Updated July 2026 A shallow stream can look very tempting on a hot dog walk. The water is there. The dog is pulling towards it. And letting them paddle seems like an obvious way to help them cool down. But after weeks of hot, dry weather, I become particularly cautious around ponds, streams, ditches, canals…
A practical guide for keeping your dog safe during a UK heatwave If you live in a flat during a heatwave, things can become difficult very quickly. Top-floor flats hold heat.Concrete balconies become baking trays.Artificial grass can burn paws in seconds.And many dogs struggle to properly cool down overnight once the building heats up. Every…
Summer is a great time to get out and explore. With the nights being shorter and six weeks of school holidays, we can even get out and travel further afield than our local park with a day trip to the countryside or, if allowed, the beach (please remember many beaches don’t allow dogs between May…
Many dog owners enjoy sharing healthy snacks with their dogs, and fruit often seems like a natural choice. While some fruits can be offered safely as an occasional treat, others can cause serious illness or create choking and digestive hazards. This guide explains which fruits are generally considered safe, which should be avoided, how to…
Updated July 2026 This guide provides general dog-care information and does not replace veterinary advice. If your dog is showing signs of overheating or heatstroke, start cooling them and contact your vet urgently. It is hot. Your dog’s normal walk has been shortened. Or perhaps you have sensibly skipped it altogether. Now your dog is…
A practical packing list and what actually helps your dog settle If your dog is staying at home while you’re away, a bit of preparation makes a real difference. I see it often. Dogs don’t struggle because you’ve gone away.They struggle when their routine suddenly changes or when things feel unfamiliar. This guide keeps things…
Updated June 2026 Can dogs have ice cubes? For most healthy dogs, the answer is yes. A small amount of ice, crushed ice or a few cubes in a water bowl can help keep water cool. It does not trick your dog’s body into becoming hotter. There are still a few risks to consider. Hard…
Many species of flowers and plants around the garden could cause your pet to become ill. Some may only cause a mild stomach upset, while others are dangerously poisonous. Dogs are naturally curious creatures, and although they probably wouldn’t bother with a shrub that has been in your garden for years, if they find a…
