What your pets want you to know

Pineapple's packed with essential nutrients and can be a tasty, tropical treat for your dog. Be careful with younger pupswho might struggle to digest it. Not all forms of pineapple are healthy either, like juice, which is high in sugar. Always remove the skin and core before giving it to your dog.

Smart, loyal and agile. The Border Collie is well known for its herding skills, which also makes them amazing pets for active people!

There’s a few reasons why your dog might be scratching the carpet. From boredom, to enjoyment. Find out why they do it and how to stop it.

Of course you want to spend all your time with your adorable puppy! But it's also important to slowly build up their independence to avoid the development of separation issues. This helps your pup learn to safely be alone for short periods of time if you need to leave them at home while you’re out. Start with being in a different room and build up from there.

Packed with essential vitamins and antioxidants, strawberries can be a great fruity treat for your dog. While plain strawberries are a hit, strawberry-flavoured foods like jam and yoghurt aren’t a good choice because of all the extra added sugar.

Throughout history, the King Charles Spaniels have been loving and charming companion dog.

How long puppies sleep depends on their age, with younger puppies sleeping more. Your pup should sleep between 12-20 hours a day, in multiple naps. Don't expect them to sleep for very long, they will need to wake up to go to the toilet!

Peanut butter can be a tasty, high-value treat that your puppy can enjoy in moderation. It’s high in protein and has some vitamins. But because it’s high in fat and calorie-dense, too much can be bad for your pup.

Just remember to check there is no palm oil or xylitol in the peanut butter. Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs!

Dobermans are known for their loyalty and intelligence. They’re often associated with protective roles, but they can also be loving companions.

Most puppies should start a worming treatment around 3 weeks old, and repeat it every 2-3 weeks until they’re 16 weeks old. There are different types of treatments, including chewable tablets, liquids and spot treatments. They each have different pros and cons. Your vet can help you pick the right treatment and routine for your pup.

Apples are a safe and healthy treat that your pup can eat. They have nutrients and fibre which are all good for your puppy’s health. Always wash the apple and remove the core and seeds before your pup eats any. And cut it into small bite-sized chunks to prevent choking.

It's no secret puppies have accidents, and get up to mischief. Whether it's dirt, food, or something less savoury, you're probably going to want to wash your pup at some point. Here's a quick guide on when you can bathe a puppy, how often you should wash them, and tips to make bathtime the best experience for your furry friend.

Labradoodles are like the Cavapoo’s or Cockapoo’s bigger cousin. Equally lovable and always ready for an adventure. This popular crossbreed is part Labrador Retriever and Poodle. Being a crossbreed, their size and temperament can vary, but they’re generally smart, loving, and very energetic dogs.

Sweetcorn is a generally safe and healthy treat that your dog can eat. It has nutrients and fibre which are all good for your dog. Remember to always remove the sweetcorn from the cob, which can be a choking hazard and cause a gastrointestinal obstruction. Only give your dog small amounts of sweetcorn. Too much could cause upset tummies.

The right muzzle for your dog will depend on their breed and snout size. Basket muzzles work for most breeds. But flat-faced breeds like French Bulldogs and Pugs need special short-nose muzzles that don’t make any breathing problems worse.It’s important to pick a muzzle big enough that your dog can still pant, drink, and eat small treats while wearing it. Measure your dog’s snout to get the right-sized muzzle and adjust it so it fits well.

Be sure to keep mince pies, chocolates, decorations, sweets, roast dinner, fruitcake, and too much cheese, away from your dog or cat this holiday. It's always best to call a vet if you think they've eaten something they really shouldn't have.

Carrots are a healthy treat for puppies, packed with nutrients and fibre. You can give them to your puppy raw or plainly boiled. If you’re giving them raw, cut them up small to reduce the choking hazard. Give your pup the right amount for their size and appetite. Always check with a vet before introducing carrots and any other new foods.

When your puppy can go out for walks depends on their vaccination schedule. Pups can go outside for walks about 7-10 days after they’ve finished their vaccinations. But taking them outside safely in their ‘socialisation window’ is important, and that will probably be before they’ve had all their vaccinations. You can let them explore outside spaces where unvaccinated dogs and foxes can't go. You can also carry them outside so they can still experience the sounds and smells and get used to them.

Staffordshire Bull Terriers, or “Staffies”, are strong, curious and full of energy. They're great for active, experienced owners. These dogs love being around people and show a lot of affection to their families. Because they love company, being alone too long can stress them out so it’s good for someone to usually be at home with them.

XL Bully dogs will be banned in England and Wales from 31st December. They will soon be banned in Scotland, but the date has not been announced. 

If you own an XL Bully, you must apply for a certificate of exemption and follow the government guidance to increase your chances of keeping your dog. Otherwise, they sadly will need to be put down.

In our guide, we explain what the ban means and what you need to do now if you own an XL Bully type dog, or a similar dog.

Loyal, protective and obedient. Rottweilers are known for their strength and dependability. Like German Shepherds, they’re smart, take cues well and are brave which makes them great working dogs in the military and police while show lines can be loving family pets.

Toilet training a puppy takes time and patience. Stick to a routine by taking your puppy outside around the same time every day, after meals, naps, and in the morning and night. Try to get them to do their business in the same spot and reward them with treats and praise when they do. Keep a close watch inside and gently guide them outside if you catch them going in the wrong place. With patience and consistency, your puppy will become the perfect housemate with their new bathroom etiquette.

The Irish Wolfhound was once a formidable hunter, but now they’re more at home on your sofa. They’re big dogs with big hearts. (And you’ll need a similarly large home for them!)

Although we humans might wonder why dogs roll in fox poop, to them it’s pretty natural. No one knows exactly why dogs do it, but the theory is that it’s an old instinct to cover their smell, a form of communication, or they just like doing it. As for how to stop it, read on for tips!

Cavapoos are the smaller cousin of the Cockapoo. This popular crossbreed is part Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle. Being a crossbreed, their size and temperament can vary, but they’re generally small, smart, loveable dogs.

Barking is natural for puppies and dogs, and an important way of communicating. However, excessive barking can be frustrating for you and other dogs. Whatever your pup is barking at, or why they’re barking, you’ll need to work on teaching them when you expect them to be quiet. Positive reinforcement for calm behaviour will help, and redirection with a cue when they do bark can also help.

Puppies have two sets of teeth. Temporary baby teeth, and permanent adult teeth. They start to lose their baby teeth at about four months old, and should have all their adult teeth by the time they're six months old. For more on what to expect during puppy teething, and how to make your pup more comfortable, read on!

Smart, strong, and super loyal. The German Shepherd is well known for its work in the army and the police, but they also make amazing pets for active people!