I have to admit the thrill of hearing our UK wildlife on my walks with the dogs; the cuckoo in the spring; the woodpeckers in the summer as well as our usual bird song throughout the year, but out on our walk recently I kept hearing this noise.  I have never heard it before; it was coming from high up in the trees, so I am assuming its a bird of some kind????

I think what a dog parent carries with them on their daily dog walks is personal to them.  Some like to wear a jacket with many pockets stuffed with soggy tennis balls, poo bags and dog treats whilst others like to have bags.  I have to admit to being a "bag" person; I have at least one for every occasion of my life and makes me feel "organised" because each one holds items specifically required for each event.

As October is approaching I am starting to hear of cases in the UK of dogs contracting alabama rot again.   I first heard of the this disease approximately 3-4 years ago with cases of dogs dying of a mysterious disease in the New Forest in Hampshire; not far from my home town.  It is now reported almost all over the UK so something to at least be aware of.

Last month Professor Steve Dean kindly allowed DogsandBlogs to publish his 2018 article on hot dogs and this month I promised to publish his second article on what happens to an over-heated dog and how to effectively trear.  It does not make very pleasant reading BUT I felt it necessary information for those dog owners who consider it ok to leave their dogs in such situations.  I would also like to add that most people think over heated dogs are only found in vehicles on hot summer days, but this is not true.  Dogs can over heat when locked in conservatories or south facing rooms as well as when being over walked on hot days, so be warned and please "think dog!".

Back in 2018 I read an excellent article in Our Dogs by Professor Steve Dean on dogs in hot weather.   It was so informative that I contacted Steve and asked if I could share it here on this site for all of you lovely dog moms and dads.  I as thrilled when he not only agreed but sent to me two articles but here is the first one.  I hope you find it as useful and informative as I do and thank you Steve for your contribution; you're the best!

There is nothing worse than coming to the end of your lovely walk with your dog only to find the little so and so has once again rolled in something foul smelling; usually fox poo.  You either drive your dog home with all of the car windows down because the smell is just too awful or walk home trying to avoid  your dog rubbing the gungy mess against your legs.