Updated May 2026 Yes, dogs can get sunburn. It is easy to think their coat protects them from everything, but that is not always the case. Some dogs have thin coats, pale skin, white patches, exposed noses, sensitive ears or areas where the fur is sparse. Those areas can burn in strong sunlight. I see…
Signs, First Aid and When to Call a Vet Updated July 2026 This article was originally published in 2016 with a contribution from Dr Oli Robinson of The Finchley Vet. A lot has changed in heatstroke first-aid advice since then. I have therefore fully updated this guide using current veterinary guidance while keeping Dr Oli’s…
Updated July 2026 A dog running through long grass or exploring the edge of a field may not see a strand of barbed wire until it is too late. Then everything can happen very quickly. The dog panics. They pull backwards. The wire catches more tightly. You rush towards them. And a frightening situation can…
Doggy First Aid – Tackling Cuts and Grazes With Your Dog Unfortunately, dogs are always going to be dogs. There will come a time when they’ll go on an adventure and wind up with a cut or a scrape. It happens occasionally, so you must deal with it correctly, exercising responsibility as a pet owner…
Practical, calm advice for everyday dog owners If you spend enough time out walking dogs, you realise how quickly small things can turn into bigger problems if you’re not prepared. I’ve dealt with limping after a bad landing in Coldfall Woods, overheating on an unexpectedly warm day in Highgate Woods, and the odd paw cut…
Are you one of those dog owners who enjoy throwing sticks for your dog? After all, we all know dogs love a good game of fetch, and so many are around! When a dog has a stick, it can be challenging to remove it. Indeed, some dogs can be described as ‘daft as a stick!’….
Dogs have many things in common. Wagging tails, unending loyalty and of course, the desire to eat EVERYTHING. This can get them into trouble, especially if they get hold of toxic foods Sadly in this world, some people don’t understand the appeal of a canine companion and worse still, there are those out there who…
Kennel cough is a common name for a contagious respiratory infection that affects dogs. Despite its name, a dog does not need to stay in kennels to catch it. Infection can spread wherever dogs meet, share spaces or use contaminated equipment. Many dogs develop a distinctive hacking cough while remaining otherwise reasonably bright. Puppies, older…
