Free guides for UK dog owners
Animal Welfare
Practical, vet-informed advice on the everyday and seasonal worries that come with owning a dog: what to look out for, what to do, and when to call your vet.
In an emergency, call your vet or nearest out-of-hours vet straight away. Suspected poisoning? See what to do first. Dog in difficulty in water? Don’t go in after them, call 999. Find a 24-hour vet near you.
What to watch for through the year
Seasons and celebrations
Fireworks, Christmas, heatwaves, ice and autumn walks.
Fireworks and Bonfire NightHow to prepare early, set up a safe den and support a frightened dog through firework season.Read the guideChristmas and the festive seasonChocolate, mince pies, cooked bones, decorations and visitors: the festive hazards vets see most.Read the guideHot weather and heatstroke in dogsHow dogs overheat, the signs of heatstroke, first aid, hot cars and hot pavements.Read the guideCold weather, ice and winter walksFrozen water, antifreeze, road grit, dark evenings and keeping older dogs comfortable in winter.Read the guideAutumn walksWoodland hazards from August to November, including seasonal canine illness and harvest mites.Read the guide
Water and swimming
Rivers, lakes, ponds, the sea and blue-green algae.
Dogs and swimmingWhere and when it is safe for your dog to swim, and the risks in each type of water and season.Read the guideBlue-green algaeHow to recognise toxic algae blooms, the symptoms of poisoning, and what to do straight away.Read the guideBeach and sea safety for dogsTides, rip currents, sea water, jellyfish and seasonal beach bans, plus what to do if your dog gets into trouble.Read the guide
Countryside and outdoors
Ticks, adders, grass seeds, stings and more.
Ticks, Lyme disease and how to remove a tickWhere ticks live, how to check your dog, safe removal, and the illnesses they can carry.Read the guideAdder bitesWhere adders live, when bites are most likely, the signs and the right first aid.Read the guideGrass seedsHow grass seeds work their way into dogs, the warning signs, and simple checks after walks.Read the guideLungworm, slugs and snailsHow dogs catch lungworm, the signs to watch for, and why routine prevention matters.Read the guideBee and wasp stingsFirst aid for stings, and the warning signs of a serious reaction.Read the guideAlabama rotA rare but serious disease. What the skin sores look like and why early vet checks matter.Read the guide
Food and poisons
Toxic foods, what to do if they eat something, bones.
Foods that are toxic to dogsChocolate, grapes and raisins, xylitol, onions and other everyday foods that can poison dogs.Read the guideWhat to do if your dog eats something poisonousThe first steps to take, what not to do, and the information your vet will need.Read the guideBones for dogsWhy cooked bones are dangerous, how raw bones differ, and how to offer chews safely.Read the guide
Behaviour and everyday life
Separation anxiety, travel, theft and older dogs.
Separation anxietySigns of separation-related problems, why they happen, and gentle ways to help.Read the guideCar travel and travel sicknessRestraining your dog safely, helping a nervous or sick traveller, and why cars get dangerously hot.Read the guideDog theft, microchips and IDSimple steps to reduce the risk of theft, your legal ID duties, and what to do if your dog goes missing.Read the guideCaring for an older dogCommon changes in senior dogs, signs that need a vet check, and ways to keep them comfortable.Read the guide
These guides are general information for UK dog owners and are not a substitute for advice from your vet.
