Head & Paws · Independent dog guidance
Practical guidance
for life with your dog.
Free, independent advice to help you choose a dog, manage everyday care, understand behaviour and plan safer journeys. Find focused guides and useful tools, with clear routes to professional help.
Independent · Non-commercial · Free to use
Find the advice you need
Start with your dog’s life stage, or open a practical topic below.
Settling, learning and confidence
Walking equipment and safer outings
Useful starting points
Find help for today.
Check food safety, explore a health concern or plan a journey and daily routine. Health tools cannot diagnose your dog.
Can my dog eat this?
Check common foods before sharing a bite.
Health signpostingWhen should I contact the vet?
Explore symptoms and find guidance on seeking veterinary help.
Travel planningPlan your next journey
Explore documents, transport and preparation.
Everyday wellbeingBuild a calmer routine
Balance activity, enrichment and rest.
Care beyond the everyday
Support through changes in life.
Arrange care for your dog
Find immediate help during illness or hospitalisation, and plan for longer-term care.
After professional treatmentSupport your dog’s recovery
Prepare for home care and recognise when to contact the veterinary team.
Life togetherManage a shared household
Help dogs live together safely, with guidance for introductions, resources and different needs.
From the wider dog world
Dog news and welfare support.
Positive stories from across the UK, selected international developments and clear routes to help.
Dog News · Across the UK
Seventy-seven rescued dogs find homes after patient rehabilitation
Read the story, its original source and more positive developments from the dog world.
Read this storyCharities & Support · Featured UK charity
Dogs Trust: patient care, lasting homes
Oliver’s recent rehoming story shows the value of patient rehabilitation and a suitable home. Discover Dogs Trust’s work, read his story or explore volunteering.
Explore the charity and ways to help
Meet the dogs behind Head & Paws
Odie leads.
Finn keeps life interesting.
Odie is our original inspiration and Chief Woofer. Finn joined him in 2026, bringing puppy energy to a resource built around real life with dogs.
Meet Odie & FinnUseful. Honest. Clear about limits.
How to use our guidance.
Head & Paws is an independent, non-commercial resource run by Luke Allan in Scotland. We cite supporting sources, recognise individual differences and signpost professional help.
Read our editorial standardsIs this veterinary advice?
Our pages provide general information. They do not replace advice, diagnosis or treatment from a veterinary professional.
Can I use guidance for another country?
Use the country and language controls to find available editions. Rules and services vary; check the relevant guidance before acting.
How can I suggest a correction?
Contact Head & Paws with the page and the information you think needs reviewing.