhay! let's liven up things today and start snarling and growling."  Panic all round.  Much better to diffuse any trouble with a matter of fact "C'mon, let's keep going!"

Music is the best form of sound therapy.  I play jazz  cds in the background for my dogs (and myself) when they have all settled into their baskets during the day.  Playing classical music in the car settles them during the journey and stops them from bouncing off the sides with excitement. They arrive at the park or whatever destination feeling happy and energised.

So remember, the power to heal your dog's aches and pains, is literally at your fingertips.

Put this date in your diary. Sounds like it will be a terrific day for you and your dog to enjoy.

What fun! what fun!  A lovely, heartwarming video to make you smile.

Until the next blog...... Dawn  ("")




















   
Magic Wand Dog Show
Enjoy a great day out with your pampered pooch– there will be 15 fun competition classes, such as “The Waggiest Tail”, “The Best Golden Oldie”, or “Most like the Owner” judged by celebrities. Entertainment such as “Musical Mats” and dog agility displays; side attractions such as dog tombola, culminating in a dog fashion show! Download the programme opposite.

It will be a fun day for all to enjoy – especially your dogs! There is no need to book in advance, just come along on the day!

Dovehouse Green, Kings Road, SW3 (next to Chelsea Fire Station)
10.30am to 4.30pm
FREE ENTRY

Why not enter the Online Photo Competition now for a chance to win a Spa Day for your dog, kindly donated by Harrods. The winner will be announced at the Dog Show

http://www.wayahead-btrc.org/2013/02/26/magic-wand-dog-show

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR DOG GETS DELHI BELLY ...........

This week sees the start of an epidemic of gastro-enteritis caught from the London parks and open spaces. It usually happens when the weather turns from cold to mild and all those little bugs lurking in the grass, wake up and start infecting anything that passes by.  One dog with the virus can and does infect many other dogs. Ask any vet and they will roll their eyes to heaven and say "yeah! many dogs have come in suffering from a bout of the "runs" and in some cases, gastro-enteritis."

Your poor pet may not be bellyaching about it, but having the runs/trots/squits (whatever you want to call it) can be a real pain in the gut and leave your dog down in the dumps.

Maybe you just woke up and caught the unmistakable pungent whiff of dog poo; or perhaps your dog is taking longer than normal outside; or there are piles of runny poo on the carpet.  Whatever signs tip you off to your dog's runny tummy, I will bet that within the hour, you will be begging for a solution from other dog owners or looking for help on the internet.

Before you panic, try a few of these tried and tested home remedies to get your dog through his version of the canine Delhi Belly.

1.  Mix a little cottage cheese with a small amount of regular food. Although it sounds odd, cottage cheese will help to firm up your dog's stool and at the same time keep their tummy full.  Not too much or they will end up chucking it up over the carpet.

2.  Plain boiled rice is also good for tummy flu.  Ever heard of  the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, apple sauce and toast). A small amount mixed together is easy on the stomach and the rice settles the stomach.  I keep a jar of baby food dessert made up of these ingredients in the store cupboard as a spoonful is easier than mashing up a mixture.

3.  Imodium is not only just good for humans but it is also terrific for dogs, but not too much.   Give 1ml in a syringe or a toddler's dose. Both will work wonders.

4.  Plain yoghurt is good for lining the stomach and stopping that queasy feeling.  A little in a dish or given by syringe will help calm the dog.

5.  Going down the homeopathic route, I always keep a bottle of Arsen Alb. 6c  (www. Nelson's Pharmacy or Weleda). This remedy works very quickly to stabilise the dog's bowel movements.  You can either hide two pills in a piece of cheese or crush and sprinkle over a little food.  I call this my "magic pill" as I use it  to treat any dog that has loose stools.

6.  Sleep is the most restorative cure for all ailments so let them sleep it off and don't worry if they don't fancy a bowl of food or treats.  If you do the right things, all will be back to normal within 24 hours.

Note of caution: If the colour of the poo changes from yellow to a dark brown gravy colour or even has spots of blood in it, then I would  strongly advise you to take your dog to the vet for an antibiotic.  Ignoring this stage, especially with small dogs, can be dangerous and life threatening.

Here's a nice little clip of dogs enjoying the snow.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRSsxfu0F3o

Dawn (")

IS YOUR DOG HEADING FOR A SET OF DENTURES?

 I couldn't write my blog for five weeks because my page vanished into cyberspace and trying to find it, log in and get started just wouldn't happen.  Not being a technophobe, I have had to walk through a minefield of pressing this and pressing that to make anything remotely familiar to come up on screen. Anyway, I am back now happily tapping away.

Watching a dog  in the park this morning with teeth problems and a gummy smile, made me think of today's subject about canine dentures.
I had one of those imponderable thoughts: How come you never see a dog with dentures? You see a lot of gummy gap- toothed dogs but never one with fitted with  a set of dentures.

Its not obligatory that your dog has to flash its pearly white gnashers for family portraits or modelling sessions. Nor do they have to do love scenes for romantic movies or make close and personal contact at business meetings but not caring for your dog's teeth can cause gum disease and problems later on in their lives.
"So ?" you ask, "what's the big problem worrying about their teeth?"

In pre-hisoric days, dogs used to tear raw meat off bones and this kept their teeth clean and healthy. But in modern times, they are fed soft food and in many cases, are forced to be vegetarian by well meaning but ignorant owners.  Dogs are carnivorous by nature so convincing yourself that a diet of slush is sufficient for their needs is soooooo wrong. Yes! dogs will eat carrots and beans mixed into their food, even raw eggs, but then they start eating their own poo because they are lacking vital nutrients in their diet. They need blood and gore in their diets. A good dinosaur bone works wonders in keeping their gnashers clean and healthy. if you can't find one of those then get a nice big beef bone.

All doggy dentists will tell you that if you neglect your dog's teeth, they will get so bad that your dog will start to suffer from pain and discomfort, not to mention chronic halitosis and gum disease.  Other dog's wont mind a bit meeting a dog with dragon's breath but humans coming into close contact with a stinky dog will find it  Phew enough to be  objectionable. Dogs in the wild never suffered the indignity of having decayed teeth because they had a diet of raw flesh and hard bones to keep them clean and healthy. In the modern world, dogs dont get such a diet and sometimes, even when feed on hard kibble, their owners will use water to soften the pellets.  Soft food makes soft teeth. Just ask a human on a diet of only soft food.  After a while, they end up with dentures as the gums get too soft, recede and  can't hold in the teeth.

Several problems can arise if you don't care for your dog's teeth and gums.

• Halitosis is a fancy word for stinky breath. This is usually the first stage of dental problems. It is caused when bits of food get stuck between your dog's teeth, and starts creating bacteria.  The bacteria is what is causing the smell. Brushing your dog's teeth will help to eliminate the problem right away, but if you ignore it, it will only get worse as more food builds up in your dog's mouth.

• Gingivitis occurs when plaque and tartar build up along the gum line. This encourages the growth of bacteria, and if left untreated, can lead to serious infection. If your dog has red, swollen, or bleeding gums, he may have gingivitis. But don't worry, gingivitis can be reversed if you get your dog regular dental treatments right away. If it's left untreated, though, it can quickly lead to periodontal disease.

• Periodontal Disease is the next step up from gingivitis, when the area between the teeth and gums becomes seriously infected. This  really is a serious condition, and needs to be treated right away! The infection can spread to other parts of your dog's body through the blood stream, and it can make him very sick. This condition is also likely very painful for your dog. His gums will be very swollen and sensitive. It may be hard for him to chew his food, and his teeth may even fall out. Periodontal disease warrants a trip to the vet, pronto!

The main cause of bad teeth is peridontal disease - that's plaque to you and me. If left unchecked, your dog runs the risk of gum disease and this can have a detrimental effect on the vital organs.

Toothpaste -The best way to keep this at bay is by using a special toothpaste that you can buy from a pet shop or the vet. Don't use human toothpaste as this has an ingredient that can make the dog throw up.  Some dogs will tolerate a toothbrush but most won't.  I use a finger brush with some beef flavoured toothpaste.  It stops the bad breath and starts to work on removing the plaque.  Its not an instant remedy but used over a period of weeks, you will notice a difference.

Hard biscuits - those big hard ones from the pet shop work wonders;  hide chews and the ocasional bone from the butcher are always good things to give your dog to keep their teeth clean.  My dogs love oxtail bones. Some supermarkets sell them but you will have to ask your butcher if he has any. If you think this is an expensive indulgence, then make Oxtail soup first and then give the bones to your dog. They can't shatter, they are tasty and it take the dog at least half an hour to chew all the way around the bone before they lose interest in it. I usually cook them in the microwave for 10 minutes and then let the dog have a good time stripping off the meat and gnawing the bone.  The gravy then goes into their bowls of food. This turns it into real gourmet- nosh- for- dogs.

My preferred method of cleaning plaque off my dog's teeth is by using  one of the following products:

Homeopathy.  I use Fragaria.
You can buy this in liquid form from Dene's denes.co.uk or 6c pills from Ainsworth's Homeopathic Pharmacy, www.ainsworths.com. or Weleda www.weleda.co.uk.  One pill a day or 2 drops  of the liquid in the food works wonders on their teeth. Both products are available by mail order. 

Blood Tissue: another safe remedy for reducing calculus or plaque is Calc.Flor.  You can get this from the chemist and the manufacturer is New Era.  Two of these pillules in the food twice  day helps to reduce plaque and keep the dog's breath fresh.

Plaque Off:  This is powdered sea weed available from the pet shop, your vet or from internet sites such as MedicAnimal, Denes or PetMedicines and when sprinkled on their food, helps to reduce the tartar on their teeth. This product often varies in price so I sometimes stock up on sheets of Nori or Wakame seaweed from the japanese section of the supermarket. I crush it up and sprinkle it over their food. They love it (and so do I!) because it has a slightly salty taste.

By week four you should start noticing a difference in their teeth and breath. And then you never know, they might even get a modelling contact for Logic doggy toothpaste!

Until the next blog.  Keep smiling!


Dawn ("~")
 







Here is a really chilled out and relaxed pussycat. How cute is that?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LL3OuOajpc

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE!

Today is the start of the I'm So Happy the Mayans Got It Wrong Day. The world didnt end and we weren't carted off by aliens in a giant space craft. Its a new year with many good things to come.  I must say I did secretly worry that if the Mayan prophecy had come true, I may not have had enough tinned provisions in my store cupboard to feed everybody.

Still, I'm  glad you're all still here, safe, sound and not sheepishly sitting under a French mountain. Being alive is great. So while you're basking in your relieved collective existence, may I take this opportunity to wish you all a happy and prosperous 2013.

The New Year is always the time to try and be a better person; make resolutions; de-clutter our lives and homes and resolving to  take more exercise more to get fit. Or perhaps to get enough money to travel to the Azores for pebble collecting; or better yet to learn useful stuff like Age-otori,  meaning "to look worse after a haircut" in japanese. I found this in my japanese dictionary when searching for another phrase.

Learning new phrases is probably my half resolution for 2013.  I met a russian lady in the park who speaks no english so I looked up 'good morning' in russian on Google. I now bellow "Priviat" each time I see her. She has learned to say "good morning" in english. We smile at each other a lot and the dogs sniff bottoms enthusiastically.  Its a start.

I seldom make resolutions but do you suppose that if you asked asked dogs what their resolutions would be it would read like the list below.

1. Remember who is important: When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
2. Being real, and true to yourself: Never pretend to be something you’re not.
3. Live in the moment: Run, romp, pee and play daily.
4. The importance of touch: Never sleep alone when you can sleep on someone’s face.
5. Bark less and listen more: When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
6. Practice patience: If you stare at someone long enough, eventually you’ll get what you want.
7. Cats have figured this out: Make love loudly.
8. Enjoy your food: Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
9. Be loyal. You never know where the next meal is coming from.
10. Become the pet your person thinks you are.

Until the next blog, enjoy life.

Dawn ("

MISSING ....MISSING ....MISSING .....

 

I am writing this because a friend's little wheaten coloured Norfolk Terrier, named Maisie, went missing 10 days ago in the Bishop's Stortford/Ickenham area in woodland.

I know this is a gloomy scenario but here's what to do if your dog goes missing.

Losing your beloved dog has got to be the most distressing and stressful event in anyone's lives. To give you the best chance of finding your dog should he or she go astray, act fast - and that's easier said than done but try not to panic!

1. If you had your dog microchipped contact your microchip company and inform them your dog is missing - make sure all your contact details are up to date.
2. Spend at least 15-30 minutes calling and whistling for your dog - and try to sound cheerful. Circle the location in which the dog was last seen, but try not to leave the immediate area at first.  If you meet childre ask them to look out for your dog. Make your circles wider and wider before you eventually do leave, making sure you ask everyone you pass if they've seen your pet. Give those who seem helpful and trustworthy your number or your vet's number. In rural environments check rabbit/badger holes/sets and ask farmers and game keepers to keep an eye out and also if you can check barns and outhouses.
3. If you have pet insurance then contact the insuance company as they can provide financial assistance and advice on advertising for your dog’s return.
4. Print out eye catching leaflets and posters with relevant information about your dog, including the name and physical description. Contact information should include your name, telephone number and email address. If possible, include a photograph then photocopy a huge batch and hand them out to local shops. Post and distribute flyers wherever your dog was last seen, as well as throughout your home neighbourhood and to any welfare services you contact.
5. Call all local veterinary practices and all animal rescue centres giving a description of your dog, and then visit them with a flyer including a recent photo. Again microchipping means if they find your dog they will instantly contact you. If your dog is  found and is injured they will probably be taken to a  vet's practice nearest to where the dog is found.  
6. Canvas the neighbourhood in which your dog was lost, moving from door to door with information. It's not unusual for dogs afraid of thunder, or loud bangs for example, to escape their homes or gardens and settle calmly in the garden or garage of a neighbour.
7. Walk or cycle up and down the roads nearest the area your dog was last seen. People strolling or cycling nearby are another helpful resource for spotting your animal. Arm yourself with a pocketful of the dog's favourite treat.
8. Put the flyer in your local newsagent, village notice board or post office (or shops close to where the dog went missing.
9. Contact the local council, dog warden, police and animal control authorities with a description and the time and area in which your dog was lost. They will be the ones who will be contacted if your pet has been in a car accident, for example, or if your dog is reported as a stray.
10. Take advantage of the lost and found ads in your local newspaper. Place a 'lost dog' ad as soon as possible, and be sure to check the column daily for any that have been found. If you have been walking some distance from your home, find the most appropriate local paper (the local shop or post office may help you with this). 
11. Some national databases for lost pets are available on the internet. ( See below)
12. You can offer a reward for any information leading to your dog's safe return. Even indirect information from someone who spotted a dog with your pet's colouring can be very helpful. However, be cautious as less scrupulous people may pretend to have seen your dog. Consider this option carefully but keep pursuing other options first. 

13.    Publicise it on Facebook and Twitter to as many people you know because they may suddenly hear of or see someone they know with a new pet that fits the description of your pet.

14. Go to pubs around the area and leave your leaflets and posters. Often someone will offer a dog for sale and it could be yours.

Many lost pets are also taken to local shelters. Pet shops and grooming parlours in your area can often be of some help. When you get in touch with any organisation, make sure you have the following details to hand: colour, age, size, temperament, identification on the dog (collar, tag, microchip, where the dog was lost), and your details.

Tip:  Always carry a photograph of you and your dog together so that you can prove ownership should your dog get found.

Register with the following organisations.

http://www.animalsearchuk.co.uk/ Free service for finding pets throughout the UK.

http://www.nationalpetregister.org/

The Blue Cross
Website: www.bluecross.org.uk
Phone: +44 (0) 1993 822651

RSPCA

Website: www.rspca.org.uk
Phone: 0870 55 55 999 If you live in the Greater London area, try

Battersea Dogs Home Lost Dogs Lineon 0901 477 8477 (calls are charged at 60p per minute). They will enter your details into a central search system and see if any matches fit your description. 

And if your dog is a pure breed, get in touch with the Kennel Club as well.
http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/

Don't give up hope because miracles do happen and you never know, one day your pet will be found and you can be reunited.  

Dawn ("")