We use cookies to help us improve website user experience. By continuing to use this site or closing this panel, you agree to our use of cookies. See our cookie policy

Our blog

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.

Things To Know About German Shepherds | Dog Breeds

Things To Know About German Shepherds | Dog Breeds
Posted on by Petplan
This article contains: dog German Shepherd
Praised for their bravery on the battlefield, this highly intelligent dog breed is one of the nation's favourites. From the PetPeople magazine archiveFamous for working alongside the police, the German Shepherd is a highly sought-after pet, jumping onto the podium in third place behind Labradors and Yorkshire Terriers as one of the nation's favourite pooches. Also known as an Alsatian, this breed is a large, solidly built, handsome dog with a sharp intellect and loyal nature.

Cats and kidney disease - what you really need to know

Cats and kidney disease - what you really need to know
Posted on by Petplan
This article contains: cat excessive drinking kidney disease
Q: My cat, Florence, doesn't normally drink that much, but lately drinks from a bowl, which is unusual for her. Also, I can only get her to eat tuna, which I know won't give her all she needs and she is losing weight. What should I do? A: This does sound like something you should bring to the attention of your vet, as Florence seems to be exhibiting the telltale signs of kidney disease. Excessive drinking, or polydipsia,

How to conquer 'little dog syndrome'

How to conquer 'little dog syndrome'
Posted on by Petplan
This article contains: dog aggression barking
Q: I have an 18-month-old Yorkshire Terrier called Butler who barks like mad when anybody comes in the house. When I take him for a walk he tries to bite people's ankles. Can you help?A: This sounds like a classic case of 'little dog syndrome', where your dog is nervous and uses aggression to keep people away. If the barking has gone on for the first 18 months of Butler's life, then

How to teach your dog to seek by scent

How to teach your dog to seek by scent
Posted on by Petplan
This article contains: dog dog training toilet training

Ever wondered how police sniffer dogs learn their trade? The basics of seeking by smell serve as a stimulating game for your pet

 

Step 1

Buy a hollow KONG toy or similar and lock away all your dog's other toys. One person holds the dog while you throw the toy along the floor and say 'Seek'. Let him fetch, praise him for releasing it and repeat. Stop after 10 minutes. Do this three times daily for three days, locking away the toy in between. If your dog is uninterested, put dog treats in the toy and let him sniff it first.

Step 2

Now we 'up' the training. Show the dog the toy, throw it out of sight behind a chair, and say 'Seek'. If the dog finds the toy, throw the toy in increasingly hard-to-find places, but always praise him. Your dog is now using his nose more, as he can't see where you've thrown the toy.

Step 3

Now it's time to add more fun. Your partner holds the dog while you hold the toy visibly, walk into the next room and hide it. Walk back in, excitedly say, 'Seek' and let him go. Follow him, saying 'Seek' enthusiastically. Once he finds the toy, throw it across the room like a normal retrieve game a few times and praise him. Put the toy away until the next lesson.

Step 4

Repeat Step 3 but this time stay out of the room and let him bring the toy to you. Praise and repeat several times (but stop before he gets bored). Over time you can use other objects or hide the toy in a jacket pocket. Your dog will soon be doing what he truly loves: on a command, using his terrific sense of smell to track down a specific object.

What to do about your cat's runny eye

What to do about your cat's runny eye
Posted on by Petplan
This article contains: cat infections eyes
Q: My cat constantly has a runny eye. I have tried creams from the vet, but it keeps coming back. Any ideas?A: Your cat may be suffering from a blocked tear duct, where the lubricating fluids produced by the tissues around the eye are unable to drain properly,
Lightbulb

Look no further

We are pet specialists and have an unrivaled knowledge of pet health and unlike many other insurers. That's why we've designed our policies to cover as many conditions as possible, and are able to pay 97% of all the claims we receive.