Daffodils are one of the first signs that spring is on its way. They brighten gardens, parks and woodland paths. They’re also popular as cut flowers around the home. Unfortunately, daffodils are poisonous to both cats and dogs. The bulbs are particularly dangerous, but the flowers, stems and leaves can also cause problems. Even the…
A Practical Guide for Dog Owners Spring is one of my favourite times to walk dogs in Finchley. The woods wake up again.Longer daylight hours return.Dogs can spend more time sniffing and exploring. However, spring also brings a surprising number of seasonal risks for dogs. Many of these appear suddenly once the weather improves. Picnic…
Updated August 2026 Garages and garden sheds often contain products designed to kill weeds, control pests, maintain cars, clean patios, preserve wood or start barbecues. They may be ordinary household products, but that does not make them safe for dogs. A puppy may chew a container. A scavenging dog may eat rodent bait or bone-meal…
In most cases, yes. Rain itself doesn’t automatically make a dog ill. The bigger issue is your dog getting cold, staying wet too long, or already having health problems that make damp weather harder. Warren House Vets puts it plainly. Being in the rain is not the same as being unwell, but drying off matters,…
Updated April 2026 As well as a dog-friendly home. It is important to have a dog-friendly garden. A lot of people picture a “dog-friendly garden” as a big grassy space where the dog runs around happily. In reality, it’s not that simple. Some dogs ignore the garden completely. Others pace, bark, dig, or become reactive…
Updated July 2026 Mother’s Day often brings flowers, chocolates, cakes, candles and beautifully wrapped gifts into the home. Most presents are perfectly safe when they are stored and used sensibly. However, some common Mother’s Day gifts can create serious risks for dogs and cats. A dog may smell chocolate through its wrapping. A cat may…
Every year, the grass seed season catches people out. It doesn’t suddenly arrive in the middle of summer. I start adjusting how I walk dogs from late spring, If your dog runs through rough grass, you need to stay on top of it. I’ve had walks cut short more than once because a dog suddenly…
If you walk your dog in parks, woods or overgrown paths, you will almost certainly come across stinging nettles. They grow quickly in spring and summer and often appear along footpaths, woodland edges and quiet corners of parks. In places like Coldfall Woods or the shadier parts of Parkland Walk, they can grow thick along…
