Safety · Kinship

Skip to main content

health

safety

Get tips on pet-proofing your digs, keeping your pets warm (or cool) through the seasons, and avoiding all the toxic stuff… like toys, plants, and everything else they try to eat.

jack russell dog on lead barks at the camera
a close up picture of a smiling female vet handling a little white kitten

It’s crucial to make sure your kitty is protected against potentially fatal diseases

a vet inspects a Beagle puppy

Make sure to factor these crucial costs into your puppy budget

a vet's hand hold a small black and tan dog on a bed in the vet office

Doggy admin may be tough, but it’s important

xl bully dog lies in the grass in the sun

How much do you really know about the dog that everyone is talking about?

picture of a golden labrador and human hands parting the hair on their neck

It might give you the ick, but you need to take action

a man holds a kitten while a woman scans it for microchip

Microchipping your cat is quick and painless – and it’s now required by law

If you’d like your kitten to grow up with outdoor access, here’s what to know to help keep them safe

Struggling with the cost of neutering? These places can help

Golden Retriever looking at a pill in a human's hand

Don’t reach for the medicine cabinet just yet

XL Bully running on grass

Everything you need to know about the ban and legal exemptions

A woman walks along the pavement with a dog on a lead close to her

Take a deep breath and step away from the Always box. We‘ll walk you through it

redhead holding a packet of pills with a dog on her lap

It’s what we humans turn to during hay fever season, but what about your beloved pup?

a man hugs a jack russell next to a Christmas tree

All your dog wants for Christmas is a bodyguard to keep them safe from unfamiliar sights and sounds

picture of a woman holding a cat while a man puts up a Christmas wreath

It’s the most wonderful time of the year... for you. Your cat feels otherwise

A grey kitten walks over some tinfoil

Discover how to safely keep your kitty from counter-surfing

Black cat jumping from the table to the closet.

The science behind the feline ability to land on their feet

a woman with red hair reaches out for the back of a white dog's neck which the dog turns away

You’ve seen mamas do it to their young, but it’s not something you should try yourself

a picture of a dog wearing an orange harness being held by the bottom half of a human male wearing running gear

Keen to hit the road and get fit with your pup? Read this first

Cat in the snow

Winter brings hidden dangers for pets – find out how to keep them safe

a man sits at a table set for Christmas with a cat on his lap

From classic turkey to all the trimmings – can cats join in on the Christmas feast?

A human hand dangles a treat over a cat's head as the cat looks up

Work with your cat and not against them

Sphynx cat

Experts say this AI-like breeding trend is susceptible to serious health issues

A woman walks along the pavement with a dog on a lead close to her

If your female dog is not spayed, it’s crucial that you understand their fertility cycle

man cuddling a kitten

Expert answers on Covid-19 and cats – plus symptoms to watch out for

Man walks with back to camera surrounded by dogs

Houssein Hamze has been feeding the pets of people fleeing the conflict in Lebanon. Now he’s lost his home and vital resources for the cats, dogs and other animals he cares for

a picture of a Fila Brasileiro

It’s not just the XL Bully that the government has banned

a young woman wearing jeans and white headphones has a beagle on a lead

How to make sure you’re not missing any cues and that you both stay safe

Tortoiseshell cat watching a television

From ‘Cat TV’ to Netflix, discover why your feline is hooked on the screen – and if it’s actually good for them

Dog hiding under orange blanket

From calming supplements to creating safe spaces, here’s how you can prepare your pup for firework season

White dog sits on a pile of leaves in front of a pumpkin

Aka a night that won’t turn into a spooky-scary time at the emergency vet

a woman with brown hair and an orange crouches down to stroke a large stray dog

Activists from Turkish rescue centres tell us how you can support them in their most desperate hour

person holding a cockerpoo mix

Think Cockapoos are healthier because they’re crossbreeds? Learn what the latest research says

Dog Drinking Water From A Pond In The Nature

Everything you need to know about the potentially deadly disease

Close-up of a Merle coated Greyhound dog laying in the lap of their pet parent on the bed

This dangerous disease has been spotted a number of times in the UK. Here’s how to recognise if your dog has symptoms

a fluffy dog lies on the grass surrounded by autumn leaves

Hours of fun for you, less so for your dog

woman on a beach in greece petting a stray dog

Before you pet that stray dog on your holiday, find out how to protect yourself and still show compassion


A black and white and brown jack russell lies spread eagled on the beach

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Nope, it’s your dog all stretched out like a frog

two men with black hair stroke their cat who is sticking his tongue out

Cats are famous for turning up again weeks, months and even years after they disappear. But why? And how do they do it?

image of English Shepherd Dog looking at camera - DNA Test Aims to Eliminate Inherited Blindness in English Shepherd Dogs

How a simple cheek swab could save English Shepherds from inherited blindness with a new DNA test

applying first aid to a burn on a dog

Learn essential steps to treat pet burns , from first aid to when to seek veterinary care

A woman tries to snuggle a reluctant cat

If your mental health is causing you to neglect your pet, find them immediate care while you get help

man holding dog lead and collar

It might not be something you ever want to think about, but planning ahead will be a help when the time comes

Avoid heat stroke in dogs by sprinkling in the backyard with your dog

How to take precautions for your pup when temperatures rise

Husky on tarmac in warm weather

How to keep your dog safe, happy and active all summer long

Animal welfare charities and veterinary organisations have teamed up to urge on pet parents to get clued up ahead of the warm weather

Person walking dog on lead

Ways to keep your dog safe that you’ve never thought of 



woman dresses a great dane's paw with an orange bandage

Get your kit sorted now so you’re ready in an emergency

woman with tattoos strokes big grey dog

Beloved pets are often used by perpetrators of domestic abuse to manipulate their victims. That’s why Dogs Trust runs a specialist service to temporarily home dogs while their parents seek safety

cat lying on windowsill looking sad

With automatic feeders and self-cleaning litter trays, your cat could technically look after themselves... but should they?

group of three people and a dog gather round food on a picnic blanket on grass

There is nothing more humbling than apologising to a stranger in the park while your dog nibbles on their sausage roll

Discover your options for creating a safe window spot for your cat

Dog in a car seat being strapped into the seat belt by their harness

Including how to stop them jumping out the window whilst you’re driving...

Summer safety is vital for cats

A woman checking her dog for ticks outside in a grassy field.

We asked a vet for tips on how to prevent the tick-borne Lyme disease in dogs

Shepherd dog playing with yellow ball at the beach

Check the rules before heading out…

Golden retriever lying in grass with red eyes

Pet parents are being urged to keep their pets indoors during peak pollen times “until September”

A woman sitting on her patio with her Irish Setter dog on the grass in front of her.

Green fingers at the ready...

A woman with glasses holds out a whippet to a boy with pink hair and glasses

It should be a last resort, and there are plenty of options to explore first, but here’s how to surrender your pet safely if you have to

Confused dog lying in a field a green

The charity has seen an influx of marijuana poisoning cases in recent years



a small brown kitten is bottle fed

The charity is expecting an influx of kittens this summer



Green fingers at the ready

picture of pit bull with cropped ears and bandages

There's no good reason to ever do this to your dog

A cat sitting in a tall grassy area.

Two vets’ pro tips for preventing your cat from picking up ticks (and how to remove them if it’s too late for that)

An orange cat walking on a yellow cat exercise wheel.

We delve into all things feline fitness to learn whether your cat should be shredding and shedding

woman with a bison friese and corgi, vacuuming the white dog on her lap

Just because you can, does it mean you should?

A black cat holding onto a rope with its claws.

A veterinarian explains why the inhumane surgery is no joke

Man walking his dog on a pavement

We delve into the age-old debate

Woman looking out window with small white dog.

Everything you need to know about how the partial solar eclipse will affect your pets

Finally, the secrets to my cat’s outdoor life have been unlocked

dog running through a field of yellow flowers jumping up at their pet parent

There’s no need to worry, if you know what to look out for

Cute Bengal cat sniffs lilly flowers.

Keep those Easter lilies far away from your kitty

Woman with brown hair on hand and knees with yellow cleaning gloves on, cleaning the floor whilst a black Labrador watches on

Because we have to look after the four-legged family members, too

Dog staring at chocolate cake on counter.

Keep those chocolate bunnies far away from your pup this Easter (and always)

Daschund dog sat on a chair looking up at owner eating hot cross buns

Sometimes ‘sharing is caring’ isn’t the best advice

A fox stares down the camera on a UK street.

A veterinary nurse and cat behaviourist explains the relationship between foxes and cats

A rescue cat on a longtail fishing boat looks at the water for fish in Thailand.

More importantly: do they want to?

Calico cat sniffing wooden bamboo essential oil diffuser

How to keep your DIY spa cat-friendly

puppy sleeping on the shoulder of a man

Does your adorable little pup turn into a lawn mower when they’re asleep? Find out the causes – and cures – for snoring dogs

Girl with plate of kiwi sitting at table stroking dog

Your dog can snack on this fibre-fuelled fruit but don't go all out...

white dog looking up at a table with a plate filled with food on it

What are the potential health implications for both humans and hounds?

A ginger and white cat standing on a London street.

Free-roaming felines are much more common here than in other parts of the world – we uncover the reasons why

fox on city street at night

What to do with a dog who gets rowdy near foxes? And is it even safe for my dog to be near them?

Man wearing grey T-shirt and shorts with trainers walks alongside his dog on the lead in the woods

How to set boundaries and protect your pup



woman with black curly hair sleeping in bed with her long hair daschund

Is there anything better than snuggling up to your pup all night? Here’s how to do it safely

a nervous dog sits on a sofa

At so many points in those first hours, weeks, months, I screamed, internally: what have we done? 

australian sheepdog looks up longingly at a plate of pancakes

Pancake Day is here! Is pancake batter safe for your pup to eat or should you keep them away from the flipping fun?

Woman lying on bed with dog, dog is looking up at the woman and licking her in the face

How many kisses is too many kisses?

friendly looking xl bully smiling over fence wearing pink and black sweater/harness

From 1 February, XL Bullies must follow a strict set of rules and hold a certificate of exemption. Here’s what that means for your dog

a woman pets her dog in a coat while outside in the snow

If your teeth are chattering, theirs probably are, too

Labrador sitting in the grass coughing

Whether it’s socks, stones or an affair partner’s underpants (true story), a vet weighs in on how what to do when your dog swallows something that wasn’t on the menu

Pit Bull dog wearing a coat on leash with person in the snow

Chilly pup refusing to layer? Here’s how to train them to love their winter wardrobe

Chinese crested dog with a pear in their mouth

Yes – pears and your dog can pair together. However, there are a few things to watch out for

woman getting celery out of the fridge while dog looks up expectantly

Yes, celery is one of the green veggies you can share with your dog – but with some precautions

Man with glasses on the phone with dog on his lap

So Fido has been in your chocolate stash... heres what to do

Cat chewing on cat grass

Cats love the crunch of a houseplant. These ones will do them no harm

Cat eating out of metal bowl

Sharing isn’t always caring. Keep your cat safe by keeping these human snack staples to yourself

A couple bundled up for winter standing outside in the snow with their dog.

Yep, all those warnings your mum gave you as a kid apply to your dog, too. Learn how to keep your pup safe in the cold

corgi puppy hiding under table afraid

The emotional road to recovery can be a long one. Heres what you can do

Half-bengal kitten indoors smelling white orchid flowers in a conservatory.

Find out whether you can get that elaborate flower arrangement – or if you should skip it

a dog looking up at a hand holding a treat

This healthy snack for humans isn't so healthy for your pup. Here's why it's best to avoid them

toddler boy bothering dog with ball in mouth

Unsolicited approaches from children can’t always be predicted

vet smiling at dog

As a vet working in emergency practice, I often see cases where these bills could be reduced or avoided altogether

Two grey cats eating dog food from a plate while a brown dog looks on with jealousy

Dog food is safe for cats in small amounts – but it shouldn’t be their main course

A kitten sniffing a ripe half of an avocado in a bowl

Just don’t get out the guacamole bowl

A puppy chewing on a bone

Dr Shea Cox warns pet parents about the unexpected dangers of dog bones

A couple int he living room playing with a laser on the couch with their dog

Learn why these red beams of light are bad for dogs

Black lab swimming in pool

Keep your pup safe in the pool, a pond or the sea

Heading on a UK break? Here’s how to help your pup (and you) survive that stressful train journey

Dog-friendly backyard, dog playing in the sprinkler

Paddling pools aren’t just for kids

Closeup portrait of calico cat sitting on home kitchen room table by pink rose flowers in vase, windows with blinds.

Let’s just say this: There’s no excuse for your partner not to bring you a bouquet of these.

A curious kitty playing with a vase of tulips.

They’re pretty in your garden, but keep those hungry cats away. Here’s why.

Cat laying on his side with catnip around him, on the kitchen table licking his lips.

They’re definitely pulling for the answer to be an emphatic yes, but... not so fast


Black French bulldog in dandelion field

Who knew this was something to worry about?

Golden Retriever dog chewing on rawhide toy seated on a blanket by a window

The six dangers of rawhide dog bones

Cat sitting on a kitchen chair, looking at the camera

A cat behaviourist’s 10 steps for keeping your cat out of trouble

brown dog begging for food at table

Even if they ain’t too proud to beg

Puppy looks up while sitting next to a puzzle toy with food.

Eating fast is more than just unsightly – it’s potentially dangerous

Basset Hound sitting in a bright sunny apartment beside a potted palm tree

Boutique New York nursery The Sill gives us the dirt on dog-friendly plants

Dog near a vegetable garden next to a basket full of a harvest

Garden organically, for the sake of both the planet and your dogs

cat sniffing a plant

These plants might be beautiful, but they’re deadly to feline foragers

goldendoodle puppy playing in grass in yard

Ten steps to a safe outdoor space – landscaper not required

Young woman in checkered shirt putting modern wireless headphones on loyal Great Dane dog against gray wall at home.

Dogs’ hearing is way more sensitive than ours. These top-rated earmuffs can help drown out scary sounds such as loud fireworks

woman with new puppy

Sound advice from seasoned dog and cat parents who have been there

Man laying on floor playing with dog

Is your home a danger-zone for a new dog? Follow these pro tips

Woman in a coat soothing a rescued German Shepherd dog in a field outside

Buddha Dog Rescue and Recovery founder Nicole Asher’s pro tips for getting your missing pup home safe

Woman holding a beagle in warm dappled summer light

Some like it hot (but not most dogs). Here are the season’s health hazards, from fleas to grass seeds

Grey and white longhair cat sitting in a cardboard box with a Christmas tree and blurry festive decor in the background

Chances are, your cat is already plotting some Christmas chaos. Fear not, veterinarian Dr Aimee Simpson has tips on how to safeguard your holiday spirit and your pet

Dog hiding under the sofa and afraid to go out because he heard fireworks.

How to keep your dog mentally and physically safe this Bonfire Night

Ginger adult cat sits in flowering summer garden on pavement.

It’s not always as simple as scraping out the stinger. Find out everything you need to know

Kurzhaar's dog eats grass, oats, happy puppy playing in the meadow

When to worry about your pup’s grass consumption (and when it’s not a problem)

Rottweiler puppy chewing on a white flower in a garden

It may protect your plants, but at what cost? A veterinarian explains how this toxin may keep your garden safe – but it’s extremely toxic to dogs. Here’s everything you need to know

Large black and white dog sitting next to Poinsettia plants.

Everything you need to know about the notorious plant

Big brown dog resting on dog mat with Peace Lillies and sunlight.

Keep your pup far away from the toxic plant

A brown cat with a snake plant.

If you have a beloved snake plant, this answer will be a bummer

Cute Cocker Spaniel Puppy Sitting Between White Hydrangea Flowers.

You can live your best Cotswolds cottage life. Just keep your dog away from this plant

Bearded Collie running in a lake

How to keep your swimming dog safe

Shepherd dog playing with yellow ball at the beach

Five tips to help your pup have fun in the sun – safely

Woman taking care of her sick dog at home.

There are safer alternatives and you should always, always check with a vet before giving your pup anything

Cat playing in spider plant.

Learn what you should do if your spider babies and cat baby interact

A shorthair cat itching.

Don’t make this dangerous mistake when picking out flea prevention products

Young Woman Working From Home with Her Dog

Brb... running out to buy air plants and succulents

Male Alaskan Malamute dog stands in the yard between the plants

Why pet parents should think twice before installing one

A dog tugging on a toy outside

Tips for pet parents who want their pups to have safe fun

Jack Russell dog in backseat of s car wearing a safety harness and seat belt

Hitting the road with your dog? Make sure theyre safe with this helpful advice

dog playing in a pond

Pet parents watch out this summer for a common, but deadly plant

A dog with its eyes closed and mouth open sitting on a hardwood floor.

Learn about the causes and what to do for a choking dog

An angry looking cat hiding under a couch.

Puppy mills and animal traffickers are tricking Craigslist users into purchasing dangerously — sometimes terminally — sick dogs.

Black kitten sitting outside with pumpkins

Cats might be a symbol of Halloween, but that’s as far as they want it to go

Woman Scratches Her Dogs Belly On The Floor with Snake Plant in the corner.

Just get a new dog? Might be time to find a new home for your snake plant.

Labrador Retriever and Dachsund playing with a stick at the beach shoreline

Pro tips to keep your pup safe, happy, and exercised during the warmer months.

Black Lab playing in creek

This stuff is already popping up across the U.S., and it’s super dangerous for your dog.

Golden retriever dogs chasing each other through a yard in play.

These apparent canine meccas can pose real risks to your dog’s overall safety.

Dog crossing road on a leash with pet parent carrying a bouquet of flowers

These stems are sure to make Mom smile (and avoid a trip to the pet ER).

Cat sitting on a sky blue ledge with plant vines in the background

Cat behaviorist Cristin Tamburo’s tips for building a safe outdoor space for your cat.

Dog sitting on a couch in a living room with plants

It’s boom time for plants, but these offenders can be perilous to pets

A white and tan dog looking through the windshield of a car while standing in the lap of someone driving the car

Car travel with an unrestrained dog just isn’t safe. For anyone.

Owner adjusts collar with tags on their dog

Spoiler: there are no cons.

Dog in the grass outside chewing on a bully stick

Two experts — a veterinary dentist and internist — rate the most popular dog bones.

Collage of different Chef characters from Hulu's TV series "The Bear" with two images of a French Bulldog wearing a chef costume mixed in

Because there’s nothing scarier than being off-trend.

Dog sitting behind a basket of Wondercide products on the grass outside

Enter: Wondercide, a plant-based, sustainable, pesticide-free mosquito-repellent set safe to use around your pet.

brown dog begging for food at table

Even if they ain’t too proud to beg…

Woman in athletic clothing jogging up stairs in a tropical city with her two dogs on leashes running with her

You — yes you! — can be one of those fun people who runs with your dog. Just be smart about it.

A cat rolling around in catnip on the floor.

Duuuude...where are the mosquitos?

A sad dog in a cage with its head and paws sticking out.

The state passed a bill that will end the inhumane breeding and transport process. 

goldendoodle puppy playing in grass in yard

10 steps to a safe outdoor space. Landscaper not required.

dog with tennis ball

For starters, many tennis balls for pets are loaded with lead and arsenic.

Dog in an Emergency Rescue Harness

Homegrown in New Hampshire by Mountain Dogware.

Hungarian pointer dog wears a Seresto Flea & Tick collar

The popular preventative has been linked to nearly 1,700 pet deaths. Here's what you need to know.

A Sago Palm in a white pot against a grey brick background

It looks cute, but the sago palm is deadly for dogs. Here's everything you need to know.

Staffordshire bull terrier dog eating grass

From (human) prescription meds to poinsettia plants, these "toxic" items may not be so bad for your pup.

Dog in the kitchen with girl making cookies from dough on the counter

Active yeast puts dogs at risk for obstruction and alcohol poisoning.