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Top dog care tips from Canine Care holiday cottages

Advice

Top dog care tips from Canine Care

Kate W 11 February 2022

We all wonder if we’re doing the best by our dogs – should we go on more walks? Can I leave my dog on his own? Have I given her enough treats and belly rubs today? – and every one of us wants to know how to take better care of our canine family members.

In this guide, we’ve combined all of our blogs, guides and articles from our Canine Care series, created to inspire and inform new and experienced pup parents, so you can easily find great dog tips and insights. The knowledgeable team at Battersea Dogs Home have also contributed a wide selection of articles and guides to our Canine Care series, full of valuable advice for pup parents. You can read about our wonderful Battersea partnership here

Jump ahead to the section relevant for you or tap the button below to begin planning a holiday in one of our enchanting pet-friendly cottages.


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Frequently asked questions about dog care

Grey dog sat on a hill next to heather with a lake in the background

Before we delve into the wide range of guides and blogs we’ve got for you, let us answer a few of your most common questions on how to care for a dog.

The first couple of things your new dog will need is a safe space where they will feel secure, and to begin training which boosts both you and your pup’s happiness and confidence together.

We have a checklist for new pup parents, a guide for anyone getting an older dog and more helpful guides below for you to discover.

What are the basic care needs of a dog?

If you’re brand new to canine care, you’ll be wondering about how to take care of a dog. Luckily, while our tufty-eared mates need a lot of love and affection, their overall needs are fairly simple.

Food and water, a safe sleeping area, regular exercise and vet care are all the essentials; making sure your dog is happy is trickier, but this guide to improving your dog’s wellbeing will help.

How do I take better care of my dog?

If you’re asking yourself that question, then you’re already on the right track! Any pup parent who is always trying to do better by their four-pawed pooch is doing a great job.

If you want to up your game, that’s what our Canine Care collection is for. Browse through our guides below and discover tips and advice for improving your canine friend’s well-being.

How do I give my dog the perfect day?

Our four-pawed pals are simple creatures and there are a few things that most dogs are sure to love – long walks in enchanting spaces, mouth-watering homemade treats and the chance to play and spend time with you are all top of a dog’s list.

For inspiration on giving your dog the perfect day, read our guide on how to pamper your pup or our guide full of dog birthday party ideas.


Dog training and behaviour tips

Our collection of guides and articles is full of dog training tips, tricks and advice. Whether you’re looking for puppy dog training ideas, suggestions for an anxious dog or just want inspiration for keeping a bored dog entertained, you’ll find plenty of useful insights below.


Get your dog in the water

Labrador dog swimming in a lake

Take the plunge – get your canine pal in the water and swimming in no time.

Indoor activities for dogs

Little dog running through the house

Ways to spend quality time with our furry pals inside the home as well as out.


Brain training with Battersea

Dog with a paw in a human's hand in the beautiful setting on the Lake District

Enjoy Battersea’s wonderful guide for brain training your dog.

Get your dog confident with people

Woman stroking an old and greying black dog in a pretty garden

Let Battersea help you build up your dog’s confidence with this article full of advice.


Tip for dogs in firework season

Border collie puppy lying under a comfy chair

Help your nervous dog stay safe and calm during fireworks night with our guide.

Why do dogs dig?

Dog digging in grass by a river

Digging is instinctual for our pups – here's why, and how to prevent it.


Top tips for dog playdates

Two dogs playing together in a field

Ideas and inspiration when you’re inviting your canine’s mates over for a playdate.

Toilet training tips with Battersea

Puppy outdoors in a grassy area

Patience is key when toilet training; find out more in our guide.


Teach your dog recall

Dog running towards the camera through water

Read Battersea’s guide – recall is one of the most important things a dog can learn.

Get help with separation anxiety

Dog and owner sat together in a forest looking into the distance

A few ways you can begin helping your precious pup overcome separation anxiety.



Dog health and diet tips

The guides below reveal how to best care for your pup’s health with tips on dog diet and nutrition, toxic food, grooming information, and a mix of advice on caring for older dogs and young pups. Read on to learn great ways to keep your dog’s health in tip-top condition.


Homemade dog treat recipes

Raw dog treats on baking tray

Spoil your favourite pup pal with these homemade dog treat recipes!

Care tips for senior dogs

Wet dog on sunny day by the river

A dog’s needs change as they age, here are a few ways to help out an older hound.


Plants poisonous to dogs

Spaniel surrounded by purple heather

Keep your dog safe on walks, in the garden and even around your houseplants!

How to clean your dog’s ears

Back of dog's head looking out over the coast

A step-by-step guide to make cleaning your dog’s ears quick, easy and no fuss.


Dog first aid tips

Dog sat on rock in front of mountains

How to take care of a dog in an emergency – essential things to know.  

The secret language of poop

Black spaniel dog surrounded by bluebells

Your dog’s toilet habits can reveal a lot about what’s going on inside their gut.



Dog travel tips

Travelling with your canine companion can be exciting, but it can also be nerve-wracking for pups who haven’t travelled much. This collection of guides provides a host of advice on what to look for in a pet-friendly cottage, what to pack, and how to keep your dog safe while travelling together.


Spring safety tips for pup parents

Dog in Scotland in front of a waterfall

Springtime is full of changes; with so much going on, be prepared with our safety tips.

Summer safety tips for pup parents

View overlooking stunning beach in summer

Everyone's outside in the sun! Read how to keep your hound safe in summer.


Choosing a pet-friendly cottage

Lovely thatch cottage

What makes a dog-friendly cottage special for both dogs and humans.

Keep your pup safe on dog walks

Dog standing on a log in the forest

Caring for dogs and keeping them safe when you’re out and about on adventures.


Top tips for travelling with your dog

Dog in car with its head out of the window

Travelling with your dog? Paw through these dog travel tips for a relaxed journey.

Your dog’s holiday packing checklist

Dog standing on ledge overlooking beautiful view of fields

Got everything you need? From dog treats to pet insurance, we’ve got you covered.



More dog care tips

Finally, we’ve gathered up all our more general dog care guides below offering more great advice and ways to look after your four-pawed friend.

If we haven’t covered your query above, you may find something useful in these blog posts covering a range of topics including what you need to know when getting a new dog, how to donate to dog shelters and tips for caring for your pup pal during winter.


Checklist for a new dog

Dog in field with cloudy sky

One for new pup parents detailing all you need to help your new dog find their feet.

Getting an older dog

Dog sat on bench with sunset backdrop

Advice for when homing an older dog; how to adapt and help them settle in.


How to donate to dog shelters

Woman from a shelter drying cute border collie dog

From money to dog toys, there are plenty of ways to donate to animal shelters.

Dog rescue success stories

Blind dog in dunes on beach with sea in background

If you’re considering dog adoption, these rescue stories will surely inspire you.


Dog care during winter

Dog and owner on a hike in the Lake District with frost on the ground

With long nights and chilly weather, here are a few tips for dog care tips during winter.


Pet-friendly holiday cottages

Ensure you check out our wide range of wonderful holiday retreats for dogs and their pup parents all over the UK.

Begin planning your next dog-friendly holiday and get inspired by our beautiful properties with big gardens, cottages near pet-friendly beaches, and accommodation with lovely roaring fires.

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.

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Content Team 24 October 2024
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