SEASONAL ADVICE

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

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

Chocolate may be a treat for us, but for dogs, it’s a serious health risk. Even small amounts can cause severe problems, and as pet owners, it’s essential to understand why chocolate is so harmful and how to keep our dogs safe. 

Why Is Chocolate Harmful to Dogs?

Chocolate contains two chemical compounds that are toxic to dogs: theobromine and caffeine. While humans can process these substances quickly, dogs metabolize them much more slowly. This allows the toxins to build up in their system, potentially reaching dangerous levels.

Does the type of chocolate matter?

Yes, theobromine levels vary depending on the cocoa percentage in the chocolate. The darker the chocolate is, the more toxic it will be to your dog, due to the higher levels of theobromine in it.

Dark chocolate

• Dark chocolate and cocoa powder contain the highest concentrations of theobromine, making them the most dangerous. Dogs only need to consume a tiny amount of dark chocolate to risk severe illness. Seek urgent vet help

As the days are short and the nights are cold we know that winter is well and truly here. This time of year means that you have to be especially careful with older dogs with arthritis and other joint problems. How do you keep your dog active this winter?

Making the Most of Winter Walks 

For the older dog who is gradually getting stiff or has arthritis, has other joint problems or has  suffered a slip or a fall or injured joints; then consider a joint supplement or relieve the pain of bruising or pulled muscles and ligaments with a soothing herbal lotion.

At Healthful Pets we sell a range of  Joint Supplements which have been developed and approved by vets containing a wide range of anti-inflammatory ingredients and herbs including boswellia, turmeric, willow bark and Devil’s claw to help ease the symptoms of arthritis and of muscle and joint injuries. Other popular ingredients include glucosamine and chondroitin to provide the building blocks to manufacture collagen and proteoglycans

As the weather starts to get colder, it’s important that we remain aware of the potential hazards winter can bring. In this blog, we’re going to take a detailed look at pet paw care during the colder months, as many don’t realise just how harsh the winter environment can be on our pet’s sensitive paws. 

Why is Winter So Harsh on Our Pet’s Paws?

So, what is it about winter that puts our pet’s precious paw pads at risk?

First of all, snow and debris can easily get caught in your pet’s paws, especially if they are a long-haired breed. This can cause balls of snow and ice to form in and around your pet’s paw pads, which can be incredibly painful. It can even result in trauma to the affected area.

Ice also brings plenty of hazards. Not only is there the risk of slips and falls, but the ice can also cause cracking of the paw pads. In extreme cases, even frostbite could be a possibility.

However, one of the biggest risks that winter presents isn’t from the ice or snow. Instead, it comes from

The inclement winter weather coupled with central heating can be very damaging and drying to your dog and cat’s coat which can look dull and lifeless. See how your dog can survive the wintry weather!

Here we have some tips for winter dog grooming practices to ensure your pets are kept warm, dry and comfortable which is crucial for overall general good health.

Staying Warm and Dry: 

Older dogs, puppies and short haired dogs may benefit from wearing a coat when out walking on cold days and any dog that becomes wet from rain or snow should be dried thoroughly on their return home. Dog’s skin can become dry and itchy if fur hasn’t been dried properly in combination with the dry heat from our homes. Look for a drying coat to make the job easier!

Bathing: 

Try not to bath your dog unnecessarily during the winter months. If you can, wait until the mud has dried and brush it out. When you do bathe your dog, use a gentle, moisturising shampoo and rinse in warm water ensuring your dog has been

Have You Considered Using a Paw Balm for its Soothing and Protective Effects?

Paw Balm, if used regularly, will keep your pet’s pads in the best possible condition. It will also leave them less susceptible to damage from hard as well as cold and hot surfaces.

Healthy dogs have spongy and hydrated paws. In the summer the hot pavement can be incredibly hard on dogs’ paw pads and in the winter paws come into contact with elements such as ice, grit and salt, which can result in rough, irritated and cracked pads, causing possible discomfort.

At Healthful Pets we sell a range of Paw Balms to ensure your dog’s paws are kept in the best possible condition and less susceptible to damage. The paw balms that we sell are all made with natural ingredients and are perfectly safe for those dog’s who may lick their paws.

The Natural Dog Company have released a series of Paw Balms, that will leave your dogs pads strong and stable. PawTection by The Natural Dog Company is a vegan, organic, all-natural

Summer is behind us, and we’ll soon be walking our dogs in the gloomy mornings and evenings of autumn. But those strolls can come with a few challenges....

Visibility is a major concern for many dog owners heading out in the autumn and winter darkness. It can be more difficult for drivers to see you, and let’s face it, walking at night can sometimes be frightening for both us and our dogs.

So to help keep you and your dog safe on evening and morning walks, here are our top tips as those longer nights draw in.

Wear reflective gear:

Ensure people can see you and your dog at all times. Improving your visibility will not only allow drivers to see you better, but you’ll be able to keep track of your dog if you let them off lead.  Reflective gear could also prevent your dog from becoming lost if they sometimes break free from their harness or collar.

To keep yourself visible, avoid dark colours and consider wearing a reflective vest. For your pooch, you can use a reflective collar, lead,