As a pet owner, you may have noticed your dog drinking more water than usual and wondered if it’s something to be concerned about. While dogs, like humans, need water to stay hydrated and healthy, excessive drinking can sometimes indicate an underlying issue. In this blog post, we’ll explore why your dog might be drinking so much water, how to determine if it’s excessive, and what steps you can take to ensure your furry friend stays happy and hydrated. Normal water consumption for dogs There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to how much water dogs should drink, as it varies depending on factors ..read more

Most dog owners have watched their pup indulging in a spot of paw licking from time to time. For others, paw licking is a more persistent pattern, and can even become a serious health problem. But why do dogs do this? Is it normal, or could it be a cause for concern? In this blog post, we’ll dive into the reasons behind your dog’s paw licking behaviour – when it’s normal, when it might indicate an underlying issue, and what you can do to help. What is normal paw licking? Believe it or not, some level of paw licking is perfectly normal for dogs. They use their mouths to explore and interact wit ..read more

It’s easy to demonise dog muzzles and think they’re only used for dogs who are aggressive or likely to bite. But that’s not true! Canine muzzles can have a wide range of uses and advantages, for dogs and owners. Types of muzzles Basket (Baskerville) muzzles are by far the best option, and probably the one you’ve seen most. A search of the internet will give you lots of basket options – in wire, leather and strong plastic – and in all colours from classic and stylish black to vibrant pink and even floral. Who says you can’t make a fashion statement? While you might think soft nylon muzzles look ..read more

When it comes to dogs and their behaviour, there are certain words that get thrown around that are either unhelpful, or just a simple (often lazy) term to describe ways of behaving that have a variety of causes, but all look a bit the same and may share some of the same triggers! One of those I hear often as a dog trainer and behaviourist is ‘reactivity’. We all think we know what a reactive dog looks like… They’re the ones who lunge at the end of the lead, shouting at other dogs or people, and looking pretty scary while causing their owner to have to hang on for dear life to keep control. Jus ..read more

Up and down the country, there are thousands of dogs in rescue centres of all shapes and sizes, just looking for a second chance. If you’ve adopted before or are in the process of adopting, you might have heard about the importance of the canine connection and how that changes over time. The more time you spend with them and get to know them, the more that’ll develop along with their personality. So how do you do it? How do I decide between a rescue or a puppy? While it’s easy to be tempted by the idea of bringing a puppy into your life, there’s no doubt they’re hard work. All the toilet and s ..read more

Finding your perfect match, human or canine, can be tricky. Often our expectation vs reality of of different dog breeds can be quite far apart too! And as relationships evolve over time, so do behaviours, in both our dogs and partners. We often can’t help but think back over our history together, however long or short… First date vs 6 months in… Remember those first dates? The excitement, the anticipation, all that planning to make sure everything was just right, in case this was the person of your dreams – and your future. And now look at them…! They might still be perfect in your eyes. But t ..read more

If you’ve ever noticed reddish brown streaks or stains under your dog’s eyes, you might be worrying about tear stains. Well don’t worry, because in this blog post, we’ll share everything you need to know about dog tear stains – what they are, what causes them, and most importantly, how you can help your pup stay bright-eyed and stain-free! What is tear staining in dogs? Tear staining occurs when tears overflow and leave unsightly rusty coloured streaks on the fur, mainly around the eyes. While tear stains themselves are harmless, they can be a cosmetic concern for pet owners. And why are tear ..read more

As a vet I often get worried pet owners asking about their dog in heat, also known as being in season, usually when it first happens in a young female dog. Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or a seasoned pro, dealing with your dog’s first season can be an interesting and sometimes overwhelming experience! In this blog post, we’ll cover: what a dog season is, when it happens, how long a dog is in heat, can dogs have periods, how often can they go into heat, and most importantly, how you and your dog can handle it with ease. What is a dog season? Let’s start with the basics. A dog season, al ..read more

2023 may be over, but we aren’t done with it quite yet! We’ve been busy with our calculators to share the positive impact that you, the Pack, helped us achieve last year. So make yourself a cuppa, sit back and enjoy this tails.com charity update. Let the good news roll! The Community Fund continues We set up our Community Fund in 2020 in response to the pandemic, to help dogs and owners in need across the UK. A programme of support for tails.com charity partners chosen by our customers. Since then, we’ve built long-term relationships with incredible charities like: Refuge4Pets All Creatures G ..read more

One of the things everyone knows when they get a dog is they’re going to have to get out for a walk at least once a day. But why is walking your dog so important? They need the physical exercise to keep them healthy, but they also need a change of scenery and a break from spending endless hours hanging around the house. Let’s face it, that can be pretty boring! Whose walk is it anyway? A dog walk gives them a chance to see new sights, hear new sounds and sniff new sniffs. In other words, they get to experience the outside world and all the novelty and excitement that brings. For some owners, t ..read more