As summer arrives, our hedgerows, gardens, parks, and countryside walks become filled with colourful berries and ripening fruits. Many dogs are naturally curious and may investigate fallen fruit or berries growing along a path. Some owners also enjoy sharing healthy snacks with their dogs and wonder whether these seasonal treats are safe. The good news is that many fruits and berries can make healthy additions to a dog's diet when offered in moderation. However, not everyth

For thousands of years, dogs have worked alongside humans. They have hunted with us, guarded our homes, herded livestock, located missing people, detected explosives, and even helped people with disabilities live more independent lives. Now, a new type of dog is beginning to appear in factories, research laboratories, military bases, and disaster zones around the world. These dogs are not alive. They do not eat, sleep, bark, or wag their tails. They are robots. Know

Every year, thousands of dogs go missing. Some wander off while exploring, some escape through an open gate, and others become frightened by loud noises such as fireworks or thunderstorms. July is Lost Pet Prevention Month, making it the perfect time to think about how we can keep our dogs safe and help prevent them from becoming lost. The good news is that most lost dog situations can be avoided with a little planning, training, and responsible ownership. Why Do Dogs Go Mi

As temperatures rise across the UK, many dog owners look forward to spending more time outdoors with their four-legged companions. While warm weather can be enjoyable for both people and dogs, it also brings significant risks that every owner should understand. Unlike humans, dogs cannot cool themselves efficiently through sweating, making them far more vulnerable to overheating and heatstroke. A little planning and awareness can make the difference between a fun summer and a

One of the most frequently searched questions by dog owners is how to trim a dog’s nails safely and effectively. It’s a routine part of care that often causes anxiety—for both the owner and the dog. However, with the right approach, tools, and understanding, nail trimming can become a straightforward and stress-free task. This guide explains everything you need to know, from understanding nail structure to step-by-step trimming techniques, along with practical advice for prev

Anyone who has spent time around dogs—particularly in training or competition environments—will have witnessed just how perceptive they are to human emotion. Long before a command is given or a lead is clipped on, a dog has already assessed the handler’s state of mind. Subtle shifts in breathing, posture, muscle tension, and even scent can signal whether a handler is calm, confident, anxious, or distracted. In the context of competition, this sensitivity becomes even more sig

Noise from World Cup football matches on TV can feel like indoor fireworks for your dog, according to veterinary and dog behaviour experts. World Cup fever is a national pastime in the UK, but as a nation of dog lovers we are also keen to protect their pets from the anxiety that comes with noisy goal celebrations and penalty commiserations. And search data curated by TopDog backs this up. Searches for “dog stress” are up by 185% in the last year, now reaching 15-16 thousan

June is widely recognised as National Microchipping Month in the UK, making it an ideal time to highlight a simple yet vital aspect of responsible dog ownership: ensuring your dog’s microchip details are accurate and up to date. Microchipping is a legal requirement for dogs in England, Scotland, and Wales, and for good reason. A microchip is a tiny device, about the size of a grain of rice, implanted just under your dog’s skin—usually between the shoulder blades. It carries a

Dog lovers preparing to rescue are receiving expert advice on how to effectively welcome their new furry companions and ensure a smooth transition into their home. As National Rescue Dog Day (20 May) approaches, the dog training experts at ACME Kennels have shared essential tips for those planning to adopt a dog, ensuring they're fully prepared to provide their new companion with everything needed to thrive. With an estimated 100,000 dogs currently homeless in the UK, and aro

Across many dog sports—from Obedience and Agility to Working Trials and Heelwork To Music—there is a growing and widely acknowledged shortage of Stewards and Judges. While this presents a challenge for the sustainability of competitions, it also opens a significant opportunity for experienced handlers, enthusiasts, and newcomers alike to take on a deeply rewarding role within the sport. Stewarding and judging are often viewed as “behind-the-scenes” responsibilities, yet they

If you’ve just explored how dogs see the world, the next piece of the puzzle is even more fascinating—how they smell it. For dogs, smell isn’t just one sense among many. It’s their primary way of understanding everything around them. While humans rely heavily on sight, dogs experience life through scent in a way that’s almost impossible for us to imagine. A Nose Built for Discovery A dog’s nose is an incredibly powerful tool. To put it into perspective: · Humans hav

If you’ve ever thrown a bright red ball for your dog and wondered why they sometimes struggle to spot it in the grass, you’re not alone. One of the most common questions people ask is: what colours can dogs actually see? The short answer is that dogs do see colour—but not in the same way humans do. To really understand this, it helps to explore not just colour vision, but how dogs use their eyes altogether. Their vision is built for movement, distance, and survival rather t

Each May, National Dog Month offers an opportunity to reflect on the profound role dogs play in our lives. Whether as companions, working partners, or sporting teammates, dogs enrich human life in ways few other relationships can. For owners, trainers, and enthusiasts alike, this month serves not only as a celebration but also as a timely reminder of the responsibilities that come with dog ownership. This feature explores the significance of National Dog Month, the evolving r

A guide for young dog owners and everyday pet families April is widely recognised as Canine Fitness Month , a time dedicated to encouraging dog owners to think about their dog’s physical wellbeing in the same way people increasingly think about their own health. While most owners understand that dogs need walks, canine fitness goes beyond simply letting a dog stretch its legs. It includes strength, flexibility, coordination, endurance, and mental engagement. For younger own

Why Everyday Pet Care Is Becoming an Environmental Concern For many dog and cat owners, applying a monthly flea treatment is a routine part of responsible pet care. Spot-on treatments—small doses of liquid applied to the back of a pet’s neck—are among the most popular options. They are easy to use, effective, and widely recommended by veterinarians. However, in recent years scientists have begun to raise concerns about the environmental impact of some of these products. Resea

By the time you read this, the UK government will likely have announced the latest updates to animal welfare legislation—changes that will affect farmers, enforcement authorities, and, perhaps most importantly for us, dog owners. Whenever a new law is introduced, the headlines often focus on penalties, enforcement powers, and legal language. But for most people walking their dogs in parks, fields, or along countryside footpaths, the real question is much simpler: what does th

February is National Pet Dental Health Month , making it an ideal time to focus on an aspect of dog care that is frequently overlooked: oral health. While many owners are diligent about exercise, nutrition and training, dental care can be unintentionally neglected, often because problems are not immediately obvious. However, dental disease is one of the most common health issues affecting dogs, and it can have serious consequences if left unmanaged. This article explains why