Fireworks can be difficult for dogs, and the problem is no longer limited to one night in November. Around Finchley and North London, fireworks may be heard around Halloween, Diwali, Bonfire Night, private celebrations, Christmas and New Year. Sometimes there is warning. Sometimes a single unexpected bang happens halfway through an ordinary evening walk. Some…
Autumn is one of my favourite times of year for dog walking. The changing colours, cooler mornings and fallen leaves make familiar places such as Coldfall Wood, Highgate Wood and the parks around Finchley feel completely different. For dogs, new smells are everywhere. A pile of leaves can provide plenty of opportunities for sniffing and…
Mud! Glorious Mud You probably remember what it was like to be a kid and play in the mud. If you weren’t allowed to play in the mud, you likely longed to get your hands in that wonderful, sticky stuff concocted of dirt and water. That pull is just as strong for your canine buddy…
Updated October 2026 Walking your dog after dark is part of everyday life for many owners, particularly through autumn and winter. The route may be exactly the same one you walk during daylight, but darkness changes it. You may not see uneven ground, another dog or a cyclist as early. Drivers and other people may…
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….
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….
