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How You Can Support Your Remaining Dog When You Lose a Dog in the Family

How You Can Support Your Remaining Dog When You Lose a Dog in the Family

When a dog loses a companion, it can show signs of grief such as changes in behaviour, reduced appetite, more sleep, clinginess, searching, more barking and restlessness. To help a grieving dog, keep routines steady, give calm attention, offer walks and simple games for mental stimulation, and watch for signs of illness or lasting weight loss. Letting a dog sniff a passed companion can help some dogs, but not everyone chooses this. Avoid big changes straight away and wait before getting another dog; if you do, introduce the new dog slowly on neutral ground. Speak to your vet or a qualified behaviourist if severe anxiety, aggression, refusal to eat or other worrying symptoms continue.

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  • Caring for an Ageing or Elderly Dog

    Caring for an Ageing or Elderly Dog

    Ageing dog care: simple steps to keep senior dogs healthy and comfortable. Watch for signs of ageing like less energy, more sleep, grey hair and slow movement. Senior dog nutrition matters; feed high quality senior food, control calories and use joint-supporting nutrients to help joints. Weight management for older dogs stops extra strain on joints and helps arthritis in dogs. Exercise for senior dogs should be gentle and regular, like short walks and play. Regular veterinary check-ups and dental care for senior dogs help spot problems early. Watch for cognitive decline, changes in hearing or vision, and behaviour changes. Make the home easy to use with ramps, non-slip mats and cosy bedding. Talk to your vet about pain relief and end-of-life care so your dog stays comfortable.

  • Travelling by Car With Your Dog: Legal Requirements and Safety Tips

    Travelling by Car With Your Dog: Legal Requirements and Safety Tips

    This post explains how to travel safely with your dog by car. UK law and the Highway Code say dogs must be suitably restrained to avoid distracting the driver or causing injury. Use a crash-tested dog seat belt harness, a secured crate or a dog guard for large dogs. Never leave a dog alone in a hot car. Prepare your dog with short journeys, rewards and familiar bedding, and pack water, food, a lead, waste bags and up-to-date ID. Watch for travel sickness and stress, take regular breaks and check rules for travelling abroad such as pet passports and vaccinations. Proper restraint and simple planning protect both your dog and other road users.

  • What Should You Do With Your Dog When You Go on Holiday?

    What Should You Do With Your Dog When You Go on Holiday?

    This clear guide helps dog owners choose the best dog holiday care, covering boarding kennels, home visits, live-in pet sitters and friends or family. It explains the pros and cons of each option and gives simple dog care tips: make sure vaccinations and flea or worm treatments are up to date, pack food and medication, leave detailed care instructions and emergency contacts, keep feeding and walk routines, and leave familiar toys or bedding. It also warns how to spot separation anxiety or stress, such as loss of appetite, excessive barking, destructive behaviour or withdrawal. Use this checklist when preparing your dog for holiday to pick the right pet sitter, keep your dog’s routine and have peace of mind.

  • Obesity in Dogs: Causes, Risks and How to Help Your Dog Stay Healthy

    Obesity in Dogs: Causes, Risks and How to Help Your Dog Stay Healthy

    Obesity in dogs is a common problem that harms health, mobility and lifespan. An overweight dog can develop arthritis, diabetes, heart and breathing problems. It usually happens when a dog eats more calories than it burns because of overfeeding, too many treats, little exercise, age, neutering or some medical conditions. To manage an overweight dog, measure portions, cut treats, choose a vet-recommended weight-management diet and increase gentle exercise slowly. Weigh your dog regularly, track body condition and work with your vet to make dog weight loss safe and steady. To prevent obesity in dogs, give correct portion sizes, daily activity and routine vet checks.

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