Wellies 'N' Wags

01/09/2025

Soggy pup after a splash in the river 💦

23/08/2025

22/08/2025

Great tip!

Did you know your spice rack can help to calm your dog when they are experiencing any heightened fear, anxiety, and/or trigger-stacking?

Sniffing activates your dog's Parasympathetic Nervous System, responsible for rest, digestion & relaxation. This not only helps to reduce your dog's stress levels, but even lowers your dog's heart rate. Cortisol levels drop & your dog shows increased focus on the task at hand, helping them to decompress from stressors. In fact, sniffing is hugely beneficial, not only to help your dog to recover from stress, but also to help your dog to process & adapt to situations that have previously triggered stress...but let's get back to the spice rack!

The next time your dog is showing fear, hyperactivity, reactivity, or just can't seem to settle, call them to the kitchen and line up your (pet-safe) spices & herbs.

No need to cue them to sit. Just keep your voice calm & your movements gentle.

Take one jar at a time, open the lid, and allow your dog to take a big breath in.

If they walk away, don't worry, just quietly call them back & try a different spice or herb. My dogs favourites are turmeric, basil, thyme, mint & cinnamon.

As you work your way through the jars, you should notice some changes in your dog: Their body should relax, they might choose to sit or lie down, their eyes and ears may soften, with less tension & maybe less wrinkles on their forehead; and, instead of their eyes darting around the room, they will focus on your movements and the introduction of each jar.

Finish up with a lick mat, or giving them slow strokes or a gentle massage across their neck and shoulders.

Note: you can also add herbal teas into the mix! Chamomile, dandelion, & ginger all make for good scents & likewise are safe for your dog to drink.

Want to go a step further? Why not plant pet-safe herbs in your garden? As well as the calming functions of sniffing, many herbs offer a range of health benefits when digested!

Please do make sure to consult with your vet before introducing any new herbs or spices into your dog's diet, particularly if they have any underlying health issues, & follow advice regarding dosages & preparation.

Let me know how you get on!

22/08/2025

Evening walkies with handsome Hamish! 🥰

20/08/2025

Ronnie with his two body guards! 😎👊

Between you and me, I don’t think Ronnie has employed the best of security 🙊 Jura will kiss you to death and Oakley will maybe drown you with slobber 👅😂

19/08/2025

Happy tongue out Tuesday! 👅

18/08/2025

Finding Dory 🐠

17/08/2025

Suns out, Tongues out! 👅☀️

14/08/2025

Happy girl Mabel today 🥹

14/08/2025

💞🐾