Dog Adoption & Ownership

Whether you want to buy or adopt a dog, being prepared for your new four-legged friend is an important step in making them feel right at home. Read more

6 min

10 Signs your Dog Is Happy

“How do I recognise that my beloved dog is happy?”. “How do I know that I am doing everything right with my dog and that it is completely happy with its life with me?”. Many dog owners ask themselves these questions. The probability that your canine companion is happy is particularly high if it's well stimulated. Amongst other things, you achieve this by doing plenty of activities together, for instance, by devoting a large part of the day to playing together. In addition – and we cannot stress this often enough – high-quality food from specialist stores is crucial for maintaining the physical and mental health of dogs and therewith a positive frame of mind. Ultimately, only hormonal examinations give conclusive information on the contentment of your beloved dog.
7 min

10 Things You Should Know Before Adopting a Dog

If you fall for a little puppy or cute dog from an animal shelter, the future suddenly looks rosy. It's obvious that a canine friend will bring plenty of joy, but you should also familiarise yourself with the demanding aspects of dog ownership before choosing life with a four-legged companion.
15 min

10 tips for taking the perfect photo of your dog

“Say cheese!” It is not at all easy to get your dog into the right light on command and photograph it from its best side. Nevertheless, you will read here how you can pep your dog up for a photo shoot and which professional tips you should follow to get a successful photo of your dog.
5 min

10 Ways Dogs Show Love

There are many different ways dogs show love. We will show you 10 signs that can prove your dog's affection towards you. Firstly, it's important to be aware that your own instincts are a crucial factor in understanding your dog's language. After all, each dog is different and you as their hooman know it best. The following ten points merely offer a broad outline. The better you get to know your dog, the better you can judge its body language.
5 min

5 Good Reasons to Adopt an Older Dog

Let's be honest: Almost every dog lover wants a small, cuddly puppy. Adult dogs, such as from an animal shelter or animal welfare organisation, often have poor chances of being successfully rehomed. This is a shame, because adopting an older dog brings many benefits. Find out here what these are. 
6 min

6 Reasons Not to Give a Dog as a Christmas Gift

Lots of children yearn for a pet of their own. Some of them will even write “I wish for a dog” in scrawly handwriting on their Christmas list! Getting a puppy for Christmas may sound adorable but it is usually not a good idea. A puppy often isn’t a suitable present even for an adult. Here you will find six reasons why a dog is not an appropriate Christmas gift.
4 min

7 Reasons Why Dogs Make Our Lives Better

It is probably difficult for most dog owners to imagine life without a dog, since their canine companion is always by their side and dogs are known to be man's best friends. In fact, dogs are beneficial to us in many areas – often without us knowing. Read in the following article seven reasons why dogs make our lives better.
3 min

Can Dogs Dream?

You have probably observed this phenomenon before: dogs bobbing their paws, twitching their tail and gently whining in their sleep. This begs the question: are dogs somehow able to have dreams?
11 min

Cats and Dogs Cohabiting

Fight like cats and dogs? On an idiomatic level, dogs and cats can't stand each other. The two squabblers can live together peacefully and very happily though – as long as a few rules are observed. Find out here what these rules are and what tricks are needed for cat and dog cohabitation to work.

4 min

Choosing the Right Dog Bowl

The right food bowl is a fundamental part of the basic equipment for every dog. Ideally, every dog should have two bowls adapted to its size, breed and its eating habits too. Here it's important how often your dog is fed, whether it receives wet or dry food and whether it drinks too little or too much depending on the type of food. Please bear in mind too that it's better for your pet to drink from a large bowl rather than a smaller one.
5 min

Christmas Presents for Dogs

Ho, ho, ho! Christmas is just around the corner and your dog is also looking forward to those exciting presents under the tree. Naturally, your canine companion is part of your close-knit family unit. Your dog will be very grateful for each and every present, whether it comes in the shape of a new blanket or a toy. Dogs give their owners love and loyalty every day and those of you who love giving gifts to your dog in return will find great ideas for the perfect present for your pet here.
3 min

Determining Dog Age: How Old Is My Dog?

If you get a puppy from a breeder, they mostly know your dog's age to the very day. In contrast, animal shelters or animal welfare associations usually cannot give precise information about the dog's age. In such cases, it has to be estimated based on different indicators. We will show you how you can determine dog age.
6 min

Dog adoption during the COVID-19 lockdown

Many people are currently severely limited, with the coronavirus pandemic leading to lockdowns or even a quarantine. During this unusual isolation period, the desire for a four-legged companion grows for many animal lovers. If not now – when? After all, many have plenty of time right now to spend with a new pet. We will explain why spontaneous dog purchases aren't a good idea.
3 min

Dog Collar vs Dog Harness – Which is Better for my Dog

Collar or harness – which is more species-appropriate? An eternal question that continues to divide the dog-owning world. It comes down to more than just opinion, as your dog will be more suited to either a harness or a collar depending on a number of different factors.
12 min

Festive Dangers for your Dog: Tips for a Safe and Happy Christmas

A broken glass Christmas tree bauble, a new Advent wreath, an over-turned Christmas tree and a hard-to-digest festive menu: this time of year presents many dangers, not only for us humans but particularly for our four-legged friends. Here we can show you where the risks lurk for your dogs, how to prevent them, and how to act quickly and appropriately in an emergency. The house smells of pine needles and cinnamon, Christmas treats are baking in the oven, the windows are dressed with burning candles and the living room features a new brightly-decorated tree – Christmas is a very special time of the year! However, it can be full of hazards for our dogs. Everyone is racing hectically through the house, wrapping last-minute presents and preparing the roast dinner, with children happy about the latest gift or chocolate in their advent calendars and the dog being paid little attention! All of this disturbance to usual routine can prove stressful for your dog, with dangers scattered all around the home.
6 min

Getting dogs used to normal life after COVID-19

Many dog owners have spent more time at home than usual during the coronavirus lockdown restrictions. Now relaxations are gradually coming into force: we are going into the office rather than working at home and to the cinema rather than the sofa in the evenings. Some dogs suffer from their owner being out of the house more frequently. We will give you tips to get your dog calmly through the period following COVID-19 isolation.
6 min

How to Build a Dog House

Does your dog spend a lot of time in the garden and you would like to give it a weatherproof kennel? If you have some skills with hammers, nails and the like, you can build a dog house yourself.
10 min

Important Questions for the Dog Breeder

Have you found your favourite breed? Then you can surely hardly wait to be able to take a small puppy home with you. But to avoid nasty surprises later on, you should only buy your chosen pedigree dog from a reputable breeder. You can put this to the test with the following questions for the dog breeder.
4 min

Pedigree or mixed breed dog?

The decision has been taken: a dog will be joining your family! Now the real work begins. After all, the new family member should move in as soon as possible, but you want to be as well prepared at possible at the same time. But where are animal lovers best off looking for their new dog: in an animal shelter or with a breeder? Should they be pedigree or a mixed breed dog?
6 min

Plants That are Toxic for Dogs

The dose makes the poison. Nevertheless, if you suspect your dog has been poisoned, it is important to know which toxic substance your dog has consumed, so that the vet can treat your pet without delay. In the following lists we will tell you which plants are toxic for dogs so you can avoid having them in your home.
10 min

Rescue dog from abroad

Are you thinking about adopting a rescue dog from abroad? Maybe you’ve met a ‘Rommie’ rescue dog out on a walk and become curious about what the adoption process entails? Many dogs from overseas have found loving homes in the UK. But dogs with a background of living on the street and in public dog shelters have different needs to the average UK rescue dog. This guest post from our friends over at Oakwood Dog Rescue outlines some essential information for future adopters. From advice on the best way to find your new canine pal, to tips on how to help your rescue settle in at home. To view all the super dogs currently available for adoption at Oakwood, pay a visit to their website or facebook page.
5 min

Second Dog: Which Dog Breeds Go Well Together?

Some dog lovers would like to start with two dogs straight away. For others, a second dog only enters their home slightly later. But which pedigree dogs are best suited to a long-established companion? Of course not just the breed plays a role when looking for a second dog, but many others factors like sex, age and socialisation too. Despite this, some dogs get on better with each other than others do. We will give you tips on dog breeds that go well together. 
4 min

Should I let my dog sleep in my bed?

As with so many dog-owning topics, there are many different ways of looking at the question of “should I let my dog sleep in my bed?”. The contra arguments may outweigh the pros when it comes to the mess on the bedding, but here are a few pros and cons to help you decide for yourself whether you want to let your dog sleep in your bed or not. Your dog will adapt to your demands, as you are the alpha animal.
7 min

Small or Large Dog? The Pros and Cons

Would you like to own a dog and haven't yet chosen a certain breed? The size of the new family member can be important too. Especially with very small (under 6 kilograms) and very large dogs (over 40 kilograms), size has an impact upon day-to-day life with a dog.
6 min

Top 10 Dog Accessories for Summer

Although “dog accessories for summer” may suggest sunglasses and beach bags, here at the zooplus magazine we know that dog owners are more interested in the handy items than can help to keep your dog comfortable and cool this summer. This helpful article will tell you all about the essential products we have to offer that can ensure every canine can safely and happily enjoy the sunny heatwaves we are all hoping for! Whether you are looking for fun toys to keep your dog occupied on the beach, or innovative cooling solutions for the daft dog that loves to sunbathe, here at zooplus we’ve got you covered!
6 min

Valentine’s day: Top picks for dogs

On 14 February we are celebrating St Valentine, a day where everything revolves around our loved ones. It’s becoming more and more usual to treat not just your partner on Valentine’s Day, but your friends both human and four legged. We’ve put together some of our top picks when it comes to the purrfect Valentine’s gift for your four-legged friend!
7 min

What dogs understand

Some dog lovers are sure that their canine companion understands them perfectly. Nevertheless, there are often misunderstandings between humans and dogs in day-to-day life, because what appears self-explanatory to us isn't always so clear for dogs. What do dogs really understand?
7 min

Working from home with dogs

The world is becoming more digital and more and more people can work from home. This includes employees, freelancers and many self-employed workers. However, developments regarding coronavirus have made it necessary for more people to work from home. This can be challenging if there is a dog in the family. If it is planned well though and our ideas are incorporated, a dog can be a very enriching part of home office. The following tips will help you and your dog get through a working day together in a relaxed manner!

Adopting a Dog

Adopting a dog from a shelter or a rescue home is a big responsibility. First you, your family and your home must be approved for the adoption before you take your new dog home. If you own a garden, you must make sure it is safe for your new dog. Some dogs are capable of escaping over high fences, so you need to be sure your home is safe and secure!

Dogs that are adopted have usually already been examined by a vet, vaccinated, neutered and dewormed. It is important to find the right dog that suits your and your family. If you have other pets or small children, make sure your new dog is comfortable around them – and vice versa!

Shyness is completely normal

When a dog joins your family, you need to remember that your home and surroundings are new and strange to it. If your new dog is shy and reserved, don’t worry, this is completely normal, and it just needs time to get used to everything.

If you have other pets, give them time to get used to one another. However, sometimes pets just don’t get along. If this is the case, then unfortunately it’s not meant to be, and you may have to return your dog to the shelter. Sadly, this can be a very painful experience, but it is for the best.

Owning a Dog is Time Consuming

A new dog in the family means you need to spend time on walking it, playing and caring for it. Dogs need proper care, especially during the first few months. It is important not to leave your dog alone for hours, while it gets used to everything. Puppies need additional care and extra time for all sorts of training. Just as you wouldn’t leave a child alone, neither should you leave a puppy!

Keeping a Dog Costs Money

Future dog owners should be aware that owning a dog costs money. It’s not just food and treats that cost money, but also insurance, care and vet bills.A dog needs all the basic equipment so that it is comfortable at home. A cosy bed for your dog, a leash and collar for walkies, food and water bowls and toys to keep them entertained! All of these things can cost a pretty penny. You should consider your finances before you buy a dog. Can you afford the long-term care a dog needs?