Dogs

dog and owner sitting at a bar in a public house

Poole pub named among Britain's top five dog-friendly pubs

A new study of 100 dog-friendly pubs with beer gardens across the UK has named a Poole venue among the nation's best, ranking fourth overall.

Research by Dog Friendly Retreats assessed pubs using a consistent set of criteria, including Google and Tripadvisor reviews, dog-friendly amenities such as treats and dedicated dog menus, and how close each venue is to a park or walking route.

...

Full story

Dogs Trust and RSPCA Seek Public Views as SW dog Population Soars to 1.3m

With around 1.3m dogs living the South West, dogs are an everyday presence in parks, on pavements and on public transport. But with dogs now playing such a major role in our lives, what does it mean to be a responsible owner in 2026?

According to new research by YouGov on behalf of Dogs Trust and RSPCA, 96% of dog owners consider themselves to be responsible, with picking up dog...

Read more

Dog Owners Urged to Rethink Countryside Walks as Livestock Incidents Rise

As reports highlight the growing financial and emotional toll livestock attacks are having on UK farmers, fresh dog food company Years is urging owners to better understand how unfamiliar rural environments can trigger instinctive behaviour in otherwise well-behaved pets.

Recent coverage from the BBC revealed that attacks and livestock worrying incidents are costing farmers thousands...

Read more

Can pets catch a cold from us?

The cold and flu season is well and truly in full swing, with coughs, sniffles and sneezes pretty hard to avoid. It’s often the case when one person in the household catches a cold, it can soon spread to everyone else in the house too, but the question many pet owners want to know the answer to – can your pets also catch your cold?

PDSA Vet Nurse Shauna Walsh explains: “Pets can...

Read more

Sweet pooch looking for forever home after nearly a year in kennels

Adorable crossbreed Twix is desperate for her happy ending

Could you be the perfect match for beautiful Twix? This affectionate two-year-old Chihuahua / Jack Russell terrier cross is looking for a very special home after a tough start in life.

Twix arrived in RSPCA care in February last year following a cruelty investigation, alongside her canine companion KitKat. She later...

Read more

Muddy dog walks? How to effectively and safely clean mud from your floors

“A single teaspoon of mud can contain up to 1 billion bacteria, over 100 times more than dirty socks, that are potentially harmful to both pets and owners. For dog owners who have to frequently walk their pets throughout the cold wet weather, setting up a quick washing station just outside your front or back door is the perfect way to reduce or entirely eliminate mud being tracked into your...

Read more
Paralysed dog getting veterinary treatment

Severely paralysed dog walks again with pioneering cell transplant treatment

Neurologist vets at Bristol Vet Specialists have helped a severely paralysed dog to walk again, following pioneering cell transplant treatment.

Owned by Miss Sasha Reed, Arthur the six-year-old male Cockapoo became paralysed in August 2021 following a ‘slipped disc’. This left him with the most severe injury in dogs with ‘slipped discs’, where all sensation and movements below the...

Read more
Dogs and a cup of tea

Vet reveals if you can share a cup of tea with your pet

It’s been reported that the UK population consumes an estimated over 100 million cups of tea every single day, and as a nation of pet lovers, the question is, can you share a cuppa with your pet?

PDSA Vet Nurse Shauna Walsh shares her advice for tea and animal lovers alike:

“Whilst we may want to give in to ‘puppy dog eyes’ and share a bit of our cups of tea with our pets,...

Read more

How Playtime Supports Your Dog’s Mental Health

Play isn’t just “a bit of fun” for dogs. It’s one of the simplest ways to help them feel settled, confident, and more able to cope with everyday life — especially when routines change, the weather’s miserable, or you’re juggling a busy week.

When dogs don’t get enough mental enrichment, they don’t politely ask for more. They often show it through restless behaviour, constant...

Read more

How to Choose the Perfect Dog Leash for Your Pet

A dog leash is more than just a tether; it's a line of communication, a training tool, and your pet’s lifeline in a world full of distractions. Selecting the right one can make the difference between a frustrating, arm-yanking ordeal and a pleasant, stress-free walk. With so many options available—from standard ropes to specialized dual-handle designs—choosing the perfect dog shoes for your...

Read more