Snout and About

24/08/2025

Very important campaign folks, please sign

I just signed this petition calling on the Irish government to urgently reform the laws on pet theft. Will you sign too?

22/08/2025

It might seem like a superficial detail: the quality of a dog’s coat, patches of hair loss, or changes in regrowth after clipping. The skin is the largest organ of the body and is tightly linked to the nervous and endocrine systems. When a dog is in chronic pain or under prolonged stress, there are measurable changes in hormone levels especially cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone.

Elevated or dysregulated cortisol can interfere with:
Skin barrier function
Follicle health
Hair growth cycles

In simple terms, a stressed or painful body may divert resources away from hair growth, either slowing it, changing its quality, or halting it altogether.

Some dogs with chronic pain (especially orthopaedic or spinal issues) will show:
Patches where hair doesn’t grow back normally after clipping or surgery
Thinner, duller, or dry coat texture.

Asymmetrical coat quality, especially over painful joints or areas of tension
Excess licking or chewing, often mistaken as purely behavioural, that causes localised hair loss

This isn’t just anecdotal. These signs may be subtle, but they can be a critical part of the diagnostic picture when we suspect low-grade or hidden pain particularly in stoic dogs who may not show obvious lameness or distress.

In people, chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, or rheumatoid arthritis are often linked with changes in skin integrity and hair follicle function.

A study by Wanner et al. (2003) demonstrated that neurogenic inflammation in chronic pain patients altered hair cycling and skin healing. Similarly, studies in chronic stress and PTSD patients show dysregulated hair growth due to cortisol imbalance and nervous system overactivation.

Palestrini et al. (2010) noted that dogs with compulsive behaviours and chronic stress had distinct differences in coat condition compared to behaviourally stable control dogs.

If a dog’s coat isn’t growing back as expected or if you notice unusual changes in skin or hair texture it may be time to consider what else might be going on. Pain, chronic discomfort, or emotional stress should always be on the list of differentials.

Post inspired by the awesome .adoodledoo

22/08/2025

Good morning from Zelda,
We are utterly desperate for Zelda to find her forever family, she will make the most phenomenal companion
Please read her write up carefully at www.westcorkanimals.com

22/08/2025

✨ BIG NEWS + A SPECIAL OFFER ✨

As many of you know, I’m welcoming home my new best friend, the beautiful Kali 💕🐾 She’s already stealing my heart and I can’t wait to share her journey with you all.

Bringing a new dog home is a really special time, but also such an important one. It’s about slowing down, settling in, and building the right structures for them, and for us too. Just like our dogs need support, we as humans need to make sure we have it in place as well 💛

Since I’ll be staying home to help Kali settle over the next couple of weeks, I’ve decided to do something I’ve never done before..... I'm not a fan of "sales" BUT........

🌟 From 7th – 14th September, I’m offering 40% off ALL virtual services:
🐕 1-2-1 Virtual Behaviour Consultations
🎓 Virtual Training Support
👩‍💻 Virtual Mentorship for Professionals

Whether you need help with your own dog, a client’s dog, or guidance as a professional navigating tricky cases or breaking into the industry, this is the perfect chance to access tailored support at a much lower rate.

This is my first-ever discounted offer (as I normally don’t believe in discounting professional services), but with a new little lady at home and my focus shifting indoors, it feels like the perfect time to make these services even more accessible.

💌 To book, simply email [email protected]
with “40%” in the subject line to secure your spot.

A huge thank you to everyone who has already sent me the kindest wishes on Kali’s arrival, I’m so grateful for this community and can’t wait for you all to meet her properly soon 💖🐶

22/08/2025

😊NOW AVAILABLE for those looking for the material, not the re-brand!

We have received heaps of enquiries for the content for personal use and you can now purchase the entire suite for just €60!

There are multiple package options.

Option A - Full Re-brand to reflect your business and save you the hard work (€200)

Option B - Starter Bundle - Your choice of ten documents all re-branded just for you (€100)

Option C - single guides - If you just want to grab a couple (€10 each)

Option D - Full Suite with Snout & About Branding on the cover page (€60)

Charities get the Snout Brand version for FREE!

Vets, you can get the Snout Branded version once you send in proof of donation to

Interested in getting involved? Pop an email to [email protected] and we'll send you the info pack!

Also, a BIG shout out to all the fabulous folk who purchased theirs, it's genuinely so heart warming to see how these have helped you in your day to day work life, cutting back on all that prep work and admin.
We're bloomin' thrilled with the feedback so far.

18/08/2025

🌟 Big News! 🌟

I’ve spent YEARS searching for the right person to head up the west of the country and not only did we connect with a brilliant consultant, we connected with one of the greatest consultants in the country.

We are absolutely THRILLED to welcome Lauren Tapp of to the team! 🙌

Lauren is a multi-certified behaviour consultant and trainer with a wealth of experience in some of the most complex cases out there. Before moving to Mayo, she worked as a Senior Behaviour Consultant at the renowned Calm Canine Academy, supporting clients across the globe.

She brings with her expertise in:
🐾 Separation anxiety
🐾 Aggression
🐾 Hyper-arousal
🐾 Phobias
🐾 Multi-layered behaviour cases

Lauren has a special love for bull breeds and working dogs, sharing her life with Piggy, her sport-bred Staffie currently training in conservation detection, and Emily, her incredible former street dog who first inspired her journey into behaviour work.

Her passion lies in helping guardians understand the vital connection between physical health and mental wellbeing in dogs, working hand-in-hand with professionals in veterinary medicine, physiotherapy and nutrition to achieve true transformation.

Lauren will be working with the whole team of experts, bringing enormous and international experience to the team.

Looking after Galway, Sligo and Mayo, Lauren offers virtual support too. We are so freaking excited to have you here Lauren.

💥 Please join us in giving a whopper welcome to LAUREN! 💥

18/08/2025

Kali's orthopedic bed has arrived from the fabulous and I've rigorously tested it to ensure maximum support and comfort.

Verdict.... freaking incredible 🥰

Only a few more weeks until she makes my world complete 💓

18/08/2025

Behaviour doesn’t exist in a vacuum. When a dog’s behaviour suddenly changes, especially in ways that are unpredictable or inconsistent, it’s essential to consider whether pain or discomfort might be playing a role.

Below is a checklist of signs that could suggest undiagnosed discomfort. Even if just one of these is present, it’s worth discussing a pain trial with your vet. Think of it not as a diagnosis, but as a box to tick to rule pain out before focusing solely on training.

Some examples include:

Sudden Aggression or Reactivity: Growling, air snapping, or biting out of the blue.

Touch Sensitivity: Reacting strongly to handling, proximity, or social interaction.

Avoiding Normal Activities: Refusing walks, avoiding the car, or resisting equipment.

Hyperactivity or Hyperarousal: Struggling to settle, bouncing off the walls, excessive hu***ng.

Unusual Vocalising: Barking or howling more intensely than expected.

Changes in Sleep: Sleeping much more or much less than usual.

Pica or Licking Non-Food Items

Self-Directed Aggression: Regular licking or nibbling at their own body.

Preference for Cold Floors or cold water

Abnormal Gait: Watch for how your dog descends stairs: do they bunny hop, skip steps, or rush? Do they favour one leg on turns, or walk differently on different surfaces?

Compulsive or Inconsistent Behaviours: Guarding, pacing, tail chasing, shadow/light chasing, sudden outbursts, or mood swings.

Behavioural issues like these don’t resolve through training alone if there’s an underlying physical cause. If your dog’s progress has plateaued, or if the behaviour feels “out of character,” it might be time to look deeper.

Always rule out pain first. It’s not about assuming the worst, it’s about not missing something important.

16/08/2025

There are few heartbreaks that hit as hard or as silently as the loss of a beloved dog. Grieving the loss of a dog is not “just” grief over an animal. It’s the grief of losing a best friend, a confidant, a part of your daily routine.

Dogs don’t just exist in our lives; they shape them. They are there in our moments of joy and our moments of sorrow. They witness the mundane and the monumental. For many, a dog is a source of unconditional love in a world that rarely offers it.

Dr. Guy Winch, psychologist says that when we lose a pet, we lose a source of unconditional love, security, and emotional connection. Grieving them is not only natural, it’s necessary

Yet, many people feel a deep pressure to "get over it" quickly. The grief is often dismissed by others, leaving people to feel isolated in their mourning. This is known as disenfranchised grief, when your loss isn’t openly acknowledged or socially supported.

But you are allowed to grieve. You are allowed to feel the weight of this loss. Your grief is valid.

What is less commonly understood is that dogs also grieve the loss of their companions both canine and human. In a 2016 study by the Italian Institute for Animal Protection, 86% of dogs displayed changes in behaviour after the loss of a fellow dog. They became more withdrawn, vocalised more, or showed changes in sleep or eating patterns. Much like us, they may search for the one who is no longer there.

Grief is not a linear process. Some people find comfort in rituals lighting a candle, keeping a photo nearby, planting a tree in their memory. Others benefit from writing, or talking to someone who understands.

What matters most is that you allow yourself to feel it. Don’t rush it. Don’t diminish it. Grief is simply love with nowhere to go.

So when the house feels too quiet, and the lead hangs untouched by the door, know that your sorrow is a reflection of how deeply you loved and were loved. That is never something to be ashamed of.

16/08/2025

For those that couldn’t get to Carbery Cottage Guest Lodge this Summer don’t forget we a open all year with log fires and evening meals, enjoy the beauty and serenity of West Cork during the quieter times. Www.carbery-cottage-guest-lodge.net. Tel 027 61368

16/08/2025

I LOVED doing this re-brand, giving the gorgeous Logo a pop of colour and lift. This Resource Suite for the re-brand was for the pawsome

Thank you Aisling for your praise on these and for allowing me to share your re-brand too!

I'm THRILLED these are helping so many pawsome-awesome trainers.

The documents are A4 size (not square) so this image isn't doing the design justice, but it gives you an idea.

Interested in getting yours? Email [email protected]