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The musculo-skeletal system is comprised primarily of bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, cartilage and muscles. It provides structural support enabling the body to move and these are the parts of the body that can suffer most from mechanical wear and tear, injury and inflammation (Allport, 2010).

Arthritis is the most common cause of chronic pain in pets, affecting as many as 20% of adult dogs (Dodds & Laverdure, 2015).

The typical signs of arthritis include: pain and stiffness (especially after rest), limited mobility such as being hesitant or have trouble jumping up or getting up stairs, running or walking and debilitation in severe or chronic cases. 

Osteoarthritis is a slowly progressive disease with different causes that finally come together on the equivalent pathogenic pathway that is typified by characteristic changes in cartilage, subchondral bone, and synovial membrane (Jones, 2014). 

Osteoarthritis is characterised by the deterioration of joint (articular) cartilage (the

With the summer sun making an appearance and a heatwave on the cards, it’s important to take extra precautions to keep your dog cool, comfortable and safe in the warmer months.

Unlike us, dogs don’t sweat all over — they regulate their body temperature mainly through panting and through the pads of their feet. This makes them much more prone to overheating. Dogs with darker coats, short noses (like pugs and bulldogs), long or thick fur, and those who are very young, elderly, or have underlying health conditions are particularly vulnerable.

Dogs can succumb to heat stroke without shade, ventilation and water as well as after vigorous exercise or over excitement. Here are our top tips for helping your dog stay safe in the heat:

1. Never Leave Dogs in Cars or Confined Spaces

We all know it, but it bears repeating: never leave your dog in a car on a warm day — even with the windows cracked or parked in the shade. Cars can turn into ovens frighteningly fast, with temperatures soaring above

Whether your dog is your hiking buddy, an agility star, or just full of boundless energy, regular activity plays a big part in keeping them physically and mentally healthy. But just like us, dogs need proper recovery after intense exercise to help prevent injuries and keep them feeling their best.

Here are five natural and effective ways to support your dog’s recovery after a long walk, training session or weekend adventure.

1. Feed a Targeted Performance and Recovery Supplement

Summer adventures, sports training, and long hikes all increase your dog’s physical demands. A dedicated performance and recovery supplement can help sustain energy, build strength, and speed up post-exercise recovery.

Look for formulas that include amino acids, vitamins, joint support, and anti-inflammatory ingredients. These supplements are ideal for active and working dogs, supporting endurance, muscle repair, and resilience after a hard day’s work.

Some of our favourites include:

ProDog Revive Energy & Vitality

Spring is in the air and with the days getting longer we are able to spend that much needed time outdoors with our pets. However for some of us spring means itching and we are not alone, dogs and cats can also suffer as a result of the increased pollen in the air at this time of year.

Although itching can strike at any time of year and can be caused by a number of things including food, cleaning chemicals and dust mites, spring is a time when pet allergies can be at their worst and these allergies tend to be caused by outdoor triggers such as grasses, tree shrub, pollens, farm crops such as cereals, oil seed rape, mould spores and ragweed.

Unlike humans whose allergy symptoms are usually respiratory, symptoms to watch out for in dogs and cats are most often skin-related including itchiness and irritation. Excessive licking can also be a sign there is some skin irritation.

The area's most common for itching include paws, ears and face. Pets may also try and rub themselves against carpets

I would like to purchase a natural dog shampoo such as 4-legger but I would like to understand how they are fragranced and do they contain any artificial colours?

4-Legger Shampoos are high quality, organic dog shampoos from the US. These dog shampoos are free from artificial colours, fragrances and any toxic additives.

When it comes to fragrance the 4-Legger shampoos rely on essential oils, such as lavender or lemongrass for their scent, rather than artificial chemicals. But, those essential oils are added for their known health benefits for your pet.  The fact the shampoos smell great is a bonus! 

When it comes to natural ingredients any scent is therefore natural. and it will not last as long as synthetic fragrances or products that use synthetic ingredients to unnaturally extend the length of time the scent may last.    

In terms of the colour of 4-Legger shampoos - the organic ingredients take on their natural color. They have an amber colour but none are exactly the same. Their

Taking your dog for a walk on a glorious summer day is an absolute joy. But when rainy weather rolls around, those daily strolls can feel more like a chore. While it might be tempting to stay cozy inside, there are ways to make rainy dog walks something you can both enjoy. 

For many dog owners, wet weather is one of the biggest downsides of having a dog. Some pups are happy to wait out the rain indoors, while others can’t resist splashing through puddles and dragging you out into the cold, whether you’re ready or not!

The good news? With a few simple adjustments, you can embrace the rain and make the most of your time outdoors. Here’s how:

1. Prepare Your Home for the Aftermath

A little preparation before you head out can save time and stress when you return. Lay out towels, a bath mat, and even a dog drying coat near the door to minimize muddy paw prints and soggy fur around your home. If your dog tends to get particularly messy, consider running a bath beforehand for a quick rinse

Have you considered Natural Flea Repellents for Dogs and Cats? Sourcing an effective and safe deterrent for your family pet is important for their overall comfort and for your peace-of-mind. Consider a natural and non-toxic option for cats and dogs...  

One of the key factors in flea prevention is the overall health and immune system of your dog or cat to ensure fleas are kept to a minimum. However on occasions, even healthy dogs and cats may become hosts to fleas.

Fleas are highly productive and one female flea can lay up to 50 eggs a day, mostly in the environment; with a few laid on your pet which can fall off in your home. Their life cycle can be as long as several months and they can survive the winter months outdoors or indoors, even if the home is not kept particularly warm, to cause re-infestation in Spring and Summer. Consider Biospotix Indoor Flea Spray to help eliminate adult fleas and larvae from your pet's environment. 

Natural methods of flea prevention can play a

Some hints to help pets stay safe and well in Summertime

Following the miserable Winter we have had, it’s hard to remember that we do sometimes get hot summery weather in the UK, but we do and here are a few hints to help pets stay safe and well in Summertime.

• Check regularly for fleas and ticks on the skin, and look out for adders when walking in country areas.
• If you are leaving your pet at home for several hours, make sure there is a cool room or area available – leave a fan on if necessary, and also plenty of water.
• If you are leaving your pet outdoors for any length of time, ensure shade (and water) are available.
• Take a bottle of water and a drinking bowl with you if you are taking your dog out for long walks or on car journeys and offer water regularly.
• If you walk your dog regularly on pavements, check for sore pads in hot weather.
• Above all, don’t ever leave your dog in a car on a warm day, even if not in direct sunshine.

As the weather gets warmer there are several Diet’Dog

Calendula possesses anti-microbial, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and is probably best known for its soothing and healing properties on all types of minor wounds - cuts, scrapes and abrasions and skin irritations. Read more about the many benefits of calendula for dogs.... 

Calendula officinalis to give it is Latin name is a safe and gentle plant with many uses. The word "officinalis" is often the second part of a plant's botanical name and us used to describe plants and herbs that are used in herbalism.

It is hard to look at a calendula flower without it lifting your spirits, with its beautiful rich orange and yellow coloured flowers and long elegant petals. Calendula is a valuable plant to include in the herb garden as well as giving a welcome splash of colour. It is a member of the sunflower family and is also known as pot marigold. Not only is this plant very pretty but it comes with many uses forming part of many first aid kits. Calendula is traditionally used for skin