Doggy Dawdles

23/10/2025

🍂🐶 Autumn Walks Are Beautiful—But Watch Out for Acorns & Conkers! As the leaves fall and the woods fill with crunchy treasures, it’s important to remember that acorns and conkers (horse chestnuts) can be toxic to dogs if ingested. 🚫🌰🌳

🟤 What are they?

🌳Acorns are the nuts of oak trees, often found scattered on the ground in autumn.

🌳Conkers are the shiny brown seeds of horse chestnut trees, encased in spiky green shells.

🍁 Why are they dangerous?

Both contain substances that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and even liver or kidney damage in dogs.

Their size and hardness also pose a choking hazard or risk of intestinal blockage.

🗓️ When to be cautious:

Peak season is September through November, especially in wooded areas, parks, and country trails.

🐾 Tips to keep your pup safe:

👀Keep a close eye on what your dog is sniffing or picking up

🍂Avoid areas heavily littered with acorns or conkers

👩‍🏫Teach a strong “leave it” command

🚑Contact your vet immediately if you suspect ingestion

Let’s enjoy those crisp autumn strolls safely! 🍂🐕🧡

21/10/2025

🐾 Breed Profile: The Collie 🐑

Smart, sensitive, and endlessly loyal — the energetic Border Collie is one of the most intelligent and hard-working breeds around. 💛

🥰 The Good

Collies are born to please and thrive when given a job to do — whether that’s herding, agility, scent work, or learning clever tricks. Their intelligence and eagerness to learn make them a dream for active owners who love training and teamwork.

They’re affectionate, loyal, and bond deeply with their people. Collies are often gentle with children and make loving companions when their minds and bodies are kept busy.

✅ Exceptionally intelligent 🧠
✅ Eager to learn & trainable
✅ Loving and loyal family dogs
✅ Great for active lifestyles 🌿

😬 The Bad

That brilliant brain can be a double-edged sword! Collies need plenty of mental stimulation and exercise — without it, they can become anxious or develop unwanted behaviours (like herding shadows or chasing cars 🚗🐕).

They’re also highly sensitive — they pick up on their humans’ moods and can become stressed in chaotic environments. Grooming can be a commitment too.

⚠️ High energy & easily bored
⚠️ Can be anxious or reactive without proper outlets
⚠️ Needs daily exercise and brain work

💔 The Ugly (But Important!)

Sadly, overbreeding and poor understanding of the breed’s needs mean some Collies struggle in the wrong homes. They’re not “easy pets” — they need space, stimulation, and structure.

Some lines are also prone to Collie Eye Anomaly, hip dysplasia, and epilepsy, so health testing and responsible breeding are essential. ❤️

At Doggy Dawdles, we know our Collie crew need more than a simple stroll — we tailor walks to challenge their minds, provide structure, and let them safely burn off that famous Collie energy! 🐾

Brilliant, beautiful, and bursting with energy — Collies truly are the Einstein of the dog world. Just don’t forget, they need brains and balance. 💚

20/10/2025

💍🐾 Make your big day PAW-fect! 🐾💍

I’m Kimberley 👋 – huge animal lover 🐕.
At Doggy Dawdles, we don’t just do walks and pet sitting… we also offer a Doggy Event Chaperone Service ✨.

Because let’s be honest – your wedding or special event wouldn’t be complete without your four-legged best friend 🐶❤️.

What’s included? 👇
🎀 Safe transport to & from the venue
📸 Handling during photos (think perfect paw-traits 🐾📷)
✨ Walks, cuddles & toilet breaks
🥂 Peace of mind so you can focus on the moment while I care for your pup!

Fully insured ✅ Police checked ✅ Pet First Aid trained ✅
And most importantly – a total dog lover 💛🐾

Make memories with ALL of your family – paws and all 🐕💍.

Think:
💍 Ring Bearer
🚶‍♀️ Guest Greeter
🤵‍♂Best man or maid of honour

📍We cover the Lothians and beyond.

Get in touch to discuss how you would like to include your 4-legged family members on your big day!
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18/10/2025

Mr dude is obviously feeling a lot better in his recovery, even got some yoga stretches in🧘‍♀️ Still a bit to go but being ever such a good boy!

How do your pets take being a patient? 🤔 Are they OK with the extra care or do they like their independence too much? Let us know 👇

17/10/2025

Say hello 👋 to Marvin ☺️
He is a good boy that has some issues being away from home 🏡 and his mum 🤷‍♀️ but we are slowly building up the time and got a little play time added in this time.

Do you have a dog that has issues or quirks? Let us know in the comments ☺️🫣👇

17/10/2025

🐾 Why Do Dogs Spin Before They Poo? 💩✨

Ever noticed your pup do a little dance before doing their business? Turns out, there’s science behind it! 👇

🔬 The Magnetic Field Theory
🐕 Dogs often align with the Earth’s magnetic field when pooping.
🧭 A 2013 study found they prefer the north-south axis—like a furry little compass!
🌍 This isn’t unique to dogs—cattle, deer, and wolves also sense the Earth’s magnetic field.

🌱 Other Theories
🐾 Ground Prep: Circling flattens grass, disturbs soil, and keeps bugs away.
👀 Safety Check: Dogs are vulnerable while pooping, so they spin to survey for threats and check scents left by other animals.
⚡ Intestinal Boost: That twirl might also help stimulate the intestines to get things moving.

So next time your dog spins before squatting, know it’s not just a quirky dance—it’s instinct + science at work! 🐶💫

16/10/2025

We have written another blog for October 😮on the importance of knowing and understanding your dog and respecting their boundaries when it comes to dressing them up at Halloween.

https://doggydawdles.co.uk/some-dogs-dont-like-being-dressed-up/

15/10/2025

🎆🐾 Fireworks & Furry Friends: Keeping Your Dog Calm This Bonfire Night While fireworks light up the sky for us, they can be a real fright for our pups. Sudden bangs, flashing lights, and unpredictable sounds often trigger stress, anxiety, or even panic. 💥😢

Here’s how you can help your dog feel safe and secure:

🐶 Create a comfort zone – Set up a quiet, cozy space with their favourite bed, blankets, and toys. Let them retreat there if they need to.
🎶 Soften the sounds – Play calming music, white noise, or the TV to help mask the noise outside.
🪟🚪 Shut it down – Close windows, doors, and curtains to reduce both sound and light flashes.
❤️ Be their calm – Dogs pick up on our emotions. Stay relaxed, speak gently, and offer comfort without fuss.
🐕‍🦺 Support with calming tools – Try anxiety wraps, pheromone diffusers, or vet-approved calming aids if your dog struggles.
🏷️ Check ID & microchip info – Just in case they get spooked and run, make sure their tag and microchip are up to date.
⏰ Plan your walk early – Get outside before the fireworks begin to avoid unnecessary stress.

Don't forget that we have a discount code for Pet Remedy available for the Doggy Dawdles Crew (check out the featured posts or send me a message to get the link).

✨ What’s fun for us can feel like a threat to them. With a little prep and a lot of love, you can help your dog feel safe and supported. 💕🐕

14/10/2025

🐾✨ Breed Spotlight: The Border Terrier ✨🐾

Meet the Border Terrier – the plucky, wiry little dog with a big heart ❤️.

📏 Size: Small but sturdy! Usually 10–11 inches tall (25–28 cm) and weighing 11–16 lbs (5–7 kg).

🦊 Bred for: Originally developed on the border of England & Scotland to hunt foxes and vermin, they’re agile, determined, and fearless.

🐶 Shape: Distinctive otter-shaped head, wiry coat, and athletic build – built for hard work and squeezing into tight spaces!

💡 What to Expect:
Intelligent, energetic, and affectionate 🥰
Loyal companions who love to be part of family life 🏡
Great with kids and usually friendly with other dogs 🐕

⚡ Challenges:
Strong prey drive – squirrels beware! 🐿️
Can be stubborn and independent 😅
Need mental & physical stimulation daily, otherwise mischief may follow! 🐾

🩺 Health: Generally robust, but watch out for:
Hip dysplasia
Heart issues
Allergies/skin sensitivities

✨ Fun Fact: Despite their working roots, Border Terriers thrive as family pets when given structure, training, and plenty of love 💕.

13/10/2025

Our Blog for October was published on the 1st of the month, with those subscribed to the Newsletter getting first access to it.

https://doggydawdles.co.uk/help-your-dog-cope-with-fireworks-season/

If you would like to sign up for our Newsletter, please head to the bottom of the home page: www.doggydawdles.co.uk/

Help your dog cope with fireworks season with our science-backed tips from Doggy Dawdles. Discover pre-prep, in-the-moment support & post-fireworks recovery - plus an exclusive discount on Pet Remedy products.

12/10/2025

🐶 Today is Pet Obesity Awareness day. 💖

We all care deeply for our pets, but in recent years pet obesity has become an epidemic.

Reports show more of our pets than ever before are considered overweight or obese.

This special day serves as a reminder to keep our pets healthy. To make a commitment to ensure we give them the right nutrition and regular exercise they need. 🐾

We'd love to spread the word, so please do share this.

10/10/2025

🌿 World Mental Health Day 🌿

Today, we’re reminded that taking care of our minds is just as important as taking care of our bodies. 💚

If you’re struggling, please remember — it’s OK to not be okay!
You’re not alone, and there is help out there. Don’t stay silent — reach out, talk to someone, or check in on a friend. 💬💞

Let’s break the stigma and support each other — today and every day. 💚