Canny Blog

80% of vets note an increase in the number of pets coming into their offices overweight and sadly research backs up that obesity in pets has become increasingly common.

It’s well known that humans need fruit and vegetables in their diet for balanced nutrition, but does your dog have the same requirements?

Does your dog enjoy the snow?

Despite their fur, it’s a common misconception that dogs don’t feel the cold the same as humans, so protecting them from extreme winter weather is essential.

Many of us treat our dogs like family, so it’s only natural that we want to take them on holiday with us. However, there is lots of criteria to tick off - just like searching for the perfect holiday for you, you want the perfect holiday for your pup, too!

A new study, undertaken in the UK on behavioural reasons for deaths in dogs under three years of age, has found that a staggering 33.7% of deaths was linked to undesirable behaviour problems.

Many owners will have seen their dogs engage in that 'random runaround' known as 'zoomies'.

Although more common in younger dogs and puppies, any dog can display that random burst of energy that we affectionately title the zoomies.

A zoomie is technically referred to as a FRAP (Frenetic Random Activity Period) and there are a few reasons that our canine companions FRAP.

In many dogs zoomies occur in the early morning and early evening. In more playful puppies and younger dogs they are more common simply because young dogs have a lot of energy.

In older dogs it may be noticed that zoomies often follow a period of restraint such as after a bath or when a dog has been groomed. The frenetic zooming around is simply then a release of pent up energy following the stress (to some dogs) of having to stay still for a period.

Dogs can also exhibit the zoomies after eating, long periods of sleep, relieving themselves or even when they are tired or frustrated. In these cases it's possible to associate certain activities that precede the frenetic activity in your own dog.

If zoomies occur at home in a more confined area and you're wondering what to do about these crazy little bursts of canine energy then the two best options are:

If you can distract your dog by engaging in an activity that they enjoy, some will be happy to divert their attention to that and burn off their energy in a less frenetic fashion.

Another option if you have a secure garden area is to simply open the door and let them have their little burst.

An important thing to remember is that zoomies are a naturally occurring part of development or behaviour in many dogs. Generally speaking if your dog is otherwise healthy and is not going to damage themselves or your environment then zoomies are a harmless way of a dog just being a dog.

For more quirky and informative canine related tips and advice please visit www.catanddogtips.com

During the summer months you will find it increasingly difficult to find areas you can freely walk your dog. Throughout the summer many beaches and parks restrict dogs from visiting.

Now that Summer is here and we all start to turn our attention to going on holiday.  Packing up the car for a day’s outing with our dog should be something to look forward to. 

*WARNING* This Post Is Designed To Educate Dog Owners To What A Dog Could Physically Endure When Left In A Hot Car....Please Read And Please Share

Now that it’s spring and the weather is warming up, most of us will be planning some lovely long walks with the dog. Whilst out and about, it’s possible to come across an Adder basking in the sunshine as they emerge from their hibernation dens.

Caring for our dogs means making careful choices along the way

Keeping pets brings real responsibility, and keeping dogs means considering their well-being not simply from a perspective of physical health but also their sense of belonging and sense of security.

I read something recently that I wanted to share with you that may not be obvious and could prove helpful if either your dog goes missing or you encounter a dog that is lost.

Keeping in good shape mentally and physically makes sense for all of us and sharing a healthy life with your dog means that you can live life well together.

Are your fingertips and knuckle creases cracking  and splitting?  The cold, dry, winter air plays havoc with our skin from now until the warm, moist air returns in the spring.  

Working as a canine behaviour counsellor means that I often have to help people understand why their dogs react or behave in a particular way.

Just like humans, as dogs age, they benefit from being mentally stimulated.

Pretty much every dog owner will be aware that dog waste is a bit of a 'hot topic' these days and a high percentage of both owners and non-owners share a resentment towards those that refuse to 'scoop the poop'.

One of the most common queries I have received when talking to dog owners is "How do I stop my dog from pulling me on a walk?"

Many pet owners are occasionally tempted to share their food with their dogs and may not be aware of the fact below.

When your dog pauses to sniff another dog's 'pee-mail' it is picking up a fair amount of information.

You’ve probably heard it said that a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s because it contains stuff that kills germs. 

Our dogs may be deprived of common sense, but when it comes to the 5 senses, we should be in awe and understandably envious, with a couple of exceptions.

Seasonal Hazards (Autumn/Winter)

Now that the days of summer have slipped by we all begin to turn our thoughts to events like Halloween, Bonfire night and preparations for Christmas.

Did you know 80% of dogs over the age of three experience gum disease? Gum disease begins when bacteria sticks to the surface of teeth.

Fleas are the tiny vampires of the dog world. Like mosquitoes and other blood-seeking parasites, fleas bite their victims to obtain their blood and then live off the rich nutrients found there.

5 Top Tips to Help You Read Your Dog's Body Language

Below are five simple tips that owners can use to promote positive engagement and help keep their dog mentally stimulated.

Everyone likes to see a soft shiny coat on their dog because, well, because it just looks healthy.  But, it goes much deeper than just looks.

Bloat - Gastric Dilation-Volvulus (GDV)

This is an extremely serious first aid situation. It occurs when the stomach becomes enlarged through a build-up of gas and then twists along its long axis.

It’s fairly well-known that Diabetes is a disease that affects people but did you know that dogs get diabetes too? In fact Diabetes Mellitus (to give it its full name) is one of the most common endocrine conditions seen in dogs.