Updated September 2026 Cats can be remarkably good at hiding when something is wrong. A stressed cat does not necessarily hiss, run around the house or make it obvious that they are struggling. They may simply sleep somewhere different. They might eat a little less, stop playing, spend more time upstairs or begin avoiding another…
Your puppy’s first fireworks season is one of those experiences you cannot predict completely. Some puppies hear a distant bang, briefly look up and carry on with what they were doing. Others find the sudden noise, flashes and vibrations much more difficult. The important thing is not to wait until Bonfire Night to find out….
Fireworks can be difficult enough when noise is the only thing your dog finds worrying. For a reactive, nervous or easily overwhelmed dog, there can be another problem. The effects of fireworks do not necessarily stop when the bang stops. A dog who has spent the evening listening for the next explosion, struggled to sleep…
Updated September 2026 The bangs may have stopped, but the morning after a fireworks display can bring a different set of risks for dogs. Spent fireworks, rocket sticks, wires, cardboard, plastic, used sparklers, broken glass and discarded food can all be left behind after organised or private displays. That matters particularly if your dog likes…
Updated August 2026 Tug can be a brilliant game to play with your dog. Played thoughtfully, it gives your dog an appropriate outlet for grabbing, pulling and shaking, provides physical and mental enrichment and can make you much more interesting to your dog. It can also be a useful reward during training. And no, playing…
Updated August 2026 Choosing a dog toy is about more than finding something your dog likes. A toy also needs to be the right size, material and type for the individual dog using it. A small ball may be fine for one dog and a choking risk for another. A soft toy may last for…
Updated September 2026 September is Animal Pain Awareness Month. It is a useful reminder that pain is not always obvious. A dog may not cry, yelp or refuse to move. Sometimes the first clue is simply that something familiar has changed. As a dog walker, I do not diagnose pain or decide what treatment a…
Updated August 2026 Bringing home a puppy should be something you remember for the right reasons. Unfortunately, not every puppy is bred or sold responsibly. Some are produced in poor conditions, removed from their mothers too early or passed through dealers who make it difficult to discover where they were born. A puppy farm is…
