Clinically proven to help calm and develop emotional wellbeing

Protecting your dog this firework season

Does your dog get anxious during fireworks, thunderstorms, or other loud noiseslike gunshots or bangs? You’re not alone, and there are ways you can help! This quick guide offers some simple yet effective strategies to support your dogthrough these stressful times, improving their comfort and emotional well-being. Be Realistic Some dogs might always find certain …

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The Causes of Stress in Horses and How to Avoid Them

Introduction There are many causes of stress in horses, but the good news is that you can avoid most of them. If you understand what stresses your horse out and how to avoid it, then your horse will be happier and healthier overall! Strangers In order to understand the causes of stress in horses, it’s …

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The many ways pets support our mental health

Introduction Pets are an important part of many people’s lives, and they can be great for your mental health. Pets provide companionship, encourage exercise and healthy habits, help you get outside more often, and make you feel less lonely. Here are some ways pets support mental health: Pets can help fill social voids Pets can …

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Tips for Calming Anxious Pet Birds

Introduction Birds are easily stressed, especially when they’re caged. Keep these tips in mind to help keep them calm and happy. Skip the spray The most common product used to calm anxious birds is an aerosol spray. While it may be tempting to use one of these products in order to help your pet feel …

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The Effects of Stress on Rabbit Health

Introduction Rabbits are adorable, but they’re also prey animals with a hardwired instinct to flee from danger. This makes them especially susceptible to anxiety and stress, which can lead to serious health issues. In this post, I’ll discuss the effects of stress on rabbit health and explain how you can identify if your bunny is …

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Wintering Your Horse

With winter looming, horses will be spending more time stabled. Keeping your horse healthy through winter – including enriching their quality of life during the dark days – is vital to their physical and emotional well-being. Providing emotional support for your horse is as important as carrying out the extra cleaning if they’ve been out …

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3 ways to reduce pet stress for cats

Everyone wants the best for their cat and most pet owners create a safe, happy environment for their feline friends. However, there are many things that can cause pet cats to become stressed. From a change in environment such as a house move to introducing a new family member, there are lots of incidences that …

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How can I stop my dog from barking?

How can I stop my dog from barking? Barking in dogs is completely natural and a way for them to communicate. However, incessant barking and whining can cause a huge annoyance and disrupt the joy of pet ownership. If your dog barks excessively, it is crucial to find out why they are barking and consistently …

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Halloween and your pet

While Halloween is an exciting time for many people, it can be a different kettle of fish for our pets. Loud noises, trick-or-treaters knocking at the door, shiny, scary outfits and creepy decorations all combine to create an unsettled atmosphere, resulting in confusion, anxiety and stress for any animal. Yet, there are plenty of ways …

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Beach walk tips for dogs

With summer now but a distant memory, we are all settling into autumn and looking ahead to what winter may bring. For dog owners, this means many beaches are now open to walk your pet pooch on again. This is great news as it makes for a more interesting walk and is also an environment …

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What’s the law on dog ID tags?

As microchipping is a legal obligation for owning a dog in the UK, it may appear that ID tags are not as important as they once were. However, dog ID tags are still a legal requirement and with fireworks season just around the corner, it’s particularly important to make sure your dog has a tag. …

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How to help your dog during thunderstorms

If your dog is terrified of sudden, loud or high-pitched noises, thunderstorms are likely distressing times for them. Storm stress can leave your pets feeling unnerved and overcome with fear. Yet there are certain things you can do to alleviate this stress and comfort your dog. In this blog, we discuss the signs and symptoms …

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Dogs – A brief history

If you are a dog owner, then you know that the old ‘man’s best friend’ idea really is true. But it hasn’t always been this way. Dogs have evolved over time to take their place in our hearts and homes, changing in step with human beings. Here, we will dive into the history of dogs …

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Dog Heatstroke: Symptoms & Emergency First Aid Tips

Heatstroke is a very serious condition which not only affects humans, but dogs, too. While dogs often recover from mild cases, severe heatstroke can have devastating consequences, including seizures, brain damage, organ failure, and even death. Skills Training Group have created a handy guide so that you know what to do in an emergency to …

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Your cat – A history

With an estimated 10.9 million people owning pet cats in the UK, it can be agreed that they have become one of the most popular animals to share your home with. However, this was not always the case and cats were not always seen as friendly feline companions throughout their long and admiring history. From …

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A simple guide to equine flu

Being a horse owner, like any other pet owner, is a lot of responsibility and making sure they are happy, healthy and well cared for can help them live a long and loving life. However, do you know how to spot the signs of illness in your horse? Most specifically, equine flu. In 2021, there …

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A guide to dog grooming, cleaning and washing

Do you find yourself running after your dog to wrestle them into the tub, regularly playing tug with the brush or tearing your own hair out while trying to de-mat your pup? Dog grooming, cleaning and washing regimes are important but they can be stressful. A few tips and tricks, however, can transform them into …

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Keeping your rabbit cool in warmer weather

If you own a rabbit, you know that these little creatures are highly intelligent, affectionate, and a lot of fun. Rabbits are a pleasure to have but, as the warmer weather approaches, many rabbit owners begin to wonder how they can keep their furry friends cool as the temperature rises. Here, we take a look …

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Parrots, Do They Make Good Pets?

Owning a pet comes with a lot of responsibility. Many assume that caring for birds is easier because they are smaller, but that is far from true. This blog post sums up everything you need to know about owning and caring for a parrot to help you decide whether or not to adopt a parrot …

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Arthritis and Dogs

As a dog owner, you never want your four legged friend to be in pain or upset in any way. Your number one concern is taking care of their health and reducing their anxiety. However, sometimes your dog will become unwell – and arthritis is surprisingly common in dogs. Here, we take a look at …

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Pet allergies and how to get over them

What is a pet allergy? A pet allergy is caused by proteins found in an animal’s dander (dried flakes of skin), saliva, or urine. When exposed to these proteins, your immune system mistakes them for something harmful and has an allergic reaction. This isn’t something that only happens with cats and dogs. Pretty much any …

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Raising wild hedgehog awareness

If you’re an animal lover who likes to be out and about in nature, or you have your own garden that plays host to little visitors, then you may be familiar with the sight of a hedgehog or two. These prickly little creatures might not be something you see often, but it’s important to understand …

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How to keep your house clean when you have pets

If you pride yourself on keeping a clean and tidy house, pets can pose a unique challenge. Whether you’re training a puppy, battling cat fur on the sofa, or combatting the odours from your rodents’ cage, keeping a home with pets clean requires a proactive approach. Follow our tips below to keep your living space …

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Dog walking safety in the countryside

With the weather warming up and more daylight hours, a summer walk in the country can be just the ticket for those with a canine companion. Enjoying more room to stretch their legs and new smells to discover, a rural location is ideal for dogs. In such idyllic surroundings, their owners have much to enjoy …

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A guide to owning a ferret

A ferret may be an unconventional choice for a pet, but they can form an unbreakable bond with their owners in the right environment and with proper care. Their playful yet inquisitive demeanour makes them similar to dogs, but they might be somewhat less active – they do sleep for up to 20 hours a …

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Occupying a horse

Owning a horse can be a rewarding experience, and you want your horse to always have the best life possible. However, it can be challenging for you to feel as though you are giving your four-legged friend the best when they are stuck in stables during the winter and early spring months. Bad weather in …

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What is a healthy diet for dogs?

The teetering towers of dog food, advertising everything from vegetarian to grain-free, is quite the sight for anyone to take in when they first step into a pet store. However, picking out a diet for your dog doesn’t have to be riddled with anxiety. Like humans, dog diets have general ground rules with a few …

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Dog Coats – Yes or No?

Dogs still want to spend time outside during the cold winter months. However, if a dog is in the cold for too long, they could develop hypothermia, causing their muscles to stiffen, decreased breathing and heart rate, and in severe cases, death. In addition, cold weather can cause your dog anxiety. But can a coat …

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How to handle a reptile

Reptiles are not your everyday pets. However, for many animal lovers, they are fascinating and, as such, are part of many homes. If handled correctly, keeping one as a pet can be extremely rewarding. When handling reptiles, always remember that these are not traditionally domesticated animals like dogs or cats that like to be petted. …

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How to bathe your dog (without the stress)

With muddy walks common around this time of the year, dog bathing is essential. Without bath time, your pooch is at risk of spreading muck all around the house. Washing your dog can sometimes be a challenge though. They don’t always want to play ball, so to speak. In this post, we take a look …

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Spring time with your rabbit: factors to consider

With spring on the way, many rabbit owners are thinking about letting their pets out in their gardens. The cold weather is finally coming to an end, and it’s time for them to enjoy some freedom once more. However, as a pet owner, there are certain hazards you need to be aware of if you’re …

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3 things you didn’t realise might be stressing out your pet

Christmas and new year are stressful times for our pets. From fireworks to house guests, our animal companions can often feel overwhelmed. But while we do all we can to quell their anxieties during the festive period, many of us fail to recognise everyday events that could potentially be causing our furry friends just as …

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Indoor games for dogs

Dogs notoriously need a lot of exercise to keep them fit and healthy, with it generally recommended that most dogs have two walks a day as standard. However, there may be times when owners can’t walk their pets every day – for example, if the weather isn’t suitable for a walk, or the owner has …

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Indoor games for cats

Cats are very active creatures and sometimes need a lot of exercise to entertain them. Because of this, it is important to play games with them for indoor use, especially if they are house cats. Listed below are several indoor games that can effectively be used to entertain your cats. Feather & String The Feather …

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Dog walking in winter and keeping your dog safe

Even as the temperature drops, your dog walking routine should not. Unless it’s particularly inclement outside, maintaining a regular exercise routine will keep your dog healthy and help prevent both of you from piling on those winter pounds. Keep your dog on a lead when it’s slippery underfoot and especially around frozen water. Be cautious …

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Keeping your cat safe this winter

Whilst cats can be very independent creatures, they need a little bit of extra protection in winter. They can face danger from lots of everyday things that can be easily overlooked. Our top tips will keep your pet free from stress this winter. Visibility You would pop some hi-vis protection on if running or cycling …

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Dogs and Facemasks

Now that facemasks have become part and parcel of everyday life, it can be difficult for dogs to get used to. After all, dogs are known for reading human facial expressions and body language, while listening to voice commands, which can be harder to hear underneath a mask. With this in mind, facemasks can be …

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Sand baths and your pet

A sand bath can enable several small pets to keep themselves clean while engaging in behaviours they would express in their natural habitat to reduce stress and boost happiness. Not only will it keep them clean, but it’s also super cute to watch. Why do small pets bathe in sand? Gerbils, degus, hamsters and chinchillas …

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Caring for rabbits in winter

Winter is a time of year when temperatures drop and the weather turns ugly. While humans can head indoors and switch the central heating on, things are not quite so simple for rabbits. Many of these pets are kept outside, in sheds or in garages over this season which means now is the time to …

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Why do parrots pull out their feathers?

If you’ve noticed your parrot is pulling out its feathers, it could be a sign that your parrot is feeling stressed or anxious. It’s important to understand the difference between normal parrot grooming behaviours and signs of anxiety and to know how to react if your parrot is displaying anxious behaviours. Is it normal for …

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Owning an exotic pet

Exotic pets are known as animals that aren’t usually kept in our homes, such as snakes, spiders or lizards. Exotic pets are becoming even more popular and it’s important to know how to care for them properly, as they require a lot more care, knowledge and research than traditional pets, such as cats or dogs. …

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So, you want to own a horse?

If you’re looking into owning a horse, it’s vital that you do lots of research beforehand. Horse ownership is a huge commitment, so it’s essential that you know everything there is to know before you take the plunge. Can you afford it? Horses can soon make a dent in your wallet, so you need to …

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How to look after your hamster

Hamsters and other rodents are notoriously skittish creatures. In the wild, they’re often hunted by various predators, so they tend to be naturally alert to avoid danger. Though this behaviour is natural, it does mean that they are susceptible to anxiety or stress and require a safe, positive environment to make them feel comfortable. This …

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Why have pet insurance?

Many pet owners often ask themselves if the cost of pet insurance is worth it in the long term. Around 44% of the UK population own a pet, so this question is something that millions of people ask themselves. Pets are a part of our family and finding yourself in a position in which your …

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Caring for your cat

Cats are complex creatures; much like humans, there is plenty going on inside their minds and bodies. Unlike humans though, they aren’t able to tell us about any problems they have. Therefore, it can sometimes be difficult sussing out what they are thinking and feeling. Nevertheless, if you know what to look out for, there …

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How do I tell how old my dog is?

If they say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, then you might be wondering what your newly acquired pal can learn if you don’t know his or her age. While it’s usually easy to tell an adult dog from a puppy, once they’re fully grown you might not be sure if your new …

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How do I tell how old my cat is?

We’ve all heard of cat years and dog years to figure out how old our pets are. Experts believe that your cat’s first year of life equates to a whopping 15 human years! The second-year is then equal to a further nine years, making our feline friends around 24 after just two years. After that, …

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Guide to caring for Guinea Pigs

There are many reasons why guinea pigs are one of the most popular pets and have found their way into hundreds of thousands of homes – and hearts – in the UK. They can be incredibly cute and fascinating to watch, but also gentle and sociable, making them a great pet for children. Guinea pigs …

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How to care for your new pet rabbit

Congratulations on your new furry friend! Owning pet rabbits is hugely rewarding, after all, they are intelligent, affectionate and highly social creatures. You should, however, be aware that rabbits are often the most misunderstood and mistreated pets. There are many common mistakes that can lead to a variety of issues; including anxiety and stress. Here’s …

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Settling a new cat into its new home

So you have a new cat Bringing a new cat home can be exciting. By adding a new member to your family, you are ready for a lifetime of fun and furry friendship. However, if you are wondering just how to prepare for your new addition in order to reduce anxiety for both you and …

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How to settle in your new dog

Getting a new pet is an exciting time for your family, and while we’re sure they will love their forever home, it can also be a daunting and stressful time for a dog. Here are our top tips for how you can prepare for your new arrival and welcome them to their new home while …

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Help in keeping a horse calm

Horses are, after dogs, considered some of the closest creatures to mankind. Your bond with your horse is truly special, which makes it hard to see them in distress. If your horse is displaying signs of stress, you may be trying to find the root cause and wondering how you can alleviate it. Here, we …

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Why is my cat spraying and how do I stop it?

Cats are one of the nation’s favourite pets, and usually, they are a warm, loving presence in our homes and go outside or use a litter tray with ease. However, sometimes you might notice a strange smell around your home, particularly on your soft furnishings. The cause? Your cat is spraying. Cat spraying is when …

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How to help your dog through a kennel stay

With the school summer holidays almost upon us, you may be thinking about getting away from it all. Sometimes we can take our four-legged friends away with us, but occasionally, they may need to stay behind. If you are heading off on your holidays and are planning to place your dog in kennels, you could …

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Cat scratching and how to stop it

You love your cat, but you’d be forgiven for finding cat scratching one of the most annoying habits that your furry friend has. Unfortunately, it’s a natural part of a cat’s behaviour. Why does my cat scratch my furniture? Cats are, by their very nature, hunters, and the clawing motion helps to exercise the muscle …

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How to help your cat with cattery stress

If your cat seems to hate the cattery there are things you can do to turn their stressful short break into a harmonious holiday. With the schools out for the summer, lots of us are jetting off for a well-earned vacation. “What to do with the cat” will be high up on your pre-trip checklist. …

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Moving home and stress on pets

Moving house may be a fraught experience for us, but spare a thought for your pets. Take some steps to alleviate pet anxiety and your new home will quickly become their new happy place. Give your pets a break You will have enough to do during the home move without having to worry about pet …

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Pet anxiety and stress post-lockdown

If COVID-19 upended our routines and those of our pets, then the post-lockdown period has disrupted the daily lives of our furry friends yet further. The stop-start, in-out nature of the new normal for pets If the pet who shares your home had long been settled into a familiar daily pattern pre-COVID, then coronavirus restrictions …

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Stress of travel on dogs this holiday season

Many dog owners regard their pooch as a family member, so when it comes to going on day trips or holidays, it’s only natural they’ll want their canine friend to tag along. Indeed, it’s estimated that 56% of dog owners bring their pet on holiday, while a staggering 83% of owners would feel guilty about …

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How to Stop a Kitten Biting

Beneath the cute, innocent exterior of our kittens, lies a future killing machine! So when we let them bite our hands we’re creating a habit that might not be so easy to ignore when they’re fully grown. In my latest article I take a look at why kittens bite and how to stop it, before it’s too late!

Rabbit Housing Enrichment

In the wild, rabbits would spend their time digging, running, jumping, rearing up, hiding, eating, socialising with other rabbits (and being alone sometimes too). To allow your pet rabbits to carry out their natural behaviours they need to be given plenty to do. We call this enrichment. As wild rabbits would spend 80% of their …

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Pet Enclosure Enrichment. Part 1

Rabbits need lots of stimulation to keep their body and mind active. In the wild, their constant search for food and look out for predators keeps them pretty busy, but our pet bunnies feel far more secure at home and tend to have regular meal times.

Naughty But Nice: What should I do when my dog REACTS?

When we come across a situation our dog doesn’t like, whether that be seeing something (e.g. a black wire-haired small dog, a person with a beard, a child, etc.), hearing something or any other experience, there is a huge temptation to encourage interaction with that thing.

When Is A Cat Considered Old?

Although, in veterinary medicine, there is no official definition of ‘geriatric’ and individual cats may show a great deal of variation in the ageing process, most cats are considered geriatric when they have reached 15 years of age.

A Guide to Preparing for a New Cat

Anticipating the arrival of a new cat into our home can be an exciting time, but how much thought do we actually put into getting a cat and to planning for its emotional and physical needs?

Advice on How to Find a Missing Cat…

It can be incredibly distressing if our feline family member just doesn’t come home. Our first response might be to call him and rattle his favoruite food or treats box, then go looking as the panic rises.

Getting a Kitten

So you’ve made the big decision to buy a kitten, but how do you go about choosing the right one for you? Choosing a kitten should always be a labour of the mind rather than the heart. To increase the likelihood of making the right choice it is wise to follow this advice:

Is My Cat Overweight?

It’s so easy for us to give in to the irresistible appeals of our cats by letting them have treats or an extra portion of food. However, doing this regularly can increase the risks of obesity which is a life-limiting (and sometimes life threatening) condition.

Ten Top Tips to Help Keep Your Cat Content

We might not know it by looking at the faces of our enigmatic feline companions, but life can be pretty stressful for them. In fact they spend their lives evaluating possible threats that might be lurking around every corner! The reason for this is that cats are solitary survivalists and as such showing any emotion might give a potential competitor the advantage! In fact, their facial skeleton doesn’t have the number of muscles to allow them to create the types of expressions that dogs can!

Getting the most from your sports dog!

There has been a paradigm shift in sports dog training over the past five years. This shift is significant, not only from the perspective of what can be achieved from sports, performance and working dogs but the high welfare standards that can be maintained and even promoted and enhanced in these dogs as compared to companion dogs.

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