Dog care

Owning and caring for a dog

Information and advice to help you look after your dog to ensure that you keep your pooch happy and healthy.

If you are interested in becoming a proud dog owner, visit our getting a dog or rehoming pages.

A lifetime of care with a Canine Care Card

Our free Canine Care Card means if you pass away or become seriously ill and you’re no longer able to look after your dog, you’ll never have to worry about what’s next for them – because they’ll be safe with Dogs Trust.

What to do when you want to buy a puppy

We think rehoming a rescue dog is best, but know that people sometimes want to buy a pup from a breeder. Our advice will help you ensure your new dog is happy, healthy and has been well bred from a responsible source

Looking after and caring for your puppy

Once you have chosen your puppy, it is important for you to make plans for his transition to your home. This will help reduce any extra stress caused by his new surroundings and give him the best start in his new life. Here are some basic guidelines for you to follow.

How to introduce your dog to people wearing face masks

Follow our steps to teach your dog that face masks are nothing to worry about.

Dogs and cats living together

Many dogs can live peaceably with cats, often forming a close relationship where they sleep together or clean each other. However, this is not always the case. Not all dogs can or should live with cats, and similarly, not all cats should live with dogs.

Frequently asked questions about microchipping

We've put together a list of the most frequently asked questions and their answers regarding microchipping.

Travelling with your dog on public transport

If you don’t have a car, public transport can open up a whole vista of new adventures for you and your dog. Take a look at our guide to everything you need to know about travelling with your dog.

Dog health and wellbeing

Information and advice to help keep your dog healthy and happy.

Dog dental hygiene

It is important to look after your dog's teeth. Although they are not prone to cavities like humans, they can still develop problems like tartar, plaque buildup and gingivitis. Find out how.

Diet and nutrition for dogs

There are many brands and types of dog food on the market that it may be difficult to know what is best to feed your dog. These include dry complete diets, wet food with or without biscuit mixer, and home-made food. On the whole, a good commercial complete food should provide all the essential nutrients for your dog.

Responsible dog ownership: A dog owners guide

Our guide for responsible dog owners covers what dogs need for happy and heathy lives, including: socialising, training, grooming, vet care and much more.

What is poisonous to your dog

A list of common potentially poisonous household and garden substances as supplied by the VPIS (Veterinary Poisons Information Service). This does not represent a complete list of all poisonous plants and household substances and is only intended as a guide.

How to have a happy vet visit

Visiting the vet is a fact of life for most dog owners, and while some of our four-legged friends may not enjoy it, it certainly doesn't have to be a traumatic trip. Read our guide on how to have a happy vet visit.

How to find a good dog walker

At times, your schedule may not give you the time you need to exercise your dog, so you may be thinking about using professional dog walking services. Our advice will help you to find a good dog walker so you can ensure your dog is in safe hands.

Why dog insurance is important.

You never know what’s around the corner, so having pet insurance is an important part of being a responsible dog owner. Vet bills can be significant, and may be difficult to deal with if they’re unexpected.

Help your hound adjust to post-lockdown life

Why neuter?

From behavioural and medical, to financial - here are just some of the reasons why you should consider neutering your dog.

Seasonal and event advice

Information on best practice to keep your dog heathy and happy in different seasons and during events.

Dog-friendly gardens

With the weather warming up and more time to spend in our gardens, it’s a great time to make sure yours is dog-friendly.

Warm weather advice

Read our five steps to have a safe summer with your dog and what to do if your dog overheats.

Sound Therapy for Pets

Learn about and download this range of free sound based treatment programmes to help your dog cope with a variety of sounds and situations.

How to plan a dog-friendly wedding

So many owners consider their dogs as family members that it’s only natural to want to include them in a special occasion like a wedding, but it’s important to consider how our dogs might feel being present at a wedding party to help them to enjoy the experience just as much as everyone else.

Keeping your dog safe this Christmas

We've put together a useful guide to helping your four-legged friends enjoy the festivities to the full whilst staying healthy and happy.

Cold Weather Advice

When temperatures drop and wintry weather is on its the way, our four-legged friends need to be ready for winter too. Read our tips to keep your dog safe.

Autumn and winter advice

From fireworks to festive tinsel, the Autumn-Winter period can bring lots of different experiences that your dog may not have encountered before.

Support, help and our services

Dogs Trust offers support and services to help you through your life with your dog.

Collar Chip Change

In 1992, it became a legal requirement that any dog in a public place must wear a collar with it's name and address. In April 2016, it became compulsory for every dog to have an up-to-date microchip. It is also a legal requirement to keep these details up to date.

A lifetime of care with a Canine Care Card

Dog law - England and Wales

Information on the laws in England and Wales that directly impact dogs and dog ownership, such as: Breed Specific Legislation, Dogs Dangerously out of Control and Animal Cruelty.

Dog law - Northern Ireland

This information is intended as a guide, rather than legal advice, and covers dogs on roads, breeding of dogs and dog control orders.

Freedom Project

Dogs Trust's Freedom Project is a dog fostering service for people who are fleeing domestic abuse. Find out more and to see how you can help.

Hope Project

Our Hope Project provides help with the cost of veterinary treatment for any dog whose owner is homeless.

Subsidised neutering

The Dogs Trust neutering scheme now only operates in Northern Ireland. Due to the financial and operational challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, we made the difficult decision to close the neutering scheme in England, Scotland and Wales. For help related to neutering within these areas, please check local services which may be able to offer assistance.

What do I do if I've found a stray dog?

Information on what to do if you find a dog: Check to see if the dog is wearing any form of identification that will enable you to return him directly to his owner. Contact the local authority dog warden straight away and arrange for him/her to collect the dog.

What do I do if I've lost my dog?

The Dog or Animal Warden for your local Council are legally responsible for stray dogs and the most likely to have picked them up! Call surrounding areas too, dogs can travel quite far when they want to! Your local Dog Warden through the Environmental Health Department of your local council.

Looking after and caring for your puppy

Our Schools

Education, advice and safety

Information to ensure that you and dogs are safe and secure in your day to day lives.

If you are looking for information on our free educational workshops and assemblies, please see: Learn with Dogs Trust.

How to keep your dog safe from thieves and what to do if your dog goes missing

Losing your dog, or having them taken from you, is an unbearable thought. Sadly, it’s a reality for the families of 2,000 dogs who are stolen each year in the UK. Follow our advice to protect your pooch from thieves.

Dog Fouling

We tackle the issue of dog fouling by encouraging owners to be more responsible and changing the attitudes of the minority who fail to pick up after their dogs.

Dogs in schools

Incorporating a dog into a school or educational setting is a trend that is growing in popularity within the UK. We receive many enquiries around this and are often asked for advice about how best to manage the integration of a school dog.

Keeping kids safe around dogs

Millions of people have dogs as pets. In fact we all probably meet dogs every day, at home or when out and about. Dogs come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities - and most of us, especially children, would find it difficult to believe that a friendly looking dog would ever intentionally hurt anyone.

Getting a puppy

Having a bouncy, happy, playful puppy is a very enjoyable experience. However it is also a big commitment, demanding in time, money and care. Remember, a puppy will grow into a dog and will be with you for many years to come.

Getting or buying a dog

Having a dog can be a great but it is also a very big commitment, so before getting a dog you should carefully consider what kind of dog you get, and where you get it from.

How to have a happy vet visit

Visiting the vet is a fact of life for most dog owners, and while some of our four-legged friends may not enjoy it - understatement alert! - it certainly doesn't have to be a traumatic trip.