Waggington Walkies

26/05/2026

As dog walkers, it’s our responsibility to put dogs first and in UK heat over 24°C, long walks or full days out in direct sun simply isn’t safe for many dogs… let alone 33°C!!

Heat stroke can happen fast and be fatal, and hot pavements can burn paws in seconds. If you can’t hold the back of your hand on the pavement for 7 seconds, it’s too hot for them.

Even if it means early morning toilet breaks or waiting until after sunset, keep them cool, hydrated, and in the shade. During peak heat, skip unnecessary walks, quick out for the loo and straight back inside is more than enough.

Missing one walk is far safer than risking heat stroke or burnt paws. Please don’t be selfish, protect your dogs 🐾☀️

22/05/2026

So important for owners to be aware of.

22/05/2026

Sorry we’ve been quiet recently, had lots happening! Here’s some of our fave photos from this week 🥹🐶🐾💚

20/05/2026

Every summer I hear things like, “You must love this weather!” ☀️

And honestly… while the sunshine is lovely, heatwaves are actually one of the most stressful times for us dog walkers!
When temperatures get too high, walks need to be shortened, rearranged, or cancelled completely for the safety of the dogs.
If I don’t walk them, I don’t get paid, but their health and comfort will always come first. That will always be my first priority.

During heatwaves us dog walkers are up early, checking temperatures, moving walks around to cooler times, trying to fit everyone in safely, planning shady routes, carrying extra water, and making difficult decisions about what is and isn’t safe for each dog.
On top of that, we are also out in the heat ourselves doing multiple walks throughout the day.

Overheating, dehydration, and heatstroke are very real risks for dogs, especially during the middle of the day. No walk is worth putting a dog in danger.
So while the sunny weather looks lovely from the outside, for dog walkers it often means long days, lost income, schedule stress, and a lot of worry about keeping dogs safe!

Thank you to all my wonderful clients for being understanding and flexible when plans need to change in hot weather. It really is appreciated!

As always, I will always notify you all of any changes I need to make to your dog's walks.
Please always feel free to message me with any questions or concerns!

Please remember:
🐾 Early morning & evening walks are safest.
🐾 Hot pavements can burn paws.
🐾 Dogs overheat much faster than humans.
🐾 Rest days are sometimes the kindest option.

Stay safe and keep your pups cool! 😎☀️

17/05/2026

Okay, this is the kind of wholesome news we needed today.

South Korea is being praised by animal rights groups after passing a landmark law banning the dog meat industry.

The legislation, approved in January 2024, bans the breeding, slaughter, sale and purchase of dog meat for human consumption and will be fully enforced from February 2027.

Under the new law, farmers and restaurant owners have been given a three-year grace period to transition into other businesses before the ban officially takes effect.

Anyone caught violating the law after 2027 could face penalties including up to three years in prison or fines of up to 30 million won.

Animal welfare organisations say the move could help save tens of thousands of dogs every year and marks a major turning point for animal rights in the country.

The decision has already sparked huge reactions online, with many people calling it a historic step forward for animal protection.

22/04/2026

Sorry to tell you all like this… we’re moving 🤣

Italy became one of the first countries to recognize caring for a sick dog as a valid reason for paid emergency leave after a court ruled in favor of an employee who stayed home to care for her pet.
The decision relied on existing animal protection laws, which treat abandoning or neglecting a pet as a legal offense. By recognizing the owner's legal responsibility to provide care, the ruling effectively acknowledged that tending to a sick animal can be considered a legitimate and necessary duty.
The case drew attention internationally because it highlighted changing attitudes toward pets, recognizing them not just as property but as dependents that require proper care and responsibility.

19/04/2026

A vet has issued a serious warning to dog owners, urging them not to 'wait it out' if they spot particular symptoms in their pet, as the consequences could prove fatal.

Jade, a qualified veterinary professional, discussed a lethal condition known as GDV – gastric dilatation volvulus, commonly referred to as bloat. She described as "a dog owner's worst nightmare."

Despite how serious it is, Jade said a many owners don't know about the condition. She said: "I have found quite a lot of dog owners still haven’t heard about bloat, or [if] they have heard about bloat, they actually don’t realise the severity of it, because bloat is a life-threatening emergency for dogs."

What is GDV?

Jade, aka .the.vet.nurs on TikTok, explained: "GDV is when the stomach fills with air, which is 'gastric dilation' and twists - that's the 'volvulus'. So when the stomach twists, it cuts off the entrance and the exit to the stomach meaning that any contents and in the stomach can't go either way."

She further explained that any food in the stomach continues to be digested, releasing gas in the process. This causes the stomach to inflate more and more with gas, "which is really painful and uncomfortable for your dog."

She emphasised: "So when the stomach twists, it can block the flow of blood to the stomach or to other vital organs and this can quickly send a dog into shock. It can cause organ damage, it can cause organ failure, and if you do not get your dog to the vet quickly and they get surgical treatment, this will be fatal."

Throughout her video, the respected vet warned this fatal condition "is not to be taken lightly" and it's "not the type of thing that if you start noticing symptoms, you should be thinking, 'we'll wait it out'."

She continued: "If your dog shows any signs or symptoms of GDV you need to get them to the vet as soon as possible, because from the time those symptoms start presenting, you've probably got one to two hours before your dog needs to be in theatre and having the stomach untwisted and the gas removed, before you start getting permanent damage that means your dog is not likely to survive."

What are the markers indicating GVD in dogs?

Jade explained: "Your dog is going to look very bloated and they are going to steadily and progressively getting more and more bloated. You can physically see when you look at them that their abdomen is quite distended and if you're to touch the sides of their stomach, you can feel just how tight it is to touch."

She also said owners should look out for signs like such as their pet constantly looking at their stomach and attempting to vomit. "Your dog is going to keep trying to be sick, but because the entrance is blocked, the contents cannot go anywhere." she said.

As a result, "your dog is going to keep trying to bring them up however it's just going to present as retching and dry heaving - sometimes it might even bring up white froth or white foam they are drooling."

Other symptoms to watch for include:

Restlessness – panting and pacing
Excessive drooling
Collapse
Difficulty breathing

How is GDV diagnosed?

GDV requires an abdominal x-ray. However if your dog is critically ill, they may need urgent treatment before a formal diagnosis can be established.

The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) advises: "After their operation, it's likely your dog will need to stay hospitalised for a day or two so they can be monitored. Your vet will check for further bloating and possible complications such as peritonitis (infection inside the abdomen).

"They will be discharged once your vet is happy they are recovering well. Once your dog is home, you'll need to continue monitoring them for any symptoms of recurring bloat or infection."

How to prevent GDV?

Jade recommends: "Instead of feeding them one or two big meals a day, you can split this up into three or four smaller portions that you can spread across the day. It helps to feed dogs out of a slow feeder, which stops them inhaling their food.

"Because when dogs eat really quick, they can also swallow a lot of air. So we've got food in the stomach and air in the stomach which is just a recipe for GDV."

When it comes to walks, timing is essential in relation to feeding schedules. The advice given is: "You should walk your dogs two hours before or after feeding and you can also get slow drinking bowls, as well as the same applies for water."

✍ Sophie Buchan

13/04/2026

Sniffing out spring one bluebell at a time 😍💙


✨

10/04/2026

Who’s going? 🥹