What your pets want you to know

It's springtime in the UK which means long weekends, glorious BBQs, and Easter egg hunts.

Here's how to keep your pets safe at parties where there are heaping dishes of food, new sights and smells to discover, and potential hazards.

Napo Lifetime Plus for dogs and cats comes with free 24/7 vet video calls, so you have peace of mind when you're out and about with your pet.

So-called 'dog/cat-safe chocolate' may be safe, but it's not so healthy for them. 

Our Easter treat for all of you: three brilliant ways you can incorporate an Easter egg hunt theme into games with your pets, that boost your bond and help you spend some relaxing time outdoors together this long weekend.

We break down rising costs and what they mean for you. If you felt your wallet wince looking at pet insurance prices, you’re not alone. In 2024, insurance premiums hit an all-time high, leaving pet parents scratching their heads (and their pups) wondering: Why’s it so pricey? Spoiler alert: it’s not just you. So, what’s really going on? Why is this happening? And most importantly, how can you make sure your furry pal gets the care they deserve without cutting back on their squeaky toy budget?

Small dog, big energy. Patterdales aren't a breed but a type, made up of a mix of terriers.

Ticks are becoming more prevalent in the UK, which means our pets are more at risk of picking up one of these blood-sucking stowaways!

Puppies do breathe faster than adult dogs, so it's normal for them to breathe fast. But there are some times when it could be a sign of illness or stress, so be aware of your pup's surroundings and other symtpoms.

With history going back as far as Ancient Rome, they're little hunting hounds and companions.

Most cases of heatstroke in dogs are caused by exercise in the heat, so it can be too hot for walkies.

Prawns can be a tasty treat for your pup as long as they're plain, cooked, and the shell and tails are removed. But avoid giving them prawn-flavoured foods like crisps or prawn crackers, as these can have harmful or unhealthy ingredients.

Bananas are a safe and tasty treat for your pup. The fibre and potassium content are good for your dog, but they shouldn’t eat too much. Start with small pieces and see if your furry friend enjoys it.

Puppies aren't born knowing to toilet outside, so we have to train them to do it. It can take a few weeks to months. But by 5-6 months, you'll probably notice fewer accidents in the house.

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.

With most things in life, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. And the promise of being able to toilet train a puppy in 7 days is one of those things.

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.