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Dog blog

All our news, opinion pieces, reviews and personal stories behind our dogs.

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a thumbnail of a dog sitting between a bride and groom on their wedding day

Top tips for having your dog at your wedding

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

Jack Russell puppy sitting on a rainbow blanket

Top tips for taking your dog to a Pride event this summer

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

A man with his dog

The Hairy Truth: What are the highest and lowest maintenance dog breeds?

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

A Labrador looks out of a window - it's clearly raining

Wet weather products for dogs

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

A poodle sits comfortably in a car

Products to keep your dog safe while travelling

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

A small dog wearing a light up collar

Hi-vis products to keep your dog safe on dark nights

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

A red Christmas stocking filled with treats

Stocking filler ideas for dogs

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

A Border Collie holds a Halloween trick or treat basket in their mouth

Dress your dog up safely this Halloween

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

A small dog in a shopping trolley

Unusual places to take your dog

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

Our top 10 calming products for dogs

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

A Spaniel walks on a lead in a field with bunting in the background

We’re sponsoring the Fun Dog Show at DogFest 2024!

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

A dog out for a walk

Loving the overlooked: Why you should consider adopting an older or disabled pet

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

Our top 10 Summer essentials for you and your dog

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

Top 10 dog grooming products

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

What colours can dogs see?

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

The dog-friendliest UK cities

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

A puppy sits between the legs on a human, with their front paws on their feet

Understanding adolescence in dogs

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

10 pet-safe pumpkin treats

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

A dog and cat are having a cuddle with a woman in a grey tshirt

Pet diarrhoea myths

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

Similarities and differences between dogs and wolves

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

Is there such a thing as an ugly pet?

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

Dog-friendly summer bucket list

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

A Pomeranian with a tear stain

Tear stains on dogs: causes & how to remove

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

A woman is sneezing whilst holding a Pomeranian

Do hypoallergenic dogs affect allergies?

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

Top 5 fun activities for pets & children in the school holidays

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.

10 reasons to visit Betteshanger Park this summer

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

Pawfest etiquette: Dogs and children

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

Travelling with your pet to a festival

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

How to prepare for a doggy festival or summer event

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

Ladder of communication in dogs

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

A Frenchie puppy on a bright blue backdrop

Puppy blues

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

Hacks to cool your dog down in summer

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

Mental Health Awareness Week – how our pets can help us

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

We’re headed to Dogstival, are you?

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

Zoomies

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

A dog having an itch

Help shift the itch

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

A cat and dog gazing at the night sky, where there is a constellation the shape of a dog

Pet Horoscopes

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

A dog looking at a gift

5 DIY Christmas gifts for pets and their owners

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

A Corgi out for a walk

Affordable family activities to do with your pet

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

Do pets have a sense of time?

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

A dog carries a stick (that is far too big for them) through a bluebell wood

Dog safety on springtime walks

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

Joii guest blog: Keeping my bestie hydrated

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

Fleamageddon: DIY flea fumigation

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

Top tricks, hacks and tips on taking photos of your pet

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

Sustainable things to buy your pet

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

A older dog rests on a peaceful beach

Animal Friends cover for retired police dogs

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.

A Border Collie holds an illustrated card in their mouth saying "Happy Mothers Day"

Mother’s Day gift ideas for pet owners

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

Dark nights – products to make your dog seen

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

Help your dog lose weight with Tail Wag to 5K

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

Naturaw Dog Food

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

Akela Dog Food

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

Dachshund dog

Product review: Pawbo+ interactive pet camera

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.

A dog and a cat at Christmas

How to enjoy this Christmas with your pets

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.

Dog chewing a chair leg

How to control biting in puppies and kittens

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

Small dog curled up on an owners lap

Getting your puppy vaccinated

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

Why exercise is so important for pet weight loss

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.

Overweight dog

Toxic treats lead to porky pets

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?

Superhero pet names

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

Screen shot of the Joii app

Joii Pet Care: Behavioural consultation

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.

PawTection product review

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.

Silent fireworks: how do they help?

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!

border collie in forest

How to stop separation anxiety in dogs

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

A dog lying on a grey sofa

5 easy steps to take to pet-proof your home

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.

German Shepherd sat in a field

Eye and ear care for pets

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.

Summer safety tips to keep your pets safe this summer

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.

Symptoms and actions of poisoning in pets

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.

Dog socialisation timeline and checklist

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.

What to expect when you get a new puppy

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.

Joii: Training your pup

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.

A puppy running through a field

Top “Why does my puppy…?” questions from new owners

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.

3 dogs are out for a walk

How much exercise does my dog need?

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

Celebrating the nation’s unsung heroes

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.

Cat-friendly dog breeds

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

The importance of pet insurance

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.

Hygiene habits of British pet owners revealed!

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.

Dyson groom tool review

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!

Dangers of fallen leaves, fruits and other autumn hazards

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.

How to balance your pet with your lifestyle

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?

The perils of potty training your puppy

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?"

The importance of regularly getting your pet weighed

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.

Best worming solutions for pets

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?

Preparing your home and garden for a new pet

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

Does having a pet make you happier?

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.

Adders and ticks: The hidden dangers for dogs

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.

A dog lays in the lap of a Dogs First worker in a red fleece

How pet first aid can help prep you for an emergency

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.

5 dog choking hazards

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.

Top 10 most popular breeds in the UK

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?

Most popular pet names 2017

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

Spending on pets increases with the over-65s leading the way

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.

The truth about cooling dogs down with ice cubes

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!

True cost of looking after your dog revealed

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

International Dog Biscuit Appreciation day

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

Raw food diet

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

Why are puppy farms so bad?

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

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

WildWash Pro Pet Shampoos review

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!

Q&A with Sarah Warren, Joii co-founder and veterinary dermatologist

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.

Royden Park

Top 5 dog walks in and around Merseyside

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

An Introduction to Doga

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

2 border terriers sit near a bike

How do I keep my dog safe around bikes?

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

Puppy playing with a ball

Is your puppy teething? Here’s how to help

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.

Fun activities to do in the outdoors with your dog

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.

Dogs and snakes

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.

Five ways to keep your pet’s weight under control

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

12 ways your dog shows they love you

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

Hypoallergenic pets for people with allergies

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.

A dog sitting on leaves

10 common problems dogs face in autumn

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.

A dog in the grass

Brits beware! Help your pet avoid dangerous grass seeds this summer

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