Dogs don’t rely on vocal communication in the same way humans do, but barking still forms a major part of the way they express themselves and their emotions to other dogs – and to their human family. Even though some will be more talkative than others, all dogs bark. Whether you have a tiny Chihuahua or a fully-grown German Shepherd, you’ve probably heard them barking in a wide variety of situations. However, there might be times when you feel it is getting too much and you find yourself wondering why that happens and how to stop a dog barking, either in the house or in other environments. Here’s what you should know:

Many owners often wonder how do you clean a dog's ears? We've put together this handy guide to tell you everything you need to know about cleaning your dog's ears at home. Many dog owners often wonder: should I be cleaning my dog’s ears? The short answer is, usually, yes. It’s often an overlooked part of your dog’s grooming regime, but for many dogs it is extremely important as it allows you to regularly check for problems or ear infections. Cleaning your dog’s ears is incredibly easy to do and can be done at home (provided you and your dog are comfortable with it). If you’ve never done it before you may be wondering where to start, which is why we’ve put together this handy guide to tell you how to clean a dog’s ears.

It's a common misconception that cats are not affectionate, mainly because dogs have more explicit ways of demonstrating affection, whereas cats are much more subtle. From head-butting to meowing, find out how your cat shows love! It’s often said that dogs are more affectionate than cats, but that isn’t necessarily the case. It’s true that dogs have more explicit ways of showing their affection—with bounding body language and a big, slobbery tongue for kisses. This can, unfairly, seem as though they might naturally love their owners more than their feline friends. However, while a cat won’t wag their tail (unless they’re angry), that doesn’t mean they don’t feel love! Cats have more subtle ways of making their affection known, and just because they’re naturally more understated, doesn’t mean the bond is any less strong. Find out more about how do cats show affection with this roundup of our all time favourite feline gestures. It will have you purring with delight!

Hernias can be quite common in dogs, especially in puppies. Our guide tells you the most common types of hernias and the likely treatments used to fix them. Hernias in dogs are relatively common, especially with puppies. Much like in people, a hernia is a condition where the contents of a dog’s abdomen pushes through a tear or hole in the muscle wall or fatty tissue. Over 90% of hernia cases are due to genetics, as puppies are most commonly born with them. However, hernias can also develop as a result of trauma, such as being hit by a car. The severity of hernia in dogs varies depending on where your dog has developed a hernia. This also determines if they are complicated or uncomplicated. Keep reading to find out what the most common types are, the possible symptoms and the methods of treating them.

Dogs can get hay fever just like humans can! Find out what the symptoms and causes are of hay fever in dogs and the current treatment options available to help your dog get back to normal. Most people have been there at some point during their life: the sun comes out, and so do the tissues! Hay fever in humans is characterised by a runny nose, irritated eyes, sneezing, coughing, and itchiness. It’s a common complaint come the spring and summer months and can spoil a pleasurable walk. If you’ve noticed any of those signs or symptoms in your canine companion, then it’s possible that they, too, are susceptible to canine hay fever. And for animals that love to sniff and explore outside, it can be quite debilitating! Learn more about how to tell if your pet is suffering from hay fever and what dog hay fever treatments are available to help.

Bathing a puppy for the first time? Don’t worry! Here is everything you need to know. From choosing the right shampoo and brush to wondering how often you can bathe your puppy, it’s normal to feel a little bit overwhelmed by all the bathing time decisions. We’re breaking it down for you, step by step.

Cats are independent creatures and we tend not to think of them as being good candidates for training but they are also incredibly intelligent and many are happy to learn various behaviours if a good reward is waiting for them. This is exactly what cat clicker training is based on. Read on to find out more about this method of training your cat and whether it is something your cat might enjoy to add interest to their day.

Enrichment is a word that’s used quite often when talking about ways to engage with your dog but what does it really mean and why is it so important? Enrichment activities will channel your dog’s natural behaviours in a way that can be encouraged and celebrated. It’s vital for a dog’s welfare that they are encouraged to be, well, DOGS! It provides both mental and physical stimulation and one of the reasons it’s discussed as part of training and behaviour modification plans is because it’s a means of reducing boredom, which can often lead to behaviours that humans consider undesirable. Would you rather your dog gets their chewing fun through a massive Kong* filled with nutritious and delicious food, or by dismantling your sofa? Walkies, while vital for your dog’s wellbeing isn’t enough. A slow-feeder, while probably a good thing for your dog, isn’t enough. One training session, while fabulous, isn’t enough for their mental wellbeing. Enrichment is something that needs to be considered each and every day. It’s not an ‘added extra’ when you share your life with a dog; it underpins their mental and physical health needs. If you don’t provide things to enrich their lives, they’ll find their own entertainment or coping mechanisms and we can almost guarantee you won’t like what they come up with. Getting to know your dog, taking into account their breed or breed mix and learning about their favourite things to do will help you choose the best ways to keep them occupied and entertained. Some dogs would rather de-stuff a toy than chew a bone. Some dogs need a few different toys and other dogs have a favourite. Some dogs love relaxing with a food toy and other dogs will enjoy a scent games around the garden before snoozing. Most of the so-called ‘problem’ behaviours that are displayed by dogs and cause headaches for humans are actually perfectly normal dog behaviours that need an outlet, or they’re providing an outlet for a bored dog. My dog barks at everything. My dog keeps digging in the garden. My dog chews my favourite things. Dogs need to bark, dig and chew; it’s your job to provide a fun and interactive way for them to do what they need to do.

Dog puberty usually occurs when your pup is between 6 months and 2 years old and as with humans, it can bring a whole load of behavioural and physical changes. Find out everything you need to know about the signs of puberty in puppies and what you can expect in this handy guide. There is one thing that all puppy owners can rely on – and that is that their lovely cute, biddable puppy will one day grow up to be a canine adolescent, which brings with it both behavioural and physical changes.

Ear infections in dogs aren’t uncommon, but with the right care and treatment you can keep your dog’s ears nice and clean, and prevent further earache for both of you! Dogs with stunning floppy ears are unfortunately the most prone to ear infections, but no dog is safe from this painful problem which can sometimes seem to appear out of the blue. Keep reading our article to find out what are the signs of dog ear infection owners should look out for and why it’s important to contact the vet as soon as you notice them.