Dogs · Food
Can dogs eat cashews?
In small, plain amounts, yes. Cashews are not toxic to dogs the way macadamia nuts are, but the fat content and salt on most packets still make this one worth doing carefully.
Articles by Emma Fielding
Dogs · Food
Can dogs eat mushrooms?
Plain shop-bought mushrooms are fine for most dogs in small amounts, but wild mushrooms are a different matter entirely, some are genuinely deadly. Here is how to tell the two apart and what to do if your dog eats one on a walk.
Dogs · Food
Can dogs eat corn?
Plain corn kernels are a safe, ordinary treat for most dogs in small amounts. The cob is where the real danger sits, a genuine intestinal blockage risk that sends dogs into emergency surgery every summer.
Cats · Food
Can cats eat blueberries?
Yes, a few plain blueberries are safe for most cats, though there is little real reason to offer them. Here is why cats do not get the antioxidant benefit the way people do, how to serve one safely, and what to watch for.
Dogs · Food
Can dogs eat mango?
Yes, ripe mango flesh is a safe treat for dogs in small amounts, once the skin and the hard pit are both removed. Here is how much is sensible, how to serve it, and what actually causes problems.
Cats · Food
Can cats eat strawberries?
Yes, a small piece of plain strawberry is safe for most cats, but there is little reason for them to eat one. Here is why cats do not taste sweetness the way we do, how much is sensible, and what to leave out of the bowl.
Dogs · Health
Why does my dog smell so bad?
A light, warm smell is just dog. A strong or sudden odour is usually the skin, ears, mouth, or anal glands telling you something. Here is how to tell the difference and what actually helps.
Dogs · Food
Can dogs eat cucumbers?
Yes, cucumber is one of the safest, lowest-calorie treats you can give a dog. Here is how much is sensible, how to serve it, and why a pickle is a different food entirely.
Cats · Health
Why is my cat losing weight?
A cat that seems to be getting thinner, whether it is eating more than ever or barely touching the bowl, is telling you something. Here are the real causes behind feline weight loss and why it is never something to just watch and wait on.
Dogs · Food
Can dogs eat pineapple?
Yes, fresh pineapple is a safe treat for dogs in small amounts, once you cut away the skin, core and crown. Here is how much is sensible, how to serve it, and the pineapple-for-poop-eating myth.
Cats · Health
Why does my cat have diarrhea?
A cat with loose stools once is rarely an emergency, but diarrhea that keeps coming, or comes with other symptoms, is worth taking seriously. Here is how to tell the difference and what actually helps.
Dogs · Health
Signs of a dog ear infection
Head shaking, scratching, and a smell you notice before you see anything. Here is how to spot a dog ear infection early, what causes it, and when home care is not enough.
Dogs · Health
Why does my dog have diarrhea?
A single soft stool is rarely an emergency, but diarrhea that keeps coming, or shows up with other symptoms, is your dog's way of telling you something is wrong. Here is how to tell the difference and what actually helps.
Cats · Food
Can cats eat grapes?
No. Grapes and raisins are linked to kidney failure in dogs, and while poisoning is reported far less often in cats, vets treat them as just as risky. Here is why it is not worth testing.
Cats · Health
Why is my cat losing fur?
A thinning patch, a bald strip along the belly, fur that seems to be vanishing rather than shedding. Hair loss in cats has a handful of common causes, from fleas to stress, and telling them apart starts with looking closely at the pattern.
Dogs · Health
Why is my dog not eating?
A dog turning its nose up at a full bowl is one of the most common reasons owners worry. Here is how to tell an ordinary off day from something that needs a vet, and what to do while you wait and see.
Cats · Health
Why is my cat sneezing so much?
One sneeze after a dusty box is nothing. Repeated sneezing over several days, especially with watery eyes or a blocked nose, usually means something is genuinely irritating or infecting your cat's airways.
Cats · Food
Can cats eat shrimp?
Yes, a little plain cooked shrimp is safe for most cats, but the shell, tail, and anything fried or seasoned are where the real risks are. Here is how to serve it safely.
Cats · Health
Why does my cat have bad breath?
A cat's breath is never meant to smell pleasant, but genuinely bad breath is not just a cat thing, it is usually dental disease, and occasionally a sign of something further away than the mouth. Here is what the smell is actually telling you.
Dogs · Health
Why does my dog eat so fast?
A dog that empties its bowl in under a minute is not just being greedy. Fast eating carries real risks, from choking to bloat, and there are simple ways to slow it down.
Dogs · Food
Can dogs eat chocolate?
No. Chocolate is one of the most common and most dangerous things a dog can get into, and how serious it is depends on the type and the amount. Here is what actually happens, how to judge the risk, and what to do if your dog eats some.
Dogs · Health
Bloat in dogs, the emergency signs every owner should know
Bloat can kill a dog within hours, and it does not look like an obvious injury. Here is how to spot the early signs, which dogs are most at risk, and why this is always a drive-to-the-vet-now problem.
Cats · Health
Why is my cat's claw growing into its paw?
An overgrown claw curling back into the paw pad looks alarming, and sometimes it is an emergency, sometimes it is a simple trim you have left too long. Here is how to tell the difference and what to do about it.
Cats · Health
Signs of a urinary blockage in cats
A cat straining in the litter tray with little or nothing coming out is not "a bit constipated," it can be a blocked bladder, and it is one of the true same-day emergencies in cat ownership. Here is what to look for and why speed matters.
Dogs · Food
Is xylitol dangerous to dogs?
Yes, seriously dangerous, and it works faster than most toxic foods people worry about. Here is where xylitol hides, what it does to a dog's blood sugar and liver, and why you should call the vet before symptoms even start.
Dogs · Food
Can dogs eat macadamia nuts?
No. Macadamia nuts are genuinely toxic to dogs, even in small amounts, and the reaction can look frightening. Here is what happens, what to do if your dog gets some, and why this one is not worth the risk.
Cats · Health
Why does my cat have hairballs?
An occasional hairball is a normal part of being a cat. Frequent ones are not, and are often mistaken for a grooming quirk when they are really telling you about the gut, the skin, or a cough. Here is where the line sits.
Dogs · Health
Why does my dog have bad breath?
Doggy breath is not just something dogs have. Most of the time it is dental disease you can smell, and occasionally it points somewhere more serious. Here is how to tell which, and what actually helps.
Dogs · Health
How to clean your dog's ears
A straightforward guide to cleaning your dog's ears at home, how often it is actually needed, the technique that works, and the signs that mean you should stop and call the vet instead.
Dogs · Health
The signs of heatstroke in dogs (and what to do)
Heatstroke can go from mild to life-threatening in under an hour, and the dogs that survive are usually the ones whose owners acted fast. Here is how to spot it early and exactly what to do.
Cats · Health
How to get your cat to drink more water
Cats are famously bad at drinking enough, and it matters more than most owners realise. Here is why hydration is such a big deal for cats, and the practical ways to get more water into yours.
Cats · Health
How to care for a senior cat
Cats hide age and illness brilliantly, so older cats need closer watching, not less. Here is what to change as your cat gets older, from vet checks and hydration to comfort.
Cats · Health
How to help a cat with arthritis
Arthritis is far more common in cats than most owners realise, and cats are experts at hiding it. Here is how to spot the quiet signs and keep an older cat comfortable.
Dogs · Food
Can dogs eat apples?
Yes, apples are a healthy, crunchy treat for dogs in moderation, as long as you remove the core and pips. Here is how to serve them safely and how much is sensible.
Dogs · Food
Can dogs eat avocado?
It is best avoided. Avocado contains persin, is very high in fat, and the large stone is a serious choking and blockage risk. Here is the honest picture and what to do if your dog eats some.
Dogs · Food
Can dogs eat bananas?
Yes, dogs can eat bananas in moderation, and most love them. They are a soft, sweet treat, but the sugar means small amounts only. Here is how to serve them well.
Dogs · Food
Can dogs eat blueberries?
Yes, blueberries are one of the best treats you can give a dog, low in calories and packed with antioxidants. Here is how to serve them and how much is sensible.
Dogs · Food
Can dogs eat bread?
Plain baked bread is safe for dogs in small amounts, but it is empty calories, and raw bread dough is genuinely dangerous. Here is the difference and how to share bread sensibly.
Dogs · Food
Can dogs eat carrots?
Yes, carrots are one of the best treats for dogs, low in calories, good for the teeth, and safe raw or cooked. Here is how to serve them, and the one choking caveat to know.
Dogs · Food
Can dogs eat cheese?
Usually yes, in small amounts, and most dogs love it. But cheese is high in fat and salt, and some dogs cannot handle dairy. Here is how to use it as a treat sensibly.
Dogs · Food
Can dogs eat grapes?
No. Grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs and can cause sudden kidney failure, even in small amounts. Here is why, what to watch for, and what to do if your dog eats one.
Dogs · Food
Can dogs eat onions?
No. Onions, and the whole garlic family, are toxic to dogs and damage their red blood cells. Here is why, how they hide in everyday food, and what to do if your dog eats some.
Dogs · Food
Can dogs eat peanut butter?
Usually yes, but you must check one thing first. Some peanut butters contain xylitol, which is deadly to dogs. Here is how to choose a safe one and serve it well.
Dogs · Food
Can dogs eat tomatoes?
Ripe red tomato flesh is fine for dogs in moderation, but green, unripe tomatoes and the plant itself are not. Here is the important difference and how to share tomato safely.
Dogs · Food
Can dogs eat watermelon?
Yes, watermelon is a refreshing, hydrating summer treat for dogs, as long as you remove the seeds and rind. Here is how to serve it safely and how much is sensible.
Dogs · Health
How to care for a senior dog
Older dogs need a few things to change, not a whole new life. Here is what to adjust as your dog ages, from vet checks and diet to comfort, so its later years stay happy and comfortable.
Dogs · Health
How to help a dog with arthritis
Arthritis is common in older dogs and cannot be cured, but a lot can be done to keep a stiff, sore dog comfortable and moving well. Here is what genuinely helps.
Dogs · Health
The signs your dog is in pain
Dogs are built to hide pain, so it usually shows up as small changes in behaviour long before any yelping or limping. Here is what to watch for and when to call your vet.
Dogs · Health
How to clip your dog's nails
Nail trimming scares a lot of owners, but it is simple once you know where the quick is. Here is how to clip your dog's nails safely, calmly, and without drama.
Dogs · Health
How to groom your dog at home
Regular grooming keeps a dog comfortable, not just tidy. Here is how to brush, bath, and check your dog at home, and what to leave to a professional.
Cats · Food
Is my cat overweight, and what to do about it
A great many cats are overweight, and it takes years off their lives. Here is how to tell if yours is carrying too much, and how to slim a cat down safely, which is not like slimming a dog.
Cats · Health
The signs your cat is in pain
Cats hide pain so well that owners often miss it for months, especially the slow ache of arthritis. Here are the subtle signs, and why a "grumpy old cat" is often a sore one.
Dogs · Food
Which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are dangerous
Some scraps are a healthy treat, others can kill. Here is a clear guide to the human foods that are fine in moderation and the ones that are genuinely dangerous to dogs.
Dogs · Health
How to tell if your dog is overweight
Most overweight dogs belong to people who have no idea, because the change is slow and the standard has drifted. Here is how to check honestly, and what to do about it.
Birds · Health
The signs your bird is sick, and why they hide it
Birds instinctively mask illness until they are very unwell, so by the time it shows they may be seriously ill. Here are the subtle signs to catch early, and when to act fast.
Cats · Food
Wet food, dry food, or both for your cat
The wet-versus-dry question splits cat owners, and most of the strong opinions miss the point. Here is what actually matters when you decide what goes in the bowl.
Cats · Health
Easter dangers for cats
Easter lilies can kill a cat, and they are only the start. Here is what to keep away this Easter, from spring flowers to chocolate, and what to do in an emergency.
Cats · Health
Keeping your cat safe in winter
Winter brings hidden dangers for cats, from deadly antifreeze to warm car engines. Here is how to keep your cat safe and warm through the cold months.
Cats · Health
Why your cat keeps being sick
The odd hairball is normal. Frequent vomiting is not, however casually cats seem to do it. Here is how to tell everyday sick from the kind that needs a vet.
Dogs · Health
Easter dangers for dogs
Easter brings chocolate, dried-fruit bakes, and spring flowers into the house, and several are toxic to dogs. Here is what to keep away, and what to do in an emergency.
Dogs · Health
Keeping your dog safe in cold weather
Winter brings real hazards for dogs, from a deadly antifreeze spill to gritted pavements and icy ponds. Here is how to keep your dog safe, warm, and seen through the cold months.
Cats · Health
Keeping your cat safe at Christmas
Christmas hides real dangers for cats, and one of them can be fatal. Here is what to watch for, from lilies and tinsel to festive food, and what to do in an emergency.
Dogs · Food
How much should you actually feed your dog
The number on the bag is a starting guess, not an answer. Here is how to work out the right amount for your dog, using the one measure that matters more than the scales.
Dogs · Health
Is it too hot to walk my dog?
When heat turns a walk from healthy to dangerous, and how to tell. A clear temperature guide, the pavement test, and the heatstroke signs every owner should know.
Dogs · Health
Keeping your dog safe at Christmas
Christmas brings a houseful of hidden dangers for dogs, from festive foods to decorations. Here is what to watch for, and what to do if your dog gets into something.
Dogs · Health
Why your dog won't stop scratching
Constant scratching, licking, and nibbling is one of the most common reasons dogs end up at the vet. Here are the usual causes, what you can check at home, and when it needs a professional.
Cats · Food
Wet vs dry cat food, which is better?
For cats the moisture question really matters. Here is an honest comparison of wet and dry cat food, what differs, what is a myth, and how to choose.
Dogs · Food
Wet vs dry dog food, which is better?
Neither wins outright. Here is an honest comparison of wet and dry dog food, what actually differs, what is a myth, and how to choose for your dog.
Cats · Food
Can cats drink milk?
Despite the classic saucer-of-milk image, most adult cats cannot digest milk and it gives them an upset stomach. Here is the truth about cats and milk, and what to give instead.
Cats · Food
Can cats eat cheese?
A tiny bit of cheese will not harm most cats, but it is not a good treat for them. Many cats cannot digest dairy well. Here is the honest picture and better alternatives.
Cats · Food
Can cats eat chicken?
Yes, plain cooked chicken is an excellent treat for cats and suits them perfectly as carnivores. Here is how to serve it safely, and why it is a treat, not a full diet.
Cats · Food
Can cats eat chocolate?
No. Chocolate is toxic to cats, just as it is to dogs. Cats rarely seek it out, but it is still dangerous. Here is why, and what to do if your cat eats some.
Cats · Food
Can cats eat dog food?
A stolen mouthful will not poison a cat, but dog food is not a substitute for cat food. Cats need nutrients dog food lacks, above all taurine. Here is why it matters.
Cats · Food
Can cats eat eggs?
Yes, cooked eggs are a safe, protein-rich treat for cats in small amounts. But never raw, and never as a meal. Here is how to serve egg to a cat safely.
Cats · Food
Can cats eat onions and garlic?
No. Onions, garlic, and the whole allium family are toxic to cats, which are even more sensitive to them than dogs. Here is why, how they hide in food, and what to do.
Cats · Food
Can cats eat salmon?
Yes, a little cooked salmon is a fine occasional treat for cats and rich in omega-3, but never raw and never as a staple. Here is how to serve it safely.
Cats · Food
Can cats eat tuna?
A little plain tuna is a fine occasional treat, but it should never be a cat's main food. Here is why tuna is a treat and not a diet, and how to give it safely.
Cats · Food
Safe and toxic foods for cats
Cats are not small dogs, and some everyday foods that seem harmless are dangerous to them. Here is a clear guide to what cats can eat safely and what to keep well away.
Dogs · Food
Can dogs eat eggs?
Yes, cooked eggs are a safe, protein-rich treat for dogs, and most love them. But never raw, and in moderation. Here is how to serve egg to a dog safely.
Dogs · Food
Can dogs eat oranges?
Yes, dogs can eat a little orange in moderation, peeled and de-seeded. Many are not keen on citrus, and the sugar means small amounts only. Here is how to serve it safely.
Dogs · Food
Can dogs eat popcorn?
Plain air-popped popcorn is a safe, light treat for dogs in small amounts, but the buttery, salted kind is not. Here is the difference and how to share popcorn safely.
Dogs · Food
Can dogs eat pumpkin?
Yes, plain pumpkin is a genuinely useful food for dogs, gentle on the stomach and great for digestion. Here is how to serve it, when it helps, and what to avoid.
Dogs · Food
Can dogs eat rice?
Yes, plain cooked rice is safe for dogs and often recommended for an upset stomach. Here is how to serve it, when it helps, and how much is sensible.
Dogs · Food
Can dogs eat strawberries?
Yes, strawberries are a healthy, vitamin-rich treat for dogs in moderation. Here is how to serve them safely and why the sugar means small amounts only.