Updated August 2026 Summary: Conkers and acorns can both make dogs unwell when chewed or swallowed. Conkers contain aesculin, while acorns contain tannins. Both can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort and loss of appetite. Their size and hardness also create choking and intestinal blockage risks. Serious poisoning is uncommon, but you should contact your vet…
Autumn is one of my favourite times of year for dog walking. The summer heat has usually eased, the leaves are changing colour and places such as Coldfall Wood, Cherry Tree Wood and Highgate Wood offer plenty of new smells for dogs to investigate. But autumn also changes how we need to plan our walks….
Updated August 20 Some dogs barely look up when their food is prepared. Others begin barking, spinning, jumping at the worktop or racing between the kitchen and their bowl. In a multi-dog home, that excitement may create competition. One dog may eat quickly because another dog is nearby. A slower dog may leave their food….
Dogs bark for many different reasons. Some dogs bark more than others. However, your canine friend will usually bark to tell you something. They may be trying to warn you of a danger or express happiness and delight when they see their favourite toy. They may be telling you that they are in distress or…
Retractable dog leads are everywhere. You’ll see them in parks, on pavements, and on everyday walks around Finchley. Some owners swear by them. Others avoid them completely. The reality is a bit more balanced. They can work in certain situations.But for many dogs, they make walks harder, not easier. This guide may contain affiliate links….
Helping your dog deal with thunderstorms Not all dogs will react to thunderstorms. Some dogs will sleep through it, but others will respond differently. Dogs can sense thunder long before it comes and starts pacing up and down, panting, trying to get under the bed etc., to hide. This can be hard for owners to…
Do You Have a Regular Vet? Check Ups Dogs are an important part of the family, just like children. I am sure, like many people, if you feel under the weather, you go to the doctor, or if you have children, you make sure they have regular checkups, vaccinations, etc. So why should your dog…
Updated July 2026 Harvest mites are tiny outdoor parasites that can cause intense itching and sore skin in dogs. They are most commonly encountered from late summer into autumn, particularly during dry, sunny weather. Dogs pick up the larval mites from vegetation and the ground rather than directly from another dog. Some dogs develop only…
