Dog and puppy care guides

Explore a wide range of vet-approved dog and puppy advice, with tips on health, training, seasonal care, and more.

Puppy care & training

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Puppy essentials: the ultimate new puppy checklist

Wondering what you need before your new puppy comes home? Our checklist covers all the essentials.

A photo of an inquisitive-looking puppy who might have some questions. Maybe you have some puppy questions of your own?

13 puppy questions every new owner asks

What is crate training? How do I stop my puppy biting? Read the vet answers to these questions and other FAQs.

A puppy yawning, showing their teeth. They are at around the right age for puppy teething.

Puppy teething guide

Learn how to spot the signs of teething and support your puppy with safe toys and simple, vet-approved tips.

Photo for an article on toilet training your puppy, showing a sheepish-looking puppy.

Toilet training your puppy: how long it takes and top tips

Puppy toilet training can depend on your individual puppy, but there are ways you can tell if they're making progress.

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Dental care

Puppy teething guide

Learn how to spot the signs of teething and support your puppy with safe toys and simple, vet-approved tips.

Image of dog and toothbrush for article on dogs bad breath

How to get rid of bad breath in dogs

Bad breath is a common issue in dogs and may indicate underlying health problems. Studies show 48% of dog owners say their pet suffers from bad breath.

How many teeth do dogs have?

Find out when puppies lose their teeth, the types of dog teeth, their functions, and tips for maintaining your dog's dental health.

Dog teeth cleaning: how to clean dogs teeth

Dogs require regular dental care to prevent the build-up of plaque.

Dog nutrition & diet advice

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Header photo of a dog on a weighing scale. Routine weight checks are useful for managing pet obesity and ensure health.

How heavy should my dog be? Are they overweight or underweight?

Learn how to spot whether your dog is overweight.

Image of woman looking at pet food for article on best diet for dogs

Best diet for dogs - importance of a balanced diet for dogs

A well-balanced diet is a must for every dog. There are lots of dog diet options available, but our guide makes things quick and simple.

10 Easter foods and plants that are toxic to dogs

A helpful list of Easter plants and foods that are toxic for dogs.

Can puppies eat fruit and vegetables?

Which fruits can your puppy enjoy as a snack?

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Recognising dog health symptoms

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beagle sniffing at grass at a park - a common place dogs poo

Dog poo colour guide: what colour is your dog’s poo?

Did you know you can tell a lot about your dog’s health by checking their poo?

Jack Russell cuddling a hot water bottle for article on dog being sick

Why is my dog being sick and what does the colour of my dog’s vomit mean?

What does the colour of your dog's vomit tell you about their health?

A dog visiting a veterinary practice to have a checkup following diarrhoea

Why does my dog have diarrhoea? Causes of diarrhoea in dogs

Diarrhoea in dogs: what causes it, and how to prevent it.

Dog having veterinary check up for article on why is my dog shaking and panting

Why is my dog shaking? Reasons why dogs get the shivers

Shaking could be induced by excitement, fear, cold, or something more serious.

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Dog toilet training guide

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Dog poo colour guide: what colour is your dog’s poo?

Did you know you can tell a lot about your dog’s health by checking their poo?

Toilet training your puppy: how long it takes and top tips

Puppy toilet training can depend on your individual puppy, but there are ways you can tell if they're making progress.

Wondering "why do dogs eat their own poop"? A playful puppy, sitting in a forest with its tongue out, captures the curiosity and behaviours often seen during the start of a dog's life.

Why do puppies eat their poop?

Has your pup got a habit of eating poop? Don't worry, it's very common. Our experts have got some tips to help.

How to get a urine sample from a dog

Our guide covers everything you need to know about collecting a urine sample from your dog.

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Diseases in dogs

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Photo of young dog receiving IV treatment for parvovirus, highlighting the severe symptoms of canine parvovirus and the importance of vaccinations for preventing parvovirus in dogs

What is parvovirus in dogs?

Why is it vital to protect your dog against parvo?

Photo of a black dog being checked by a vet

Addison’s disease in dogs: early symptoms, testing and treatment

Addison’s disease is a life-threatening condition affecting dogs' vital hormones. Our guide covers all you need to know.

Golden Retriever with her puppies for article on brucellosis in dogs

Brucellosis in dogs: What is Brucella canis?

Pet Health Club has the facts about brucellosis in dogs. From symptoms and treatments to prevention and testing, keep your dog safe with our expert advice.

Blue-green algae poisoning in dogs

If a lake looks dirty, keep your dog well away from it.

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Dog vaccination guide

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What is parvovirus in dogs?

Why is it vital to protect your dog against parvo?

image of a dog outdoors. During Winter, dogs outside can get cold, and then catch colds

Can dogs get colds?

Dogs can't catch the common cold from humans, but get cold-like illnesses caused by dog-specific viruses.

Photo of a dog drinking from a puddle, a common source of leptospirosis in dogs, on an article stressing the importance of leptospirosis prevention, dog vaccinations, and early detection.

Leptospirosis in dogs: symptoms, treatment and prevention

Leptospirosis is a potentially fatal infection spread by rat urine and can be found in contaminated water.

Photo of a dog outdoors showing symptoms of kennel cough, a common respiratory infection in dogs. The dog is coughing, a sign of kennel cough, which spreads in places like kennels and dog parks.

How long does kennel cough last and what is it?

Does your dog have a dry, hacking cough, but appear fine in every other way?

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Dog parasite prevention

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A dog sitting on the floor in waiting for a vet appointment

How to check your dog for fleas and ticks

If your pet pooch has an irritating itch and won’t stop scratching, fleas or ticks could be to blame.

Dog scratching himself because of dog mites

What do dog mites look like and how to get rid of them

Discover the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for dog mites. Prevent infestations and keep your dog healthy and happy.

Header photo of a tick embedded in a dog’s skin, a common parasite causing irritation and potential health risks in pets.

Ticks on dogs: What do embedded ticks look like and how to remove them?

There are several species in the UK alone, and numbers are on the rise.

How to get rid of fleas on dogs

Having a dog with fleas can be a menace – here is how to get rid of them.

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Dog breed guide

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german shepherd sitting on grass with tongue out

The German Shepherd: thinking about getting a German Shepherd?

Thinking of getting a German Shepherd? Read our handy guide...

Cane Corso: is it the right breed for you?

Thinking about getting a Cane Corso? Check out our handy breed guide.

Photo of two dogs. They are Pit Bull Terriers, which is a banned breed of dog in the UK

What dog breeds are banned in the UK?

Learn about the UK's banned dog breeds, including XL Bully, Pit Bull Terrier, and Japanese Tosa. Understand legalities and ownership rules.

Close-up of a muzzled American Bully XL dog, showcasing the breed's distinct features and muscular build

XL Bully dogs: latest UK ban information

The UK government banned XL Bully dogs at the end of 2023.

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Dog care how-to guides

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Photo of a scared dog hiding under furniture

How to help dogs with fireworks

Get your pet ready for Bonfire Night with our handy guide to sound therapy!

How to check your dog for fleas and ticks

If your pet pooch has an irritating itch and won’t stop scratching, fleas or ticks could be to blame.

Step-by-Step Guide to Muzzle Training Your Dog

The best ways to get your dog muzzle-ready, happy and cooperative...

Anxiety in dogs

Signs of anxiety in dogs, causes of stress and how to help your dog...

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Dog grooming & hygiene

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How to clean your dog's eyes

Dogs rely on their eyes to explore the world — keeping them clean prevents discomfort, infections, and tear stains while helping you spot health concerns early.

How to bathe your dog

Why is bathing important? Plus helpful tips for bathing your dog...

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Senior

Caring for an older dog: keeping senior dogs in good health

What to look out for, now that your dog is a little older...

Arthritis in dogs: signs, symptoms and treatment

A dog with arthritis is often slower and more irritable – and with constant pain in the joints, who can blame them?

Pregnancy care for dogs

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image of dog with vet for article on signs your dog needs to be neutered

Dog neutering: signs your dog needs to be neutered

Not planning to breed from your dog? Find out more about neutering.

A picture of a puppy attending an appointment at a veterinary practice

Dog pregnancy: how to tell if your dog is pregnant

A female dog that hasn’t been neutered will come into heat every six to eight months throughout their lifetime.

Phantom pregnancy in dogs

Is your dog displaying mothering behaviour to her toys and spending more time in her bed than normal? It could be a phantom pregnancy.

ginger and white cat looking out of window

Pyometra in cats: a guide to pyometra symptoms and treatments

Pyometra is a nasty infection that’s not always easy to spot.

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General health advice

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Dog neutering: signs your dog needs to be neutered

Not planning to breed from your dog? Find out more about neutering.

Benefits of a dog health plan

Prevent disease in your dog is easier than treat it. Vaccines, parasite treatments, and health checks are included in our Pet Health Club care plans.

Header photo of a dog in a field of pink flowers, to accompany an article highlighting the dangers of plants poisonous to dogs, such as buttercups and ranunculus.

Eight poisonous plants for dogs to avoid

Keep your pet happy and healthy during the spring.

Dog poison: protecting your pet from common poisons

Which household substances should you keep well away from your dog?

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Dog lifestyle advice

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How to help dogs with fireworks

Get your pet ready for Bonfire Night with our handy guide to sound therapy!

Vet microchipping dog in the veterinary practice

Microchip your dog — how much, how to change ownership and more

All dogs must be microchipped before they reach 8 weeks of age...

brown and white terrier sniffing christmas tree

Are Christmas trees poisonous to dogs?

Keep your pets safe from harm this Christmas.

15 tips for keeping your dog safe at the beach

Take your dog on the perfect seaside visit with our handy guide…

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Dog behaviour advice

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A photo taken during a puppy socialisation class at a veterinary practice, depicting two calm and well-behaved puppies.

Puppy socialisation classes

Some vet practices host evenings where puppies can get used to spending time with other puppies. Here's what they involve.

How to help dogs with fireworks

Get your pet ready for Bonfire Night with our handy guide to sound therapy!

Why do puppies eat their poop?

Has your pup got a habit of eating poop? Don't worry, it's very common. Our experts have got some tips to help.

Anxiety in dogs

Signs of anxiety in dogs, causes of stress and how to help your dog...

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Travelling

Dog first aid kit. What should your dog first aid kit consist of?

Our straightforward guide will help you assemble your dog first aid kit, meaning you’re fully prepared for any unexpected situations.

A dog owner receiving advice about dog kennels near me

Dog kennels near me: choosing the right boarding for your dog

A helpful guide to choosing the best kennel for your furry friend...

Holidays with dogs

Thinking about taking your dog on a staycation? Follow our top tips for the perfect pooch getaway...

Driving with dogs: a guide to dog car travel

There may be some things you don’t know about driving with your dog in the car...

Autumn

Vet's 10 autumn tips for dog owners

Top tips on keeping your dog healthy during the autumn season...

A photo of a dog in the autumn woods, accompanying an article on Seasonal Canine Illness. This mysterious disease can affect dogs like this one if they spend lots of time in grassy or wooded areas during the autumn months.

Seasonal canine illness (SCI in dogs)

Little is known about seasonal canine illness, but it can be fatal for dogs.

Dog poisons & safety guide

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Photo of a Collie dog sitting in front of vibrant red poinsettias, a plant dangerous to dogs. Learn more about festive décor and dog-safe Christmas decorations.

5 Christmas plants that are toxic to dogs (and some safe alternatives)

We’ve put together this list of five common festive plants that are toxic to dogs, symptoms to watch out for, and safer alternatives for your pets.

Eight poisonous plants for dogs to avoid

Keep your pet happy and healthy during the spring.

Dog poison: protecting your pet from common poisons

Which household substances should you keep well away from your dog?

10 Easter foods and plants that are toxic to dogs

A helpful list of Easter plants and foods that are toxic for dogs.

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Winter

Are Christmas trees poisonous to dogs?

Keep your pets safe from harm this Christmas.

What is a safe temperature to walk a dog?

Walking your dog is essential for their health and wellbeing, but so is protecting them from very cold weather. So, how cold is too cold for walking your dog?