THE PETIST

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PET KNOWLEDGE HUB

June 28, 2026
0 commentson The UK Temperature Guide: Is It Safe to Walk Your Dog Today?

The UK Temperature Guide: Is It Safe to Walk Your Dog Today?

At an air temperature of 25 degrees Celsius, UK tarmac and asphalt pavement surfaces reach 52 degrees Celsius. At 31 degrees Celsius, pavement reaches 62 degrees Celsius. Skin tissue destruction begins in under one minute at 52 degrees Celsius. In...

dog

Why Is My Dog Panting So Much? A Pharmacist's Complete Guide (UK 2026)

Excessive panting in dogs is caused by heat, pain, Cushing's disease, heart disease, anxiety, respiratory disorders, anaemia, nausea, obesity, fever, poisoning, metabolic imbalance, medication side effects, and breed physiology. In most cases, panting at rest in a cool room or...

June 22, 2026
0 commentson What flea treatment do vets use?

What flea treatment do vets use?

Vets in the UK have access to a range of prescription-only flea treatments that are not available over the counter. These are not simply stronger versions of the same products in many cases they represent entirely different pharmacological...

Dog pain

Pardale-V for Dogs: Dosing, Safety & When to Use It (Pharmacist's Guide)

Pardale-V is the only veterinary medicine licensed in the UK that combines paracetamol (400mg) and codeine phosphate (9mg) in a single tablet for dogs. It is available on veterinary prescription only (POM-V), used for short-term mild to moderate pain relief,...

dog

Dog Collar vs Harness: The Neck Damage Most Owners Don't Know About

Stop Walking Your Dog From Their Neck Dogs are not built to withstand repeated compressive loading at the neck. Their anatomy evolved for running, biting, and carrying prey, not for sustained tension applied to a narrow band of tissue around...

dog

June 14, 2026
0 commentson Is my dog too fat?

Is my dog too fat?

Is My Dog Too Fat? Dog Body Condition Score (BCS) Calculator Key facts (clinically verified): An estimated 51–65% of UK dogs are overweight or obese, according to PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report data. Excess body weight in dogs...

Read moreabout Is my dog too fat?

dog shampoo

Best Natural Vegan Dog Shampoo UK 2026: What the Science Actually Says

What is the best natural, vegan dog shampoo in the UK? The FurBabies™ Botanicals Rinse-Off Shampoo is a fully plant-derived, vegan, SLS-free shampoo formulated specifically for canine and feline skin pH backed by peer-reviewed research on every active botanical ingredient....

June 13, 2026
0 commentson What is in FurBabies™ Botanicals Products?

What is in FurBabies™ Botanicals Products?

What ingredients are in FurBabies™ Botanicals pet skincare products? Every ingredient in the FurBabies™ Botanicals range is plant-derived, vegan, and chosen for a specific, evidence-based reason to support the skin barrier, reduce inflammation, or provide antimicrobial protection. This page explains...

Dry Shampoo No Rinse Shampoo

June 13, 2026
0 commentson Is No-Rinse or Dry Shampoo Safe For Pets?

Is No-Rinse or Dry Shampoo Safe For Pets?

Is no-rinse shampoo safe for dogs, cats, and small pets? Yes but only when formulated with gentle, pet-safe ingredients and used correctly, no-rinse shampoo is a safe and practical way to keep your pet clean between full baths. Waterless, dry,...

Scratching the Surface: Understanding and Treating Common Causes of Dog Itch

Why does my dog keep scratching? The most common causes of persistent dog scratching are fleas, house dust mites, environmental allergies, skin infections, and damage caused by harsh grooming products. Getting to the root cause — not just treating the...

dog allergies dog dermatitis

June 13, 2026
0 commentson Dog itch - what else could it be?

Dog itch - what else could it be?

My dog is still itching what else could it be? If you've already addressed fleas, allergies, infections, and grooming products and your dog is still scratching, there are less common but serious causes worth investigating: hormonal imbalances, autoimmune conditions, metabolic...

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

Dog Itch Relief: Causes, Treatments and When to See a Vet (UK)

Why is my dog itching? Dogs itch for many reasons: fleas, environmental allergies, food sensitivities, skin barrier damage from harsh grooming products, and secondary yeast or bacterial infections. Identifying the root cause is the only way to stop it for...

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 shampoo pet shampoo

Can You Use Baby Shampoo on Dogs? A Clinical Pharmacist's Evidence-Based Safety Guide - FurBabies™ Botanicals

Baby Shampoo For Dogs Ingredient Safety - A Pharmacist's Guide

Looking for the quick, practical answer? Read our concise guide: Baby Shampoo for Dogs — The Short Answer (UK). This article is the full clinical deep-dive — ingredient analysis, skin physiology, and the pharmacist-level science behind the guidance. Clinically Reviewed...

dog dermatitis

Dog Contact Dermatitis vs. Seborrheic Dermatitis: Identifying and Treating Skin Issues in Dogs

What is the difference between contact dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis in dogs? Contact dermatitis is a localised skin reaction caused by direct contact with an irritant or allergen, think grass chemicals, cleaning products, or shampoo ingredients. Seborrheic dermatitis is a...

dog allergies

Is Cytopoint the Best Choice for Your Dog's Itchy Skin? A Comprehensive Guide - FurBabies™ Botanicals

Cytopoint for Dogs: Anti Itch Injection — Side Effects, How It Works, Cost & Does It Make Dogs Sleepy? (UK)

Cytopoint Injection For Dogs Cytopoint is a prescription injection given by your vet to relieve itching in dogs with atopic or allergic dermatitis. It works by targeting a single protein IL-31 that triggers the itch signal, and most dogs feel...

Everything You Need to Know About Oclacitinib (Apoquel) for Dogs - FurBabies™ Botanicals

Apoquel (Oclacitinib) for Dogs: The Complete UK Guide to This Anti Itch Medication

What is Apoquel (Oclacitinib) and What is It Used For? Apoquel is the brand name for oclacitinib maleate, an oral anti itch medication for dogs manufactured by Zoetis. It was the first Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor licensed for veterinary use...

dog

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....

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Paraben The Hidden Ingredient in Most Pet Shampoos That Could Be Harming Your Dog

Are parabens safe for dogs and cats? No. Parabens are synthetic preservatives that penetrate pet skin readily, disrupt hormones, and accumulate in body tissue with repeated exposure. This is because a dog's skin is significantly thinner and more permeable than...

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
0 commentson Baby Shampoo for Dogs

Baby Shampoo for Dogs

Can I use baby shampoo on my dog? No — baby shampoo is not recommended for regular use on dogs. Baby shampoo is formulated for human skin pH (5.5), while a dog's skin sits at a neutral pH of around...

Read moreabout Baby Shampoo for Dogs

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May 30, 2026
0 commentson Does the choice of pet shampoo matter?

Does the choice of pet shampoo matter?

Does the choice of pet shampoo really matter? Yes significantly. Using the wrong shampoo on your dog, cat, or small pet can strip protective skin oils, disrupt pH balance, trigger itching, and cause long-term coat damage. This guide explains exactly...

Understanding Flea Transmission Between Pets. - FurBabies™ Botanicals

Can Dogs Catch Cat Fleas (and Vice Versa)? UK Pharmacist Guide

Yes! dogs catch cat fleas routinely, and this is not an unusual edge case. In the UK, the vast majority of flea infestations in both cats and dogs are caused by a single species: Ctenocephalides felis, the cat flea....

May 1, 2026
0 commentson A-Z Guide Flea Treatment For Dogs & Cats

A-Z Guide Flea Treatment For Dogs & Cats

This is a complete A-Z guide to flea and tick treatment for dogs and cats in the UK. It covers every treatment format — spot-ons, oral medications, collars, household sprays, and shampoos — with full product tables, prescription status,...

dog allergies dog dermatitis

April 29, 2026
0 commentson The Environmental Audit: Is Your Home Making Your Dog Itchy?

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...

dog shampoo pet shampoo

Best Dog Shampoos in 2025: A Clinical Pharmacist's Evidence-Based Guide for UK Pet Parents - FurBabies™ Botanicals

Best Dog Shampoos in 2026: 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 the UK in 2026 is FurBabies™ Botanicals Rinse-Off Shampoo with Lavender the only pharmaceutical-grade canine formula combining clinically validated anxiety reduction, natural flea deterrence, and active...

April 5, 2026
0 commentson My Dog or Cat Is Still Itching After Flea Treatment?

My Dog or Cat Is Still Itching After Flea Treatment?

If your dog or cat is still itching after flea treatment, the most important thing to understand is this: the itch and the fleas are now two separate problems. Flea treatment eliminates the parasite it does not automatically resolve the...

April 1, 2026
0 commentson Can Fleas Live in a House Without Pets?

Can Fleas Live in a House Without Pets?

Yes! Fleas can survive in a house without pets, and in some circumstances they can survive for a very long time. The question is not simply whether adult fleas can live without a host (they cannot, for long), but...

March 16, 2026
0 commentson My Dog or Cat Still Has Fleas After Treatment

My Dog or Cat Still Has Fleas After Treatment

If your dog or cat still has fleas after treatment, the most important thing to understand is that this is almost never a sign that the treatment is not working. In the vast majority of cases, the fleas you...

dog

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

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,...

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

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...

October 29, 2025
0 commentson Topical Joint Pain Relief But Formulated For Dogs

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

October 24, 2025
0 commentson Pets At Home Cat & Dog Advent Calenders - 2025 Review

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

October 22, 2025
0 commentson Best Anti Itch for Cats and Cat Itch Relief

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

August 6, 2025
0 commentson Cat Chin Acne Treatment: Natural Solutions for Early-Stage Blackheads

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

August 6, 2025
0 commentson Cat Chin Acne: Complete Guide to Causes, Symptoms & Diagnosis

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...

August 6, 2025
0 commentson Cat Overgrooming: Complete Guide to Excessive Licking in Cats

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...

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....

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...

June 17, 2025
0 commentson Why Dogs Eat Strange Things: The Hidden Science Behind Canine Pica

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 guinea pig shampoo hamster shampoo pet shampoo rabbit shampoo

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,...

Can you give a dog piriton? - FurBabies™ Botanicals

Piriton for Dogs: What Your Vet Needs You to Know Doses, Side Effects & Risks (UK)

Before You Give Your Dog Piriton Read This First Piriton (chlorphenamine maleate) is a human antihistamine. It is not licensed for veterinary use in dogs in the UK, and a vet can only recommend it under a specific legal framework...

dog shampoo pet shampoo

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...

April 10, 2025
0 commentson What is Catnip? The Ultimate Guide for Pet Parents

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....

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...

March 28, 2025
0 commentson Do Cats Recognize Mirrors? A Deep Dive Into Feline Reflection Awareness

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...

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...

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