Almost everybody has a favorite dog breed. Whether you’re an experienced dog parent or you simply like spending time with friends’ pups, there’s probably a breed or two that you can’t get enough of.

But while all canines deserve plenty of the best dog treats, Rover’s Most Popular Dog and Cat Breeds Report reveals the most popular breeds across the US – and non-designer mixed breeds have come out on top this year.

They’re followed by the Labrador Retriever, and completing the top three is the golden retriever, overtaking the goldendoodle, which was top last year but has slipped to fourth place.

Completing the top 10 are German Shepherds, Chihuahuas, French Bulldogs, dachshunds, shih tzus, and Yorkshire Terriers.

The American Kennel Club also releases a list of the most popular dog breeds each year. In the most recent list, French Bulldogs were top for the third year in a row. They were followed by the Labrador Retriever, which previously held the top spot for over three decades, as well as the golden retriever, German Shepherd, and poodle. Unlike the Rover report, however, the AKC doesn’t recognize mixed breeds.

Rover also looked at the rarest dog breeds, which are the Japanese Spitz, Spinone Italiano, and Gordon Setter. Dog parents taking part in the report voted the pit bull as the most photogenic and most likely to be trending on social media, while the golden retriever and German Shepherd came in at second and third most photogenic.

Sixty-seven percent of respondents described loyalty as the most desirable trait or characteristic when choosing a new dog, while 58% said size.

And what about cats? The most popular cats in the US are the American Shorthair, domestic shorthair (last year’s winner), and the domestic longhair. The rarest breeds are the Ural Rex, Suffolk, and Sokoke, while the Maine Coon is the most photogenic cat breed.

Almost a third (32%) of cat parents described temperament and appearance as the most important factors when getting a cat, while 71% said that cuddliness was the most desired personality trait.

Read next: Most unusual dog breeds

We usually associate dementia with humans, but cats can develop feline dementia, or cognitive dysfunction, as they get older, too.

The symptoms of dementia in cats, like confusion and sleep problems, mirror those experienced by humans.

Increased vocalization, particularly meowing, is also common in cats with dementia, as is a change in appetite.

A new study published in the European Journal of Neuroscience has found that the brains of cats with dementia change in a similar way to those of people with Alzheimer’s disease, the most common type of dementia. This may help us to better study dementia in humans, the researchers have said.

Scientists found a build-up of the toxic protein amyloid-beta in the brains of cats with dementia, something also found in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s. This helps us learn how the protein leads to age-related brain dysfunction and memory loss in cats.

Scientists at the University of Edinburgh examined the brains of 25 cats after they’d died, including cats who’d shown signs of feline dementia. They found build-ups of amyloid-beta within the synapses, connections between brain cells, of senior cats and cats with dementia.

They also discovered that astrocytes and microglia, both support cells found in the brain, ‘ate’ the synapses affected. Known as synaptic pruning, the process is important when the brain is developing but can contribute to synapse loss in dementia.

Synapses allow messages to travel between brain cells and are important when it comes to keeping the brain healthy. When they’re affected, it’s likely to lead to memory and cognitive issues.

The findings will help us both understand and learn to manage dementia in cats, but dementia in humans, too. Previously, scientists have had to rely on rodent models, but rodents don’t naturally develop dementia. So, studying cats who’ve died with dementia could aid research and help develop treatments.

Dr Robert McGeachan, study lead from the University of Edinburgh's Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, said: "Dementia is a devastating disease – whether it affects humans, cats, or dogs. Our findings highlight the striking similarities between feline dementia and Alzheimer's disease in people.

“This opens the door to exploring whether promising new treatments for human Alzheimer's disease could also help our aging pets.”

Professor Danièlle Gunn-Moore, Personal Chair of Feline Medicine at the same vet school, added: "Feline dementia is so distressing for the cat and for its person. It is by undertaking studies like this that we will understand how best to treat them. This will be wonderful for the cats, their owners, people with Alzheimer's and their loved ones. Feline dementia is the perfect natural model for Alzheimer's, everyone benefits."

Read next: 32 tips for taking care of senior cats

Hearing dogs are some of the most heroic animals, helping to support people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

But these clever pups need to undergo training first. And one cat helps them along the way. Siamese cat Frank, who lives in the town of High Wycombe in the UK, northwest of London, with his owner Julie Shute, spends time with dogs in training to see how they react to him. This helps Hearing Dogs for Deaf People assess whether the dogs would be able to live with someone who has cats.

"Frank is proving to be a great addition to our training team,” said Rachel Broadley, dog training instructor at the organization’s Buckinghamshire training hub, via BBC News. "It's not a job that would suit every cat, but as a confident boy who loves dogs, he is already best friends with trainee puppy Kasper."

The charity trains dogs to recognize sounds like smoke alarms, doorbells, and baby monitors, and Frank begins his work by meeting trainee dogs through a glass door.

He then rests on Shute’s lap with the dog in reach, to see how the canine will behave. Shute said, "When a dog comes up to Frank, I can tell by his body language if he's comfortable around them.

"Throughout the whole interaction, he's always free to jump out of the way or leave the room. But if he's comfortable, his muscles will relax, and the dog can then come closer to sniff him."

If a dog barks, backs away, or appears over-interested, they might not be the right fit to live with a cat parent – here’s what to know about dogs and cats living together for more information.

Frank gets a reward, of course. After each training session he gets to eat roast chicken pieces, his favorite snack.

Shute explained that Frank got involved with training by accident, when she volunteered herself and was given a cockapoo puppy, Gizmo.

"They ate, slept, and played together,” she explained. “My trainer at the time observed this and asked if it would be possible for other hearing dog puppies to visit Frank to see if they could be matched with a deaf partner who already had a pet cat.”

Frank went on to earn the title of ‘chief cat tester’ through his work.

Read next: 7 amazing jobs that working dogs do

Cats hate water, right? In popular culture, the life of a feline consists of eating fish, chasing mice, fighting with dogs, and running from the sight of water.

While some cats do love water, even going for a swim, there is some truth to the stereotype. If you’ve ever tried to give your kitty a wash and ended up covered in scratches despite promises of the best cat treats, you’ll be able to testify.

So, why do cats hate water, and what can we do to help keep them clean? Dr Aimee Warner, resident vet at Waggel, has all the information we need.

It’s partly due to the way cats evolved, as Dr Warner explains. “When we see a cat 'overreacting' to water, we're witnessing millions of years of evolution in action,” she explains. “Their ancestors survived by avoiding water, and that programming is so strong it overrides logic. Understanding this changes everything about how we approach feline hygiene."

Domestic cats are descended from the African wildcat, which tends to live in desert climates where there isn’t a lot of water. The reason cats are so adept at grooming themselves is so they don’t have to depend on water.

So, do cats need baths? Well, when cats get wet, their fur doesn’t provide as much insulation, and so can make them feel colder and more vulnerable. They can’t regulate temperature as well, and can’t move as quickly. They lose their natural scent markers, too. As Dr Warner adds, "It's not stubbornness. It's genuine distress. Their nervous system is telling them they're in danger."

So, here’s what she recommends instead of battling at bath time:

• Opt for daily brushing instead: If you spend five minutes a day on brushing, you’ll remove dirt and distribute natural oils more than less frequent baths. Make sure you choose the right brush for your feline, so use a slicker brush (like this one on Amazon) for long hair and a rubber brush (like this one) for short hair.
• Spot-clean: Use cat-friendly wipes and dry shampoos (like this one) to tackle specific areas, like dirty paws or faces. You can keep your cat clean without getting their entire body wet.
• Utilize positive reinforcement: If you take things slow and reward your cat, they’re more likely to grow to enjoy brushing. By building their trust over time, you’ll make things like nail trimming or checking their teeth easier, too.
• Keep water for emergencies only: Make sure you reserve bath time for emergencies. For example, if your cat gets into a dangerous substance, is very unwell, and a bath would help, or they’ve soiled themselves to the point where it could pose a health risk.

"Sometimes safety trumps comfort," Dr Warner says. "If your cat gets into something dangerous, quick action matters more than their preferences. But we can minimise the stress."

If you must bathe your cat, she recommends keeping the room warm, using shallow lukewarm water and a non-slip surface, putting on a calm voice, and wrapping them in a warm towel straight after.

"Save the water battles for true emergencies," Dr Warner summarizes. "Your cat will be healthier, happier, and your relationship will be stronger when you work with their instincts instead of against them."

Read next: How to give a cat a flea bath

Edited by Georgia Guerin.

For any dog parent, your pup’s health is going to be a concern. But dental health can sometimes be overlooked, meaning that our dogs might be suffering in silence.

You might brush your dog’s teeth on a regular basis or give them the best dental chews for a healthy mouth, but a new study from Purina Dentalife has found that almost a third of dog parents (30%) ignore bad breath, assuming that it’s normal for dogs despite 42% of all respondents saying their dog has it, while a quarter can’t tell if their dogs’ teeth and gums are in good shape.

Almost one quarter have noticed their pup struggling to eat, while 23% have noticed inflamed gums, and 13% have seen their dog pawing at their mouth.

More than a third have even delayed a vet visit in the past, hoping that dental issues will “sort themselves out,” with only 41% saying they’d go straight to the vet, while just 25% link symptoms like drooling or behavioral changes to tooth and gum issues.

For 22%, the internet is the first place to seek out information, with 32% searching for information about their dog’s health and behavior online each week, but a whopping 74% find themselves more confused than when they started. Can you use regular toothpaste on dogs, for example?

Spokesperson Dr Paul Manktelow said: “Dental disease affects over 80% of dogs over the age of three and often goes unnoticed. Early signs like bad breath, red or swollen gums, and tartar build-up can be easily missed, but the infection can progress and impact a dog’s overall health.

“That’s why daily dental care matters. Regular brushing is ideal, but many owners find it challenging.”

He added: “If your dog has persistent bad breath, red or bleeding gums, stops eating, or seems in pain, it’s time to call your vet. These can all be signs of dental disease that needs treatment. For general advice on prevention, like how to start a dental care routine – stick to trusted sources, but if you’re ever unsure, always speak to a vet.”

More than 60% of dog parents give their pet chews or sticks to help, while 43% take them to the vet for professional cleaning, and 40% brush their teeth at home. Of those pet parents who don’t brush their dog’s teeth, a third (34%) said their dog won’t let them, while 14% say it isn’t necessary – here’s how to clean a dog’s teeth without brushing.

If you’d like to know how to better care for your pup’s mouth, here’s how to keep dog teeth clean with tips from a vet. Take a look at our list of dog gum diseases and five vet-approved ways to prevent them, too.

Usually, we think of dogs as being the pets who have jobs, but cats can make some really important contributions, too.

One feline in particular deserves all of the best cat treats after helping scientists discover a new virus strain. It’s the second time that seven-year-old Pepper has done so, thanks to the black shorthair’s habit of dropping his prey off on the front mat of his home.

His cat dad is John Lednicky, a virologist at the University of Florida, who brings the carcasses to his lab. Recently, Pepper gifted Lednicky a chewed-up Everglades short-tailed shrew. Lednicky took it to his lab in Gainesville, and he found out with his team that the shrew was carrying a mutated new strain of orthoreovirus.

This virus is usually found in bats, deer, lions, and monkeys, and can jump between species.

“We wouldn’t have found it without him,” Lednicky said, via the New York Post. The Gainesville shrew mammalian orthoreovirus type 3 strain UF-1 was detected and extracted by PhD student Emily DeRuyter, who co-authored the study.

“I wish I could put [Pepper] as a co-author,” joked Lednicky.

When the virus infects humans, it’s usually mild or symptomless, but it has contributed to rare cases of meningitis, encephalitis, and gastroenteritis in children. Because orthoreoviruses are quite understudied, however, researchers aren’t quite sure about the spread and severity.

“We don’t know enough about this strain to say that it would be a risk to anyone yet,” said DeRuyter, explaining that it most often causes problems in people with weakened immune systems.

Last year, the clever cat helped uncover a novel jeilongvirus, a rare virus found in rodents that can affect multiple species and was the first of its nature to be found in the UK, when he brought his dad a dead mouse.

The team grew the virus in the lab, giving them the opportunity to examine its traits. “Ideally, animal studies would be done to determine whether the virus causes illness in rodents and other small animals,” said Lednicky at the time. “Eventually, we need to determine if it has affected humans in Gainesville and the rest of Florida.”

Fortunately, Pepper didn’t seem to have been affected by his involvement with the mouse.

“Cats, in general, evolved to eat rodents, and are not sickened by the viruses carried by rodents,” said Lednicky at the time, “But we have to do tests to see whether the virus affects pets, and humans.”

Read next: Why do cats play with their prey? And, should you intervene if your cat catches a mouse?

Who doesn’t love a bit of sightseeing when on vacation, or enjoying a day off in your own city?

Well, now dogs can get in on the action, too, with some sightseeing on their own. Earlier this month, Helsinki launched the first-ever sightseeing tour for dogs to coincide with the Finnish capital hosting the World Dog Show last weekend.

The Doggy Route to Happiness takes in a dog-sized Sibelius Monument, a pop-up dog café (some of the best dog treats, anyone?), a dog island, a dog-friendly DJ set, and advertising targeted toward our furry friends, too.

The tour launched at the weekend with almost 20,000 canine visitors to the city. Finland was named as the happiest country in the world for the eighth consecutive year in March, and the tour is part of a bid to extend that happiness to dogs, too. Take a look at Visit Helsinki’s dog’s guide for more information about what the city’s pups get up to.

“Pets boost happiness,” said Soila Lehkonen, the Head of Brand & PR in Helsinki Partners, responsible for the city’s international marketing. “This time, we wanted to bring attractions to some of the city’s most beloved outdoor spots – places that both dog owners and their dogs can enjoy together. We hope as many people as possible will come and experience familiar landmarks from a dog’s perspective.”

The Stickelius Monument, which honors the iconic Sibelius Monument devoted to the composer Jean Sibelius, was curated by local rescue dog Neris. The pup has become well-known in Finland for collecting sticks and turning them into a public art installation known as the Stick Gallery, or Keppigalleria.

There’s also a stop at Café Dogatta, which is located next to the famous Café Regatta, and photographer Fanny Haga was there on Saturday to take custom dog portraits in front of a dog-sized photo wall.

However, the main attraction is Rajasaari Island, a dog-friendly island complete with forests, beaches, and water. The President and Prime Minister of Finland both live nearby, too, and have been seen with their dogs on the island.

The World Dog Show, meanwhile, was hosted by the Finnish Kennel Club at the Messukeskus Expo and Convention Centre. A Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, Black Majesty Some Say, and her dog mom Iva Raič won Best in Show.

Over 15,000 dogs participated over the weekend, with the most registered breeds being the Labrador Retriever, Finnish Lapphund, golden retriever, and Dalmatian. They came from 73 different countries, ranging from Finland and nearby Sweden and Poland to as far afield as Peru, Singapore, and Australia.

Wherever you are in the world, here are 10 signs your dog is happy. Meanwhile, here’s how to bond with your dog in 10 simple steps

Most of us would agree that all dogs are cute, right? The World’s Ugliest Dog contest was held at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California, last week (August 8), and even the canines vying to win here all had a certain charm.

Petunia, a hairless Bulldog, was crowned the winner, so she’s hopefully receiving plenty of the best dog treats as a reward. The two-year-old English-French Bulldog mix is the latest winner of the annual contest, and gets $5,000 and the opportunity to appear on limited-edition cans of Mug Root Bear, too.

Petunia and her dog mom, Shannon Nyman, made the journey south from Eugene, Oregon. The New York Times reported that she was rescued from “a backyard breeder and hoarder” in Las Vegas and brought to Oregon by Luvable Dog Rescue. She required surgery to correct an elongated palate, a condition that affects breathing and eating and is more common in brachycephalic, or flat-faced breeds.

She is a “gentle soul who adores other dogs, cats, and people, “ per The New York Times.

The contest, which “celebrates the imperfections that make all dogs special and unique,” has been running for almost 50 years. Among the other contenders this year were eight-year-old Chinese Crested Little Prince Wonder and Chihuahua Nezumi, 13.

Last year’s winner was an eight-year-old Pekingese, Wild Thang, with organizers saying at the time, “Despite facing numerous challenges, including surviving distemper as a puppy, Wild Thang has emerged as a healthy and happy ‘glugly’ [glamorous/ugly] guy.”

The distemper stopped his teeth from growing in, which means that his tongue stays out of his mouth.

The year before, Scooter, a seven-year-old Chinese Crested with mohawk-like hair, was the winner. He was born with deformed legs and used a cart to help him get around. In 2022, meanwhile, the Chihuahua mix Mr Happy Face was crowned the ugliest dog.

Then there’s Peggy. A cross between a Chihuahua and a Chinese Crested, she won the title of Britain’s Ugliest Dog in 2023 and became a famous dog in her native UK. Last year, she even appeared in Marvel’s Deadpool & Wolverine as Dogpool, winning two Fidos Awards and walking the red carpet with Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman at the movie’s premiere in London.

If you’d like to enter your own pup into the World’s Ugliest Dog contest next year, you can do so on the Sonoma-Marin Fair’s website, where more information for next year’s contest will be shared nearer the time.

Read next: Cutest dog breeds and English Bulldog vs French Bulldog

Every pet parent wants to keep their children safe, and that’s no different wherever you are in the world.

Whether you’re looking for the best dog leashes or the right food for your cat, health and safety are always at the forefront of our minds.

And over in the Netherlands, the city of Amsterdam is taking measures to help cats stay safe in the water, spending up to €100,000 ($116,000) on the installation of steps along its canals.

It’s hoped that the wooden staircases will help cats and other animals avoid drowning in places where there are high walls, after animal welfare organization Dierenambulance Amsterdam reported that 19 cats have drowned in the city’s canals in the last six months, including six right in the city center.

Judith Krom from the Party for the Animals (PvdD) suggested that the city put an unused fund of €100,000 in its biodiversity plan toward the steps. And, on July 10, the Amsterdam City Council voted in favor of the proposal.

Zita Pels, councillor for animal welfare, supported the motion already, but funding was lacking until authorities decided to put the unused €100,000 toward it.

“A simple measure can prevent enormous animal suffering,” said Krom. “The adopted motion demonstrates that as a city, we take responsibility for protecting the lives of animals.”

The council will work with Dierenambulance to highlight areas where cats are most likely to drown, and steps will be installed at these locations later on in the year.

It’s not just Amsterdam that’s aiming to keep animals safe around canals, however. The nearby city of Amersfoot announced in June that 300 cat traps along its quays and canal are to be constructed later on in the year. Councillor Johnas van Lammeren said: “Unfortunately, animals that end up in water in areas with high quays or quay walls can't get out and drown.

“Together with the animal ambulance, a research agency, and residents from Vathorst and other areas, we've mapped out where cat traps are needed. We'll be installing hundreds of them in the coming period, preventing a great deal of animal suffering.”

Read next: Why do cats hate water? Or find out which cat breeds like water

Amid the devastating flooding that’s taken place in Texas this month, hundreds of animals have been affected.

Shelters have rescued as many as they’re able to, with other animals unfortunately still out there. And one dog, Ziva, was found alive after being trapped for 16 hours, all thanks to one of the best GPS trackers for pets.

Erin Doguet left for Colorado to celebrate the Fourth of July on July 3, leaving her Texas ranch and its 200 animals in the care of her sister, Shannon, and a petsitter, Taelyn. Helping them would be Ziva, an eight-year-old Turkish Kangal, and two-year-old Central Asian Shepherd, Una.

However, on July 4, Doguet found out that Ziva had disappeared. She “took off after a predator or possibly also spooked by the big storm, causing her to end up on the back section of the ranch, which is bordered by the Medina River,” Doguet told People. “As she crossed the river, the flood waters rose swiftly, trapping her.”

Fortunately, Doguet had previously fitted both of her dogs with Tractive GPS collars to help her see where they were when working on the ranch. So, though Doguet’s sister and petsitter didn’t know where Ziva was, she did.

"While I was away, I was tracking Ziva on the Tractive app, helping guide Shannon and Taelyn to her,” she explained. “I shared Ziva's tracker location and access to the app with Shannon so she could track her as well on the ground. The app worked flawlessly in guiding us to her location.”

Shannon and Taelyn couldn’t see Ziva when they arrived in the right place. However, the Tractive app has an option to play a sound from the collar. This helped Shannon find Ziva, who was trapped in a flooded gully and was difficult to spot.

Doguet explained, “Ziva was found trapped in a flooded gully along the flooded Medina River. The roaring river blocked any escape back home, and the three other sides were too steep and slick for her to climb out on her own.”

She added that she “burst into tears” when Ziva was found alive. Because the collar kept reporting that the dog was in the same location for hours, she was worried that she had died.

Ziva was trapped for about 16 hours altogether, but survived with little physical damage. She was so tired that she wasn’t able to help Shannon and Taelyn pull her to safety, and she “guzzled water and slept for the next 12 hours” once she got home. Fortunately, however, there doesn’t appear to be any lasting damage.

If you’d like to support the animals affected by the floods, the Best Friends Animal Society is raising money for its emergency response fund. Our article about how to help the pets and wildlife caught up in the Californian wildfires earlier this year offers some helpful advice, too.

The World Surfing Dog Championships returned to San Francisco on Saturday (August 2) with almost 20 pups taking part.

The annual contest takes place on Pacifica State Beach and draws thousands of spectators, all excited to watch the dogs competing against their peers for a chance to win. In some of the heats, multiple dogs surfed in tandem, while in others, they rode with people.

Judges noted how long the dogs remained on their boards, how long they could hold their balance, and whether they performed any tricks – some dogs could even turn around while surfing.

The winners all walked away with medals (and no doubt some of the best dog treats), but it was Cacau, a Labrador from Brazil, who retained her title of grand champion from last year.

Iza, a five-year-old French Bulldog, won the single surfer heat for medium-size dogs for the first time, with her dog dad David Fasoli telling the Associated Press he found “pure joy” when he taught his pup to surf during the pandemic.

“I have a disability – I only have one hand – so a nonsporting human combined with a nonsporting dog breed, we are kind of phenomenal, defying the odds of what people think we’re capable of doing,” he added.

Ten-year-old Labrador Charlie, meanwhile, loves to surf so much that he’ll grab his surfboard and run over to the water. If his parents, Maria and Jeff Nieboer, want to talk to their friends on the beach first, they have to hide his board. Charlie entered the extra-large single surfer heat and also surfed tandem with two other dogs, Maria sharing that “he loves the crowd.”

He doesn’t need to be rewarded with treats, either, Jeff adding, “Charlie does what Charlie wants to do once we’re in the water.”

Rosie, another Lab who surfed tandem with Charlie, was in four heats, and dog dad Steve Drottar said that the four-year-old is “stoked” whenever they go surfing.

“It’s like, hey, we actually did something today, right? We did something together as a team,” he said. “And the fact that you can do something as a team with your dog creates a different bond than you have when you just take your dog for a walk.”

He explained that he knows Rosie feels a sense of accomplishment after she goes surfing because she wags her tail harder than usual and loves to snuggle on the couch. “It feels like she’s saying, ‘Thank you’,” he added.

Read next: 32 ways dogs benefit from swimming

Two things we know about cats are that they’re pretty intelligent and that they’re creatures of habit and routine.

Despite their love for routine, cats can often be curious, too. It’s partly because they’re so smart, but also because curiosity would help them hide from predators and catch prey in the wild, or the best cat treats when hidden at home. But, maybe cats aren’t quite as curious as we thought.

That’s if a new study from the University of Sussex is anything to go by. The research, published in the journal PLOS One earlier this month, found that cats don’t track objects once they’re out of sight, unlike dogs, apes, and human infants.

Researchers wanted to find out whether cats would demonstrate level 6 object permanence. In other words, the understanding that objects still exist even if they’re moved out of sight in a way that isn’t directly observed. They expected that cats would, given their curiosity and hunting behaviors, but that wasn’t the case (nevertheless, you can find out if cats are smarter than dogs here!).

In the experiment, a toy was hidden and then revealed in either the original location or an unexpected one. Researchers used two boxes, obscuring and moving them before either swapping them (a violation event) or returning them to their original places (expected event).

Surprisingly, the cats showed more interest when the toy was revealed in the original location. Cats were more likely to play with the toy when it reappeared in the original location. And, they looked at the toy for longer when expected events occurred before violation events.

"Cats were able to discriminate between expected and unexpected events, but in the opposite direction of what our existing knowledge in infants and dogs would otherwise suggest,” explained Jemma Forman, Doctoral Researcher at the University of Sussex. “These findings support the movement towards cat-friendly methods of research to better understand what our feline friends are thinking.”

Study co-author Jordan S Rowe added: “Cats can exhibit avoidant or hesitant behaviour around unfamiliar humans, which can affect their engagement in cognitive tasks. Here, we found that cats were more likely to play with the toy, but less likely to interact with the boxes, when events were presented by a stranger rather than their owner. These findings suggest that cats still show a general interest in cognitive tasks, but display complex behaviours in the presence of an unfamiliar person."

Interestingly, certain cats – female, indoor-only, and mixed-breed cats, as well as those from multi-cat households – were more likely to show interest in the toy.

The researchers told PetsRadar that no “solid conclusions” can be drawn as to why yet, but that indoor-only cats may have been more interested if they’re more used to toys being an enrichment activity, as opposed to cats with outdoor access who have additional enrichment from the outside.

“Because we had unexpectedly found that cats were more interested in consistent events [rather than violation events], Researchers surprised to find cats engage more with predictable than surprise events, and seek further investigation for the reasons why this was the case for our sample of cats,” they added. “The large amount of research into object permanence would suggest that cats should have been more interested in violation events [instead of consistent events]. From the results of our study, we would suggest that this points to a motivational explanation instead of a cognitive explanation.”

Read next: 13 fun cat brain facts that will blow your mind

Even choosing to get a dog in the first place is a big decision for a family to make, so deciding on which dog can be even more difficult.

There’s so much to consider. You might have favorite breeds – perhaps those you grew up with as a child yourself – or be weighing up whether to opt for a puppy or an older dog. Of course, breed is a factor that most people will – and should – consider, but one expert claims that there are actually better things to focus on.

Indeed, Rosie Bescoby, a qualified and practicing dog behaviorist working with Pure Pet Food, believes that upbringing and training are more important than finding the best family dog breeds. It goes against a lot of popular thinking, so let’s take a look at what she believes.

“The foundation of a dog’s temperament is laid in their genetics and those crucial first weeks of life,” Rosie begins. “A responsible breeder will prioritize calm, well-adjusted parents and provide puppies with consistent exposure to different environments and people, including children. This early experience shapes confidence, resilience, and the ability to thrive in a busy family setting far more than breed alone.”

Bescoby explains that all dogs could potentially bite somebody if they feel scared or threatened, and that there’s no “bite-proof” dog out there. It’s important to be a responsible dog parent, reading dog body language and behavior and making sure that children learn to interact with dogs calmly and respectfully.

To that end, the experts at Pure Pet Food have these four key tips to remember when choosing a family dog:

1. Choose a responsible breeder: If you’re buying from a breeder rather than adopting, ensure you find a responsible one by visiting their home first and meeting the puppy’s parents to observe their temperaments. The breeder should be happy to share details including health records with you.

2. Ask about training and socialization: Puppies who’ve been raised in calm environments with exposure to sounds and people will grow into confident dogs. It’s well worth asking the breeder about their socialization schedule, and interactions with children and other pets.

3. Teach children how to behave around dogs: Choosing the right dog is one thing, but it’s just as important to teach children how to behave around them (and here’s how to introduce a dog to a baby). Teach them about dog body language, and establish rules like not approaching the dog when they’re eating or sleeping.

4. Ensure adult supervision: Young children should never be left alone with dogs, even small puppies or calm and gentle senior dogs. Supervising them at all times is vital to keep everyone safe, but it also gives you great opportunities to talk about the dog together and teach them more about dog body language and signals.

Read next: 12 things you should know about having a baby when you’ve already got a dog

Do you ever catch yourself just gazing at your cat while they’re sleeping? Whether they’re curled up on your lap, they’ve contorted themselves into the strangest sleep position, or they’re simply purring away, sleeping cats are seriously cute.

One thing you may have noticed is that your cat likes to sleep on their left side when they’re in one of the best cat beds or snoozing on the couch. A new study has found that cats prefer to sleep on this side, with researchers from Italy, Germany, Canada, Switzerland, and Turkey working together to find out more about their sleeping habits.

The team around Dr Sevim Isparta and Professor Onur Güntürkün wanted to find out whether cats prefer to sleep on a particular side. So, they analyzed several hundred YouTube videos of sleeping cats.

Publishing their findings in the journal Current Biology, they reported back on the 408 videos they viewed. In all videos, a single cat needed to be clearly visible with their entire body sleeping on one side for at least ten seconds. Only original videos were used, with modified or flipped clips excluded.

Two-thirds of the videos showed cats sleeping on their left side.

The researchers consider sleeping on their left side to have had an evolutionary advantage for cats – helping them hunt and escape after they wake up. Cats, of course, would be pretty vulnerable while asleep in the wild, and they sleep for at least half the day, so this makes a lot of sense for them.

Cats who sleep on their left side perceive their surroundings with their left visual field. This is processed in the right hemisphere of the brain, which specializes in spatial awareness, the processing of threats, and the coordination of movements allowing the animal to escape.

Essentially, if a cat sleeps on their left, visual information goes to the right side of their brain, which is best at processing it.

"Asymmetries in behavior can have advantages because both hemispheres of the brain specialize in different tasks," explained Professor Güntürkün.

The researchers summarized: “Sleeping on the left side can therefore be a survival strategy.”

Read next: Why does my cat sleep by my head?

There are all sorts of useful pet products on the market, allowing us to keep an eye on our furry friends when we’re out of the house, providing them with lots of physical and mental stimulation, and making our lives easier.

But moving beyond the current best pet cameras and the best automatic litter boxes, what sort of products would you like to see produced in the future? Pet Drugs Online, one of the UK’s largest suppliers of veterinary medication online and animal care products, spoke to 2,000 pet parents based in the country to find out just what our hopes are for pet products going forward over the next 20 years.

In the not-so-distant past, this would have sounded like something from a sci-fi movie, but a huge 40% of pet parents are hoping for technology that translates barks and meows – who needs Dr Dolittle?

If pet parents could ask their cat or dog one thing, 20% would like to ask about their physical health, while 17% would check in about their happiness.

Surveyed pet owners reported that they hoped for:

• devices that automatically pick up poop (34%)
• technology that can help reduce a pet’s anxiety (29%)
• pet beds that change temperature based on how their pet feels (26%)
• smart home appliances controlled by barks and meows (14%)
• AI animals to be a ‘friend’ to their pet (13%)
• public transport purely for pets and owners (13%)

Sarah Page-Jones, head of veterinary compliance at Pet Drugs Online, said: “This research paints an exciting picture of the future of pet care. We've come a long way already, with tech inventions such as automatic feeders, cameras and DNA testing kits, but there are still so many opportunities.”

She added: “With the busy lives pet owners now lead, cameras are great to keep an eye on what pets are up to, but we’re surely not far off seeing AI pet-sitters! It’s clear pet owners are eager for even more innovation, especially when it comes to the health of their pets and everyday convenience.

“We know that the focuses we have on human health always trickle down to the priorities pet owners have for their companions, seen through food and nutritional demand over the past decade. Looking ahead, pets’ mental health will likely become more important to owners, as it has for humans in recent years.”

Read next: As a pet writer and pet parent here is a list of things I could not resist buying

A police dog who took part in the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II has died following a car crash.

Five-year-old Bert, a Springer Spaniel, was one of two dogs in a Cleveland Police canine support unit vehicle when it crashed with a BMW in the town of Hartlepool in northern England on Thursday evening (July 17). They had been at work when responding to an emergency incident at the time.

Both animals were taken to a vet, and the other dog was found to be unharmed, but Bert was euthanized due to the severity of his injuries, per BBC News. The police officer in the vehicle suffered minor injuries.

A 33-year-old man was arrested at the scene and was later charged with drunk driving. He has been bailed and is set to appear in court on August 1. The police force has launched an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the collision.

Cleveland Police said that Bert had served as a sniffer dog for three and a half years, helping find drugs, cash, and firearms. In one search, he detected £250,000 (about $336,000) in cash.

In a tribute on Facebook, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland wrote: “We're devastated to learn of the passing of PD Bert. Our thoughts are with PD Bert's handler, the Dog Support Unit and everyone in the Cleveland Police family. Thank you for your service PD Bert, rest easy.”

In 2022, Bert was deployed to London to help out with the Queen’s funeral. At the time, it was the largest ever ceremonial police operation, per the National Police Chiefs’ Council. There were more than 50 service dogs trained in explosives and firearms detection deployed altogether, with search dogs helping patrol town and city centres during the UK’s mourning period for the late monarch, too.

The service, which was held at Westminster Abbey in London on September 19, eleven days after Elizabeth died aged 96, was attended by 2,000 people, including then-US President and First Lady Joe and Jill Biden and members of European royal families.

The Queen’s Corgis, Muick and Sandy, were also present at the funeral and could be seen waiting with staff as the cortege arrived at Windsor Castle. Her Fell pony, Carltonlima Emma, was present too. The Queen, a patron of the Fell Pony Society, would ride Emma even well into her nineties.

Read next: Royal family’s dogs

Adopting a dog is a huge commitment, and for most people, it will involve browsing online, visiting local rescues and shelters, and falling in love with one of the animals there.

Some people, however, find themselves becoming dog parents through less conventional means, often entirely by chance. Take April Billak, who found a dog tied up in the backyard when she went to visit her new home and went on to give her a new life filled with the best dog treats and toys.

Billak found 10-year-old Molly tied up alone in the yard when she went to tour her new home – the previous owners left her behind when they moved. In the real estate purchase agreement, they said that they didn’t want to take their pets, including Molly and a cat, and said they’d leave them behind for the new homeowners “if desired”.

“During the house purchasing process, we were worried about what would happen with the dog,” she told People. “So we put it in the purchase agreement to make sure something worse didn’t happen to her.”

Billak knew she needed to keep the dog, and as soon as the offer was accepted she untied her and let her explore again. She said that she “wasn’t trying to hate on” the previous owners, because she wasn’t aware of their situation, but added: “I just wanted to make sure she was safe and going to be OK.”

She also urged people who might find themselves in a similar situation “to do whatever to help the dog,” and said she’d “love” for people to adopt rather than buy dogs more generally – take these dog adoption tips on board if you’d like to explore the idea.

When she first shared Molly’s story on TikTok, the video went viral and has since amassed over 33 million views and four million likes. “Bless you guys,” wrote one comment, while another said, “You have a wonderful heart!”

Since then, Molly and her feline sibling have been happily settling into life with their new family, and Billak has been keeping fans updated on TikTok at @mollysnewlife. In one video, she’s being taken off the leash for the first time, while in another, she’s being comforted while scared of the thunder outside.

Of course, Billak’s situation isn’t very common, but if you’re ever in a similar situation, here’s what to do if you find a lost dog. Meanwhile, here are eight things you need to know before getting a rescue dog

In an ideal world, we’d spend as much time with our pets as possible. Other aspects of life, like work, often get in the way, but potential new laws in Australia could require dog parents to spend a minimum amount of time with their pets each day regardless of other commitments.

The Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs has been proposed in the Australian Capital Territory – which contains the Australian capital city, Canberra, and is surrounded by the state of New South Wales – and would mean that dog parents would need to spend a minimum of three hours with their pup each day. It’s not just this, however – the legislation would cover everything from surgical debarking to the use of the best dog leashes.

“This Code aims to ensure that all dogs receive proper treatment consistent with the need to maintain their comfort, security, physical and mental wellbeing at all times,” it states. If you’d like some help yourself, here’s how to deal with a badly behaved dog, as well as lots of reasons to avoid using punishment with your pet.

The plan, which is on public exhibition until August 22, has proved divisive among pet parents with some asking how aspects of it would be enforced.

Tam Goddard, who has had her rescue Kelpie, Ruff, for seven years, told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that the legislation “doesn’t seem to be well thought through,” asking what lawmakers define as “human contact” in the context of the code and how it would be policed.

"We have a lot of problems with the budget, with the health system. Call me a cynic, but maybe this is a diversionary tactic," she added.

However, Rhiannon Kwateng, of RSPCA ACT, supported the proposed legislation, saying that most dog parents are already spending more than three hours with their canines and that the code would ensure they all meet their pets’ mental needs.

She acknowledged that enforcement could be difficult and could be worked out once the laws are decided upon. In terms of defining “human contact,” she said: "It's just being with them. Dogs are so social and just having that moment of being in the same room is meeting their basic needs," she said. "Dogs are extremely social creatures. They love their human."

The ACT has a strong recent track record when it comes to animal welfare. In 2019, with the Animal Welfare Legislation Amendment Bill, the territory became the first jurisdiction in the world to recognize animals as sentient beings rather than property.

As part of the bill, punishments for animal cruelty were made more severe, while new offenses such as hitting or kicking an animal, abandonment, or confinement in a car likely to cause injury, stress or death were added. A person is also legally allowed to break into a car to protect an animal providing there are no other feasible options, like calling the police.

The new proposed legislation, however, goes one step further. If you’re a resident, you can have your say and tell the government what you think here.

Read next: How long can you leave a dog alone? or Australian dog breeds

For many of us, it’s been seriously warm lately. You might have had fun playing with your pets in the yard or making sure they’re cozy yet cool indoors, but have you been keeping an eye out for signs of dehydration?

Even if you have one of the best pet water fountains or keep their bowls topped up with fresh water regularly, dehydration is still possible—and it can sometimes even be fatal. So, it’s important to know the signs. And that’s why Dr Aimee Warner, resident veterinarian at Waggel, has explained everything we need to know to prevent dehydration in our pets.

How to prevent dehydration in pets

1. Encourage hydration

Don’t wait for your pet to feel thirsty. By the time they seek out water, they could already be experiencing dehydration.

Dr Warner advises placing multiple water bowls around the home and yard to encourage them to drink regularly and regularly offering your dog water during walks. Because cats often prefer running water, fountains can be a great option for them, too.

2. Know the subtle signs of dehydration

“Dry gums, lethargy, sunken eyes, and skin that doesn’t bounce back quickly when pinched can all signal dehydration,” says Dr Warner.

She also highlights a lack of grooming and changes in energy and appetite as signs of dehydration in cats, who naturally hide signs of discomfort. In dogs, look for excessive panting, excessive drooling, and disorientation.

3. Incorporate hydration into their food

Wet food provides moisture. You could offer pet-safe frozen items – ice cubes, pet-friendly fruits, and frozen broth cubes – or mix a splash of water into your dog’s food.

In some cases, pets may benefit from rehydration solutions (like this one from Amazon).

4. Adjust routines when warm

If you have indoor pets, ensure that you can offer them cool, shaded spaces and good ventilation, while it’s best to walk dogs when it’s cooler. Asphalt and pavements can burn their paws, and too much exertion when it’s hot can cause heatstroke and dehydration in dogs.

You can also offer the best pet cooling mats to keep your pets comfortable.

5. Don’t leave pets in cars or enclosed spaces

It should go without saying, but pets are still dying in hot cars. Even if you leave the window open slightly, the risk simply isn’t worth it.

6. Practice hydration throughout the year

“While heat is a major trigger, dehydration can also occur indoors during winter or after vigorous play,” says Dr Warner. “Make hydration part of your daily care routine.”

Drr Warner summarizes: “Hydration is one of the most fundamental aspects of pet health. Whether you have a dog bounding through the park or a cat curled up in a sunbeam, hydration is one of the simplest and most effective ways to safeguard their health. It’s easy to overlook—but it’s never worth the risk,” adding: “Prevention isn’t just important, it’s lifesaving.”

Read next: How long can cats go without water? And how much water should my dog drink?

For many of us, the hot weather is showing no signs of subsiding. But while it’s definitely welcome for a lot of people, humans and animals alike can be at risk during a heatwave.

You’re probably wondering the best ways to keep a dog cool or how to cool down your cat. Pet-sitting platform TrustedHousesitters has teamed up with expert veterinarian Dr Lily Richards to offer some more advice. This way, we can all have fun in the sun while also reducing the risk of danger.

“During heatwaves, it is of great importance that your pets are summer ready too. Make sure they are up to date with their health checks and vaccinations to ensure they stay safe and can enjoy the sunshine with you,” she says. So, let’s take a look at her top five tips.

1. Keep up with grooming: As Dr Richards says, "Brushing our pets and keeping long-haired breeds’ fur trimmed in the summertime helps them shed their thicker undercoat, ensuring they don't overheat in the sun while enjoying time with the family."

2. Don’t leave pets in the car: Doing so even for just a few minutes can be fatal. According to research in the UK, car interiors can reach 130°F, far beyond what’s safe for animals. If you need to run errands, leave your pets at home with plenty of drinking water available for them.

3. Use pet-friendly sunscreen: It’s not just for humans! Our pets can suffer sunburn, too, and pets with white fur and hairless pets are at the most risk of sun-related cancers. However, says Dr Richards, special sunscreen for dogs and cats is needed.

“Don't be tempted to use human suncream; some of them contain zinc, salicylates, and propylene glycol, which are toxic to pets, and can cause problems if ingested.”

4. Consider switching up your walks: In a heatwave, the asphalt surface on the ground can be painful and burn your dog’s paws. There’s also a risk that they become dehydrated when walking in the heat.

Dr Richards advises walking dogs when it’s cooler, and taking particular care with older, younger, and flat-faced dogs. And remember: if the sidewalk is too hot your bare hand for five seconds, it’s too hot for your pup’s paws and therefore too hot to be walking them.

5. Check for insects: With hot weather often comes insects, like wasps, bees, and other creatures that sting. Yards, balconies, patios, and terraces are often inhabited by insects, but their stings can trigger allergic reactions in our pets. Sweep your outdoor areas for nests and get professionals in to remove them.

Read next: Vet's guide to heatsroke in dogs

As a cat mom of four, I know how frustrating it can be when your cat decides to tear up your carpets with their claws. While the best scratching posts for cats can help, this scratching pad – on sale for under $8 – goes one step further, as you can attach it directly to your furniture and surfaces.

Having a place to scratch is essential for your cat's health and happiness, keeping their claws trim and tidy while relieving stress and anxiety. So, if you don’t have one already or need an upgrade, now is the time to add it to your basket while it’s 43% off.

From couches and chairs to walls and doors, this scratching pad will attach to just about anything! Unlike traditional posts that are clunky and take up lots of space, these pads can be neatly hidden out of sight – perfect for smaller homes.

So, what do Amazon reviewers have to say about it? More than 400 customers have given it a five-star review, praising its ease of application, durability, and good value for money. Some of their cats even enjoy climbing up it as a fun activity!

The pad is made from 0.14-inch felt, which the manufacturer says has a "realistic carpet material," tricking your feline into thinking it's the real thing. You can also wrap it around your existing scratching post if it’s in need of a refresher.

Benefits of cat scratching pads

✅ Takes up less space than a scratching post
✅ Can help reduce stress and anxiety
✅ Helps maintain healthy claws
✅ Allows your cat to mark their territory and communicate with other cats
✅ Promotes stretching and flexibility
✅ Cats are less likely to attack furniture

How long do Prime Day deals last?

Unfortunately, the Amazon Prime Day deals are ending tonight (July 11), so you don't have long to snag yourself a bargain.

Want more pet deals? Check out this WFH cat desk at its lowest price ever or this microchip automatic feeder that's $93 off. You might also want to learn how PetsRadar finds the best deals

Edited by Georgia Guerin.

Microchip feeders are the easiest way to stop your cats from stealing each other's food – and I've just spotted this premium model with a saving of $93 in the Amazon Prime Day sale.

So how do they work? Each cat has their own bowl, which only opens for them. It's registered to their unique microchip number (or to an electronic ID tag fitted on their collar), and the bowl detects which cat is attempting to eat the food.

This is particularly helpful if your cats need to be on different diets – whether due to medical conditions or age – or if one of them is getting a little too greedy for their own good and becoming overweight.

It might look a little intimidating to set up, but our testers reassured me that it's super easy to get the hang of – simply press the 'add pet' button, encourage your cat to go near the food bowl, and the device will pair with your cat. Every time they go up to their bowl in the future, it will open just for them.

Don't worry if your cat isn't microchipped yet – the feeder comes with an electronic ID disk that you can attach to their collar, which works in the same way. It's compatible with most microchip numbers, including ISO and 15-digit styles.

I love how it works with both the best wet cat food and the best dry cat food, so you have flexibility in what you feed them. The closed lid and ice pack compartment ensure their food stays fresh – unlike traditional bowls that attract flies and stink out your home.

The bowl itself is made from food-grade materials, free from BPA and phthalates, and it's easy to remove and pop in the dishwasher after each use. There's nothing worse than cleaning smelly wet cat food from a bowl, so it's great how quick it is to clean!

The feeder is compatible with cats and small dogs (between 2–10 kg), and it has a tamper-resistant design to stop even the slickest of thieves, with fully enclosed sides.

Whether your pets are on separate diets or one of them is struggling to eat due to food anxiety, this bowl is going to save you so much time and energy trying to put them in different rooms or move them away from each other's bowls. It's expensive for good reason, so I'd definitely jump on this 43% discount today while it's still available.

How long do Prime Day deals last?

The Prime Day sale ends tonight (July 11), so we wouldn’t leave your basket hanging much longer!

For more Prime Day savings, check out this WFH cat desk at its lowest price ever or this discounted Frontline flea treatment under $30. You might also want to learn how PetsRadar finds the best deals

Edited by Georgia Guerin.

The average length of time a dog spends in a shelter is said to be a few months, though this can vary a lot depending on factors like temperament, age, and breed.

One dog in UK, however, has been making headlines because he’s been at a shelter for three years but has only been visited once. While he’s no doubt getting plenty of the best dog treats from staff and volunteers, they’ve been raising awareness to help him find his forever home.

Flash, a nine-year-old Lurcher, found himself at Dogs Trust Darlington in the north of England in July 2022. Since then, he has become one of the longest residents at the site, which can care for around 100 dogs altogether.

The staff even held an open day for Flash, inviting the public to come and meet him, but nobody turned up, something rehoming center manager Nikki Holroyd described as “heartbreaking”.

"He still had a good day out of his kennel socializing with the staff, so a good day for him but a little unfortunate and sad for us,” she said, via BBC News.

She explained that the staff were confused as to why there’s been no interest in Flash – while some animals in shelters can have more complex needs and requirements, he’s “no trouble” and gets on well with people.

“Put a blanket on the floor, he'll snooze on it, chew his toy, and what he's allowed to chew, and he's just a loveable and fun dog to be around,” she added.

Dogs Trust has thrown Flash a pet’s birthday party to mark his third year there in a bid to cheer him up, but as Holroyd put it: "We obviously try and make it the best time in our care with us, but obviously we want him in a home.”

The charity has posted about Flash on social media to help raise awareness further, too. In a Facebook post, it said: “Flash is an affectionate and playful boy who loves going out on walking adventures as well as curling up on the sofa. The staff at Dogs Trust Darlington adore him and can't believe he's still in our care.”

His adoption page adds: “Flash has a playful personality that will always leave a smile on your face. He would love to find a secure garden to call his own, where he can zoom around with toys or have a snooze in the sun. Flash enjoys a fuss from his carers and is always excited to greet you.”

Read next: 8 things you need to know before getting a rescue dog

As a former dog mom, I know how ridiculously expensive the best dog food can get. So when I jumped on Amazon to check out the latest Prime Day deals, I couldn't believe how cheap the prices had dropped!

And I’m not talking about low-end kibble either – we’re talking double-digit discounts on premium brands like ZIWI, Blue Buffalo, and Merrick, all packed with high-quality ingredients.

To save you time and money, I’ve rounded up six of the best deals I’ve spotted on Amazon and Chewy. You can rest easy knowing these are all top-notch options, because I’ve checked the ingredients of every single one to make sure it’s good enough for your dog to eat.

For even more savings on your order, check out these Chewy coupons, selected by our team.

Best Amazon Prime Day dog deals

For more of our recommendations, check out our top picks of the best wet dog food, best dry food, and best puppy food.

How long do Prime Day deals last?

Amazon Prime Day 2025 is running for four days, from July 8–11. The sale might be longer than usual, but the deals aren't guaranteed to stick around the whole time – and there's no promise they'll come back.

Want more dog discounts? Amazon shoppers are raving about this $20 dog cooling mat and this pet camera is the lowest price I've ever seen. You might also want to learn how PetsRadar finds the best deals

Edited by Georgia Guerin.

It’s inevitable that dogs, like humans, will get older. It’s only natural that they’ll slow down somewhat, and might not be as physically and mentally sharp as they used to be.

While this is something we can prepare for by making sure we buy the best dog food and keeping our dogs active, some dogs develop cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS). This is also known as ‘doggy dementia’ due to its similarities to dementia in humans.

Signs of dementia in dogs

Dr Charlotte Rice, in-house vet at pet supplement brand YuMOVE, has shared some of the key signs to look out for. It might not be nice to think about, but it’s important to be aware so you can help and advocate for your dog.

1. Seems lost or confused in familiar settings
If your dog appears disoriented in settings that should be familiar, it could be a sign of dementia rather than just normal aging in dogs – the changes in memory and perception it causes could mean that your dog becomes more confused.

“Confusion can be stressful for these pets, so it’s important to offer reassurance and help them feel safe when they seem unsettled,” adds Dr. Rice.

2. Becomes more snappy
If your dog seems to behave differently, perhaps being more snappy or agitated, it might be down to dog dementia. Alternatively, your dog might be less interested in things.

“You can help by watching your dog’s body language during interactions, so you can support them during situations they might struggle in,” says Dr. Rice.

3. Appears more anxious
“If your normally cuddly dog starts avoiding hugs or is pacing around nervously, they might be feeling anxious,” explains Dr Rice.

“Dogs with 'dementia' can be more sensitive to different sights and sounds, which can make them feel stressed. Creating a calm, soothing environment at home will help them relax. For some dogs, keeping up a usual routine can help them feel more safe.”

4. Seems to have memory loss
Is your dog struggling to remember learned behaviors, like familiar tricks or routines? This could be a sign of CDS. Going to the bathroom on the floor is quite common in dogs who have the condition, because they forget that they shouldn’t. If your dog is doing so, it’s best to speak to your vet.

5. Sleeps more often
If your dog starts sleeping more or has changes in their sleep pattern, they could have CDS.

“They may sleep during the day but pace restlessly or sometimes even vocalize at night, disrupting their usual cycle,” adds Dr. Rice.

6. Seems to have changes in their activity patterns
“Dogs with CDS will often behave differently in general,” explains Dr Rice. “They may be more prone to pacing or wandering, rather than resting. Some dogs may stand and stare, seemingly aimlessly. They sometimes will be less interested in activities they used to enjoy, such as playing with toys or the general environment.”

Sadly, there’s no cure for CDS or doggy dementia. However, you can work with your vet to maximize your dog’s quality of life for as long as possible and keep them happy and healthy. Above all, if you have any concerns, it’s best to speak to your vet as soon as possible.

Read next: Tips for taking care of senior dogs

If your cats eat too fast for their own good, most behaviorists recommend investing in one of the best puzzle feeders for cats – and I've just found my favorite one for less than $10 in the Amazon Prime Day sale.

I've been using this feeder for the past year and have been really impressed with the results – my cats eat so much slower and no longer pester me straight away. If I didn't already have it, I'd be snapping up this 19% discount

I know this looks like a nightmare to wash, but thankfully it’s dishwasher-safe, so you won’t have to worry about cleaning each individual slot. It’s easier than you think to fill with wet food – simply squeeze your sachet on top and spread it evenly with the back of a spoon. It also works great for rationing out the best cat treats!

Catstages makes some of the best puzzle feeders I've ever tested, and I love how they're made from food-safe materials, free from BPA, PVC, and phthalates. The discount isn’t the best, but my cats also enjoy using their Buggin' Out Puzzle, which I'd highly recommend for beginners.

Puzzle feeders are the easiest way to boost your cat's enrichment; they only require a couple of minutes of your time, but will keep your cat occupied for much longer.

Benefits of cat puzzle feeders

✅Slow down eating: If your cat vomits after their meal, chances are they’re eating too quickly. By using a cat puzzle feeder, you'll significantly reduce their speed and save yourself from cleaning up the mess later.

✅Reduce destructive behavior: Boredom can lead to unwanted behaviors like aggression and overgrooming. By providing plenty of mental stimulation, you'll address the root cause of many behavioral issues.

✅Prevent overeating: When your cat eats more slowly and carefully, they’re less likely to overeat or beg for more food afterward. In turn, this can help prevent obesity and weight gain.

✅Encourage foraging instincts: Puzzle feeders tap into your cat's natural foraging and hunting instincts, keeping their brain sharp and their mind happy.

For under $10, this deal is worth snapping up!

How long do Prime Day deals last?

Amazon Prime Day 2025 will run from July 8–11, making it the first four-day event in history. The sale might be longer this year, but I've noticed some deals disappearing randomly, so I wouldn't wait around too long to avoid disappointment.

For more Prime Day savings, read about this WFH desk bed for cats that's $20 off and this two-pack of pet cameras for under $70. You might also want to learn how PetsRadar finds the best deals

Edited by Georgia Guerin.

Amazon Prime Day is back, and I've just spotted the Petcube Cam 360 for under $65 for a two-pack (for reference, these should be $53 each!). So, you'll be getting another one for just $12.

The best pet cameras are a worthy investment if you work from the office, go on vacation, or even just need to pop to the shops, as you'll be able to check whether your animal is doing OK. Our in-house vet, Dr Rebecca MacMillan, says they can be particularly helpful for monitoring training progression and separation anxiety.

I've been testing this camera for the last couple of weeks, and I think it's a brilliant budget-friendly option that ticks all the boxes I'd need. My favorite thing is the 360-panning feature that lets you look around the whole room from your phone.

It also has a speaker and microphone, allowing you to talk to and hear your pet from anywhere in the world. While it doesn't offer treat-dispensing features (like this one from Amazon does), it does everything I need to keep an eye on my cats.

As a pet writer, I've tested countless tech products like this and am often left frustrated by complicated instructions and fiddly apps. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy this was to connect to the app – and even happier that you don't need to pay for a subscription to view or download footage.

If you pay a little extra, you can sign up for motion and sound detection alerts for added peace of mind, as well as extended video history and a two-year warranty. However, you can definitely get by without it – and I don’t have any plans to upgrade.

The 1080p resolution isn’t outstanding, but it does the job for a standard pet cam, letting you see everything you need clearly. It also has night vision, making it great for round-the-clock security.

While this wouldn’t be my first pick for pet cameras on any other day, the Amazon Prime Day deal changes my mind – it’s incredible value for money, working out to just $32.50 per camera.

If you’re still feeling stuck, I’ve rounded up the pros and cons I found during testing:

How long do Prime Day deals last?

For the first time ever, Amazon Prime Day is running for four days – from July 8 to July 11. However, I've seen certain deals disappear or change within hours, so I’d recommend grabbing them while you can, as they’re not guaranteed to stick around for the whole duration.

Want more deals? Amazon shoppers are raving about this $20 dog cooling mat and this WFH cat desk is at its lowest price ever. You might also want to learn how PetsRadar finds the best deals

Edited by Georgia Guerin.

A heatwave is right around the corner, and if you don't have one of the best cooling mats for dogs, you need to jump on Amazon right now – I've just spotted a fantastic discount on this K&H Pet Cooling Bed, which is on sale for less than $23. If I had a dog, I'd be taking advantage of this 63% saving today,

So how does this cooling pad work exactly? You won’t need any electricity or wires to get started – simply fill it with water, close the valve, and your dog will have a cool new spot to chill out on.

Unlike other cooling mats, it contains no toxic gels and is BPA-free, so you won’t have to worry about leaks or chewing. The exterior is made from tough, durable nylon and vinyl that’s built to last.

The bed comes in three different sizes: small (24x17"), medium (32x22"), and large (44x32"), so you'll be able to find a comfortable fit for your dog.

Temperatures are set to soar this week, so your pet will thank you for having one of these on standby – plus, it's something you can bring out year after year.

If your dog is prone to getting hot and bothered in the heat, I've rounded up some other brilliant deals below that are sure to keep them cool:

Want to find the best Amazon Prime Day 2025 deals? Frontline's flea treatment just crashed to $27. Or, read our top tips for keeping your dog cool in the summer and how PetsRadar finds the best deals

Edited by Georgia Guerin.

I don't know about you, but my cats constantly pester me for attention when I work from home – jumping on my desk, knocking things over, and, most annoyingly, blocking the entire view of my monitor with their rear ends.

So, when I heard about the Desk Nest (an elevated cat bed that attaches to your table), I jumped at the chance to try it. I can confirm it's been a total game-changer – I can now have a productive day while getting paid to look at their adorable faces the whole time!

The only downside is that it's quite expensive, so if you're going to make the investment, I'd recommend doing so during a sale event. After doing a little digging, I found a hidden discount that will save you $20 by ticking 'apply coupon'.

Why I love it: My cats could spend all day curled up in this bed – and I'm not surprised, since it combines everything they love: being up high, having access to window views, and keeping an eye on my every move in case there are any food offerings.

The basket has a padded cushion inside that feels velvety soft, and it comes with a removable cover you can easily throw in the washing machine. Because of the material and its pale color, it does accumulate pet hair quite quickly, but this can be removed using a lint roller or the best vacuum cleaner for pet hair.

The space-saving design doesn’t take up any room on my desk, thanks to the gap between the bed and the surface – perfect for keeping paperwork out of sight.

Set-up: The bed can be attached to most types of desks (excluding glass), with an adjustable height and a rotating base that spins 360°.

Since it comes with everything you need (including picture instructions), setup is relatively easy, and it clamps onto your desk without leaving a mark. My desk is very close to the window, so I was skeptical about whether it would fit, but I was pleasantly surprised at how little space it took up.

Verdict: While there are cheaper alternatives available, I can vouch for this model being sturdy, high-quality, and wobble-free – it's something I can tell is going to last a long time.

If you're a cat parent who works from home or spends long hours at a desk, this bed is a must-have – it makes the workday ten times more fun.

Want more recommendations? Read our round-up of the best cat beds and best cat hammocks

Edited by Georgia Guerin.

Flea season is in full swing, and the best way to keep your pet protected is by investing in the best flea treatment for dogs or the best flea treatment for cats – and right now, you can save $17 on both.

Parasites like fleas and ticks aren't just a nuisance; they can cause itching, irritation, and, in the worst cases, diseases like Lyme disease, which can have fatal consequences. That’s why stocking up on the right treatment and applying it regularly is one of the most important things you can do for your animal.

As pet parents, we've tested countless flea treatments over the years as a team, and one of our favorite trusty brands is Frontline, who cater to both cats and dogs. So we were pleased to see they’re offering a 37% discount in the Amazon Prime Day sale – but we're not sure how long it will be here for.

These spot-on solutions are applied to the back of your pet's neck and will quickly start to kill existing fleas, eggs, larvae, lice, and ticks, while also preventing any further infestations. After 24 hours, the dose becomes waterproof for 30 days, so you won’t need to worry about it washing off at bath time or when they go outside.

Each pack contains three doses, offering 90 days of protection for your pet – giving you peace of mind that they won't catch anything on their adventures.

While you can also try oral tablets or shampoos, we’ve found that topical treatments like this one are the easiest to apply and often work the quickest. However, if you’d prefer an alternative method, I’ve also spotted the Seresto Cat Flea Prevention Collar and Seresto Dog Flea Prevention Collar at 25% off today.

Buying flea treatment isn’t the most exciting purchase you’ll make, which is why we like to stock up while the sales are on – and recommend you do the same.

Want to learn more? Read the difference between flea medicine vs flea collars and discover the safest flea treatment for dogs. Or, find out how PetsRadar finds the best deals.

Edited by Georgia Guerin.

Cats can be quite tricky to read sometimes, especially because they don’t wear their emotions on their faces as much as dogs.

That’s why it’s important to know what your cat is trying to say with their body language. That way, you can better meet their needs, ensure that they’re a happy and healthy cat, and put your own mind at rest too because you’ll be able to suss out what they’re thinking!

Fortunately, certified cat behaviorist Saba Sayyed, or A Cat Behaviourist, has explained everything we need to know in a new post – let’s take a look at a few key body language indicators.

1. Tail flicking
Sayyed explains that, while most cat parents think it indicates attitude or annoyance, it can actually be a sign of overstimulation, anxiety, or uncertainty – particularly if it’s low or quick.

What you can do is give your kitty some space, and let them unwind for a little while before you engage with them again.

2. Slow blinking
It might look as though your cat wants to fall asleep, but slow blinking is actually one of the best signals your cat can give you. It shows you that they trust you and feel an emotional connection.

Return the gesture by blinking slowly back at them. It’s the feline equivalent of saying ‘I love you’.

3. Ears pointing sideways
If your cat's ears are pointed sideways, your cat might be unsure about the situation, on alert, or perhaps processing sounds or environments they’re unfamiliar with. It doesn’t mean that they’re relaxed, which is a fairly common misconception.

Because your cat might be feeling a bit on edge, simply stay calm and give them some space. Try to reduce the stimulation in the environment if you can, too.

4. Tucking paws and tail
Why do cats loaf? Well, it can mean that they’re feeling relaxed. But that’s not always the case. It can mean that they’re overwhelmed and shutting down emotionally.

Just as you might if your cat’s ears are pointing sideways, give them some space, and ensure they aren’t too overstimulated or affected by the noise or overcrowding in their environment.

5. Exposing their belly
We all know a dog who loves a belly rub, but is your cat inviting you to pet them there? In fact, when your cat exposes their stomach, they’re showing you that they feel safe – cats in this position feel vulnerable, so it means they trust you.

While some cats do enjoy belly rubs, you might want to simply leave them be.

Read next: How cats show affection or signs a cat is happy

When you’re on the train, you don’t expect to see a little kitten stuck on the tracks. But that’s what happened to Portia Duke, a tour guide on the Alaska Railroad, who managed to rescue the kitten she found while working over the weekend. Willow the kitten is enjoying playing with the best cat toys in safety, while Duke is aiming to raise money for the vet care the tiny feline needs.

Duke saw the kitten while the train stopped to switch engine crew.

“We could hear it crying over all the noise the train was making,” she told PetsRadar. “We saw it and radioed the conductor for permission to be able to get off the train, but unfortunately they run on a very tight schedule so it wasn’t possible.”

She couldn’t stop thinking about the kitten after, even calling a local campground to see if they could help, but they didn’t answer.

“It was crying so loudly that any number of wild animals could hear it – plenty of predators that would love to have a little kitten for dinner. And so my heart was just breaking.”

Because Duke was struggling to sleep that night, she drove out with her boyfriend in the morning holding out for the “one-in-a-million shot” that the kitten would still be there.

“At the same time, we heard that little squeaky meow and we both just looked at each other and started walking faster, because we knew she was out there,” Duke said. “She was alive and we found her within about 10 yards of where we saw her the day before 18 hours earlier. We were both just in complete shock. We just were stunned.”

They picked her up, put her in a carrier, and began trying to find an emergency vet to better establish her condition. A vet found that Willow weighed half a pound and was about three or four weeks old, and while she needed dewormer and antibiotics, and has some minor tail issues, she’s doing “really well” and becoming playful.

“She's much more sure on her feet,” Duke shared. “She's not wobbling and falling over as much and she's developing a personality. Obviously, to be a survivor out there all that time overnight, we can tell she's very tenacious. She’s a little fighter, a little survivor.”

If you’d like to find out more about Willow’s story, or donate to help contribute to her vet costs, you can do so on Duke’s GoFundMe.

Read next: Facts about kittens

There’s nothing cuter than a little kitten, but their small size does mean that they can get into some rather sticky situations.

Not least two kittens in Cornwall in the very south of the UK, who have survived being wedged alongside boiling water pipes and are currently on the road to recovery. They’ll eventually go up for adoption – and, hopefully, the rest of their lives will be a little less dramatic.

Bill and Barb, who are just five weeks old, were hiding in a shed for shelter when they were startled and went down a pipe that contained heating pipes for the main building.

They were due to be collected with their mother, who was scheduled to be neutered as part of plans to support a semi-feral colony by Cats Protection Cornwall Cat Centre.

Jasmine Nevitte, who is the center’s receptionist and also assists with the trap-neuter-return program, said of the ordeal: “I have been working with a gentleman to neuter all the cats in a semi-feral colony that live in his garden. When I went to collect the kittens from the shed, unbeknown to either of us there was a pipe in the back corner of the shed behind some boxes with the water heating pipes running through them.

“When I entered the shed the two kittens shot down the pipe and got stuck, tangled in some cables. I managed to get the first kitten, Barb, but behind her the second kitten, Bill, had gone in head-first and got totally stuck behind and under the boiling hot water pipes.”

Because Bill couldn’t get himself out, and there was no way to cool the pipes quickly, there was pressure to get him out before he suffered serious burns or died. Nevitte could reach his legs but couldn’t keep her arm there for long due to the temperature of the pipes, so, wearing insulated work gloves and a soft-shell jacket, she pulled the hot pipes back just long enough for her to grip Bill, release his head, untangle his legs, and pull him up.

“We took both kittens straight to the vets and amazingly Barb didn’t have any significant burns,” she said. “Unfortunately, Bill’s little bottom was more badly burnt than we initially thought, and he will need close monitoring, daily bathing and he is on antibiotics and pain relief.

“Although understandably shaken up from their ordeal, both kittens are doing well and behaving like typical, playful kittens. They are gradually adjusting to life with indoor comforts and getting used to humans.”

The kittens are getting round-the-clock care and are gradually being socialized, so they’ll be able to be rehomed when they’re old enough. Because they grew up in a semi-feral colony, they would have had little or no interaction with humans so far. But, as they’re so young, they haven’t yet developed their fear response fully and can learn to trust humans over time.

If you’d like to send the kittens and their friends at the center a gift, there’s an Amazon wishlist here.

Read next: How to prepare for adopting a kitten

Dogs do an awful lot of things that we find cute, even if we don’t always understand their behavior.

You might be familiar with the way your dog behaves when they’re hoping for one of the best dog treats, or when they think they’re about to go for a walk, but what about some of the more misunderstood behaviors they engage in?

If your dog likes to nuzzle you, for example, you might be a little confused. Where does the behavior come from, and what does it tell us about dog body language? Well, fortunately, Pure Pet Food’s resident veterinary expert Dr Julian Norton – known for his UK TV series The Yorkshire Vet – has offered us an explanation.

“People sometimes ask why dogs nudge and nuzzle with their noses,” he begins. “Part of the reason is that dogs really feel part of the family and part of the tribe, and they’re trying to get attention by nuzzling you.

He adds: “It’s quite endearing. I think it’s a bit like when dogs come and lick us on our face or hands or that sort of thing. They’re just really wanting to be part of the family and get some attention.”

Nuzzling us to get attention while also showing that they feel part of the family? That sounds like pretty standard canine logic to us.

But, what about the other cute things dogs do? Dr Norton has also spoken about tail wagging, explaining that it doesn’t always mean a dog is happy – this is actually one of the most common pet myths.

“Look at the height, speed, and stiffness of the wag,” he says. “A high and loose wag often means your dog is pleased to see you, while a low, tense wag could signal uncertainty or fear. Learning what a wagging tail really means can help you get a better sense of your dog’s mood.”

Licking, meanwhile, is a social behavior that dogs can use as a way of bonding with us or checking in with us to see how we’re feeling. It’s something canines do to each other in the wild, so it’s no different for our more domestic dogs.

And, what about smiling? Sometimes, dogs can pull their lips back in such a way that it looks like a human smile, even though they don’t smile in the same way we do. “When this expression is paired with relaxed, playful body language like a wagging tail it means that they are feeling happy and ready to play,” Dr Norton tells us.

Read next: Most playful dog breeds

Dogs are often stereotyped as being happy-go-lucky and carefree, and many often are. But did you know that an awful lot of dogs are actually displaying signs of anxiety?

We all want to be the best dog owner and give our pups the best lives, filled with lots of love. However, despite our best efforts, a new study published in the Scientific Reports journal suggests that a huge 70% of dogs display anxiety-related behaviors, from compulsive licking to noise sensitivity to separation-related issues.

Separation anxiety is one of the most common forms of anxiety experienced by dogs. In extreme cases, it can be triggered when you leave the room, but more often it occurs when your dog’s left home alone or if you drop them off with the groomer, for example.

With noise sensitivity anxiety, the first trigger that comes to mind is probably fireworks – we know how much pets don’t like them (and here’s how to calm your dog during fireworks). But any unusual, loud, or high-pitched sounds can cause anxiety, from thunder during a storm to noises made by digital equipment.

Some dogs have social anxiety, while others can develop anxiety in older age due to cognitive changes. Some have guarding anxiety, and display aggression if someone approaches their space, food, or toys.

There are differences between sex and breed – female dogs are more likely to be fearful whereas male dogs are more likely to show aggression, for example – and it’s worth noting that a dog who displays a behavior related to anxiety may not have anxiety to the point where there’s a big impact on their daily life. However, the figures do make for worrying reading.

Dogs, like humans, can produce as much as 90% of their serotonin in their gut, and disruption to their gut microbiome can contribute to anxiety, as well as other issues like skin problems and digestive distress – here’s how to improve dog gut health for more information.

Because this can be caused by things like allergens, processed foods, and low-quality proteins, the vet-founded pet nutrition brand Omni is launching a range of gut-friendly and hypoallergenic foods. Each recipe, developed by vet Dr Guy Sandelowsky, uses novel proteins in order to reduce inflammation and support digestion, immunity, and behavior.

Read next: 5 things a trainer wishes people knew about anxious dogs

Has your dog ever been a blood donor? Just like humans who donate blood, dogs can save lives by donating – it gives other canines a second chance at life.

One pup, who lives at a shelter in Texas, has been called a hero for donating blood to a dangerously anemic puppy who arrived at the shelter the smallest of his litter.

Bronson, a one-and-a-half-year-old terrier and Pit Bull mix, is currently waiting for his forever family at the non-profit rescue shelter Austin Pets Alive!, and took a break from playing with the best dog toys to step in and save the life of his new sheltermate.

Nemo was just one month old when he arrived at the shelter with his mother and siblings, and was “dangerously anemic” – there weren’t enough red blood cells supplying oxygen to his body. Pale dog gums are sometimes a sign of anemia, while it can be caused by even some common everyday items.

The shelter shared footage of Bronson being very well-behaved as the staff draw blood from him, before little Nemo is seen receiving the transfusion. It added alongside the footage, “Thanks to Bronson – and the daily, quick-thinking support of our clinic team – Nemo is doing so much better and is now in foster care with a few of his siblings.”

Nemo is doing well, but is still the smallest of his litter and he has a cloudy eye, which could indicate a vision impairment. Bronson, meanwhile, is still up for adoption after he was found abandoned and tied to a pole in the shelter’s parking lot last month. No microchip was detected, and nobody came forward to claim him.

According to the shelter, Bronson is a “goofy, high-energy adult pup with the heart of a puppy, a love for zoomies, a talent for stealing the spotlight with his giant expressive ears, and a joyful spirit that guarantees endless fun and affection.

“From being left behind to becoming a literal lifesaver, Bronson’s journey is a powerful reminder of how every animal has worth, and every one of them deserves a chance.”

If you’d like to find out more about Bronson, you can take a closer look on the shelter’s website.

Read next: I’ve had my rescue dog for six months, here are six things I’ve learned

Adopting an older cat is one of the kindest things a pet parent can do. Getting a cat from a shelter or rescue is already a wonderful thing to do, but with so much demand for kittens and younger cats, giving older cats a second chance is great.

While most adopted cats live out the rest of their days at home with the best cat treats, however, one cat parent returned seven-year-old Art back to the Pasadena Humane Society in California for being “too needy” shortly after they adopted him.

The shelter shared the news on Facebook, urging people to consider giving the “Velcro kitty” a forever home. It noted that his clingy nature and energetic personality made his first adopter a bad match, but that many others would find them a positive, describing Art as a cat who “always wants to be the center of attention, and will show off his perfectly fluffy belly to make sure that happens."

Fortunately, Art has found a new home – the shelter confirmed to People that he’s got his forever home with an owner who’s a much better fit. The shelter explained that, while his first adopter was experienced with cats, she wanted more of a lap cat. While Art was certainly affectionate, he’d sometimes bite or swat at her while playing.

Because she thought that they may not have been a good fit for each other, she brought him back. There were no hard feelings, however, with the shelter describing it as a “wise decision” – he even caused her to bleed after biting her too hard.

But after the initial post about Art being returned went viral, the shelter confirmed that, happily, he was “quickly adopted by another very experienced cat family” who had experience with more “feisty” felines.

Art was first brought to the Pasadena Humane Society in January, following the Eaton Fire – one of the Californian wildfires that caused so much damage earlier this year.

The shelter said: “We suspected that he was an outdoor community cat, but no one came forward to reclaim him. While he was here, he interacted with our volunteers positively, but would occasionally give indications that he was a little nervous with people.”

While Art now has his loving forever home, there are lots of other cats at the shelter who still need families. Recently, the shelter took in 19 cats who were found in a stolen U-Haul, and they’re expected to be available for adoption in the near future.

Read next: Reasons to adopt a cat and tips for taking care of senior cats

We’re right in the thick of summer, and many areas have been experiencing heatwaves. Dozens of people have been hospitalized across North America in recent days, and people are being urged to keep themselves safe.

But it’s not just humans who are affected by heatwaves, of course. Our pets can suffer in the heat, too. Your dog might enjoy getting respite in the water when it’s hot, but this can also be dangerous if blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, is present – if you set your dog free from one of the best dog leashes on your walk, it’s important to keep an eye on where they’re going.

Fortunately, Dr Sean McCormack, head vet at Tails.com, has outlined the risks of blue-green algae, and we all need to know.

First of all, blue-green algae often aren’t visible to the naked eye, so you might not realize their presence. But when it blooms and forms clumps, you’ll notice its soup-like appearance and pea-green color. It shouldn’t be confused with green algae, which looks more like a stringy plant.

Not all blue-green algae are toxic, but some strains can be harmful, potentially causing the following symptoms – both humans and dogs can be affected, but the impact on dogs may be more severe:

• Vomiting and nausea
• Skin irritation
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Excessive drooling
• Disorientation or confusion
• Difficulty breathing
• Seizures
• Weakness, collapse, and unconsciousness

The toxins produced by blue-green algae can interfere with your dog’s liver function, and in some cases, exposure to these toxins can be fatal or cause serious lasting health problems.

If you are thinking of taking your dog swimming, or letting them in the water on a walk, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid letting them enter any water that might be suspicious. Instead, Dr McCormack advises visiting a dog-friendly swimming pool with your pup – there are lots of ways your dog benefits from swimming, so there are alternatives if you don’t want them to miss out. You could also invest in one of the best dog swimming pools for your back yard so that your dog can enjoy water safely.

“If you suspect your dog has come into contact with blue-green algae or ingested contaminated water, contact your vet immediately,” he adds. “Unfortunately, there is currently no specific antidote for blue-green algae poisoning in dogs. Prompt treatment is vital to reduce the chances of serious or lasting health effects.”

Your vet may induce vomiting if it hasn’t been long since your dog ingested the algae. If it’s a more serious case, however, a spell in intensive care may be required.

Read next: Heatstroke in dogs or 7 vet-approved ways to keep your dog cool this summer

Does your dog love greeting people? If your dog gets a bit too overexcited when there’s a visitor or they see someone they know on a walk, you’re in the same position as a lot of other dog parents – it’s quite a common problem.

But, as you’ll probably be aware, not everyone wants to be greeted quite so enthusiastically. Even people who like dogs don’t always want one jumping up at them.

If you’d like to teach your pup to greet people in a calmer manner with nothing more than yourself and some of the best dog treats, certified dog trainer Melissa Goodman of Mission Pawsitive has got the advice you need – keep reading to find out what she recommends.

“What I did to teach this dog not to jump all over people was build in some impulse control so we could put saying ‘Hi’ on cue, giving her a specific way to interact that helps keep four paws on the ground and disengage quickly,” Goodman says.

By keeping it short, you’re preventing excitement from building up – which is a huge part of how to stop a dog from jumping up. And, that the handler – in this scenario, you – gives the reward makes disengaging a more valuable option than the greeting. Keep your dog on their leash and don’t let your dog go over and greet the other person until they’re given the cue. Then, ensure you have your rewards to hand for when they come back to you.

“Within 10 minutes, I could pet her without getting jumped on,” Goodman adds, explaining that the end goal is having a dog who people can pet calmly, before they go back to their parent to get their reward.

“Jumping when excited is a normal dog behavior, and they don’t understand that most humans don’t enjoy that,” she explains in the caption. “You have to teach them how you do want them to greet. Not just tell them ‘no’ or punish it another way.”

You don’t want to stop your dog from being happy and excited. Rather, you want them to be able to control themselves just enough so that their excitement doesn’t then cross over into undesirable behavior.

Read next: I tried everything to get my dog to stop jumping up, here’s what actually worked or highest jumping dogs

Being a pet parent isn’t always easy, but, many of our struggles pale in comparison to those faced by others, like one dog dad who was rescued at sea last week.

A lifeboat crew rescued a man and his dog, who were believed to have spent three days at sea in an inflatable dinghy, off the coast of the UK last week (June 18). The crew picked them up between Brighton Marina and Brighton Palace Pier on England’s southern coast on Wednesday.

It’s thought that the man, who gave his name as Barry, is originally from Afghanistan, and found the dog, a Lancashire Heeler (a small herding dog) he named Bella, in a refugee camp in France. After a red flare was spotted at 6:30pm in the evening, emergency services launched a rescue operation and they were able to bring them both ashore about an hour later.

They are believed to have been drifting for three days after the dinghy’s engine failed, but an HM Coastguard spokesperson said that the man was found “safe and well”, via the BBC.

A coastguard helicopter, coastguard rescue teams from Shoreham and Newhaven, and lifeboats from Shoreham and Brighton were all deployed, while Sussex Police said that they had assisted – and that the man and his dog were passed to Border Force officials.

Dogs can benefit from swimming but, if you take your dog around bodies of water, it’s important to keep them (and yourself) safe – and wise to invest in a dog life jacket (like this one). Always keep your dog on a leash when near fast-flowing water or any cliff edges, and – while it might be tempting – don’t go after them if they swim too far out. Find a place they can get to safely and call them.

If you’re in the US and need emergency assistance, dial 911 and ask for the Coast Guard. Don’t go in the water after your pup, as this could make matters worse.

Read next: Best swimming pools for dogs

Where there are pets, you’ll often also find fleas. Unfortunately, our furry friends make great hosts for fleas because of their warm bodies and their fur. But that doesn’t make them any less annoying.

Because fleas are both irritating and potentially dangerous, it’s important to know how to tackle them. There’s often a surge in flea infestations over the summer months, too, so it’s vital to be informed – and every pet owner needs to know how to get rid of fleas.

Dr Aimee Warner, resident veterinarian at Waggel, offer six tips to help keep your pets safe this summer, so let’s take a look:

1. Watch for signs beyond scratching
“Scratching is common but not the only sign,” says Dr Warner. “Watch for red, inflamed skin, hair loss, flea droppings (black specks in the fur), and behavioral changes like irritability or restlessness. Some dogs also suffer allergic reactions to flea bites."

2. Treat pet and home alike
Because fleas spend most of their life in the environment rather than on your pet, make sure you treat the furniture, bedding, and carpets – there could be hundreds of fleas earlier in the life cycle hiding there.

3. Keep on top of your prevention routine
Dr Warner advises grooming your pet with a fine-toothed flea comb on a regular basis, as well as washing their bedding in hot water each week and vacuuming frequently. Seal and dispose of vacuum bags as soon as you can.

4. Create a flea-resistant environment
"Keep your garden maintained as fleas thrive in shady, moist areas with organic debris,” says Dr Warner. “Regularly mow lawns, remove leaf litter, and restrict wildlife access to your yard when possible, as wild animals can introduce fleas to your environment."

5. Choose the best products for your pets
Products prescribed by your vet can often be more effective than those you buy over the counter – and can be tailored to your pet’s lifestyle, too. If you’re concerned about the impact of flea treatments on the environment, too, you may want to ask your vet about eco-conscious alternatives. Here’s our pick of the best flea treatments for dogs and best flea treatments for cats – and, remember the dog fleas vs cat fleas differences.

6. Keep on top of things throughout the year
While the summer can often be worse, fleas also enjoy homes with central heating, so you might find them in the winter, too.

“Skipping treatments in colder months can lead to a resurgence when you least expect it,” explains Dr. Warner.

With many fleas carrying tapeworms and bacteria – among other things – keeping on top of fleas is vital to keeping everyone safe.

Dr Warner summarizes: “The health implications of fleas extend far beyond your pet. By implementing proper prevention measures, you're protecting your entire household. The minor cost and effort of regular flea treatment are insignificant compared to dealing with a full-blown infestation or treating diseases they transmit."

Read next: Why isn’t my flea treatment working?

Is there anything better than watching animals from different species become the best of friends? The human-canine and human-feline bonds can be extremely strong, of course, but what about that between cat and horse?

Cupcake, a mini pony, has ‘adopted’ a barn cat, Rocky, and their bond has gone viral. While Rocky might happily go to his humans for the best cat treats, he’ll go to Cupcake for plenty of attention too.

The miniature pony has her own foal, Strawberry Shortcake, too, but she’s more than happy for Rocky to join them. Cupcake’s mom posted a video of the trio on TikTok, writing, “Cupcake has two kids now, she adopted a cat” and adding in the caption, “Happy family, seriously have you ever seen this before mare and foal accepting a cat into their family.”

Of course, Cupcake’s followers loved the interspecies friendship, one writing, “Cats do communal kitten raising so [he’s] there to help.” Another pointed out that cat and foal are almost the same size, while one more said, “I noticed the cat photobombing in earlier videos…precious.”

In another video, Rocky and Strawberry are lying next to each other in the barn with the caption reading, “Ever seen a cat and a pony snoozing together, then Rocky wanted to wake her up to play.”

In the comments on another video of Strawberry, Cupcake’s mom revealed that her arrival was a surprise. “I couldn’t believe it,” she wrote. “It was so unexpected, I was completely shocked. I’m so glad it happened and all went well.”

She shared another video in which she approaches Cupcake before turning to show Strawberry in the corner, with the caption, “When you were filming a TikTok but walk in and there’s a surprise foal.”

And while Strawberry is gradually growing up, she won’t be a whole load bigger than Rocky even as an adult. Miniature ponies don’t exceed 34 inches (8.2hh) at shoulder height, so while she’ll be bigger than a cat, they’ll still be able to play together in their happy family unit. You can keep up with their adventures at @cupcake.the.mini.pony on Instagram.

Read next: 32 things to consider before getting a horse or American horse breeds

Adding a new pet to your home is a big decision, and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. It’s important to consider your lifestyle, your finances, whether you have children or any other pets already, and the types of animals that might be a good fit.

With all these considerations, as well as the practicalities of bringing a puppy home for the first time (or a new kitten), it surprise you that more than half of pet parents didn’t consider their new pet’s breed or temperament.

This is according to a new survey from Petplan, which surveyed 1,000 pet owners in the UK. Of the participants, 57% didn’t take breed or temperament into account, while 51% didn’t think about their new pet’s size.

As part of the survey, Petplan also asked people what they wish they’d known before getting a pet. Almost a third (31%) said they wish they’d considered the additional cost of a new pet with expenses like insurance, food, and vet bills to think about, while 28% said they didn’t realize their existing pets would take some time to get used to the new arrivals and vice-versa. However, 25% said how rewarding it is when you see your pets bond with each other.

And, despite many pet parents discussing issues like jealousy, territorial behavior, and withdrawal when their existing pets adjusted to the changes at home, 14% said they’d experienced no huge challenges when socializing their pets.

For those who would like some advice, however, Petplan’s dog behaviorist Nick Jones has offered a couple of tips.

“Scent-swapping is a great first step and can help ease initial pet anxieties,” he begins, adding: “For dog-to-dog introductions, starting in a neutral space like a park allows for a more relaxed meeting. Let the dogs observe each other from a distance on the lead before allowing direct interaction.”

As for cats, Jones says that distance can be beneficial at first, to let them see and smell each other before they meet face to face. “As cats like their own space, it’s important to slowly introduce your cats to each other,” he explains.

If you’re introducing a dog and a cat to each other, it’s a good idea to keep your dog on their leash and give the cat the opportunity to approach or retreat as they choose – check out these tips from a vet about dogs and cats living together, too.

Read next: What I wish people considered before choosing a dog breed as a dog behaviorist or most common mistakes new dog owners make

When you’re constantly sneezing, blowing your nose, and rubbing your eyes while everyone else around you seems to be having the summer of their lives, it’s no fun at all.

Hay fever can make the summer months seem utterly miserable, particularly during the peak pollen season from late May through to the end of July. But your pets might not be helping.

Max Wiseberg, airborne allergens expert and creator of HayMax allergen barrier balm, explains, “If you have a pet, pollen can stick to their coat, especially if they have long hair. So make sure that you keep them well groomed and shampooed as much as possible to remove pet allergens and pollen particles.

How to prevent pets worsening your hay fever

Wiseberg suggests keeping your pet out of the room you sleep in and off beds and couches, as this will reduce the chance of pollen being transferred. Vacuum your home on a regular basis too, and focus on beds, upholstery, and fabrics in particular.

“Damp dust surfaces – damp dusting will help prevent pollen particles being dispersed back into the air,” he adds. “This also removes dust and pet allergens.”

If you have a dog, it’s a good idea to avoid walking them early in the morning and in the early evening if you can, because this is when the pollen count is at its highest. And, tying your hair up, covering your hair, and wearing wraparound sunglasses while walking them are also good ideas. For their own safety, too, make sure you know when it’s too hot to walk your dog.

“When you get back home after your walk, remove your shoes at the door so you don’t tread pollen around your home,” Wiseberg adds. “And if you change your clothes after being out, this will further reduce the amount of pollen you bring back indoors. Then wash your face to wash away pollen so that it can’t cause a reaction.”

Using an allergen barrier balm (like this one), as well as keeping on top of your usual nasal sprays, eye drops, and antihistamines, may also help.

What is hay fever?

“Hay fever is a result of our immune system’s overreaction to innocuous antigens such as pollen,” Wiseberg says, “The body’s reaction to pollen is to produce histamines. Normal amounts of histamines in your brain are good – they keep you alert, attentive, and awake. But, when there are too many in your body, they produce the various symptoms common to hay fever sufferers including sneezing, a runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, watery eyes, streaming eyes, swollen eyes, and an itchy nose and throat.”

So, the main aim when you’re allergic to something is to avoid the allergen. However, it can be more difficult when the allergen is pollen, because it’s in the air around us.

Read next: Can cats have allergies? or 9 tips for coping with allergic pets

Is there anything better than hearing your cat purr while they’re on the couch next to you, or hearing their meow when you walk through the door?

Of course, some cat breeds make more noise than others, as do some individuals, and science might just have the answer to why cat communication can vary.

Scientists at Kyoto University’s Wildlife Research Center have found that it might be down to a gene. In a study, they looked at the androgen receptor gene in 280 spayed or neutered mixed-breed cats, comparing the DNA they found to behavior reports from cat parents, and then looked at how the gene appears in other species of cat.

As it turns out, cats who have a shorter version of the gene are more likely to purr and meow – and this is true for male cats in particular. Interestingly, female cats with the shorter gene show more aggression toward strangers, too.

Lead author Yume Okamoto, a doctoral student, said of the research: “When we called for participants, we were moved to receive responses from 265 cat owners from across Japan in just a single day, and received kind messages. This reminded us of the strong public interest in cat research.”

The scientists acknowledged that many of the cats taking part in the study were rescued strays, which could go some way to explaining their propensity for meowing. Purebred cats, on the other hand, are more likely to have the longer version of the gene, and less meowing in turn.

The shorter gene was also found in two wild cat species related closely to domestic cats: the leopard cat and the fishing cat. However, the longer gene was found only in some house cats. The findings suggest that domestication and selective breeding have influenced how cats communicate with people over the generations, and the researchers hope to bring other wild cat species into their research at a later stage.

Okamoto added: “Through our research, we hope to deepen our understanding of cats and contribute to building happier relationships between cats and humans.”

Read next: Why is my cat meowing so much?

For most of us, our pets mainly provide us with company. But for some pet parents, their furry friends end up saving their lives.

One dog, Willow, has been hailed as a hero for saving her parents’ lives after a fire at their apartment complex – this brave pup deserves all of the best dog treats.

Izabeau Pearston and Elijah Jackson were asleep at home in Kennewick, Washington, on June 12, when a fire broke out. Willow alerted them and woke them up, with 26-year-old Pearston telling the Tri-City Herald that the brave canine will be “spoiled for the rest of her days”.

At first, they didn’t think anything of Willow waking them up, but when they looked out of the door, they could see flames coming through their front windows.

The trio’s exit route was blocked by the fire, so they had to escape through a window. “My boyfriend told me to get the rope,” recalled Pearston of Jackson, 32. “Then he tied off the rope on the bed and rappelled down.”

Pearston then lowered Willow down to get her to safety before following her, by which time their apartment was full of black smoke.

Unfortunately, while the Kennewick Fire Department was able to put out the fire quickly, they still lost everything. Pearston said that they had nothing “but pajamas and a dog on a carabiner and rope,” adding, “We’re trying to figure out what steps to take next.”

All of the residents of the apartment complex were able to escape, with some of them jumping out of their windows.

“Minor injuries were reported and all occupants were evaluated by KFD,” said the Kennewick Police Department in a Facebook statement.

There has been a series of wildfires in the Tri-Cities after a period in which temperatures 10–20 degrees above average dried out grass and sagebrush. Ben Shearer, the public information officer for Benton County Fire District 4, explained: “It’s a little early, but not unexpected. We had all that rain this spring, now it’s been hot and dry. All it takes is a spark… All of the fuels are mid-summer season dry.”

While a major fire at home is something most people won’t have to experience, it’s important to know how you can keep yourself, your loved ones, and your pets safe. Put safety first and work on preventing fires in the first place, but also come up with an escape route, ensure you have working smoke detectors, and put pet alert stickers (like these from Amazon) on your window so that firefighters and other emergency personnel know that there are pets inside who need rescuing.

Read next: How to keep dogs cool this summer

Everybody needs a vacation now and again, but one of the worst parts of going away is that you can’t always bring your pets along.

That’s why it’s perhaps unsurprising that almost half (48%) of pet parents video call their pets while they’re away – one in three even prioritize calling their pets over their parents!

It’s Gen Z pet parents who seem to struggle the most, too, with a whopping seven in 10 video calling their pets while they’re away traveling without them. More of us miss our pets than our families and home comforts like our own bed, too. Not being able to reach over to pet them while they’re next to us on the couch can be tricky to adjust to.

This is according to research from the telecommunications company O2, which also found that four in 10 pet parents have gone as far as declining a vacation because they didn’t want to leave their pets at home.

For those who do still go on vacation, 50% believe their pet can recognize their voice on the phone, while one in five make use of one of the best pet cameras while they’re away.

With many of us heading off on our summer holidays this time of year, O2 has partnered with Rob Alleyne, dog behavioral trainer and founder of Canine Instructor Academy, to share some advice on getting the most out of your calls with your dog.

• Speak calmly and soothingly: Your dog won’t understand every word you say, so your tone is more important. Keep them calm rather than excite and frustrate them with a high-pitched, energetic voice.
• Make what you say important: Use words and phrases that will mean something to them.
• Try not to call them too often: You might want to, but calling your dog constantly can unsettle them. Check your pet camera to see how they’re coping, or ask the person caring for them how they react after your call.
• Play sounds they recognize: Familiarize your pet with a piece of music or a song for a few weeks before you go away, playing it when your dog is relaxed. Have it playing in the background when you call them to help them relax.
• Accept that video calling isn’t right for every dog: Some dogs might not like hearing your voice but not be able to find you physically – again, find out how they react after your call before deciding whether or not calling your pup is best for them.

Read next: How to travel with a dog and reasons to take your pet on vacation

When you’re a pet parent, you’ll find yourself spending money on all sorts of things for your furry friends.

One of the most obvious expenses is pet food. And buying the best dog food won’t always come cheap, no matter the type of food or brand you opt for. However, it’s predicted that dog food prices will rise even further – it’s forecast that owners in the UK will be spending an average of 50% more on dog food each month by 2035.

This is according to research from dog brand TopDog, which also predicts continued ‘shrinkflation’ – when items are reduced in size or quantity yet prices rise or stay the same. TopDog found the historic prices of popular products, both food and other products including dog poop bags and grooming gloves, on the website Zooplus and checked them on the Wayback Machine before comparing them to today’s prices.

Royal Canin Maxi Adult dog food cost £39.99 (about $54) for 15 kilograms (about 33lbs) 10 years ago. It was almost 53% cheaper then, now costing £60.99 (about $83). Pedigree Adult Complete kibble, meanwhile, was £22.99 ($31) for 15kg in 2015, but now costs almost £30 ($41) for just 12kg (26.5lbs).

The research also found that 12 cans of Chappie, which has long been a more affordable choice for dog parents, could rise another 133% in cost by 2025 after they more than doubled in price between 2015 and today. At this rate, a dozen cans would come in at almost £50 ($68) by 2035.

A grooming glove was less than £1 ($1.34) in 2015, but is now £3.79 (over $5), which is an increase of 283%. The price of a grooming glove at this trajectory is projected to reach £14 by 2035.

Danielle Taylor, the owner of Good Dog Pet Care Services, has expressed concern about the continued rise in dog product prices.

“The worry that myself and other professionals have is that this causes a dip in the overall health and wellbeing of our beloved pets.”

She added: “Owners may opt for a cheaper food alternative, which may have long-term health implications, such as poor dental health. I have also seen cases of owners delaying seeking veterinary care due to fear of costs, and hoping they can resolve the issue at home. Both of these factors have an incremental impact on animal health long term, and I feel for owners as they’re only doing the best they can for their pets.”

One dog owner, Sammy Marshall, said that she’d likely have to look at giving up treats for herself in order to care for her newly adopted puppy, Twiglet.

“Unfortunately, as a lot of cheaper brands mean you need to compromise on quality, I’d probably look into healthier treat options and ways I can use foods we would already be buying as part of our own shop.”

Read next: The real cost of owning a dog

It’s not uncommon for cats to live into their late teens and sometimes beyond, and many of us love to treat our felines on their birthdays.

One cat, Holly Marie Gonzalez, followed her family’s Latin American traditions by having a quinceañera when she hit her 15th birthday. It might be slightly unconventional to throw a cat the coming-of-age party usually reserved for teenage girls, but the festivities went viral and helped raise money for an animal shelter, too.

Holly’s quinceañera featured an impressive-looking cake with staircase decorations and a mariachi band. It was a long time in the making, too, with Holly’s mom, Miranda Gonzalez, knowing she wanted to throw the cat a quinceañera as soon as she got her.

“Since she was a baby. I always knew. I told my husband, I was like, 'You know she's going to get a quinceañera, right?'" Miranda told People about her “soul cat”. “I always say, she doesn't have a choice. She has to live that long for my mental well-being."

Indeed, Holly has seen Miranda through her marriage, the birth of her two children, and the arrival of two more cats and a dog.

“I don't know how I would've gotten through life without her,” Miranda said. “She's been there since I was 18 years old. She's seen me through before kids, during kids. I'm autoimmune, so she's seen me through sickness. I'm her person, so she's my person. She's attached to my hip.”

She began planning Holly’s quinceañera as soon as her 14th birthday came up on the horizon. She said that Holly loves being the center of attention and enjoys family parties at home, so Miranda posted on Facebook to tell people about the upcoming celebrations before sending out save-the-date cards.

Holly had two custom gowns to wear, and she entered her party in a remote-controlled toy version of a luxury car. About 40 guests traveled to Miranda’s home in Houston from as far as Phoenix, Chicago, and New York.

Miranda shared videos from the party on TikTok, where they have amassed millions of views. Most of the feedback has been positive, though some people suggested that it was too much money to spend on a pet. However, Miranda asked guests to donate to their local cat rescue, Almost Home Cat Haven, rather than send gifts, and they raised around $600 in total.

After the quinceñera went viral, however, more donations began to come in, and the rescue now has enough funds to cover rent, utilities, cat food, and supplies for a few months. Any extra donations will go towards renovations.

Miranda has set up a GoFundMe for the rescue. You can also find out more about its work on its website and see their Amazon wishlist here.

Want more inspiration? Here are 20 pets birthday ideas and eight cat birthday cake recipes

It’s been predicted that there could be a lot of heat across the US and Europe during the first part of summer, and safety should always come first.

We need to keep ourselves safe in the hot weather, but pets are at risks of heatstroke, dehydration, and sunburn. We need to make sure our pets are happy and healthy, too, so we can all enjoy the summer.

Tom Sadler, the founder of pet accessories shop Fur King, has shared his six top tips for pet parents so we can best care for them.

1. Limit outdoor activities when temperatures are highest
If you have a cat, try to keep them indoors during the day, and if you have a dog, walk them in the early morning or late evening when it’s cooler.

Choose shaded routes and grassy areas, and consider buying them protective boots (like these from Amazon) – if the ground feels too hot for your hand, it’ll be too hot for their paws. When is it too hot to walk a dog? Find out here.

2. Never leave pets in parked cars
The dangers of doing this are well-documented, but it’s worth reiterating that this can lead to heatstroke and potentially death. Even if the window is open or you’d only be leaving them for a couple of minutes, it’s never worth the risk.

3. Prioritize hydration and shade
“Always ensure that your pets have access to fresh, cool water, both indoors and outdoors, to prevent dehydration,” says Sadler. He adds, “Whether your pets are indoors or outdoors, provide them with plenty of shaded areas where they can cool off and take a break from the scorching sun.”

4. Brush up on the signs of heatstroke
Watch out for excessive panting, drooling, vomiting, and lethargy. If you’re concerned, contact your vet immediately, and in the meantime, ensure your pet is in a cool, shaded area with plenty of water to drink.

“Wet their body with cool, but not cold, water,” Sadler adds.

5. Adjust indoor temperatures
Keeping the temperature indoors cooler can help your pets when it’s at its hottest, and you might feel the benefit too. Try using the best dog cooling mats and fans as well, as these can also be effective.

6. Make sure you keep grooming regularly
“This is particularly important for long-haired and brachycephalic breeds, which need a little extra love during hot weather,” explains Sadler. “You might want to schedule a visit to the groomers to be sure they are prepared for the predicted warmer weather.”

Read next: Vet-approved ways to keep your dog cool this summer and how to cool down a dog – a lot of the advice here also applies to cats and other pets, too