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Welcome to Petplan’s blog, a space where you can read up on the latest pet-news, find out interesting facts and tips about keeping your pets happy and healthy, and share your views on hot topics.

What questions should I ask my dog walker? Insurance, credentials, safety and more

What questions should I ask my dog walker? Insurance, credentials, safety and more
Posted on by Petplan
This article contains: Dog insurance Dog walkers Dog business
Taking your dog out for an early morning walk or an evening stroll is one of the most rewarding parts of having a pet – but sometimes time constraints or other factors mean it’s just not possible.

While professional dog walkers used to be something only LA film stars would consider, they are increasingly becoming an option for many people who, for various reasons, are unable to give their dog the exercise they need.

But what makes a good dog walker? And how do you go about picking one? Here are six key questions that Petplan thinks you should be asking…

Stories from the surgery: why warm weather can mean fleas, ticks, lice and mites for your pet

Stories from the surgery: why warm weather can mean fleas, ticks, lice and mites for your pet
Posted on by Petplan
This article contains: advice Stories from the surgery Parasites
Each month Petplan vet Brian Faulkner reveals some of the strange, funny and sometimes difficult things he encounters in his surgery.

This month he reveals how the month of May sees a change in the illnesses and ailments he treats at his surgery…

Pet allergies: why some people are allergic to cats and dogs and how to treat it

Pet allergies: why some people are allergic to cats and dogs and how to treat it
Posted on by Petplan
This article contains: dog allergy Pet allergies Cat allergies
Many pet owners will be familiar with the particular problems that this time of year can bring – grass and pollen allergies can affect both us and our pets.

However, many people suffer allergies all year round and, unfortunately, there are thousands of people who are allergic to cats and dogs.

This can prove problematic for people with pets, regardless of whether it’s them themselves that have allergies or close friends and family who also come into contact with their pets.

Petplan takes a look at what causes this issue in some people and if there’s anything that can be done to treat it…

The pros and cons of a raw food diet for dogs

The pros and cons of a raw food diet for dogs
Posted on by Petplan
The latest issue of Petplan’s PetPeople magazine featured an article by animal nutritionist Marge Chandler on the risks of raw food diets for dogs (scroll down to read it).

This article caused plenty of debate on our Facebook and Twitter feeds, with people in favour of the diet keen to point out its potential benefits.

To provide the other side of the story, we spoke to Liesbet Lester, a vet and advocate of the diet...

Kitten and puppy proofing your home: how to keep them safe and away from danger

Kitten and puppy proofing your home: how to keep them safe and away from danger
Posted on by Petplan
This article contains: Puppies Kittens
Baby proofing a house is something every new parent knows they need to do – but making sure your home is safe for any new pets is also vitally important.

Whether you have a boisterous new puppy or an inquisitive kitten, there are plenty of dangers in any home that can cause injury or distress to your new arrival

Petplan explores just a few of the things you need to consider when pet proofing the different rooms in your home…

What should you do if you find a stray cat?

What should you do if you find a stray cat?
Posted on by Petplan
This article contains: cats petplan advice
According to the Blue Cross, the number of stray cats in the UK is on the increase and a stray can often be hungry, frightened or even sick or injured.

Because of the often difficult decisions that need to be made if you come across an injured cat, it’s important to know what to do should you find one.

Petplan has put together some useful advice should you find a stray cat with some help from our friends at the Blue Cross…

Petplan Find a Pet: top 10 most popular cat breeds

Petplan Find a Pet: top 10 most popular cat breeds
Posted on by Petplan
This article contains: cats Find a Pet Kittens
Petplan’s free Find a Pet service allows you to search for kittens, puppies, cats and dogs for sale and rehoming across the UK.

It’s a wonderful place for responsible breeders to advertise and find new homes for their animals and for would-be owners to find themselves the perfect pet.

We’ve put together our 10 most popular cat breeds from the site along with some helpful information about the typical personality and temperament of each breed…

Can brushing your dog’s teeth cure bad breath?

Can brushing your dog’s teeth cure bad breath?
Posted on by Petplan
This article contains:
Whether you’ve got a Chihuahua or a Doberman, all dogs can been prone to bad breath.

But did you know that bad breath can often indicate more serious health and dental problems?

Just like humans, dogs can develop dental problems like plaque build-up, gingivitis and tartar which not only contribute to bad breath but can actually lead to serious issues like heart, liver, and kidney disease.

Brushing your dog’s teeth is the best way to combat bad breath and Petplan has put together some useful advice to help you get started…

Petplan’s key points for responsible pet ownership

Petplan’s key points for responsible pet ownership
Posted on by Petplan
This article contains: microchipping exercise holidays cats dogs
Getting a pet can bring a lot of happiness to both you and your new cat, dog or any other furry friend you welcome into your home.

However, it’s also a serious commitment with many important duties to consider that may not be immediately apparent – responsible pet ownership consists of more than simply feeding and playing with your pet.

Here are some things to bear in mind before and after you get a new pet…

Petplan reveals the truth behind common dog myths

Petplan reveals the truth behind common dog myths
Posted on by Petplan
This article contains: dogs petplan advice
Whether it's an old wives tale or something you’ve found recently online, there is no shortage of conflicting and misleading information available about dogs.

While it’s all meant to be helpful, some of it can cause undue distress to owners and pets, which is why getting the facts straight is so crucial.

Thankfully, Petplan is here to help! We’ve found some of the more common myths surrounding dogs and revealed the truth behind these claims…

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