Blue Cross blog
Our blog is written by our team of experts who are here to help you with your pet problems. They have extensive experience in veterinary care, animal behaviour and horse welfare.
You can browse the blog below or search for specific topics, like health or behaviour, in the search box.
Popular blog posts
Allergies and pets: our advice for coping
Posted on 04 May 2012
Many pets and horses are sadly given up to Blue Cross rehoming centres due to allergies. If you think you may have a pet allergy, check out our advice before deciding to rehome... From cats to rats, so far this year we have had over 90 ani...
It’s a scary world out there for nervous puppy Ben
Posted on 14 May 2012
The Blue Cross Lewknor rehoming centre looks after and finds happy homes for hundreds of cats and dogs every year. Our new blogger, animal welfare assistant Jess Hollis, will be bringing you regular news from this busy centre – this w...
It’s a scary world out there for nervous puppy Ben Posted on 14 May 2012The Blue Cross Lewknor rehoming centre looks after and finds happy homes for hundreds of cats and dogs every year. Our new blogger, animal welfare assistant Jess Hollis, will be bringing you regular news from this busy centre – this w... 
Top tips for keeping your pet safe during the floods Posted on 01 May 2012If your town or village is at risk of flooding, your pet’s probably the last thing on your mind during this stressful time. But have you thought through what might happen if you do need to evacuate? Blue Cross editor Natasha Kleanthou... 
Why the fight goes on to get it right on dangerous dogsPosted on 23 Apr 2012The campaign to reform the much-criticised Dangerous Dogs Act has been rumbling on for over two decades, and today we have finally heard how the coalition government intend to address the problem of dangerous dogs in our society. Blue Cross... 
Feeling inspired by the marathon? Read some top tips for running with your dog Posted on 20 Apr 2012Has the build up to the Virgin London Marathon inspired you to get your running shoes on? If it has, it’s also a fabulous way to spend some quality time with your dog and get you both a bit fitter! Here’s some advice for how to ... 
Dog owners: are you lungworm aware? Posted on 17 Apr 2012It’s Be Lungworm Aware month so you may have seen, heard or read more than usual about this nasty disease, which can be fatal to dogs. Susan Knox, chief vet of the Blue Cross Grimsby animal hospital, is here to tell you more about lun... 
How to convince your boss to let you bring your dog to workPosted on 12 Apr 2012All us dog lovers know that giving your pet a cuddle and a stroke, in fact even just having them around, can help the stress of daily life just melt away.
But how can you convince your boss that bringing your four-legged friend to work wit... Keep your dog safe from hidden dangers this springPosted on 02 Apr 2012Spring’s a gorgeous time of year – flowers and plants are blooming, the weather’s warming up and it’s a lovely time to explore the great outdoors. But did you know that plants like daffodils can actually be poisonous... 
Learn more about feline infectious peritonitis Posted on 23 Mar 2012Feline infectious peritonitis is a rare but fatal disease affecting cats. Blue Cross chief vet Caroline Reay has more information on the condition and what causes it…
Microbes are everywhere, yet only some people and pets get sick ... 
Communication is key between dogs and owners, says rescue pooch BaileyPosted on 21 Mar 2012Rescue dog Bailey had a troubled past but he’s been given a second chance in life. This week he reveals that dogs really can understand what humans are telling them… Hi friends (two and four-legged varieties),I’ve been ha... 
Foster carer’s home is fit for a queen… and her kittensPosted on 14 Mar 2012Since becoming pet foster carers in May last year, Pippa and her son Otto have looked after 29 queens and kittens for Blue Cross. Pippa shares the highlights and some incredible photos with us...
I moved to Devon for 18 months and needed ... Two's company for rescue dog BaileyPosted on 13 Mar 2012Rescue dog Bailey had a troubled past but he’s been given a second chance in life. This week he mulls over the importance of having someone in your life that you can always rely on… Hi friends (two and four-legged varieties),Ov... 
Sweet itch: know the facts Posted on 09 Mar 2012Blue Cross supports sweet itch awareness month this March. For horses and their owners the joys of summer can soon turn into a nightmare if sweet itch strikes. Blue Cross education officer Kerry Doyle reveals more about this condition and w... 
Guide to dog breed health dispositions Posted on 05 Mar 2012Just like humans, any dog can develop health problems. But some breeds have a higher risk of getting certain diseases than others. This guide is here to help potential new dog owners understand this a little more...
Whether they’re p... 
Keep dogs and horses safe around each otherPosted on 02 Mar 2012Some dogs have never seen a horse before, and if they are scared or nervous they may react by chasing the horse. This can cause problems for the horse, the rider, other members of the public and the dog. Blue Cross has teamed up with the Br... 
Rescue dog Bailey's dreaming of life in FrancePosted on 01 Mar 2012Rescue dog Bailey had a troubled past but he’s been given a second chance in life. This week he wonders why it’s so hard to be a dog in a country that’s meant to be a nation of pet-lovers.Hi friends (two and four-legged va... 
Blue Cross guide to choosing the right dog breedPosted on 29 Feb 2012There are hundreds of breeds of dog in the world and our four-legged friends come in all shapes and sizes. And, like humans, they’re all different. We have useful advice to help you choose the right breed of dog to suit you and your l... 
Protect your cat from common poisonsPosted on 08 Feb 2012There’s a reason why cats are known for their curiosity and it can sometimes get them into trouble. While they are more careful eaters than dogs, they can be poisoned by licking things off their paws or coat, and common things around ... 
Keep safe around injured dogsPosted on 06 Feb 2012Seeing your pet suffer is never easy, and dealing with a sick or injured dog is a very distressing time. However, it’s important to stay calm and assess the situation in order to keep yourself and those around you safe.
A sick or inj... 
Cut horse costs without compromising on welfarePosted on 19 Jan 2012The Blue Cross receives a large number of calls every month from desperate owners no longer able to afford the costs of keeping their horses.
As families face growing financial pressures, many are forced to consider giving up their beloved... 
Help us battle obesity ‘pet-demic’Posted on 03 Feb 2012As the year progresses, many of us are working hard to stick to our New Year diets. Have you thought about any other members of your household who might also benefit from a change in eating habits?
2011 brought us the year of the obesity ... 
How Kate and Wills can avoid teething problems with new pupPosted on 02 Feb 2012As it is revealed that Prince William and Kate Middleton have taken on a new puppy, The Blue Cross has some tips for ensuring harmony in the royal household with the new arrival.
The three-month-old black cocker spaniel puppy is reportedly... Do dogs discriminate? Rescue dog Bailey investigatesPosted on 26 Jan 2012Rescue dog Bailey had a troubled past but he’s been given a second chance in life. This week he debates whether it’s the pet or their owner who’s really prejudiced about certain types of dogs…
Hi friends (two and ... 
Think twice before buying your pet online Posted on 20 Jan 2012It’s so easy to buy online that people are now turning to the internet to purchase their new pet. However, we urge people to think twice. The Blue Cross has been working as part of the Pet Advertising Advisory Group to look at some of... 
Keep your dog safe from theftPosted on 12 Jan 2012The Blue Cross urges all dog owners to be vigilant in protecting their pets from theft.
The call comes after six Tibetan spaniels were stolen in Oxfordshire in December. Thankfully, five of the dogs have been found and returned to their ho... Happy New Year from rescue dog BaileyPosted on 10 Jan 2012Rescue dog Bailey had a troubled past but he’s been given a second chance in life. He’s hoping 2012 will be a Happy New Year for staffies.
Hi friends (two and four-legged varieties),
Happy New Year to you all and may i...