Hounds for Heroes: Bunker update
With the help of ‘puppy parents’, the Hounds for Heroes charity trains dogs to assist former armed forces members and emergency service workers injured in the line of duty. Here, Grace Brandon tells us...
View ArticleDoes your pet have the winter blues?
If you’re finding it hard to cope with the cold, grey winter days, then spare a thought for your pet, who might be suffering too. Julian Hall investigates. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is the...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Caring for dogs in their later years
We all love our pooches, but what happens to them when their owners are no longer able to look after them? Michele Simmons meets the Oldies Club, a registered charity with 40 dogs in its care. It all...
View ArticleTen of the best free pet apps
Do you own a smartphone or tablet? Then check out these great free pet apps… Animal Translator, Human-to-Cat Translator, Dog Translator Cat playing hard to get? Dog staring at you with beseeching eyes,...
View ArticleWhat’s your favourite pet film?
The last tear has been shed, the last frock fêted, the last speech cut short… Oscars season is over. But we still can’t get enough of the movies, especially when they feature cuddly, comical or...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Debate: Are the laws on dog ownership fair?
With the recent announcement of changes to dog-ownership laws, plus a host of local bylaws to stick to, these are confusing times for dog-lovers. We want to know what you think. Are the Government and...
View ArticlePetplan Vet Brian Faulkner answers your questions about pet health
Brian Faulkner is a previous winner of the Petplan Vet of the Year award and has been practising for 18 years. You can ask him anything you like about your pet’s health during our next live clinic on...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Are our pets’ personalities programmed at birth?
Rachael Garside investigates whether nature or nurture has the greater influence on our companions’ behaviour. Mike Mullan is used to seeing people cross the street to avoid him when he’s out walking...
View ArticleIs it fine to share your bed with your pet? Debate update
Does snuggling up with your pet help you both to get a good night’s sleep, or is letting your companion into bed strictly off limits? From pusses on pillows to dogs under duvets, we’d love to hear your...
View ArticleDebate: Do pets pose a significant hygiene risk?
When it comes to hygiene, pet owners are a varied bunch – from the relaxed cat-lover who happily permits everything from counter-surfing to face-licking, to the anxious dog owner who won’t allow their...
View ArticleOne boy and his dog: the story of a life-changing friendship
When rescue dog Haatchi came into Owen Howkins’ life, nobody could have predicted the remarkable boost it would bring the pair, discovers Kath Stathers for Petplan. Facebook can claim a hand in many...
View ArticleThe History of Pets, part 2: Dogs
Ever wondered how dogs moved out of the cold and into our homes and hearts? Writer and pet-lover Julian Hall examines the evidence in this second instalment of Petplan’s series on the history of pets....
View ArticleCatch up with Hounds for Heroes puppy, Bunker
‘Puppy parent’ Grace Brandon shares the latest achievements of her trainee assistance dog, Bunker. The two have been paired up by Hounds for Heroes, a charity that trains dogs to assist former...
View ArticleDo our pets understand us?
“Just look at him – he understands every word we’re saying!” It’s a boast we often hear from doting dog owners, but how much do our canine companions and their feline friends really comprehend?...
View ArticleHow to reduce the risk of diabetes
One in every 500 dogs and cats develops diabetes, leading to costly daily insulin injections and lifelong monitoring. Yet in many cases, diabetes may be preventable, simply by establishing good feeding...
View ArticleBreed profile: the Irish Wolfhound
From the wide range of dog, cat and rabbits we insure, we pick a Petplan ‘Breed of the Week’ to star on our Facebook page. This week, it’s the turn of the Irish Wolfhound. Here’s all you need to know...
View ArticleIs your dog susceptible to grass seed injury?
Summer may mean more outdoor play for you and your dog, but it is also a time to be aware of environmental risks. Find out more about grass seed in our need-to-know guide. Grass seeds are something...
View ArticleA happy holiday for you and your pet
Are you taking your dog or cat away with you this year? If so, you’ll be among the 23% of pet-owners that can’t imagine leaving their animal at home*. Here are some ideas for making your break as...
View ArticleGreat days out for pet lovers this summer
While our summer has been far from inspiring this year, what is getting the Petplan team excited is the number of fabulous events to look forward to. Pet lovers have a slew of great shows and days out...
View ArticleDoes my dog need to wear a collar?
Absolutely. It is a legal requirement for dogs to wear a collar in public. To avoid a hefty fine, owners must also ensure that the dog displays their name and address. By law, when a dog is in a public...
View Article
