Pet Care 101
The basics, without the fluff. Short answers to the things most owners actually need sorted.
Chewing: why it matters
Chewing is not a bad habit, it is a need. It burns mental energy, settles anxious dogs, and works the jaw and teeth. A dog with nothing appropriate to chew will find something inappropriate. The fix is rarely discipline — it is giving the behaviour somewhere legitimate to go.
Match the chew to the chewer: gentle for puppies, seniors and light chewers; medium for most adult dogs; tough for determined power chewers.
Dental care that actually happens
Periodontal disease is one of the most common problems in adult dogs, and it is largely preventable. Brushing is the gold standard. Natural chews help mechanically — the abrasion of working at a chew disrupts plaque before it hardens into tartar. The realistic plan is brushing when you can, plus a suitable chew most days, plus a professional check-up at your vet.
Puppies: the first six months
- Feed more often. Three to four meals a day, reducing as they grow.
- Socialise early and widely. The window closes sooner than most people expect.
- Expect teething. Around 4–6 months. Soft, safe chews save your skirting boards.
- Keep changes slow. New food, new environments, new chews — one variable at a time.
Shop puppy-appropriate treats →
Senior dogs: what changes
Teeth wear or go missing, digestion slows, joints stiffen, and calorie needs drop while protein needs stay high. Practically: softer textures, smaller and more frequent portions, keep them moving daily but gently, and weigh them monthly. Sudden weight loss in an older dog is a vet visit, not a food change.
Weight: the two-hand test
Run your hands along the ribs — you should feel them easily under a thin covering, without pressing. Look down from above — there should be a visible waist behind the ribs. If either test fails, adjust portions by about 10% and reassess in three weeks. Slow is the point.
Signs it is a vet visit, not a shopping decision
- Vomiting or diarrhoea lasting more than 24–48 hours
- Sudden weight loss, or a marked change in thirst or appetite
- Persistent scratching that breaks the skin
- Limping that does not resolve within a day or two
- Bad breath with red or bleeding gums
We sell food and chews. We do not diagnose — and neither should any pet shop.