Dog blog

Explore our top tips for making sure your dog’s memories of your wedding day are just as magical as yours…

Discover our top tips for keeping your dog safe while celebrating at a Pride event this summer!

Our dogs need plenty of attention to keep them happy, healthy, and hygienic, but which dogs require the most maintenance? 

Here are some products to help you and your dog on wet walks. 

To help make travelling safer and more enjoyable for you and your dog, here are some travel-friendly pet products from VioVet.

Explore a few of the fantastic hi-vis products designed to help keep your dog safe as dark nights draw in...

We want to help you find the pawfect stocking fillers for your canine companion this Christmas. 

Discover ways to check your dog is happy in a Halloween costume, along with the alternatives to dressing them up!

If you’re longing to find somewhere new and adventurous to visit with your dog, here’s just some ideas...

Explore our top 10 dog calming products, to help your dog stay calm when stressful situations arise…

Find out all about the family-friendly fun that awaits at DogFest 2024 in Hertfordshire...

Here are just some reasons you should consider rescuing an older or disabled pet.

These top 10 products will help keep your dog happy, healthy, and entertained throughout the warmer months.

Check out our top 10 dog grooming products to make grooming your best fur-iend easier!

Insights about our dogs’ vision and how we can help them feel more comfortable in our homes.

We crunched the numbers to find out the top cities for pet-parents in 2023 - does yours feature?!

Understand your dog’s teenage years and their development throughout their adolescence with our expert tips!

We’ve teamed up with Joii Pet Care, to bring you some pawesome, pet-friendly recipes for pumpkin treats!

We're debunking some of the myths surrounding pet diarrhoea and how to manage the runs.

We answer a few burning questions about the link between wolves and our canine companions...

Let us show you the true beauty to be found in pets considered some of the ‘ugliest’ around…

Thanks to our dog-friendly summer bucket list, you won’t have to miss out on any amazing activities!

Learn what causes tears stains under dogs eyes, and how you can safely remove them if necessary

Learn the key details about hypoallergenic dogs and whether they will impact someone with allergies

Whether your little ones have feet or paws, we’ve created five days’ worth of cost-effective, sustainable activities for children and pets to enjoy from home.

With so much to see and do, adventure awaits at Betteshanger Park! Here are just some things you could get up to. 

Here’s all you need to know about avoiding a clash between little ones and furry ones at Pawfest... 

Festival season is in full swing, and we’re here to banish your travelling blues with some top tips and must haves. 

Here are our top tips on how to have a successful and enjoyable festival experience with your dog. 

Our dogs can’t explain their emotions or wellbeing through words, so it can be helpful to look out for signals in their body language that can indicate how they are feeling. have different signs of stress

What are the puppy blues and how do you cope with them? Practical tips for new owners.

Here are our hot weather hacks to help you keep your pooch happy and healthy in the summer sun.

Just how important are pets for our happiness and how do they help support our overall wellbeing? 

Come join us at the South West’s festival for dogs and dog lovers!

Learn all about zoomies! Discover what they are, why dogs get them, and whether they are dangerous!

Did you know allergic skin disease is one of the top 3 conditions seen by vets at Joii Pet Care?

Doggo destinies… believe it or not, your pet’s star sign impacts their behaviour!

Fun and easy-to-make Christmas gift ideas for pets or their owners.

Ways to entertain the family and enjoy small moments of joy without breaking the bank.

Is there a science behind our pet’s senses and do they know when the minutes turn into hours?

Learn more about keeping your pooch safe while out and about on walks during the spring months. 

Joii Vet, Nienke Oostra, tells us how she keeps her collie healthy, injury free and, most importantly, well hydrated?

Read all about a member of staff's attempts at fumigating their house. 

Our top tips on taking the best pictures of your pet, just like the professionals do.

Learn all about spoiling your pet while caring for the planet. 

With thousands of police dogs working on average 40 hours a week in forces across the country, it might come as a surprise to know that these canines often struggle to find the right care or insurance once they retire.

With Mother’s Day fast approaching, find inspiration for pet-friendly gifts to buy the mother who's a devoted pet-parent!

We’ve put some products to the test to see if they’ll help your dog be seen when it matters most.

Learn more about the activity programme designed for beginner runners and their dogs in partnership with Dog Furiendly

We catch up with the team at Naturaw Dog Food to learn more about what they offer. 

We catch up with the team at Akela Dog Food to learn more about what they offer. 

Are you looking for a pet camera to spy on your pets while you're out and about? Read our review of the Pawbo Pet Camera to see if it's the one for you.

What a strange year it’s been, working from home, endless video calls, socially distanced dog walks and ever-changing plans. We’re here to help you make the most of a different Christmas with your pet and family.

Animals learn through exploring with their mouths, but problems can arise when the pet grows up to replicate behaviour deemed acceptable in their youth.

Answers to some of the most common questions about puppy vaccinations , detailing the benefits, timelines, duration of protection and cost info

Exercise is good for your pet, providing plenty of benefits like reducing anxiety, stress and other behavioural problems, helping with their joints, reducing digestive problems and most importantly, it keeps your dog or cat stay at a healthy weight.

Chocolate, curry and crisps are all delicious snacks, but did you know they are harmful to dogs and if eaten, can result in seizures and obesity?

To celebrate Marvel fans everywhere, we have assembled some of the top comic-inspired names given to the pets we insure.

As part of our partnership with Joii Pet Care, we are proud to be able to offer our dog policyholders exclusive separation anxiety sessions with Joii’s in-house behavioural specialist Natalie Light.

Have you tried the Natural Dog Company 'Pawtection'? We got our in-house tester, Marvel, to help us with the product review. See if it worked.

We look at whether so-called 'silent fireworks' are worth the hype, and how they could help your human and furry family enjoy bonfire night!

There are a few things you can do to help stop your dog from developing separation anxiety.

Pet-proofing your home doesn't need to be hard work. Whether you're welcoming a new puppy or kitten or rescuing an older dog or cat, we've got 5 easy steps to follow to pet-proof your home before your new friend arrives.

Grooming is more than just brushing your pet’s fur so they can look good, looking after their eyes and ears is just as important. Read our blog to find out how to care for your pet's eyes and ears.

The Dog Days are here AKA the hottest days of the year. Make sure to keep an eye out for these summer hazards and protect your pet this summer.

Our dogs explore things with their mouths, especially as pups and the curious nature of our cats can lead to our pets being poisoned. Here are the signs of a poisoned pet, and what actions you need to take if your cat or dog is ill.

When you welcome a new pup into your home, dog socialisation is one of the most important things to remember. Here are a timeline and checklist to work towards to help you and your pip on the way to a smoother start.

When you buy or adopt a puppy each bundle of joy will have their own personalities and create their own kind of mischief, so you should always expect the unexpected. Here's what to expect when you get a new pet.

We catch up with Heather from Joii and Lucy the pup to get some top tips on training your pet, even when it all seems too challenging.

Puppies will get up to mischief and mayhem but sometimes they do things that we are not entirely sure what they mean. We've come up with some explanations to some of the more common things they do that get owner asking questions and getting concerned.

Confused how much exercise your pet needs? Here's how much physical and mental stimulation your pet requires based on their breed and group.

Here at Animal Friends Pet Insurance, protecting animals is at the heart of what we do. Sometimes, these animals protect us, too. That’s why we’re supporting The Thin Blue Paw Awards.

Is your cat putting you off getting a new dog? Don’t worry, check our round up of the most cat-friendly dog breeds!

Only 25% of UK dogs are insured, and only 15% of cats are currently covered. We discuss the importance of pet insurance and why your pet might need it.

Some people may find the mere thought of finding a stray animal hair in their food, enough to put them off their meal. But for a third of British pet owners, it’s a frequent occurrence.

Does the task of hoovering your house seem endless? Looking for a better solution? Read our Dyson Groom Tool Review and see if it could help!

With the last day of summer looming, the mornings are colder, the evenings are darker earlier and soon the leaves will start falling from the trees for those crunchy autumn walks. Here are just some of the hazards our dogs can face in the cooler seasons.

In these modern times we are all getting busier. Between our jobs, families and social calendars it can be difficult to find a moment for ourselves. But what about our pet pals?

Potty training your puppy can be complicated and confusing for the owner and the dog. You always see tips and tricks on what to do but what are the most common mistakes when potty training a pet?"

Our pet’s weight can be a great indicator of their health, so it's really important to make sure we keep an eye on their weight. Weight loss and weight gain can all be signs of a medical condition, read our blog on why you should regularly get your pet weighed.

Making sure our pets stay happy and healthy is all part of being a responsible pet owner, that's why it's important we keep their worming treatment up-to-date. So, what are the best worming solutions for pets?

Check our top tips on preparing your house and garden before you bring a new cat or dog home, to make your home safe and comfortable for your new pet

Owning a pet has its ups and downs but does having one make you happier? We look at the pros of having a cat or dog in the home and what the scientists are saying about it.

There are the hidden summer dangers pet owners to be mindful of during the hottest months of the year but adders and ticks are not nearly covered enough.

Living with dogs is a wonderful adventure and they continue to surprise us every day, but would you know what to do if they fell ill or were involved in an accident? Here's how pet first aid can help you prep for an emergency.

Before getting a dog, you probably decided to pet-proof your home to keep your pooch as safe as possible. Well, our canine friends can find themselves choking on things they’ve been playing with since they were pups. Here are 5 dog choking hazards that you might not be aware of.

There are so many different dog breeds out there, from the dogs that have been around for centuries to the newer breeds created in recent years. Here are the UK's top 10 dog breeds, does yours make the list?

Discover the most popular pet's name of 2017, which names increased in popularity and which declined - is your pet's name here?

A new study shows that household spending is back up to pre-recession levels, and one of the leading categories is pets and pet food. Find out how our spending habits have changed in the last 15 years.

Ice cubes are just one of the things used to cool dogs down during the summer, but there is a lot of misinformation being circulated amongst concerned owners. Is it safe to give dogs ice cubes? We answer some of your ice cube related questions!

Did you know that looking after a dog will cost the owner £9,763 over a lifetime? discover how...

To mark International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day, we've written a handy guide to giving your dog treats.

A look at what the raw food diet consists of, its pros and cons and the variations of such nutrition.

This blog looks at why puppy farms really are so bad, and why it is not a good idea to buy a dog from an unlicensed breeder.

Hydrotherapy is an increasingly popular treatment for pets. Animal Friends explores this pet health therapy in this handy guide.

Struggling to find the perfect shampoo for your cat, dog or horse? Read our WildWash Pro Pet Shampoos Review to see if they could be what you need!

We meet up with Sarah Warren, co-founder of Joii Pet Care and veterinary dermatologist expert to ask some questions ahead of our Facebook Live event.

Here are some great dog walks to enjoy with your pooch in and around Merseyside from seaside locations to forest walks.

Mahny Djahanguiri, founder of DogaMahny, talks about the benefits of yoga for dogs and their owners and how you can get started.

Learn how to keep your dog safe around bikes, the rules around shared paths and how to stop your dog from chasing other moving objects

A teething pup is a chewing pup. If you're looking for ways to stop your puppy chewing your new shoes or gnawing on your carpet then look no further.

Looking for some inspiration on how to get outdoors with your dog? We've come up with 20 amazing ideas for you and your dog to get out and about while having fun.

You’d be forgiven for thinking that snakes aren’t a great risk in the UK. However, just because we don’t see them doesn’t mean they aren’t there.

Your pet’s weight can determine their health and quality of life - discover the top five ways to keep their weight under control.

Discover the 12 surprising behaviours your dog may exhibit when they’re letting you know they love you!

While no cat or dog is truly hypoallergenic there are still options for those who suffer from pet allergies. Discover which breeds are best for allergy sufferers.

Falling leaves and cold mornings are beautiful but there are a few things to keep an eye out for if you're a dog owner. Here's a list of 10 common problems our dogs my face in autumn.

Grass seeds are the most common summer injury, costing owners an average of £337 to treat. How can you keep your dog safe?

Pet-lovers are being forced to HIDE their animals from their landlords in order to secure accommodation, a new survey has found.

Do you know how to make dog treats at home? Here are five great recipes to show you how!

Flea bites aren't uncommon for dogs to have, but it can cause serious health issues if their infestation is left untreated.

In celebration of the new Fantastic Beasts film, The Crimes of Grindelwald, we've looked at the names of the brilliant pets insured with us to provide you with some great names for your magical pets!

Here at Animal Friends, we care deeply about animals and as pet owners ourselves, we understand how important they are and how devastating it can be to

Have you noticed that the roads have suddenly become a lot busier now that the kids are back in school? Want to find out how to keep your pet safe? Read why Public Liability insurance is so important as a pet owner!

StreetVet was founded 2016 to help homeless people and their dogs and now operate in countries around the country, including London, Brighton and Bristol. Learn more about StreetVet by reading their fantastic guest blog.

If you're looking for a family-friendly dog, here are our top 5 breeds that are perfect for family life.

Summer is nearly here, and the hot weather invites everyone to spend more time outside. However, walking your dog at this time of year can be dangerous.

It appears that Brits endure daily suffering for our pets, as one in 10 of us are allergic to our own cats and dogs! We conducted a survey of 2,000 UK pet

Another year, another International Friendship Day and is there any better friend to have than your pet? Here are some ways to show your appreciation for your best friend, cat or dog.

Going away and nervous about leaving your pet in kennels? Read our top tips on how to prepare your dog for their stay.

You might have started to notice changes in your pet’s behaviour, or you want to know what to look for in case your dog suffers from anxiety or stress in the future. What are the symptoms and how do you treat stress and anxiety?

Having an overweight pet or living with a dog or cat with obesity might seem harmless, but it can have a negative effect on our pet's life.

Fresh water is the basis of good health for all animals. Consider your dependence on it and you will appreciate how important it is for your pet.

Many dogs will enjoy swimming but there are a number of waterborne hazards for dogs. Here we discuss how to spot some of them. 

If you've recently rehomed an animal or looking to rescue a cat or dog, here are 10 top tips on how to help your new pet settle into their forever home.

Our cats and dogs can suffer from arthritis just like we can so it's important to understand the condition, its symptoms and treatment so that you can identify the signs as soon as possible.

Did you know that Alfie is the most popular name for a pet in the UK? We look at the most popular pet names and the inspirations behind them.

With cases of Alabama Rot increasing in the UK it's a good idea to learn about the disease, its affect on dogs, if there's a cure or can it be prevented.

If you’re a huge animal lover, like us, your Instagram feed might be full of pet pictures. Some of these accounts might be known as ‘pet influencers’ and you might want to start your own journey towards becoming Insta famous with your cat or dog. Here are some top tips on becoming a pet influencer.

Traditional pancakes aren't ideal for pets. With clever substitutions you can make gluten and dairy-free pet-friendly pancakes your furry friend will love!

Our pets gain and lose water throughout the day, panting, urinating, sweating and even breathing contributes to the loss of fluid so they can easily end up dehydrated, especially in the summer months. We take a look at the signs, treatment and prevention of dehydration in pets.

Our dogs can be at risk of infestation from parasites which can lead to infections, but these can often be controlled, treated or prevented. We take a look at how dogs get ticks and fleas, how to spot them, whether they can be prevented and what to do if your dog becomes a victim to these parasites.