Autumn happens to be our favourite time of year. As the season begins to change with the array of different colours adorning the trees, it’s a beautiful time of year to be outside with your dog. After the heat of summer your dog will be overjoyed with cooler weather meaning more play and walking time. The crisp fall days are the perfect time to take your dog to the park to teach them a new trick or allow them time to play with friends. However, autumn is not without its hazards, but a little bit of knowledge you can ensure your dog stays healthy and happy at this time of year.

It can be a surprise to many dog owners that our four-legged friends are allowed on many different forms of public transport. If you live in a town or a city without a car, public transport can open up a new world of adventures to more rural spaces. Dogs love new sights and smells, so it’s a great excuse to visit somewhere exciting and new.

As with most things in your dog’s body, a healthy diet is key to a strong immune system. In addition to providing your immune system the energy it needs during the colder, longer months, a healthy diet can help ensure you're getting sufficient amounts of the micronutrients. The cells of the immune system have a particularly important job to do and so they too need to be fuelled properly.The team at My Pet Nutritionist have collated their top 10 foods that can be added to your dog’s bowl to help support immune function.

Swimming is an excellent form of exercise for dogs and a great exercise alternative to walking in the summer heat. It’s especially good for dogs with stiff or painful joints. Plus, when done safely swimming can be a great bonding exercise which you and your dog can enjoy together. But remember that not all dogs like to swim, so if yours doesn’t then don’t force them.

An adventure to the beach is the perfect opportunity for some fresh air, exercise and hopefully some vitamin D for both you and your dog. Plus, there are some great health benefits both mentally and physically to spending time by the sea. However, there are a few things that could ruin you and your dog’s beach day, so knowing about these beach hazards beforehand can help you avoid them and plan for a fun trip.

Ice cream is an iconic summer treat which both you and your dog can enjoy during the hotter months. Making refreshing summer treats for your dog is easier than you may think and it’s a great way to help keep them cool during the summer. Plus making your dog’s snacks yourself means you can tailor them to their specific dietary requirements. We share with you our top favourite ice cream flavours, so tasty you may even be stealing some of these treats for yourself.

As the temperature begin to rise over the summer months, keeping your dog cool is key. Unlike humans, dogs can’t sweat through their skin and so they rely on panting and releasing heat through their paw pads and nose to regulate their body temperature. It’s a good idea to be prepared with a simple bit of forward planning to ensure your dog is kept both healthy and happy during these months. There are many ways you can help your dog stay cool in hot weather; we've pulled together the below are some handy tips

Research has shown time and time again, the single one thing that will have the biggest positive impact on your dog’s health is their weight. In addition to the right exercise a nutritional diet is key to maintaining a healthy weight.If you’re a seasoned raw feeder, new to the journey or simply want in to add some fresh food to your commercial pet food, the team at My Pet Nutritionist have a pulled together a list of their favourite fresh food additions which can be a great for getting those much needed nutrients into your dogs diet.

Summer is a wonderful time for you and your dog to spend time together outdoors. You may enjoy walks out in nature or taking your dog along with you to summer events. However, it's important to understand that there are a number of seasonal dangers to your dogs during this season that you should look out for. Fortunately, all of these can be prevented with a little preparation and knowledge. Below are some of the most important things you need to know about summer hazards and prevention, so you can keep your dog safe all summer long.

Keeping your dog’s ears in shape is luckily a simple task which can be performed at home for most dogs. It’s recommended to ideally check your dog’s ears at least once a week as part of their health care routine. This is especially important if your dog likes to swim, suffers with allergies (seasonal or regular), along with breeds who have floppy ears such as Basset Hounds and Cocker Spaniels. With regular checks you will be able to spot any changes and identify if there is a problem such as an infection or ear mites.

Summer is here and so are long beautiful sunny days, which are perfect for wild and wonderful adventures. It’s the perfect time to spend outside with your dog. However, summertime also means the return of insects such as mosquitos, wasps and let’s not forget fleas and ticks. It’s important to make sure you protect not only your dog but also yourself from these nasties when heading out on your walks especially when headings to forests and fields. Below we have pulled together a simple recipe for you to make a spritzer insect repellent for yourself along with some natural alternatives for your dog;

There are many ways you can help your dog stay cool during the summer weather, including regular grooming. With this in mind we spoke to Serena from LEAD THE WALK, a professional holistic dog groomer who lives in East London with her French Bulldog, Frankie and rescue Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Stanley. She shares with us her summer tips on how to groom your dog at home including flea and tick advice, brushing tips and paw care.

Gus may be a small dog, but his ambitions are BIG! You see why the other dogs are spending their Sunday mornings strolling around the park, Gus is hard at work in the kitchen perfecting his banana bread recipe. He believes he makes the best banana bread in the world (well in London at least!) He believes this so much that he has kindly agreed to share his beloved recipe with other dogs to try at home!

Did you know scent is your dog’s primary sense—in fact, the olfactory region of their brain is 40 times larger ours, meaning they can smell up to 10,000 times better than humans. Dogs are constantly experiencing the world around them by processing the smells in their environment and their cold, wet nose is vital to this. A dog’s nose may become dry at various times throughout the day or year for many reasons, but a dry nose doesn’t necessarily mean the dog is sick. Below are some useful tips on keeping your dog’s nose healthy.

We’ve all seen our dogs start to twitch, letting out a little grumble while sleeping, leading us to ask the question – Do dogs dream? Many scientists say there is evidence to support the idea that dogs do, in fact, experience dreams. Main Artwork by Artist Apolline Muet

Easter and Spring is a time enjoy the excitement of the world waking up after the winter season. To help celebrate Easter we’ve created these special Carrot and Apple muffin treats which can be used on your ‘Dog Friendly Easter Treat Hunt.’A friendly reminder: chocolate is a popular food item during Easter and can cause serious harm to your dog – Check out our Dog Owner Guide to Spring Time for more advice

After the darker days of winter, the first signs of spring offer promise of new life and warmer, lighter days. Not only does it put a ‘Spring in our step’ but also our dogs as it means more time can be spent exploring the great outdoors. After spending more time indoors during the winter, it’s a joy for them to be able to take advantage of the lengthening and warming days. Make sure you and your dog are prepared for the warmer spring months with our below tips and hazards to look out for.

There are few things more exciting than hearing the word “walk” for many dogs. The daily walk is a chance for your dog to get outside and explore the world and it’s a misconception that dogs can only enjoy off lead exercise! Dog walking games are a great way to entertain your dog and provide them with much-needed stimulation to help keep their mind active and sharp. Below we’ve listed some of our favourite ‘on the lead’ activities.

Pancake Day (aka Shrove Tuesday) is a fun-filled and let’s not forget tasty activity for all family members including your dog to enjoy. We’ve pulled together a healthy alternative recipe for dog friendly pancakes along with topping options, so your dog can join in on your flipping party!

During the winter months it’s important to remember our dog’s needs begin to change with the weather. Like us, dogs are used to the warmth of the indoors and cold weather can be as hard on them as it is on us. Winter is a time when our dogs need a little extra care and when planning your colder month adventures, keep the below tips in mind. And don’t forget that winter dog cuddles are a great way for everybody to keep warm!

Bone broth is a great choice for dogs feeling slightly under the weather, as it’s gentle on the digestive system and won’t aggravate an already delicate tummy. Bone broth is flavoursome (especially when served warm), making it highly palatable and can help encourage a dog with reduced appetite to eat along with helping to hydrate and nourish them. Bone broth can also help to support bone and joint health thanks to the high levels of glucosamine and chondroitin and can act as a general immune booster. This is why we always have some prepared in the freezer ready to give our dogs when they are not quite feeling themselves.

What Christmas party in the park would be complete without a treat and these snowball coconut dog treats are perfect for such an occasion. Apart from being delicious these treats are healthy too! Coconut can help improve your dog's digestion as well as helping to maintain healthy skin and a glossy coat. Meaning your dog is ready for another fun packed trip to the park!

The season of joy and goodwill to all men (and dogs) is nearly upon us. Christmas is a very exciting and busy time for us all, but it's important we don't forget about our four-legged friends in the midst of all the excitement! We've pulled together our top festive tips to ensure a fun and safe Christmas this holiday season.

George loves tennis balls; to him ball = life! Fetching a thrown ball and bringing it back to you, while wagging his tail in happiness. He even dreams about balls, with his little legs mimicking the motion of running in his sleep. Your never meet a happier dog then George when he has a ball in his mouth and willing friend to play catch. To celebrate George’s love of balls we have created this special ginger and banana tennis ball dog treat recipe.

Grooming your dog should be considered part of the bonding process that brings the two of your closer together. With that in mind we spoke to Serena from LEAD THE WALK, a professional groomer who lives in East London with her French Bulldog, Frankie and rescue Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Stanley for tips on how to bath your dog at home.

Autumn marks the beginning of firework season! It’s difficult to try and explain to a dog why all of a sudden their quiet and peaceful evenings have become noisy and bright. Dogs can often be scared of the loud noises and flashes. Below we have pulled together some useful tips to help you through;

On All Hallow's eve when the ghost and monsters come out to fright, we bake these special treats, so our dogs don’t fear the night! These little bites are made with butternut squash and carrots which are full of Vitamin A, Vitamin C and potassium. With the added boost of Turmeric which can act as a great antioxidant and help to boost your dog’s immune system.

In the shorter days and longer nights of autumn, it’s not uncommon for many dogs to get their daily walks during the hours of darkness. Though relaxing, night walks introduce a whole set of new challenges not present in the daylight. With reduced visibility, there are several dog walking safety measures to consider keeping you and your dog safe when walking your dog at night or early morning.

When your dog goes missing, it can be difficult to know what to do first to help find them. There are lots of things we can do as dog owners to try and find our lost pets. The important thing to remember is not to panic. Try to keep calm and follow the simple steps below to help find your missing pet.

A walk along the beach with the wind through our hair and the sand collecting between our toes. Running together chasing waves; you appear with a mouthful of seaweed happy with your catch. Your fur takes on the smell of the sea, a reminder of the day we spent together exploring hidden coastal paths. Inspired by a coastal walk, these dog treats not only taste great but are also packed full of healthy herbs. 

Smoothies are hands down one of the easiest and most effective ways to incorporate fruit, vegetables, electrolytes, probiotics and a whole load of additional vitamins, fibres and minerals into your dog’s diet. Due to smoothies being both healthy and refreshing, they are an excellent option to supplement your dog’s diet and keep them hydrated during the summer. Plus, all of the below recipes are tasty enough for both you and your dog to enjoy.

Staycations are great, as they mean your dog can come along for the adventure to! Pet friendly escapes are now more popular than ever, and it’s really no surprise why. We love being able to jump in the car or on a train to explore a new area of the UK with our dogs in tow. From wondering around the Cornish coast to exploring Snowdonia, there are so many places to explore. Before heading out on any trip we always make sure we pack the below travel essentials;

When you give a dog a chew bone, you're doing a lot more than just giving him something to chew on. You are giving them something that will satisfy their urge to chew and relieve boredom. Not unlike humans, dogs get bored. A carefully chosen chew treat can entertain your dog for hours and keep their mind stimulated, which is good for dogs of all ages, especially older dogs that may not be as active. Some dogs can even find chewing soothing, especially if they are in a stressful situation.With the this in mind we have pulled together some of our favourite all-natural chews;

Sniffaris let dogs be dogs, it’s distinctly different in mindset than taking your dog out for an average walk for exercise. This style of walk is great for your dog’s quality of life and their mood; Sniffing is the most mentally stimulating activity for a dog. Sure, walks are important for exercise, but dogs aren’t reaping all the benefits unless they are allowed to sniff as well. A dog getting mental exercise is just as important as a physical workout; however you will need to be mindful that you may be left standing for long periods of time while your dog is taking everything in so be patient and maybe bring a coffee along.

There’s a strawberry thief in town! The plumpest, ripest, juiciest strawberries are being plucked and eaten from all the local gardens. Leaving no trace other than some muddy prints, the search is on to find out who the cheeky culprit is. Every house and garden are searched, and nothing is found. That is until a mischievous little Schnauzer called Frank comes to join the search, greeting everyone with a wagging tail. On closer inspection the locals notice his normally freshly groomed white beard is stained bright pink and his kisses are strawberry scented. The thief had been caught and inspired this strawberry shortbread dog treat recipe;

Planning your next adventure with you dog? Whenever we head out, especially during the warmer months we like to make sure we are always prepared with refreshments. Staying hydrated is important and not just for us humans, but for our dogs, too. Whether you’re out on a long dog walk or traveling to your favourite park it’s important to have all of your essentials covered. Investing in a proper water bottle for your dog makes it possible to bring fresh water no matter where you go, and a portable dog water bottle also solves the issue of having to stop and look for a place to get a drink. Here’s our recommended flasks, travel bottles and bowls for keeping topped up when you are on the go with your dog.

Have you ever turned a bag of dog food around and looked at the label? If so, you may have felt you needed a degree in nutrition to decipher the ingredients! The terms are vague and confusing. Ciara from Vet in the City has been kind enough to share with us her guide on understanding pet food labels. Warning: some of it isn’t very appetising.

Your dog’s paw may be more prone to dryness during certain times of years depending on where you live. If you have a harsh winter, you’ll find the most benefits during that time. However, if summer temperatures are something you dread your dog might experience dry paws the worst during this time. If your dog has cracked paw pads, you need to make this all-natural balm to sooth them! This paw balm is so quick and easy to make you can have it on hand all year round.

When it comes to our four legged friends, we want to make sure we are only using the best quality products when it comes to their skin care (a dog’s pH-balanced cleansing needs are very different to ours). With that in mind it’s no wonder their bathing routines are starting to resemble our own liking for spa-style indulgence. Below we've selected our current favourite dog grooming products currently on the market

A dog's paw pads are naturally tough, but they can still be damaged by cold weather, rough terrain, road salt and other surfaces. Once the pad surface breaks, it can be challenging to heal, and may even lead to infection. Specialised dog balms and waxes can moisturise and soothe cracked paws. Some can also protect against cold ground and potentially dangerous substances. Below we have listed our favourite balms currently on the market.

Meet Otis, the East London cockapoo who loves nothing more than swimming. You’ll find him practicing his doggy paddle anywhere there is water. From Hackney marshes to the beaches in Devon and even enjoying a swim in the pool at a French chateau while on his summer vacation. After a quick dip he likes to snack on these carrot and kale homemade treats, full of everything he needs refuel and get back in the pool.