Tickpocalypse: Tales from a Dog Walker

Let me tell you about the day I almost quit dog walking to become a barista. Or a hermit. Honestly, anything that didn't involve ticks.

It was a perfect morning - blue skies, birds singing, the whole Disney-movie vibe.

We hit the trails, and the dogs were in heaven - sniffing, running, occasionally stopping to debate the best place to pee. I was feeling good. Confident. Professional.

Enter: The Ticks.

Ticks. Tiny, soulless hitchhikers. Dozens of them.

Panic Level: “Texting every dog owner ‘I’m sorry I failed you.’”

I spent the next 30 minutes doing a full inspection of each dog like I was in the world’s worst episode of Animal Planet. I pulled off ticks, flung them into the woods, and gave myself about 47 imaginary bites in the process. At one point, I was just spinning in circles, flailing my arms and whispering “I feel them on me”, like a haunted Victorian ghost.

By the time I got home, I had removed 18 ticks, lost one sock, and discovered a real tick crawling up my inner thigh!

Anyway, I’m still walking dogs. But now I carry industrial-strength bug spray, and give side-eye to every blade of grass.

Because in this job, it’s not if you meet ticks - it’s when.

Tick trauma support group meets Tuesdays.

The Case of the Disappearing Jackapoo: A Dog Walker’s 10-Minute Panic!

Every dog walker has that story - the one that gives you a few grey hairs but ends in laughter (and relief). Here’s mine.

It was like any other walk - in this case a solo walk for the lovely Jackapoo sisters Bluey and Chloe at their favourite woodland location. We’d almost finished the hour walk, on our way back to the van. There’s a particular spot where they love to have a chase after each other, zoomies through the trees, it’s fun to watch. I thought “I’ll get a pic to send to their owner”, so got my phone in hand and lined up ready to get them in view where I expected them to come zooming back out… and nothing. Suddenly it was silent other than the birds chirping. Very strange. So I put the phone away and look for them through the trees, calling their names. Nothing, no sign of them. A few loud whistles and more calling. Nothing. I walk back along the path we’d come from.. then further up the path in the direction we were heading. No sign of either of them.

Then Chloe appears out of the bushes. Phew, they’re back! But wait, there’s no Bluey, and they’re always together. So for a solid 10 minutes, I was that person - pacing up and down the path calling “Bluuuuueeeyyy!” in various pitches. I’m sweating, panicking, and already composing the apology call I’m going to have to make to her owner.

At this point I decide to walk Chloe back to the van and put the call in to their owner. Just then, I look behind me and Bluey comes trotting up and looks at me like “So what’s been happening?”. OMG. You can imagine, the mix of panic and relief!

Leads on for the walk to the van - enough ‘excitement’ (and whispered expletives!) for one day.

Fun Ways to Entertain Your Dog Indoors on a Rainy Day

Rainy days can put a damper on your usual outdoor adventures with your dog - but that doesn’t mean your pup has to be bored! Whether you have a high-energy breed or a lazy lounger, finding indoor dog activities is essential for keeping them happy, healthy, and entertained. Here are 10 fun and easy ways to entertain your dog when it’s raining.

1. Interactive Puzzle Toys

Rain or shine, dogs need mental stimulation. Puzzle toys are perfect for rainy days because they challenge your dog’s brain while rewarding them with treats. Look for toys like the Kong Wobbler, snuffle mats, or treat-dispensing balls to keep your pup engaged. You can also make your own using treats wrapped in old towels or cardboard boxes.

2. Teach New Tricks

A rainy day is the perfect opportunity to work on obedience or teach new tricks like “roll over,” “spin,” or even “clean up your toys.” Short training sessions are mentally stimulating and great for bonding.

3. Create a DIY Indoor Obstacle Course

Set up a mini agility course using chairs, broomsticks, and cushions. Teach your dog to jump over or crawl under objects—it’s a great physical outlet and builds confidence.

4. Play Hide and Seek

This classic game isn’t just for kids. Ask your dog to stay while you hide somewhere in the house, then call them to come find you. It’s a fun way to reinforce commands and burn energy.

5. Use a Treadmill

If you have a dog-safe treadmill, it can be a great way to get some indoor exercise. Start slow, using treats and praise to make the experience positive. Always supervise closely.

6. Engage in Scent Work

Dogs have powerful noses, and scent games are a natural way to entertain them. Hide treats around the house and let your dog sniff them out. You can also use essential oils or special scent training kits.

7. Have a Tug-of-War Session

A good game of tug can be physically tiring and mentally satisfying. Make sure you use a strong, safe toy and practice “drop it” or “leave it” commands during play.

8. Schedule a Doggy Playdate

If your dog enjoys the company of other dogs and you have the space, invite a friend and their pup over for some indoor play. Just be sure to supervise to avoid any accidents or rough behavior.

9. Frozen Treats or Stuffed Kongs

Keep your dog busy with a frozen Kong filled with peanut butter, kibble, or yogurt. It takes time to finish, stimulates chewing, and provides a tasty distraction from the rainy day blues.

10. Canine Massage or Grooming Time

Some dogs love a relaxing brush or gentle massage. Use this time to bond and check for any unusual lumps, bumps, or matting in their coat. It’s soothing and beneficial for their health.

Final Thoughts

Rainy days don’t have to be boring for your dog - or stressful for you! By incorporating these indoor dog activities into your routine, you can keep your furry friend mentally and physically stimulated no matter the weather.

For more tips on pet care and enrichment, follow our blog and stay connected with the latest in dog-friendly advice!

Hot Diggity Dog? Taking care of your dog in hot weather.

The days are drier and warmer, the evenings are lighter, and what’s better than a lovely stroll with the dog? But the heat can be a real danger for dogs - even more so for short/flat-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds, older dogs, or dogs with additional health problems - so take a read and take precautions to keep your dog safe this summer.

Hydration.

Keeping your dog hydrated during hot weather is vital. Place multiple bowls of cool fresh water around the house and garden to encourage your dog to drink frequently. You can add ice cubes to the water to keep it cold.

Avoid the midday sun.

Walking and other energetic activities during the midday sun can be dangerous and put your dog at risk of heatstroke. Walk earlier and later in the day to avoid the hottest times or take a gentle stroll in shaded woodland or at a local stream where there is opportunity to cool off. A paddling pool in the garden can provide a great way to refresh and cool down, as your dog releases heat through their paws, but be careful they don’t get over-excited and overheat as a result of this play. And always ensure your dog has access to areas indoors that are out of direct sunlight.

Remember as well that pavements can get extremely hot and may cause burns on your dog’s paws. If you can’t keep your hand on the ground for more than a few seconds, then it’s too hot for your dog to walk on.

Ice ice baby..!

Keep your dog cool by providing cooling mats, or placing freezer blocks or a frozen bottle of water wrapped in a towel into your dog’s bed.

Frozen treats and ice-licks can also be a good way to keep your dog both cool and entertained.

Heatstroke - know the signs.

Heatstroke is a real risk for dogs that are exercising in hot weather. It can be fatal and requires urgent veterinary care. Signs of heatstroke include;

• Collapse

• Lethargy

• Excessive panting

• Vomiting or diarrhoea

• Purple gums and redness of the skin

If your dog shows signs of heatstroke, move them out of direct sunlight to somewhere cool and with a draught. Wet their coat with cool tap water and offer them small amounts of water to drink. Get them to the vet straight away.