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Blog
A blog for those who want to understand their pets better
Proven advice, answers to the questions that really interest you, and practical tips from people who work with animals every day — all in one place.
Find advice for your pet
All guides (31)From advice to care
Going away or looking for everyday help? Start with a guide, then explore the care that fits your situation.
Going away without my dog
Compare care options and prepare for a first stay.
Start with this guideWhere to leave your dog while you travel? 4 proven options
Dog boardingLooking for help with walks
Read about your dog’s needs on walks and explore our walking service.
Start with this guideHow long should a dog walk last? A guide for every owner
Dog walkingFinding care for my cat
Learn about feline signals and see how home visits work.
Start with this guideCat body language – how to understand the signals your cat gives you?
Cat careBefore entrusting someone with your pet, get to know the people who will care for them.Meet the Alvis sitters →
All guides
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Cats
Cats
Leaving your cat at home on holiday? How to plan sitter visits
Work out how often your cat needs a visit, what to show the sitter before you go and how to make sure someone can still get in if your flight home is delayed.
5 min readRead more
Cats
How to choose the right litter box for your cat
Choose a litter box that suits your cat: size, litter, location and cleaning. Cat behaviourist Doriana Cimo explains what matters and when to seek support.
6 min readRead more
Cats
Cat body language – how to understand the signals your cat gives you?
Learn to read your cat’s tail, ears, eyes and posture together. Recognise requests for space, avoid common mistakes and respond calmly to changes in behaviour.
4 min readRead more
Everyday dog life
Everyday dog life
What to feed your dog and how much to put in the bowl
Choose a complete food for your adult dog, work out portions for wet and dry meals, allow for training treats and switch foods gradually.
5 min readRead more
Everyday dog life
How to give your dog a bath, from muddy paws to a dry coat
Does your dog need a bath or just a paw rinse? Learn how to choose a shampoo, wash their face, rinse a thick coat and dry a dog who dislikes the hair dryer.
5 min readRead more
Everyday dog life
Meeting a pet sitter: who can you trust with your dog while you’re away?
Meet a dog sitter on a walk, see where your dog would stay and agree on house keys and access if the sitter will be staying overnight in your home.
6 min readRead more
Everyday dog life
Why is my dog scratching? Causes and when to see a vet
Is your dog scratching, licking their paws or biting their skin? Learn possible causes, warning signs and what to record before a veterinary appointment.
3 min readRead more
Everyday dog life
How and why was the French Bulldog developed?
Discover how the French Bulldog developed, from its English roots to its role as a companion in France, and what that history means for owners today.
5 min readRead more
Everyday dog life
Elimination diets for dogs — single-protein food and choosing the right protein
How can you tell whether an ingredient in your dog's daily diet agrees with them? An elimination diet can help when food-related reactions appear.
8 min readRead more
Everyday dog life
How much does dog care cost? Petsitter and walk prices
See how much dog care, a petsitter and a dog walk cost. Learn indicative prices and what the cost depends on.
7 min readRead more
Everyday dog life
Do dogs miss us? What do they feel when left alone?
Does your dog really miss you? See what research says and how to help your dog cope better with loneliness and separation.
5 min readRead more
Everyday dog life
How to recognise stress in a dog and how to help it
How can you tell your dog is stressed? Learn the most common signs of tension, symptoms of anxiety, and ways to help your dog find calm.
5 min readRead more
Everyday dog life
How to brush your dog’s teeth: a practical step-by-step guide
Learn how to brush your dog’s teeth safely, choose a brush and toothpaste, introduce gentle handling and recognise problems that need veterinary care.
6 min readRead more
Walks and activity
Walks and activity
How to choose a dog walker you can trust with your dog and your keys
Find out what to look for in a dog walker’s reviews, what to try on your first walk together and how to arrange regular walks while you’re at work.
4 min readRead more
Walks and activity
Running with your dog: canicross, equipment and getting started
Running with a dog and canicross: choose a harness, line and route, build up gradually and recognise when to stop. A practical guide for beginners.
3 min readRead more
Walks and activity
Which muzzle should you choose? Types, fit and training
Choosing a dog muzzle: basket or fabric, checking room for panting and drinking, fitting it comfortably and introducing it gradually without force.
3 min readRead more
Walks and activity
How much exercise does a German Shepherd need?
Learn how much exercise a German Shepherd needs at different ages, with a practical daily walking plan, scent activities, rest and advice on adjusting the load.
6 min readRead more
Walks and activity
How long should a dog walk last? A guide for every owner
How long should you walk your dog? Check the recommendations for a puppy, an adult dog and a senior, and how much daily exercise your pet needs.
7 min readRead more
Travel and trips
Travel and trips
Travelling with a dog: by car, train and plane
Plan a journey with your dog by car, train or plane. Check documents, carriers and transport rules, and use a practical checklist before leaving.
3 min readRead more
Travel and trips
Can you leave a dog in a car? Heat risks and Polish rules
Dogs in parked cars: why an open window is not enough, how to recognise danger, call for help and plan a safer alternative to leaving your dog inside.
3 min readRead more
Travel and trips
What treats should you pack for your dog's stay with a petsitter?
We suggest what treats to bring for your dog's stay with a petsitter, what to avoid, and how to prepare their bag.
6 min readRead more
Travel and trips
Where to leave your dog while you travel? 4 proven options
Planning a trip and not sure where to leave your dog? Compare 4 forms of care and learn how to prepare your pet for the separation.
6 min readRead more
Travel and trips
What to do with your dog at the seaside: ideas and safety
Plan a seaside trip with your dog: relaxed walks, games, rest breaks and a packing checklist. Learn how to choose activities and make beach time safer.
6 min readRead more
Upbringing and behaviour
Upbringing and behaviour
Dog destroying your home? How to understand and solve the problem
Does your dog chew furniture or destroy things when left alone? Learn possible causes, practical steps for puppies and adult dogs, and how to arrange support.
9 min readRead more
Upbringing and behaviour
Rewarding your dog during training — which treats should you choose?
A thoughtful approach to rewards makes new commands easier to learn and helps reinforce skills your dog already knows.
9 min readRead more
Upbringing and behaviour
How to prepare your dog for separation? 5 ways
Learn how to prepare your dog for separation from its owner and a stay with a petsitter. Discover 5 ways to bring it greater calm.
8 min readRead more
Upbringing and behaviour
How to teach your dog calm interactions with other dogs and people?
Find out how to teach your dog calm interactions with other dogs and people, and how to build your dog's confidence on walks.
6 min readRead more
Upbringing and behaviour
How to leave your dog home alone? A step-by-step guide
How do you teach a dog to stay home alone? Learn how to build your dog's independence and what to do about separation stress.
7 min readRead more
Upbringing and behaviour
How to teach your dog commands: calm, practical training
Teach your dog to sit, wait and come when called with reward-based exercises. Learn how to progress safely and what to do when distractions get in the way.
6 min readRead more
Puppies and adoption
Puppies and adoption
What to know before adopting a dog? A complete guide
See what's worth knowing before adopting a dog. Learn how to prepare your home and avoid the most common mistakes new caregivers make.
6 min readRead more
Puppies and adoption
Which dog breed matches your personality?
Find out which dog breed matches your character and lifestyle, and which dogs suit active people and families best.
6 min readRead more
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