Walkies - Dog Walkers

18/10/2026

We will now send our newsletter out each Sunday morning so you can enjoy with your morning cuppa.

🐾 WALKIES WEEKLY 🐾

Sunday 18th October 2026

☕ Good morning, dog lovers!

Put the kettle on, grab your Sunday morning cuppa, and settle down for this week’s round-up of doggy news, helpful advice and things every dog owner should know! 🐶❤️

Welcome to another edition of Walkies Weekly, brought to you by Walkies of Coventry.

🚨 1. Warning: More dogs being poisoned on walks

A worrying report published this week reveals a record number of UK pets are accidentally ingesting recreational drugs and ni****ne products.

According to figures from the Veterinary Poisons Information Service, calls involving these substances increased by 42% in 2025 compared with 2024.

Dogs can accidentally pick up discarded substances in parks, woodland and public spaces.

🐕 Our advice: Keep an eye on what your dog is sniffing and eating. If your dog suddenly becomes unsteady, unusually sleepy or collapses, seek emergency veterinary help.

📰 Source: The Guardian, 11 October 2026

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/oct/11/record-number-uk-pets-dogs-ingesting-drugs-parks-streets

🍂 2. Autumn walks: Beautiful but beware!

October is a wonderful month for dog walking, but vets are reminding owners about some seasonal dangers.

🍄 Wild mushrooms can be poisonous.

🌰 Conkers and acorns can cause illness or dangerous blockages.

🍎 Rotting fallen fruit can contain harmful mould, while fruit stones can cause blockages.

🕷️ Ticks remain a concern even as temperatures drop.

🐾 Our advice: Enjoy those lovely autumn walks, but keep a close eye on curious noses!

📰 Source: Dogs Trust

https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/dog-advice/life-with-your-dog/seasonal/autumn

🎆 3. Fireworks season is approaching!

The British Veterinary Association is encouraging dog owners to prepare early for fireworks season.

For some dogs, loud bangs can cause genuine fear and distress.

Here’s what you can do now:

🐶 Create a comfortable, quiet space.

📺 Use background television or music to soften outside noises.

🏡 Check microchip contact details.

❤️ Speak to your vet early if your dog suffers severe firework anxiety.

A little preparation now could make a huge difference in November.

📰 Source: British Veterinary Association, October 2026

https://www.bva.co.uk/news-and-blog/news-article/getting-ready-for-fireworks-season/

🎃 4. Should dogs wear Halloween costumes?

Dogs Trust and Cats Protection have issued a reminder that dressing pets up for Halloween isn’t always harmless fun.

Some costumes can restrict movement, cause overheating or make animals uncomfortable.

Our four-legged friends don’t need fancy costumes to look adorable!

🐕 Our advice: If your dog doesn’t enjoy wearing something, don’t force it. A comfortable seasonal bandana or a lovely autumn photograph can be just as much fun.

📰 Source: Cats Protection, 9 October 2026

https://www.cats.org.uk/mediacentre/pressreleases/warning-against-dressing-up-pets

⸻

❤️ A little Sunday thought from Walkies

Our dogs don’t care how much money we earn, what car we drive or whether we’ve had a difficult week.

They’re just happy to see us, spend time with us and enjoy the world by our side.

Sometimes the simplest things really are the best. 🐾

From all of us at Walkies of Coventry, have a wonderful Sunday!

🐕 We Walk, They Wag!

💬 Sunday question: What’s your dog’s favourite thing about autumn walks? The crunchy leaves, muddy puddles or simply being outside?

We’d love to hear from you and see your autumn doggy photos! 📸🐶

Cats Protection and Dogs Trust warn against dressing up pets to prevent distress.

11/10/2026

🐾 WALKIES WEEKLY 🐾
Sunday 11 October 2026

Happy Sunday, everyone! 🐶❤️

Welcome to another edition of Walkies Weekly, bringing you the latest dog news, important warnings and interesting stories from across the UK.

This week we’ve got a worrying new poisoning report, calls for tougher firework laws, an important XL Bully update and something exciting happening right here in Warwickshire next weekend!

🚨 DOG POISONING INCIDENTS RISE SHARPLY — A WARNING FOR WALKERS

This is probably the most concerning story we’ve seen this week.

Figures published today, 11 October, reveal that calls to UK veterinary poison helplines involving recreational drugs and ni****ne products increased by 42% in 2025, rising from 445 to 633.

The figures come from the Veterinary Poisons Information Service and Animal PoisonLine.

Dogs have reportedly become seriously ill after swallowing discarded substances found in parks, woodland and public spaces.

The dangers include cannabis, ni****ne products, discarded va**ng liquids and other drugs.

🐕 What does this mean for dog owners?

Be particularly careful if your dog loves investigating discarded food or eating things it finds on walks.

Warning signs of poisoning can include:

🐾 Unsteadiness or difficulty walking
🐾 Unusual sleepiness or confusion
🐾 Trembling or seizures
🐾 Vomiting
🐾 Sudden collapse

If you suspect your dog has swallowed recreational drugs, seek emergency veterinary help immediately.

We’re not suggesting our local parks are suddenly unsafe, but this is an important reminder to keep an eye on what our dogs are picking up.

Source: The Guardian — 11 October 2026⁠.

🎆 VETS CALL FOR TOUGHER FIREWORK RULES TO PROTECT PETS

With Bonfire Night approaching, the PDSA has called on the Government to restrict private firework use in favour of properly organised, licensed public displays.

In a statement published on 8 October, the veterinary charity warned that unpredictable fireworks can cause serious distress to pets.

And it’s not just about dogs barking at loud bangs.

Some dogs become so frightened that they attempt to escape, injure themselves or develop longer-term anxiety around noise.

The Dogs Trust has also issued new advice encouraging owners to prepare early.

❤️ Our Walkies tips:

🐶 Create a comfortable, quiet space where your dog feels safe.

🐶 Check that microchip details are up to date.

🐶 Walk earlier in the day when fireworks are expected.

🐶 Close curtains and use background music to help reduce sudden noises.

🐶 If your dog has severe firework anxiety, speak to your vet now rather than waiting until November.

Important: These are proposals for tighter restrictions, not a new ban on private fireworks.

Sources: PDSA announcement — 8 October⁠ and Dogs Trust firework advice — 6 October⁠.

⚖️ XL BULLY OWNERS — NEW GOVERNMENT PROCESS INTRODUCED

An important update for owners who obtained exemption certificates during the original XL Bully registration period.

On 1 October, the Government introduced a process allowing certain owners to apply to withdraw their dog’s Certificate of Exemption.

This is specifically intended for owners who, after reviewing the official breed-type characteristics, believe their dog does not actually meet the XL Bully definition.

However, there is a very important warning.

⚠️ Withdrawing a certificate is permanent.

If a dog is subsequently found to be an XL Bully, its owner could face prosecution and the dog could be seized.

The Government advises owners who are uncertain about their dog’s classification not to withdraw their certificate.

The process is only available to eligible certificate holders and does not mean the XL Bully ban has been lifted.

Source: Official GOV.UK guidance — 1 October 2026⁠.

🐶❤️ AND FINALLY… A HUGE DOG EVENT IS COMING TO WARWICKSHIRE NEXT WEEKEND!

Here’s something a little more cheerful — and it’s practically on our doorstep!

The Edition Dog Live 2026 event takes place next Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October at NAEC Stoneleigh.

And this isn’t just another traditional dog show!

It’s an event dedicated to dog health, happiness, training and wellbeing.

Visitors can look forward to:

🐕 Dog training demonstrations and expert advice
🐾 Scent-work activities and interactive experiences
🩺 Canine health and wellbeing information
🐶 Opportunities to meet some of Britain’s rarest breeds
🎪 Live entertainment and demonstrations
🛍️ Plenty of dog-related shopping!

Best of all, dogs are welcome too! 🥰

The event runs from 9am until 4pm on both days.

Advance adult tickets are advertised at £20 per day, with free admission for dogs and children under 16. Parking is included.

Dogs must remain on leads inside the venue, and there’s a maximum of two dogs per handler.

For anyone looking for something different to do next weekend, this could be a fantastic day out.

Full details: Edition Dog Live official website⁠.

❤️ THAT’S ALL FOR THIS WEEK!

We always like to finish Walkies Weekly with a question for our followers.

👇 QUESTION OF THE WEEK:

🎆 Is your dog frightened of fireworks, or do they barely notice them?

And for those whose dogs are frightened, have you found anything that genuinely helps?

We’d love to hear your experiences. Your suggestions might help another dog owner this autumn! 🐶❤️

Please give this week’s Walkies Weekly a SHARE, particularly the poisoning warning. The more dog owners who know what to look out for, the better.

Have a fantastic week, everyone. Give those four-legged family members an extra cuddle from us! 🐾

🐾 Walkies of Coventry
We walk, they wag. 🐶❤️

04/10/2026

🐾 WALKIES WEEKLY 🐾
Sunday 4 October 2026

Happy Sunday everyone! 🐶📰 We’ve searched through this week’s dog and animal news, and we’ve got an interesting mix today — including an emergency-health reminder, a major change for greyhound racing and a lovely reason to celebrate animals today.

🚑 WOULD YOU KNOW WHEN YOUR DOG NEEDS AN EMERGENCY VET?

Today marks the end of the UK’s first Pet Emergency Week, launched by emergency veterinary service Vets Now to help owners recognise genuine emergencies and know when they need to act quickly.

Some signs should never be a “wait and see until morning” situation. These include:

🐾 Difficulty breathing
🐾 Collapse or loss of consciousness
🐾 Severe bleeding
🐾 Repeated seizures
🐾 Suspected poisoning
🐾 A swollen abdomen with repeated attempts to vomit — potentially a sign of dangerous bloat/GDV

The important message for ordinary dog owners is simple: if your dog suddenly becomes seriously unwell and you’re unsure whether it’s an emergency, phone a vet. They would much rather you call than delay treatment when minutes could matter.

It might also be worth saving your own vet’s out-of-hours number in your phone now — before you ever need it. ❤️🐕

Source: Vets Now — Pet Emergency Week, 28 September–4 October 2026. (Awareness Days⁠)

🐕 WALES HAS BANNED GREYHOUND RACING — BUT WHAT HAPPENS TO THE DOGS?

There’s been renewed attention this week on one of the biggest recent changes in UK dog welfare.

Wales has become the first UK nation to pass legislation banning greyhound racing. The law received Royal Assent in April, although the actual prohibition will come into force sometime between April 2027 and April 2030. (GOV.WALES⁠)

And that transition period matters.

One of the big questions now is how the greyhounds leaving the industry will be cared for and rehomed without rescue centres becoming overwhelmed. The Welsh Government’s implementation group specifically includes representatives from veterinary, rescue, welfare and racing organisations and says safeguarding the dogs’ welfare during the transition is a priority. (GOV.WALES⁠)

Whatever people’s views on racing, we’d imagine most dog lovers can agree on one thing: the dogs themselves need to come first during the changeover. ❤️

Source: Welsh Government — Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Wales) Act 2026⁠

👀 DOG DRY-EYE INVESTIGATION — STILL NO CONFIRMED CAUSE

A quick update because we’ve been following this story for several weeks.

The investigation into the unusual cluster of dogs developing sudden dry eye in both eyes continues. The British Association of Veterinary Ophthalmologists reported in late September that more than 200 cases had been submitted.

Importantly, no particular food, ingredient or manufacturer has been proven to be the cause. Some affected dogs had eaten Years fresh meals, but cases have also occurred in dogs that had never eaten the food. Testing commissioned by Years reported no contamination or toxins in its meals. (DVM360⁠)

For owners, the advice remains to watch for sudden redness, squinting, excessive blinking, thick discharge, rubbing at the eyes or obvious eye pain and contact your vet promptly if concerned.

And if your dog is already being treated for dry eye, don’t stop prescribed medication unless your vet tells you to.

We’ll keep following this one and update you when there is something genuinely new to report. 👀🐶

🌍❤️ AND FINALLY… TODAY IS WORLD ANIMAL DAY!

Quite fittingly, World Animal Day falls today — 4 October.

This year’s official theme is:

❤️ “See the World Through Their Eyes” ❤️

It’s coordinated by UK animal-welfare charity Naturewatch Foundation and is intended to encourage people to think about life from an animal’s perspective and how our everyday choices affect them. (Naturewatch Foundation⁠)

One lovely initiative this year is Donate a Dinner, encouraging people to ask their local rescue what it needs and donate food, treats or other essential supplies. Rescue centres across the UK are facing increasing demand and rising costs, so even something small can help. 🐕🐈❤️ (Naturewatch Foundation⁠)

Source: Naturewatch Foundation — World Animal Day 2026⁠

So today’s QUESTION OF THE WEEK is a slightly different one:

👇 If your dog could talk for just FIVE MINUTES, what’s the first thing you’d ask them? 😂🐶

We reckon there could be some brilliant answers to this one!

Please give Walkies Weekly a SHARE so more local dog owners see it, and give your four-legged family members an extra cuddle tonight for World Animal Day. ❤️🐾

Have a fantastic week everyone!

🐾 Walkies of Coventry
We walk, they wag. 🐶❤️

27/09/2026

🐾 WALKIES WEEKLY 🐾
Sunday 27 September 2026

Welcome back to Walkies Weekly! 🐶📰 This week we’ve got an important update to a story we’ve been following for several weeks, something to remember as the wetter autumn walks arrive — and a lovely bit of doggy history happening right here in Coventry this weekend.

👀 MAJOR UPDATE: MORE THAN 200 DOGS NOW REPORTED WITH SUDDEN DRY EYE

This is probably the most important update this week.

The British Association of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (BrAVO) announced on 23 September that more than 200 cases of sudden bilateral dry eye — affecting both eyes — have now been reported by vets as part of its UK-wide investigation.

You’ll remember that Years⁠ recalled most of its fresh dog meals in August after concerns about dogs developing the condition.

There’s now an important development: extensive testing commissioned by Years reported no evidence of contamination, toxins or other food-safety problems in its meals. However, the recall of meals bought before 17 August remains in place.

Crucially, BrAVO says affected dogs have not all eaten the same diet, and at present no particular food, ingredient or manufacturer has been established as the cause. Its independent investigation is continuing.

🐶 What should owners do?

Watch for suddenly sore or red eyes, excessive blinking or squinting, discharge, rubbing at the eyes or apparent problems with vision. If you’re concerned, contact your vet promptly.

And if your dog is already receiving treatment for dry eye, BrAVO specifically warns owners not to stop treatment unless their vet tells them to — stopping prematurely could risk permanent damage to tear production and potentially threaten sight.

Source: BrAVO's official 23 September statement⁠

🍂 MUDDY WALK SEASON IS COMING — KNOW THE SIGNS OF ALABAMA ROT

As autumn arrives and our countryside walks start getting wetter and muddier, it’s worth knowing about Alabama Rot, also known as CRGV.

Thankfully it’s very rare, and nobody yet knows exactly what causes it. But cases occur more commonly during the colder months, particularly among dogs walked in muddy and woodland areas.

The most recognisable early warning is an unexplained sore, ulcer, swelling or red patch, usually on the lower legs or paws, although lesions can occur elsewhere.

Some dogs subsequently develop kidney problems, with symptoms including vomiting, tiredness, reduced appetite and increased thirst.

Our advice isn’t to stop enjoying muddy walks! 🐕🌳 But it’s sensible to wash or rinse mud from your dog’s legs and paws after particularly muddy walks and check their skin while you’re doing it. Any unexplained sores are worth discussing with your vet.

Source: RSPCA — Alabama Rot advice⁠

⚖️ ONE MONTH TO GO UNTIL THE NEW BANNED-DOG CHILD-SAFETY RULE

A quick reminder because the change is now just over a month away.

From 1 November 2026, owners must not leave a child under 12 in close contact with a banned-type dog in a private place such as a home or garden without adult supervision.

For exempted XL Bullies, this becomes a condition of their Certificate of Exemption. Other existing requirements remain, including having the dog muzzled and securely held on a lead by somebody aged at least 16 when in public.

Source: Official GOV.UK XL Bully guidance — updated 16 September⁠

❤️ AND FINALLY… COVENTRY HAS GONE TO THE DOGS THIS WEEKEND! 😂🐶

We’ve actually got two rather special dog events happening locally this weekend.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi Association is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a centenary weekend at the Royal Court Hotel, running from 25–27 September. That’s a whole century of Cardigan Welsh Corgis! 🐕🎂

And today, 27 September, the Otterhound Club is holding its 2026 Championship Show at Baginton Village Hall. The show opened at 9am with judging beginning at 10:30am.

Otterhounds are one of Britain’s distinctive old native breeds, so having their national club show practically on our doorstep is pretty special. ❤️

Source: Otterhound Club official event information⁠

That’s it for this week’s Walkies Weekly! 🐾

👇 QUESTION OF THE WEEK:

What’s the oldest dog you’ve ever owned — and how old did they reach? 🐶❤️

Tell us below. We have a feeling there are going to be some impressive ages amongst our Walkies followers!

Please give this week’s post a SHARE, particularly the dry-eye update. With more than 200 cases now reported, it’s something we’d like as many dog owners as possible to know about.

Have a fantastic week everyone! 🐕🍂

🐾 Walkies of Coventry
We walk, they wag.

20/09/2026

🐾 WALKIES WEEKLY 🐾
Sunday 20 September 2026

Welcome back to Walkies Weekly! 🐶📰 This week there’s an important new law update for families with children, an autumn parasite to look out for after walks, and something rather special happening just down the road from Coventry next weekend.

⚖️ NEW GUIDANCE FOR OWNERS OF XL BULLIES & OTHER BANNED-TYPE DOGS

This is important, particularly for families with younger children.

On 16 September, the Government published new guidance ahead of a law coming into force on 1 November 2026.

Owners of banned-type dogs — including exempted XL Bullies — must ensure that a child under 12 is not left in close contact with the dog in a private place such as a house or garden without appropriate adult supervision.

The Government says younger children are at greater risk of dog-related injuries in the home and recommends owners think about barriers, separate spaces and active adult supervision.

So if you own an exempted XL Bully or another banned type and have children or visiting grandchildren under 12, it’s worth reading the guidance now rather than waiting until November. 🐕👧👦

Source: Official GOV.UK guidance published 16 September⁠

🍂 TINY ORANGE DOTS ON YOUR DOG? IT COULD BE HARVEST MITES

Here’s one that’s particularly relevant at this time of year.

Harvest mites are tiny orange parasites found in grassy and woodland areas, and they’re most active from July to November.

They can attach themselves to dogs during walks and cause extremely itchy, red and inflamed skin. They’re often found between the toes and around the feet and legs, but can also appear around the tummy, armpits and ears.

The good news is that they’re usually straightforward to treat. If your dog suddenly becomes incredibly itchy after walks — especially around their paws — have a close look for tiny bright-orange dots and speak to your vet if you’re concerned. 🐾🔎

Source: PDSA — Harvest mites in dogs⁠

🚨 YEARS DOG FOOD RECALL REMAINS ACTIVE

Because we’ve covered this story over the last few weeks, we wanted to keep everyone updated rather than simply forget about it.

The voluntary recall of Years Fresh Meals remains in place, excluding the Chef’s Collection, while the company continues investigating reports of dogs developing sudden bilateral dry eye.

The latest official Years update is dated 9 September and says that no causal link has yet been established. Owners are still being told to return or dispose of unused affected meals.

Symptoms worth watching for include excessive blinking or squinting, pawing at the eyes, thick discharge or obvious eye discomfort. If you see symptoms, contact your vet and mention the recall. 👀🐶

Source: Years official recall page⁠

❤️ AND FINALLY… SOMETHING FOR DOG LOVERS RIGHT ON OUR DOORSTEP!

Next Sunday 27 September, the Otterhound Club is holding its 2026 Championship Show at Baginton Village Hall — just outside Coventry.

Judging begins at 10:30am.

And if you’ve never seen an Otterhound before, they’re a fantastic sight: big, shaggy British hounds from a breed that’s now extremely rare.

So for anyone who loves dogs and fancies seeing something a little different next Sunday, this one’s practically on our doorstep! 🐕❤️

Source: Otterhound Club — 2026 Championship Show⁠

That’s it for this week’s Walkies Weekly! 🐾

👇 QUESTION OF THE WEEK:

What’s the strangest or rarest breed of dog you’ve ever met? 🐶

We see an incredible variety of dogs doing what we do, so we’d love to hear yours!

Please give this week’s post a SHARE — particularly the new information for families who own an exempted XL Bully or another banned-type dog.

Have a fantastic week everyone! ❤️🐕

🐾 Walkies of Coventry
We walk, they wag.

13/09/2026

🐾 WALKIES WEEKLY 🐾
Sunday 13 September 2026

Welcome back to Walkies Weekly! 🐶📰 This week we’ve got an important update on the dog-food recall we’ve previously covered, an autumn warning that’s becoming increasingly relevant on our walks, some interesting new veterinary research — and we’ll finish with something that looks like an enormous amount of fun!

🚨 YEARS DOG FOOD RECALL — INVESTIGATION UPDATE

We’ve mentioned this before, but there’s been a new update this week so we think it’s important to keep owners informed.

Years⁠ updated its recall information on 9 September and says its investigation into reports of dogs developing sudden severe dry eye in both eyes is continuing.

All Years Fresh Meals remain recalled, with the Chef’s Collection excluded from the recall.

Years says no definitive cause has yet been established, but its investigation is now focused on possible contamination within a portion of its buckwheat supply rather than buckwheat itself. Independent laboratory testing is continuing.

If you still have recalled Years meals:

❌ Stop feeding them immediately
❌ Don’t give them to another animal
❌ Don’t donate or sell them
👀 Watch for squinting, excessive blinking, pawing at the eyes, thick discharge or obvious eye discomfort.

If your dog develops symptoms, contact your vet promptly.

Source/update: Years official recall information⁠

🍂 AUTUMN WARNING — WATCH OUT FOR CONKERS AND ACORNS

They’re starting to appear everywhere now, and to a dog they can look suspiciously like a free toy! 😂

Unfortunately, both conkers and acorns can be poisonous to dogs if eaten.

Conkers contain a substance called aesculin, which is toxic to dogs, while acorns can also cause poisoning. Both can potentially cause a dangerous blockage if swallowed.

Serious cases are thankfully uncommon, but if you think your dog has swallowed either one, the advice from Blue Cross is to contact your vet straight away rather than waiting for symptoms.

This is particularly worth remembering with dogs who love picking things up on woodland and park walks.

Sources: Blue Cross — conkers and dogs⁠ and Blue Cross — acorns and dogs⁠

🔬 NEW RESEARCH INTO ONE OF THE MOST COMMON DOG SKIN CONDITIONS

Some interesting British veterinary research was published this month into canine atopic dermatitis — the long-term itchy, inflammatory skin condition that affects many dogs.

Researchers compared dogs with the condition with healthy dogs and found significantly lower levels of a particular immune antibody called IgA in the faeces of affected dogs.

It doesn’t mean there’s suddenly a new treatment available, but it adds another piece to scientists’ understanding of the relationship between a dog’s immune system, gut microbiome, environment and skin — knowledge which could eventually help improve how this frustrating lifelong condition is managed. 🐕❤️

Source: British Small Animal Veterinary Association research report⁠

🏊‍♂️🐶 AND FINALLY… DOGTEMBER HAS BEGUN!

Imagine a 40-metre heated swimming pool full of dogs.

Well, that’s basically what’s happening! 😂

This weekend saw the start of DOGTEMBER 2026 at Saltdean Lido.

The event runs across four weekends from 12 September until 4 October, with dogs allowed to swim and splash in the heated pool alongside their humans.

There are even separate sessions for small dogs and large dogs, plus quieter sessions for dogs who might find the normal sessions overwhelming. 🐾🌊

It’s nowhere near Coventry unfortunately — but we LOVE the idea!

Source: Official DOGTEMBER 2026 information⁠

That’s it for this week’s Walkies Weekly! 🐾

👇 QUESTION OF THE WEEK:

Does your dog actually like swimming? 🌊🐶

We’ve met plenty who’ll launch themselves into the dirtiest pond imaginable… but suddenly develop a lifelong fear of water when it’s bath time. 😂

Tell us in the comments!

And please SHARE this week’s post — particularly the Years recall update and the warning about conkers and acorns as we head properly into autumn. 🍂🐕

Have a fantastic week everyone!

🐾 Walkies of Coventry
We walk, they wag. 🐶❤️

06/09/2026

🐾 WALKIES WEEKLY 🐾
Sunday 6 September 2026

Welcome back to Walkies Weekly! 🐶📰 As we head into September, this week’s round-up has an autumn health warning worth knowing about, an important reminder for owners of flat-faced dogs, and something happening right here in Coventry next weekend.

🦠 ⚠️ AUTUMN WARNING — SLUGS, SNAILS & LUNGWORM

September means damper mornings, wet grass and — unfortunately — plenty of slugs and snails.

Dogs can become infected with lungworm by swallowing infected slugs or snails. That doesn’t necessarily mean deliberately eating one either — curious dogs can encounter them around grass, outdoor toys, water bowls and other damp areas.

Lungworm can cause coughing, breathing problems, tiredness, unusual bleeding and, in severe cases, can be fatal.

The important thing for owners is that not every routine worming product protects against lungworm, so it’s worth asking your vet whether your dog’s parasite protection covers it.

And maybe give those toys and bowls left outside overnight a quick rinse before your dog gets hold of them! 🐌🐕❤️

👃 FLAT-FACED DOGS — BREATHING PROBLEMS AREN’T JUST “NORMAL FOR THE BREED”

Dogs Trust highlighted the story of five-year-old French Bulldog Blaze this week.

When Blaze arrived at its Glasgow rehoming centre, vets discovered he had significant brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). He was graded 2 on a 0–3 severity scale and needed surgery to help him breathe more comfortably.

It’s a useful reminder for owners of French Bulldogs, Pugs and other flat-faced breeds: noisy breathing, struggling during exercise and difficulty coping with warm weather shouldn’t automatically be dismissed as simply something the breed does.

If you’re concerned about your dog’s breathing, have a chat with your vet. 🐶❤️

Source: Dogs Trust — Blaze's road to recovery⁠

⛑️ LOCAL DOG OWNERS — DOG FIRST AID TRAINING IN COVENTRY NEXT SATURDAY

Here’s one happening on our doorstep.

A Dog First Aid training workshop is being held at St Barbara’s Church Hall in Earlsdon, Coventry, next Saturday 12 September, from 11:45am–4:15pm.

The course advertises practical training covering dog CPR, choking, seizures, shock, poisoning, heatstroke, bleeding and bandaging, amongst other emergencies.

Knowing what to do during those first few minutes before veterinary help is available could make a huge difference — particularly for people who spend a lot of time around dogs. 🐕‍🦺❤️‍🩹

Coventry Dog First Aid workshop details⁠

❤️ AND FINALLY… A HAPPY ENDING FOR BLAZE

We’ll finish where we started.

After Dogs Trust vets treated Blaze’s breathing problems, he recovered well enough to go back up for adoption — and he’s now found his forever home. 🥰🐶

Sometimes stories about the health problems faced by dogs can be difficult to read, so it’s lovely when there’s a happy ending attached.

That’s it for this week’s Walkies Weekly! 🐾

👇 QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
Would you know how to perform CPR on your dog in an emergency?

Let us know in the comments — we’d be interested to see how many dog owners have ever done a canine first-aid course.

Please SHARE this week’s Walkies Weekly with another dog owner. The lungworm warning in particular is worth knowing as we head into autumn. 🍂🐕

Have a fantastic week everyone!

🐾 Walkies of Coventry
We walk, they wag. 🐶❤️

30/08/2026

🐾 WALKIES WEEKLY 🐾
Sunday 30 August 2026

Welcome back to Walkies Weekly! 🐶📰 As August comes to an end, this week’s round-up has a couple of things worth keeping an eye out for on your walks — plus some fascinating new research and the results of Britain’s biggest dog survey!

🍂 ⚠️ WOODLAND WALKERS — SEASONAL CANINE ILLNESS SEASON IS APPROACHING

As we head into September, this is something many dog owners won’t have heard of.

Seasonal Canine Illness (SCI) is a very rare but potentially serious illness that tends to occur in autumn, most commonly in September, after dogs have walked in woodland.

Symptoms usually develop within 72 hours and can include vomiting, diarrhoea, tiredness, stomach pain, trembling and a high temperature.

The cause is still unknown. The important thing isn’t to avoid the woods — SCI remains very rare — but if your dog suddenly becomes poorly after a woodland walk, tell your vet where and when you’ve been walking and seek veterinary advice promptly.

Source: Blue Cross — Seasonal Canine Illness advice⁠

🕷️ TICK CHECKS — DON’T STOP JUST BECAUSE SUMMER IS ENDING

Ticks are particularly common in woodland, long grass and areas with lots of wildlife, and they’re still active as we move into autumn.

They can transmit illnesses including Lyme disease, so it’s worth getting into the habit of giving your dog a quick check when you get home from a countryside walk.

Pay particular attention around the head, ears, armpits, groin, tummy and feet. If you find a tick, it needs to be removed correctly rather than simply pulled off.

Source: PDSA — ticks on dogs⁠

🐶 DOES YOUR DOG BLINK BACK AT YOU? SCIENTISTS HAVE FOUND SOMETHING FASCINATING!

Here’s this week’s lighter one…

New research published this week found that dogs blink more when they see their own owner blinking.

Researchers studied 35 dogs and showed them videos of their owners and strangers either blinking or staring. The dogs increased their blinking when watching their owner blink — but not strangers.

Scientists aren’t saying your dog is deliberately having a blinking conversation with you 😂, but the findings add to evidence of just how closely dogs pay attention to subtle human behaviour.

So tonight, try blinking slowly at your dog and see what happens! 👀🐕

Source: research from the University of Parma, published in Royal Society Open Science, reported 26 August 2026.

🏆 AND FINALLY… BRITAIN’S MOST POPULAR DOG NAMES FOR 2026 ARE IN!

The results of the Dogs Trust 2026 National Dog Survey have been released — and more than 180,000 dog owners took part.

🥇 Girls: Poppy
🥈 Luna
🥉 Bella

🥇 Boys: Milo
🥈 Teddy
🥉 Buddy

And when it comes to breeds, mixed-breed dogs came out on top overall, while Labradors remain Britain’s most popular single breed in the survey.

We want to know…

👇 Is YOUR dog’s name in the Top 10?

Tell us their name in the comments — and let’s see what the most popular dog name amongst our Walkies followers is! 🐶❤️

Source: Dogs Trust — National Dog Survey 2026 results⁠

That’s it for this week’s Walkies Weekly. 🐾

Please give this a share — particularly with anyone who regularly walks their dogs through woodland as we head into September.

Have a fantastic week everyone, and we’ll be back next Sunday with another round-up of the news that matters to dogs and the people who love them. 🐕❤️

🐾 Walkies of Coventry
We walk, they wag.