THE PETIST

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PET KNOWLEDGE HUB

Why is my Dog Itching? - FurBabies™ Botanicals | Pet Skin Barrier Repair

Jun 06, 2026
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Why Is My Dog Itching? Causes, Treatments and When to See a Vet

Why Is My Dog Itching? Causes, Treatments and When to See a Vet Dogs itch for many reasons including parasites, environmental allergies, food sensitivities, skin barrier damage and secondary infections. Identifying the underlying cause is the only way to stop...

Jun 04, 2026
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Piriton vs Apoquel vs Cytopoint for Dogs: Which Is Right for Yours? UK Guide

Important: Piriton, Apoquel and Cytopoint are not interchangeable Piriton is most useful for short-term acute allergic reactions such as insect stings, hives, facial swelling, and mild vaccine reactions. Apoquel and Cytopoint are primarily used to control chronic itching caused...

dog

May 30, 2026
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Is Xylitol Toxic to Dogs? What It Is, Where It's Found, and How to Check the Risk

Most UK dog owners know that chocolate is dangerous. Far fewer realise that a single piece of chewing gum — the kind that lives in handbags, coat pockets, car gloveboxes, and desk drawers can kill a dog within hours....

Cat cat shampoo dog dog allergies dog dermatitis dog shampoo pet shampoo puppy shampoo rabbit shampoo

May 30, 2026
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Paraben The Hidden Ingredient in Most Pet Shampoos That Could Be Harming Your Dog

Turn over almost any pet shampoo bottle and scan the ingredients list. Somewhere near the bottom you're likely to find one or more of these: methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben. These are parabens, a family of synthetic preservatives used widely across...

May 30, 2026
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Why avoid Shampoos with SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate) & SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulphate)

Walk down the pet care aisle in any UK supermarket and you'll find shelves of brightly packaged shampoos, many of them foaming generously in their promotional photos. That satisfying lather is largely down to one ingredient: SLS (Sodium Lauryl...

dog dermatitis dog shampoo pet shampoo puppy shampoo

May 30, 2026
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Baby Shampoo for Dogs

It's one of the most common questions UK dog owners ask: "Can I just use baby shampoo on my dog? It's gentle, isn't it?" It's an understandable instinct baby shampoos are marketed as mild, tear-free, and kind to sensitive...

cat shampoo dog allergies dog shampoo guinea pig shampoo pet shampoo

May 30, 2026
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Does the choice of shampoo matter?

A good quality pet shampoo should rinse off quickly and completely leaving your pet's coat clean, soft, and free from residue. However with hundreds of products on the market, how do you know which one is actually right for your...

dog allergies dog dermatitis

Apr 29, 2026
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The Environmental Audit: Is Your Home Making Your Dog Itchy?

In our previous deep dives, we explored the "Outside-In" theory and how a "Leaky Skin Barrier" allows irritants to penetrate the skin. But for the owner of a dog with Contact Dermatitis, the biggest question remains: What exactly is getting...

Apr 28, 2026
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Dog Contact Dermatitis vs. Seborrheic Dermatitis: Identifying and Treating Skin Issues in Dogs

Quick Summary (TL;DR) Distinguishing between Contact Dermatitis and Seborrheic Dermatitis is vital for correct treatment. Contact dermatitis is a localised reaction to environmental irritants (like grass or chemicals), while Seborrheic dermatitis involves oily or dry flaking often linked to yeast...

dog

Nov 16, 2025
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The Complete Guide to Dog Coats: What Every Pet Parent Needs to Know in 2025

Quick Answer: Dog coats are essential protective gear for short-haired breeds (Greyhounds, Whippets, Dobermans), small dogs, seniors, and long-haired breeds prone to matting (Poodles, Goldendoodles). The best coats feature high waterproof ratings (10,000-20,000mm), silk or satin linings to prevent matting,...

Nov 06, 2025
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Chronic Pain, Muscle Loss, and Early Mortality in Senior Dogs: The Hidden Threat of Sarcopenia

Even with arthritis meds for dogs, joint chews, or other good joint supplements for dogs, chronic pain can silently destroy muscles in senior dogs. This process, called sarcopenia (age- and pain-related loss of muscle mass and strength), happens because pain...

Cat dog

Nov 01, 2025
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How can I check if my dog’s flea or tick treatment is genuine in the UK? (VMD verification + real owner story)

Check the pack’s VM number against the VMD Product Information Database on GOV.UK. If the VM, manufacturer and leaflet match the database entry, the product is authorised; if not, don’t use it. Immediate story hook “I hadn’t left my flat...

Oct 29, 2025
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Topical Joint Pain Relief But Formulated For Dogs

Table of Contents Understanding Topical Pain Relief for Dogs Why Deep Heat and Human Products Are Dangerous for Dogs Safe Topical Pain Relief Options for Dogs How Topical Pain Relief Works in Dogs Topical vs Oral Pain Medications: What's Best...

Cat dog

Oct 24, 2025
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Pets At Home Cat & Dog Advent Calenders - 2025 Review

Health and Ingredient Analysis of Pets at Home Dog and Cat Advent Calendars (2025) Pet advent calendars are fun, but not all treats are created equal. This guide covers the ingredients, allergens, and health considerations of popular 2025 UK advent...

Cat

Oct 22, 2025
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Best Anti Itch for Cats and Cat Itch Relief

Effective Cat Itch Relief & FASS Management A practical guide to combining veterinary treatment with skin barrier support for cats. Contents Introduction — Why skin barrier repair matters DermaProtect Skin Barrier Repair Serum — Product summary How DermaProtect helps itch,...

Cat

Aug 06, 2025
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Cat Chin Acne Treatment: Natural Solutions for Early-Stage Blackheads

How do you treat early-stage cat chin acne? Treat early-stage cat chin acne (blackheads only) with gentle, microbiome-friendly botanical ingredients like calendula and clary sage. Replace plastic bowls with stainless steel, clean chin daily, and apply natural serum weekly. For...

Cat

Aug 06, 2025
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Cat Chin Acne: Complete Guide to Causes, Symptoms & Diagnosis

What is cat chin acne? Cat chin acne is a skin condition where hair follicles on the chin become clogged with excess keratin and oil, forming blackheads (comedones). It affects cats of all ages and breeds, appearing as small black...

Aug 06, 2025
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Cat Overgrooming: Complete Guide to Excessive Licking in Cats

Cat overgrooming is when cats lick, bite, or chew their fur excessively beyond normal hygiene, causing visible hair loss and skin irritation. Normal cats groom for 2-5 hours daily; overgrooming cats may spend 8 or more hours targeting the same...

Jun 17, 2025
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Why Does My Dog Eat Grass? A Clinical Pharmacist's Complete Guide to Canine Grass Consumption

Quick Answer Summary Why does my dog eat grass? Dogs eat grass primarily because they enjoy the taste and texture, need additional fibre, or follow natural foraging instincts. Over 80% of dogs eat grass regularly, and it's completely normal behaviour....

Jun 17, 2025
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Why Does My Dog Eat Poop? A Clinical Pharmacist's Complete Guide to Coprophagia

By Dr. Poonum Wilkhu, MPharm, PgDiP, IP, Doctorate in Public Health Quick Answer Summary Why does my dog eat poop? Dogs eat poop (coprophagia) primarily due to habit, hunger, stress, boredom, or attention-seeking behaviour. Only 5% of cases involve underlying...

Jun 17, 2025
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Why Dogs Eat Strange Things: The Hidden Science Behind Canine Pica

Quick Answer: Why Dogs Eat Non-Food Items Pica in dogs - the persistent eating of non-food items like grass, poop, plastic, screws, rocks, or fabric - affects up to 15% of dogs and has complex medical, neurochemical, and environmental causes. As...

dog shampoo pet shampoo

Jun 17, 2025
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Can You Use Baby Shampoo on Dogs? A Clinical Pharmacist's Evidence-Based Safety Guide

Quick Answer: Baby Shampoo Safety for Dogs Yes, but only in emergencies. Baby shampoo can be used on dogs in true emergencies when heavily diluted (1:10 ratio), but it's not ideal for regular use. As a clinical pharmacist, I recommend...

dog shampoo guinea pig shampoo hamster shampoo pet shampoo rabbit shampoo

Jun 17, 2025
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Dog Shampoo for Sensitive Skin: A Clinical Pharmacist's Complete Guide to Gentle Grooming

Quick Answer: Best Dog Shampoo for Sensitive Skin The best dog shampoo for sensitive skin is FurBabies™ Botanicals No-Rinse Shampoo with Rose Geranium, specifically formulated for dogs with skin sensitivities. This pharmaceutical-grade formula eliminates bath-time stress whilst providing gentle cleaning,...

dog shampoo pet shampoo

Jun 17, 2025
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Best Dog Shampoos in 2025: A Clinical Pharmacist's Evidence-Based Guide for UK Pet Parents

Quick Answer: Best Dog Shampoos for UK Pet Owners The best dog shampoo in 2025 is FurBabies™ Botanicals Rinse-Off Shampoo with Lavender, offering pharmaceutical-grade formulation, anxiety relief, natural flea deterrence, and therapeutic skin benefits. For sensitive dogs, FurBabies™ Botanicals No-Rinse...

dog shampoo pet shampoo

Apr 16, 2025
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What Human Shampoo Can I Use on My Dog? Clinical Pharmacist's Complete Safety Guide

By Dr. Poonum Wilkhu, MPharm, PgDiP, IP, Doctorate in Public Health Updated: June 2025 Quick Answer: Emergency Only - Here's What's Safest In true emergencies only, the safest human shampoos for dogs are fragrance-free baby shampoos like Johnson's Baby Shampoo...

Apr 10, 2025
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What is Catnip? The Ultimate Guide for Pet Parents

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a fragrant herb from the mint family, originally from Europe and Asia, now widely available globally. Its unique appeal to cats lies in a compound called "nepetalactone," which triggers feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and playful behaviour....

Mar 28, 2025
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Why Do Cats Turn Before Lying Down? | Understanding This Fascinating Behaviour

Cats turn around before lying down due to instincts inherited from their wild ancestors, helping them check for dangers and mark their territory. This circling behavior also helps them adjust their sleeping area for comfort, conserve body heat, and clear...

Mar 28, 2025
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Do Cats Recognize Mirrors? A Deep Dive Into Feline Reflection Awareness

No, cats don't recognize themselves in mirrors. They likely see their reflection as another cat, triggering defensive or curious behaviors. Cats rely on their senses, especially smell, for identification, not visual self-awareness. If you've ever caught your cat staring at...

Mar 28, 2025
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Is Dog Jumping On and Off the Bed Bad for Their Joints? The Risks, Evidence, and Alternatives

Repetitive jumping off the bed puts significant strain on your dog’s joints, increasing the risk of early arthritis, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), ligament injuries, and conditions like hip dysplasia. This is particularly true for breeds like German Shepherds, Labradors, and...

Mar 28, 2025
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Why Do My Dog’s Joints Click? Causes, Symptoms & When to See a Vet

Dogs' Joints Clicking: Causes, Risks & When to See a Vet Hearing your dog’s joints click or pop while stretching can be unsettling, but in many cases, it’s harmless. The occasional clicking is often due to natural joint movement or...

Feb 27, 2025
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Top 10 Pet Insurance Companies for Dogs and Cats in 2025

Compare Pet Insurance Providers Finding the right pet insurance can be a daunting task for any pet parent. Whether you have a dog, cat, or even a small pet like a rabbit, hamster, or guinea pig, choosing the best provider...

Feb 21, 2025
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Can Fleas Live in a House Without Pets?

If you're wondering, can fleas live in a house without pets, or if you have fleas or lice in hair you're not alone. Many pet owners, and even those without pets, may face the unpleasant surprise of finding fleas in their...

Feb 18, 2025
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Everything You Need to Know About Oclacitinib (Apoquel) for Dogs

In this comprehensive guide, we will address all your common questions about Apoquel, its side effects, usage, alternatives, and how to safely incorporate it into your dog’s treatment plan. What is Oclacitinib (Apoquel)? Oclacitinib is an oral medication used to...

Feb 16, 2025
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Is Cytopoint the Best Choice for Your Dog's Itchy Skin? A Comprehensive Guide

Cytopoint Injection For Dogs Cytopoint injection for dogs UK is administered subcutaneously (by injection to just under the skin) and works by binding to IL-31 (a protein in the body that plays a big role in causing itching), thereby preventing...

Feb 11, 2025
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My Dog or Cat Is Still Itching After Flea Treatment?

Cat or Dog Still Itching After Flea Treatment Flea treatments are designed to eliminate infestations and provide relief, but many pet owners find their dog or cat still itching even after treatment. This persistent scratching can be frustrating and concerning....

Feb 10, 2025
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Financial Impact of Dog & Cat Skin Allergies

Cost of Treating Skin Issues in Pets The cost of diagnosing and treating skin issues in pets can vary based on the severity of the condition, the type of treatment required, and regional pricing differences. Below is an estimate of...

Feb 10, 2025
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Understanding Vet Costs: What to Expect and Why They Vary

Understanding Vet Costs: What to Expect and Why They Vary If you’re searching for cheap vet clinics near me, it’s important to consider the range of costs outlined below. While finding affordable options is important, keep in mind that costs...

Feb 10, 2025
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My Dog or Cat Still Has Fleas After Treatment

What Should I Do? Cat flea infestation is a persistent issue, and many pet parents find themselves frustrated when my cat still has fleas after treatment. If you've treated your cat but fleas keep coming back, it's essential to understand...

Feb 10, 2025
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Understanding Flea Transmission Between Pets.

Fleas are a common nuisance for pets and pet owners alike, often leading to discomfort, itching, and potential health issues. While flea infestations are commonly associated with cats, many pet owners wonder, can dogs catch cat fleas? Understanding the nature of...

Feb 10, 2025
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What flea treatment do vets use?

Strongest flea treatments for dogs When it comes to the strongest flea treatment for dogs, there are several options that vets in the UK recommend, each with different strengths and costs. Vet-strength flea treatments like Simparica and Bravecto are commonly...

Feb 09, 2025
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A-Z Guide Flea Treatment For Dogs & Cats

Introduction As a responsible pet parent, staying on top of flea and tick prevention for your cat is crucial. Fleas not only cause discomfort but can also lead to serious health issues, such as flea allergy dermatitis, anaemia, and even transmit...

Feb 09, 2025
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Herbal Flea Treatment for Dogs & Cats: Evidence-Based Guide

Fleas are more than just a nuisance—they can cause itching, skin irritation, and even transmit diseases. While conventional flea treatments are effective, many pet parents are turning to natural flea protection for cats and natural flea treatment for dogs due to...

Feb 06, 2025
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Can you give a dog piriton?

Piriton for Dogs: Uses, Safety, and When to Avoid It When managing your dog’s allergies or itching, Piriton (also known as chlorphenamine) may be suggested as a short-term solution. But is it safe for dogs? How does it work, and...

Feb 04, 2025
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My Fur Babies, Furbabies, FurBaby, Fur Babies – Finding the Right Pet Skincare Brand

If you’ve been searching for natural pet skincare and come across different spellings of FurBabies™ Botanicals—like My Fur Babies, Furbabies, FurBaby, Fur-babies, Fur-kids, or Fur Babies—you’re not alone! Many pet parents type variations of our brand name while looking for soothing...

Feb 03, 2025
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Chocolate toxicity calculator

Chocolate Toxicity Calculator for Dogs Chocolate Toxicity Calculator for Dogs Dog's Weight (in kg): Type of Chocolate: Milk Chocolate Dark Chocolate Baker's Chocolate White Chocolate (no theobromine) Amount of Chocolate Consumed (grams): Always consult a veterinarian if you suspect...

Feb 03, 2025
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Dog Grooming For Pet Parents- Getting The Basics Right

Dog Grooming - The Basics Dog grooming is more than just about keeping your pet looking good—it plays a vital role in their overall health and well-being. Whether you opt for in home dog grooming or professional services, regular grooming...

Feb 01, 2025
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Understanding Moulting in Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, and Rabbits: A Comprehensive Guide

Moulting is a natural process in many animals, including small pets like guinea pigs, hamsters, and rabbits. Shedding old fur allows for coat renewal, temperature regulation, and overall skin health. However, moulting patterns, frequency, and care requirements vary significantly among...

Jan 27, 2025
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Can I give my dog Benadryl and Apoquel?

Can I Give My Dog Benadryl and Apoquel Together? It’s common for pet owners to seek ways to manage their dog's allergic reactions. You may be asking, Can I give my dog Benadryl and Apoquel together? Both medications serve different...

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