INDEPENDENT pet retailer Empawrium has announced a major expansion which will include dog day care, soft play and veterinary services. The development will more than quadruple the size of the firm's footprint at its existing site in Alva, Scotland. After recently entering its second year of trading, Empawrium has secured the neighbouring, adjoining unit at its premises.

A FORMER veterinary nurse whose pet dog Hope was trained by the Support Dogs charity to help her live independently for the first time is now aiming for a master's degree. Ruby Trueman, from Saltaire, Bradford, is preparing for the next stage of her life, safe in the knowledge that her four-year-old chocolate Labrador can assist with day-to-day tasks. And the 23-year-old hopes to one day achieve her ambition of helping people with disabilities live a fulfilling life with the

NUTRAVET has launched an innovative liquid nutritional supplement formulated to help support pets during periods of recovery. Nutravive is a highly palatable liquid designed to support hydration and wellbeing in dogs and cats during illness, post-operative recovery, or periods of reduced appetite.

DOG owners are being urged to take extra care when walking their dogs, after a vet’s own pet suffered severe internal injuries whilst running into a stick from a broken branch in the woods. Caroline Collins, a veterinary surgeon and director at Pennard Vets in Kent, shared her experience to highlight the potentially life-threatening risks of stick-related injuries. Her dog, cocker spaniel Daniel, was injured having run into a stick whilst on a walk.

HOUND-racing is one of Cumbria’s oldest sports, passed down through the generations, and on weekends and some weekdays you may come across the spectacle of men and women standing in a field with binoculars in hand, shouting and cheering, calling out names, banging dog bowls and blowing whistles to encourage their hounds as they fly across fells to the finishing line. The hounds follow a paraffin and aniseed trail for a distance of five or 10 miles.

VETS are urging dog owners to watch for the signs of painful skin infections known as hot spots which can develop and spread in less than 24 hours during warmer weather. Medically known as acute bacterial skin infections, hot sports appear as red, inflamed and often moist patches of skin that can rapidly worsen if left untreated. While they can occur at any time of year, the combination of heat and moisture during the summer months creates the perfect environment for bacteri

A NEW study has found that animal charities remain a hit with the public while also highlighting some of the issues the sector faces. Specialist market research company Vision One Research surveyed 3,000 people across the UK as it created its Charity Brand Barometer. By looking at charity brand equity, brand strength and brand momentum, it is designed to provide an independent measure of how charity brands are perceived by the UK public.

AN AWARENESS campaign has been launched to highlight the dangers of accidental topical hormone exposure. The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) says the naturally curious and affectionate nature of pets makes it easy to transfer hormones from owner to animal. Evidence suggests that animals may absorb oestrogen or testosterone by coming into contact with areas of human skin where hormone gels and creams have been applied.

AWARD-winning children’s poet James Carter has released a new book which explores the domestication of animals. The latest in a series of poetry picture books about the natural world, the new work's fun and factual rhymes are illustrated by James Munro. From caveman with wolves, Egyptians and their cats to farming animals, and even animal deities, Us and Them explores how our relationship with many different creatures across the world changed from around 40,000 years ago.

A LEADING pet health company has unveiled its new and consolidated range of digestive products. Nutravet has brought together all its digestive-focused goods - designed to deliver complete 360° gut health support for cats and dogs - under the Nutrabio brand name. The new range reflects the firm's continued commitment to advancing pet health through science-led nutrition and targeted supplementation.

BRITAIN'S outdoor cats are travelling the equivalent of going to the moon and back twice every single day, researchers say. With more people returning to the office after the pandemic, attention has shifted to what their cats get up to when they are not around. Kippy, the worldwide GPS collar brand, says that new data shows the UK’s outdoor cats are collectively travelling 1.3 million kilometres every day - the same as circling the earth 32 times or travelling to the moon and

THE charity behind an eye-catching display at Tower Bridge in London says thousands of dogs and cats are being needlessly separated from their owners every year. Woodgreen Pets Charity, known for matching people and rescue dogs on Channel 4's The Dog House, created a colourful sea of balls, ropes, and plush toys earlier this month. Research from The Association for Dogs and Cats Homes states 47,437 dogs and cats were relinquished by owners in 2024.

UK PET health brand OMNI has launched a new vet-developed dental stick designed to make daily oral care easier for owners and more enjoyable for dogs. The new Dual-Texture Dental Sticks use the firm's 'PlaqBlast' technology: an eight-sided snowflake-shaped outer shell that helps scrape away plaque and tartar. This is paired with a soft anti-plaque core designed to continue cleaning after chewing. The sticks also contain Ascophyllum nodosum, a seaweed ingredient.

A DOG rescued from the streets of Cyprus has been named the UK’s 2026 School Dog of the Year. Sunshine works at Octavia House School (OHS) in London - a specialist facility providing education and therapy for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs, and many who have had adverse childhood experiences. The award-winnining dog offers comfort, reassurance and emotional support during regular visits with her owner, Laura Freeman.

DOGS treated by veterinary charities, including the PDSA, Blue Cross, and StreetVet, will continue to receive access to lifesaving blood products at no cost after Pet Blood Bank UK secured a £5,000 grant from The Dian Plant Charitable Trust.

BRITISH bake-at-home dog treat brand, Dog & Bond, has introduced two new doggy ice cream mixes, ready for the warm weather. The boutique brand continues to grow its range of make-at-home dog treats, adding Fresh Mint and Strawberry Bliss flavours alongside its much-loved peanut butter flavour make-and-freeze mix. The two new ice cream flavours offer a light and refreshing option for dogs that are feeling the heat.

TEN Greyhound and Lurcher rescue centres and shelters across the UK will receive a share of £24,000 worth of food donations. The record donation from leading independent pet food manufacturer Burgess Pet Care, comes after its sixth annual Greyhound and Lurcher two-week takeover. During the event, the important work greyhound and lurcher rescue centres do across the country is highlighted.

A STUDY has revealed the most expensive cats and dogs to own in the UK. Credit card company Aqua analysed costs associated with the 10 most popular breeds. More than half of all UK households own a pet but also face a long term financial commitment, something that is harder to meet in a cost-of-living crisis. Aqua examined purchase prices alongside ongoing expenses such as insurance, vaccinations, grooming, and food.

A LABRADOR-cross puppy needed urgent treatment after swallowing the entire silicon head of a spatula during a moment of kitchen mischief. Three-month-old Marlo has a talent for sniffing out snacks and had successfully scavenged kibble from a food cupboard. But when owner Tyler Ferris prepared a peanut butter 'licky mat' for the hungry hound, Marlo decided to gulp down the head of the spatula being used to prepare the treat.

AS UK temperatures continue to climb and the days become longer, the nation’s dogs will once again be enjoying the season of adventure. However, increased summer activity can bring a heightened risk of minor injuries to canine companions. For dog owners, breeders and professionals alike, having the right tools on hand to cope with minor wounds and scrapes is an essential part of responsible care.