The lifetime cost of owning a dog can be up to £31,000 Britons thinking about buying an animal as a Christmas present should be thinking about the lifetime costs and long term needs, rather than the short term novelty, according to MedicAnimal, the UK’s leading online pet healthcare retailer. Owning a dog or cat over its lifetime (including initial purchase cost boarding fees, vet visits, insurance, food and preventative healthcare) can be up to £31,000 and £17,000 respectively for dogs…

On Monday evening (29th June), Channel 4’s new series, Superfoods, kicks off with a look at the Finnish wonder ingredient xylitol. Presenter Kate Quilton travels to Finland where gum and mints made of xylitol are a staple part of the Finnish diet and even 90% of kindergartens give xylitol sweets to kids on a daily basis. She explores the science behind how xylitol works to reduce plaque and keep teeth healthy. Yet despite its proven benefits and widespread popularity in…