What your pets want you to know

A healthy dog is an active dog, and all dogs need some exercise every day.

Some dogs don’t need as much exercise as others, but they still need daily walks. 

Many of the “lazy dog breeds” are actually dogs who find exercise uncomfortable or painful. Exercise intolerance is typically a symptom of illness.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a hardy little herding dog with a foxy face. They’re best known for their long bodies and little legs, and for being the favourite dog of Queen Elizabeth II and her father, king King George VI.

Cats drinking milk is as stereotypical as dogs eating bones. However, most adult cats are lactose intolerant and can't digest milk without causing vomiting, diarrhoea, flatulence, and stomach pain. 

Milk also has little nutritional value, and the sugars and fat in it can lead to weight gain and obesity if your cat drinks it regularly.

Instead of a saucer of milk, offer your cat some fresh water to drink and keep their hydration up.

Most of us think purring means a happy cat, and that hissing is a sign of aggression, but it turns out that’s not strictly true. 

Meows and yowls might mean your cat wants something. Purring can be a sign of contentment or that your cat’s been stressed. Hissing is actually your cat saying they feel threatened. And chirping or chirruping can mean your cat’s excited, happy to see you, or in hunting mode.

The Pug was once a cheeky canine companion of Chinese emperors that’s now a popular pet. Sadly, due to some inappropriate and irresponsible breeding in pursuit of a specific look, this breed’s distinctive brachycephalic shape has led to the majority of them succumbing to a plethora of serious health conditions.

The first time you expose your puppy to the vet, try to make it a positive experience for them.

Each time you visit the vet, it is important to start making positive associations from when you leave the house. And, training should always be practiced and reinforced at home. 

Learn to recognise when your dog is feeling nervous, and try not to mollycoddle them, as this may make them more anxious. Instead, introduce commands your dog is familiar with and reward the good behaviour.

It's a good idea to take your new puppy to the vet before they need any treatment or checkups, to get them used to the new sights and smells. 

On every trip to the vet, introduce positive associations as rewards for good and calm behaviour before you leave the house, and continue them in the surgery. 

Bring tasty treats with you and ask your vet to reward your dog for some commands they know. Always praise and reward good behaviour throughout your dog’s life, including at the vet.

A unique little dog with a big personality. French Bulldogs are one of the most popular dog breeds in the UK, but their distinctive and extreme body shape makes them much more likely to suffer from serious medical issues compared to other breeds.

The average life expectancy for dogs is up to 13-14 years, but some breeds buck the trend and live into their late teens and twenties. Rehoming or buying one of these 10 longest-living dog breeds could give you longer with your furry friend. You can also maximise any dog’s lifespan by feeding them a balanced diet, providing plenty of exercise, and keeping them at a healthy weight.

This article was updated on 07 March 2023

Cute and clownish Cockapoos are the most popular crossbreed in the UK, and are generally considered to be good family pets. Cockapoos need grooming 2-3 times a week and at least an hour of exercise a day, and can be more prone to ear infections, hip dysplasia, and pancreatitis. New owners should be aware that the high demand for these dogs means some irresponsible breeders are taking advantage of unknowing owners and selling low-welfare puppies.

When looking to buy from a breeder, Dr Emma Milne BVSc FRCVS (Emma the vet) explains the importance of requesting proper health tests, using the AWF puppy contract, and avoiding unscrupulous breeders and puppy farms.

Emma is a big advocate of adoption and "proper mongrels", and recommends all would-be owners visit a rescue centre to see if they fall in love! 

Breeder or rescue, always talk to a vet about your new dog's needs, health issues, and cost of care before you bring them home.

Providing exercise and enrichment for indoor cats helps to prevent problem behaviours and keeps them happy and healthy.

Spending time with your cat, playing with them, varying their puzzle toys, providing high perches for them, helping them “hunt” for meals, teaching them tricks (yes, really!) and allowing them to watch the world from a window can all help to stimulate an indoor cat.

Dental disease is the most common infectious disease affecting our pets, and it’s entirely preventable. You should look after your pet’s teeth the same way you do yours, with routine dental checks and daily brushing. This can save your pet the pain of dental disease, and save you the stress and cost of treating the problem.

Feeding your pet a healthy diet, vaccinating them, providing regular antiparasitic treatment, and attending routine health and dental checks are important to keep your pet healthy and spot any problems early. Preventative health care like this also tends to be much cheaper than treatment. 

If your pet is injured or unwell, pet insurance will cover the cost of vet bills. Failing to keep up with annual health checks and vaccinations, however, may affect your ability to claim.

Rehoming a rescue dog means taking on the responsibility of providing a forever home for your new furry friend. It’s also the reward of changing an animal’s life for the better. Adoption costs around £150-200 depending on the charity. Although some dogs do end up in shelters after cases of neglect, there are many reasons why dogs need to be rehomed. A reputable charity will assess dogs to make sure they’re suitable and safe for adoption and will only suggest pets fit for your home and lifestyle.

87% of dogs and 70% of cats suffer from dental disease at some point, and treatment without insurance can be expensive. Preventative dental care is therefore very important.

Taking your pet for annual dental checkups will help you stay on top of their oral hygiene. You should also brush their teeth at least twice a week. Dental chews can help, but should be given in moderation. A healthy, low-sugar diet will also help your pet's teeth and gums to stay healthy and strong. 

Before buying a dog from a breeder, you must be able to see the puppy with its mother. A good breeder should ask you questions about your home and lifestyle, and they should gladly answer any queries you have about the pet and its parents. Look for the Assured Breeder’s Scheme and make sure the puppy's parents are health tested. Never pay for a pet before you take them home.

From June 2024, it will become the law that all cats in the UK must be microchipped by five months old. Failing to do so could result in a fine for owners of up to £500. Microchipping usually costs less than £20, carries no known health risks, and can help you to be reunited with your cat should it get lost. Owners should always remember to update their pet's microchip details if they change their telephone number or move house.

This article was updated 15 March 2023.

Adopting a pet from overseas can be a great thing to do, but owners should be well aware in advance of what’s involved, such as costs (usually up to £800), adoption processes including home checks, and the responsibility to help the pet adjust once it is in its new home.

Be sure to keep chocolate Easter eggs, 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.

If your dog has great recall and is in a safe space, feel free to let them off-lead. But if you encounter another dog on a lead, livestock, or busy areas, you should keep them on a leash for everyone’s safety. Loose lead walking is a great way to build your dog's on-lead etiquette.

Although a balanced diet and regular exercise should help to minimise your pet’s trips to the vet, accidents still happen. Unexpected vet bills can cost hundreds to tens of thousands of pounds, so pet insurance provides peace of mind should your pet need emergency treatment.

Neutering is a low-risk surgery and can help reduce the risk of certain diseases and illnesses, however it is rarely a quick fix for behavioural issues. There is also no "one size fits all" when it comes to deciding the right time to neuter. You should always discuss the surgery first with a vet to make the right decision for you and your pet.