Blog
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What Can’t Dogs Eat? The List of Forbidden Foods
Chocolate, grapes, onions, xylitol, macadamia nuts: many everyday human foods are dangerous, even deadly, for dogs. Here is the complete list of what your dog must never eat, with an explanation of how each food causes harm, the symptoms of poisoning to watch for, and what to do if your dog has eaten something it shouldn't.
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What Is a Thyroid Ultrasound Scan?
A thyroid ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive scan that helps detect nodules, cysts and signs of inflammation in animals suspected of having hormonal problems. We explain when a vet orders this examination, how it is carried out, and what happens if the scan reveals an abnormality.
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What Smells Do Cats Dislike?
A cat's sense of smell is extremely sensitive, and some scents are simply unpleasant to them: citrus, lavender, geranium and rue. We explain which fragrances to avoid at home, which substances can harm your cat's health, and how to make a safe cat repellent yourself using natural scents.
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What Does a Cat’s Meow Mean? Communication, Emotions and Needs
Cats meow mainly at people, and they do it for a reason. We look at the different kinds of meowing and what they mean, how to tell hunger, stress or pain apart by sound, why we find a cat's meow so hard to ignore, and how a cat's voice changes with age and health problems.
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Why Do Cats Purr? Everything Worth Knowing About Purring
Purring is one of the most distinctive things cats do, yet it is not always a sign of contentment. We explain why cats purr, how they use purring to communicate with people and other cats, when it can signal pain or discomfort, and how to respond to your cat's purring in the right way.
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How to Litter Train a Cat
Litter training a cat is straightforward once you know a few rules: a quiet, accessible spot, clean litter the cat likes, no punishment and praise for every success. We explain where to put the litter tray, how to approach training a kitten versus an adult cat, and how many trays you need in a multi-cat home.
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How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog?
There is no single answer to how often a dog should be bathed: it depends on breed, coat type, lifestyle and health. We give rough bathing intervals for different dogs, explain the risks of bathing too often or too rarely, and share tips on bathing technique and getting your dog used to bath time.
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Why Do Dogs Lick? Causes, Meaning and How to Respond
A dog licking the floor, the carpet, its own paws, another dog or your hand can mean something different each time: curiosity, affection, stress, boredom or a health problem. We look at what lies behind the different kinds of licking, when to see a vet and how to gently discourage your dog from licking you.
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Can Dogs Eat Nuts? Nutritional Value and Potential Risks
Peanuts, almonds, pistachios, walnuts and hazelnuts in small amounts can be a healthy treat for your dog, while macadamia nuts and pecans are toxic. We explain which nuts are safe, how to serve them, whether peanut butter is a good idea and which signs of poisoning to watch for.
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How Can You Tell Your Cat Is Happy? Giving Your Cat a Life That Meets Its Natural Needs
Purring, a raised tail, rubbing against your legs, bird-watching at the window: all signs of a contented cat. We explain how to read your cat's mood and what it needs to be happy: play that satisfies the hunting instinct, puzzles for the mind, cosy places to sleep and physical closeness with its human.
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Dog Jumping Up on People: How to Stop It
A dog that jumps up on people can frighten a child or an elderly person and even cause injury. We explain why dogs do it, what the consequences are and how to break the habit gently, without punishment: the "four paws on the floor" method, cue training, positive reinforcement and plenty of exercise.
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Paralysis and paresis of the legs in dogs: what you need to know
Has your dog suddenly stopped standing on its legs or started dragging them? We explain the difference between paralysis and paresis, why these conditions are more often neurological than orthopaedic, the most common causes, how diagnosis and treatment work and why every hour counts.
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