We know it as the versatile ingredient in our cupboard and we can always trust rice to taste good no matter what flavours it sits next to. What’s more, rice also serves as an important source of vitamins and a good source of energy.

From sizzling bacon in the morning to lunch-time sausages and aromatic pork ribs for dinner, there are so many opportunities for dogs to get excited when pork is on the family menu. But should pork be added to your dog’s menu too?

Addison’s disease in dogs is a disorder which is caused by insufficient levels of hormones produced by the adrenal glands. It’s named after Thomas Addison, the British scientist who first discovered the disease. We’ve put together this guide to tell you all you need to know about Addison’s in dogs, including the symptoms and treatment options currently available – keep reading to find out more.

Going on holiday, but planning on leaving your canine companion behind? Planning holidays are very different for pet owners. Before you can even start thinking about sandy beaches and sunny skies, you need to make sure your dog will be safe and happy while you’re away. That’s why knowing the ins and outs of pet sitting, doggy day care, and kennels, so you can find that perfect boarding facility for your dog, is so important. It can be a daunting thought to consider leaving your best friend in a place they don’t know, away from their family and familiar surroundings but before you think ‘there goes my relaxing holiday’, it’s good to remember that there are a few tried-and-tested ways to take the stress out of the boarding process. Here’s what you need to know about dog boarding so that both you and your four-legged family member can have a good time, even though you’re spending it apart. Top tips for choosing the right boarding kennel for your dog

Worms are parasites that cats can get by accidently eating their eggs. The most common worms in cats are roundworms and tapeworms. Neither of them are good for your cat – they can cause everything from lethargy to a change in bowel habits, as well as weight loss and other symptoms. Your vet will be able to advise you on routine worm prevention which is part of cat care, and the symptoms of worms are easy to spot.

Paralysed dogs often take a lot of special care to ensure they can continue living their lives happily and healthily. That’s why the experts at Purina have created this article to tell you everything you need to know about looking after them, as well as dog wheelchair advice for helping those with hind leg paralysis get back on their feet. Although sometimes the only option for your dog is an upsetting one, in other cases rehabilitation can take place. Dog paralysis is an inability to use one or more limbs, usually due to a spinal cord injury. This can of course be distressing for you, and you may have to make difficult decisions. Your dog’s treatment and prognosis will depend on the cause of their paralysis and the limbs affected, and your vet will advise you on the chances that your dog will regain use of their limbs again. Looking after a paralysed dog is a big commitment and can at times be difficult. If you work long hours or have a busy family life, you may not be able to provide enough care. Rehabilitation centres are available in some areas; here, your dog will be looked after until they are well enough to be cared for at home. Larger veterinary practises, too, might hospitalise dogs for longer periods.  

The fact that you love your dog and want to do your best for them isn’t in question, but do we really understand what our dogs need in order to thrive? Looking after our beloved dogs comes natural. We give them a shelter, food, water and countless cuddles. But is this enough? It turns out dog's needs are just as complex as ours. Luckily, there is a handy visual tool you can use to make sure you take all your pet's needs into consideration for a happy, healthy and fulfilled life together. Linda Michaels (MA)adapted Maslow’s hierarchy to create thedog'sversion of the hierarchy of needs. This helps explain what your dogs need from you and, importantly, what you need to prioritise in order to give your dog the life they deserve when they join your family. Like us, our dogs thrive in a safe environment. This model is built on the premise that kindness is the foundation for all of your interactions with your dog and at the heart of all of the decisions you make for your dog. Before you start to think about training cues, you have to have created an environment in which your dog is able to learn; that environment starts with the basics. Here are your dog's different levels of needs you need to take into consideration.

Many cat lovers are searching for an option that will allow them to introduce a cat to their household while minimising their sensitivity to cat allergens. That’s why many believe 'Hypoallergenic'or allergen-free breeds could provide a solution. However, while some hairless breeds are considered to be the ‘best option’ for people with cat allergen sensitivities, technically, there is no such thing as a 100 per cent Hypoallergenic cat.

We’ve all promised ourselves, “new year, new me” and set ourselves massive goals, but often these resolutions get abandoned within the first week of January. Find out how to achieve yourgoals with the adorable Luna, as your guide. ‘Ok, Luna, it’s a new year and it’s time to talk resolutions. You are going to march around the streets with me every day so that I can measure exactly how many calories you’ve burned. You are going to cut down on those treats you love, because while we’re grateful we didn’t have to use the hoover during the festivities, that hasn’t helped your waistline. You’re going to get organised and stop leaving your toys all over the house. You’re going to quit barking at other dogs when you’re in the car, that’s a bad habit you’ve got into and as of today, you’re going to completely ignore squirrels. Okay?’ With a confused head tilt Luna sank into her bed, no doubt thinking, ‘that sounds like fun, thanks human.’

For those of us having to spend an extended period at home, the extra time we get to spend with our dogs is great of course – but, it’s a reality that we’ll likely have to return to work at home point which will be a huge change for your dog. Learn how to ease your dog into being left home alone with our guide. Finding yourself at home for an extended period of time can bring mixed emotions. Whether you’re unwell, taking a career break, on maternity/paternity leave or locked down due to a global pandemic, the change to your routine will impact you and your dog in different ways. While time with your dog is always a good thing, they will be affected by your emotions as you navigate your new situation and there are inevitable changes in your behaviour. You might notice changes in your dog’s behaviour too; are they following you around the house, becoming anxious when you leave to go shopping or finding places to hide around the house? It’s your responsibility to make sure that their world doesn’t come crashing down around them when your routine changes again. But before we get to the most effective ways to establish a routine for your pet, here are some of the most common symptoms for a dog struggling with change.