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The best dog crates for all types of dog, recommended by animal experts
When it comes to buying a dog crate, there's more to consider than you might think. We spoke to leading animal experts to get their take on what to look for and what to avoid when buying a dog crate for your furry friend.
If you own a dog you'll know that they tend to take over the home and if they're not asleep on your washing you can often find them mucking around on your sofa, dirtying the carpets, or attempting to steal food from the table. Whilst you might feel like your dog has free roam of your house they do still need a place they can call their own where they can go to sleep at night and feel secure during the day. That's where a dog crate comes in. Dog crates often house your dog's bed and give your pup privacy and security. The majority of dog owners have crates and crate training is an important part of welcoming a new pooch to the family and can help your new addition with toilet training and separation anxiety. When looking to buy a dog crate for your pet, it can be hard to know where to start. That's where we come in. The Recommended sought the opinions of three leading animal experts and got their take on what to look out for (and avoid) when finding the best dog crate for your four-legged friend. In line with their advice and recommendations, we put together our list of the best dog crates to keep your furry friend happy and content. The best dog crates at a glance: Best overall dog crate: Ellie-Bo dog crate, £35.99, at OnBuy Best dog crate for puppies: MidWest Homes For Pets Dog Crate Starter Kit, £88.74, at Amazon Best space-saving dog crate: Double Door Dog Crate, £54, at Argos Best dog crate for travel: MOOL Lightweight Fabric Crate, £39.99, at Amazon Best fabric dog crate: Amazon Basics Folding Soft Dog Crate, £66.26, at Amazon Best dog crate for cars: Easipet Folding Sloping Car Crate, £26.99, at B&Q Best wooden dog crate: PawHut Wooden Pet Crate, £85.99, at Robert Dyas Best chew-proof dog crate: Kelixu Heavy Duty Dog Crate, £179.99, at ManoMano The best dog crates Best overall dog crate: Ellie-Bo Dog Crate Versatile and built to last A real all-rounder, this dog crate speaks to all our expert’s recommendations. With a removable tray base and a durable steel structure, the Ellie-Bo dog crate is easy to maintain for long-lasting quality. Designed with safety and comfort in mind, the Ellie-Bo dog crate features two doors with durable latches, as recommended by our experts. The crate folds flat and comes with a carry handle for easy transport, and the steel, chew-proof tray base fits most dog beds to keep your pet comfortable. Best dog crate for puppies: MidWest Homes For Pets Dog Crate Starter Kit Helps little dogs feel secure This crate brings innovative, convenient solutions to your pet’s needs. Coming with a fleece dog bed and crate cover, this starter kit prioritises your pet’s comfort, helping them to feel secure. Equipped with two pet bowls and built-in holders, this dog crate offers a convenient travel solution, while the two-door design speaks to our expert's recommendation of easy access. Made with durable materials, this crate is set to survive the chewing stage and the collapsible structure folds flat for easy storage. Best space-saving dog crate: Double Door Dog Crate Easy to pack away This dog cage is suitable for indoor use or travel and is easy to set up, fold down, and transport due to its suitcase-style folding mechanism and convenient carry handle. The removable plastic tray simplifies cleaning, while the double door equipped with two locks allows for secure access and containment. This medium-sized cage is suitable for breeds like Boxers, Whippets, Beagles, and Westies. It comes with a manufacturer's 1-year warranty and can also be brought in larger sizes for a few extra quid. Best dog crate for travel: MOOL Lightweight Fabric Crate For on-the-go comfort Ideal for small breeds, this crate is equipped with carrying handles for ease of use. With added storage, this dog crate pairs comfort with practicality, helping you to adventure without compromise. Compact and lightweight, this travel dog crate is equipped with a reversible fleece mat to keep your pet comfortable in all temperatures. Made with a durable, powder-coated steel frame, this crate provides the stability our experts recommend while also folding flat for easy storage when needed. Best fabric dog crate: Amazon Basics Folding Soft Dog Crate Soft yet strong Designed with two zippable doors, this fabric dog crate ensures easy access to your pet, while the mesh windows on each side offer improved ventilation. With a durable yet lightweight PVC frame, this foldable, soft dog crate features a heavy-duty, water-resistant polyester covering for optimal longevity. Rounded corners protect your home and interiors from unwanted marks, and the pop-up design assembles in seconds for ease of use. Best dog crate for cars: Easipet Folding Sloping Car Crate A tailored travel solution With an innovative design tailored to fit most bar boots, this dog crate keeps your furry friend safe on the move. The dog crate’s sloping design allows it to fit easily into the boot of most hatchback cars. Made with a sturdy metal frame and removable tray base, this crate is easy to clean and collapses for easy storage. Best wooden dog crate: PawHut Wooden Pet Crate Stylish and versatile Suitable for small breeds, this pet crate is a stylish alternative to the standard metal dog crate. The PawHut Wooden Pet Crate delivers on our expert recommendations without compromising on aesthetics. Equipped with two doors, as our experts recommend, this wooden dog crate has a water-resistant surface and is easy to maintain. Metal caging allows for great air circulation while ensuring your pet’s security. Best chew-proof dog crate: Kelixu Heavy Duty Dog Crate Super strong and secure Made from corrosion-resistant steel, this heavy-duty dog crate is ready for anything. The slide-out plastic tray is easy to clean and ensures ease of use, while its 360-degree rotated locking casters provides excellent mobility. Ideal for medium and large breeds, the Kelixu Heavy Duty Dog Crate is large enough to let your pooch move around freely, as recommended by our experts. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, this dog crate is made with reinforced steel and sturdy safety buckles to ensure the safety of even the most determined chewers. Dog crates buyer's guide Here's our buyer's guide to help you buy the perfect dog crate for your pooch. Our dog experts Our experts are qualified animal experts with established careers as veterinarians and animal behaviourists. They shared their thoughts with us as to what to think about when looking for a dog crate for our four-legged friends. A featured expert on Channel 4’s Embarrassing Pets, Caroline Clark is a qualified vet nurse and a registered clinical animal behaviourist with over 30 years of experience in the industry. Caroline believes in a holistic approach to pet management and specialises in the diagnosis, treatment and management of behavioural problems in companion animals, including dogs. With a lifelong love of dogs and over 15 years of experience as a dog behaviourist and trainer, Adem Fehmi works with dog owners to help them understand their pets and create a common language between pooches and humans. Adem is driven by a passion to help both owners and dogs get the most out of their relationship and offers one-to-one and group training sessions on how to manage and overcome behavioural problems. A certified vet, Johnny Mullins works with pet owners to advise on the treatment and care of a range of health and well-being issues that affect their animals. A graduate of the Royal Veterinary College, Johnny now works in a UK veterinary practice treating hundreds of pets each week. What should you look for when buying a dog crate? When looking to buy a dog crate, our experts encourage us to choose a crate that’s in for the long haul. Johnny tells us it may be beneficial to purchase a crate “based on the estimated size of the fully-grown pet”. Caroline agreed, adding that the crate “must allow the dog enough space to stand up, lie flat out and move around in comfortably”. As well as size, Caroline touched on the importance of durability, telling us, “a dog crate should be sturdy and easy to clean”. Adem agrees that crates must be easy to clean and that “the best designs will have a tray ‘insert’ style base”. He also talks about the number of doors on a crate, telling us, “I would always suggest at least two that are able to be securely locked, this is for ease of accessibility, especially if you will be using the crate in multiple locations”. Adem also encourages us to think about how easy the crate is to “collapse and transport”, especially if you’ll be travelling with your pet. Adem recommends The Pet Carpenter, which makes bespoke dog crates for a stylish solution to your dog’s needs. What should you avoid when looking for a dog crate? In terms of what to avoid when finding the best dog crate for your furry friend, Caroline tells us to consider the materials of the dog crate saying, “steer clear of ones that are flimsy as they can injure or frighten a dog if they fall in on them”. Adem also highlights how important materials are, telling us, “ if your dog is a chewer, you should also avoid anything made of fabric or hessian as this can be easily damaged”. It’s also worth keeping your pet’s safety first and foremost in your mind, with Adem noting that, “fabric and hessian can also be ingested if chewed and cause health complications for your dog”. Where should you put your dog crate? Choosing the right location for your dog crate is essential to ensure your furry friend feels comfortable and secure. Experts recommend placing the crate in a quiet, low-traffic area of your home where your dog can have some privacy. Avoid placing it in areas with direct sunlight, drafts, or near noisy appliances. The goal is to create a cosy and calm space where your dog can retreat when they need rest or alone time. Consider the layout of your home and your dog's preferences. If your dog enjoys being around family activities, placing the crate in a room where you spend a lot of time can help them feel connected while still having their own space. Make sure the crate is situated away from any potential disturbances that might cause anxiety or stress. Want to know how to travel well with your dog in a crate? Check out our guide to Dog car travel tips. How to get your dog comfortable with their crate Introducing your dog to their crate in a positive and gradual manner is crucial for them to associate it with safety and comfort. Here are some steps to help your dog feel at ease with their crate: Positive association: Place treats, toys, and familiar bedding inside the crate to create a positive association. Let your dog explore the crate at their own pace. Meal time: Begin feeding your dog near the crate and gradually move their meals inside the crate. This encourages them to associate the crate with pleasant experiences. Gradual enclosure: Start by closing the crate door for short periods while your dog is inside, gradually increasing the duration. Stay nearby to reassure them and offer treats. Calm environment: When your dog is in the crate, create a calm environment. Avoid making a big fuss when opening or closing the crate door. Comfort items: Place your dog's favourite toys or a piece of clothing with your scent inside the crate to make it feel like a safe and comforting space. Patience: Each dog's comfort level with the crate may vary. Be patient and let your dog progress at their own pace. Never force them into the crate. How to clean your dog crate Maintaining a clean and hygienic dog crate is essential for your pet's health and well-being. Follow these steps to keep the crate clean: Regular cleaning: Remove your dog's bedding and wash it regularly to prevent odours and dirt buildup. Deep cleaning: Depending on how frequently your dog uses the crate, give it a thorough cleaning every 1-2 weeks. Use a pet-safe disinfectant to clean the interior and exterior surfaces. Remove debris: Check the crate for any leftover food, treats, or toys that might attract pests or cause odours. Wash the tray: If the crate has a removable tray, clean it with mild soap and water. Make sure it's completely dry before placing it back in the crate. Ventilation: Allow the crate to air out after cleaning to ensure it's dry and fresh before your dog returns to it. Regular inspections: Regularly inspect the crate for any signs of wear and tear and ensure that latches and doors are functioning properly. When to change your dog crate Knowing when to change your dog's crate is essential to ensure their safety, comfort, and well-being. As your dog grows or their needs change, it's important to assess whether their current crate is still suitable. Here are some indicators that it might be time to consider changing your dog's crate: Size: Dogs grow at different rates, and puppies can outgrow their crates quickly. If your dog no longer has enough space to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, it's time for a larger crate. Similarly, if your dog seems cramped or uncomfortable, upgrading to a more spacious crate is recommended. Physical condition: Over time, a crate can experience wear and tear. Check for rust, bent wires, or broken hinges that could make the crate dangerous. If the crate is showing signs of damage, consider replacing it. Health issues: If your dog develops specific health issues, their crate needs may change. For instance, a dog with joint problems might benefit from a crate with extra padding or memory foam bedding. Consult with your veterinarian for recommendations on the most suitable crate for your dog's health needs. Behavioural changes: If your dog is displaying signs of anxiety, stress, or discomfort in their current crate, it might be worth exploring alternatives. Some dogs might benefit from a different style of crate, such as a soft-sided one or a crate with a different door configuration. Travel requirements: If you're planning to travel with your dog, you might need a crate that is more suitable for transportation. A crate designed specifically for travel, with features like secure latches and the ability to fit in your vehicle, can be beneficial. Lifestyle changes: Changes in your living situation or routine may also prompt the need for a different crate. For example, if you've moved to a smaller space or if your dog's crate is now in a busier area of your home, a crate with noise-reducing features might be advantageous. Multiple dogs: If you've added another dog to your household, you might need to reevaluate your crate situation. Some dogs may need their own crates, while others might be comfortable sharing a larger one. Want to read more expert-recommended pet product round-ups? Check out our pets page for a full list of recommendations, including our list of the best dog beds, the best dog toys and the best dog treats, all recommended by dog experts.
The best dog beds, recommended by top animal experts
We spoke to leading animal experts to get their take on what to look out for, and what to avoid when buying the best dog bed for your furry friend.
If you have a dog, you'll know that amongst walks, treats, toys and tummy rubs, one of their favourite pastimes is sleeping. On average, dogs sleep for 12 to 14 hours a day, with puppies and senior dogs averaging a sleep time of 18 hours up to a whopping 20 hours a day. With so much time asleep, it's important that our dogs get the best bed so that when their heads are on the pillows, they feel comfortable and secure, so they can get quality rest. Having the right bed is essential for supporting your dog through a happy and healthy life, but with so many options on the market, how do you know which dog bed is best? To help you work this out, we've got rid of the guesswork and spoken to three animal experts who gave their take on what to look out for (and avoid) when buying the best dog bed for your pooch. From the perfect puppy-proof bed to memory foam havens for your golden oldies, we’ve covered all bases with our expert lead recommendations of the best dog beds. The best dog beds at a glance: Best overall dog bed: PetFusion Dog Bed, £109.99 at Amazon Best chew-proof dog bed: Bedsure Waterproof Dog Bed, £40.99 at Amazon Best dog bed for puppies: Vet Fleece Bedding, £18.73 at Wayfair Best orthopaedic dog bed: Silentnight Orthopedic Pet Bed, £85 at Argos Best anti-anxiety dog bed: Silentnight Donut Dog Bed, £40 at Boots Best durable dog bed: Topology Luxury Dog Bed, £110 at Omlet Best memory foam dog bed: JoyElf Memory Foam Dog Bed, £57.99 at Amazon Best dog bed for large dogs: Silentnight Airmax Pet Bed, £55 at Pets at Home Best travel dog bed: OneTigris Travel Dog Bed, £32.99 at Amazon The best dog beds: Best overall dog bed: PetFusion Dog Bed Smart and sustainable This bed speaks to all our expert’s recommendations. Prioritising superior comfort and ease of use, PetFusion Dog Bed works to improve your dog's health, mobility, and energy. The Petfusion is great for all shapes and sizes, and larger beds can easily support larger dogs over 50kg. With a solid 10cm memory foam base and recycled polyfill support bolsters, the dog bed offers optimal support, while the removable, machine-washable cover ensures ease of use. Best chew-proof dog bed: Bedsure Waterproof Dog Bed Everything-proof Our dog experts told us the danger of intestine bleeding if your dog is able to chew its bed and ingest the material. To help reduce this risk, they recommended this Besdure bed made with expert construction and thoughtful design. This dog bed promises to give even the most determined chewers a run for their money. Designed with 10cm of cushioning microfiber and an ultra-soft, reversible design, the Bedsure Waterproof Dog Bed provides your dog with a warm, restful environment. It's also machine washable, water-resistant and made with durable, scratch-resistant material. Best dog bed for puppies: Vet Fleece Bedding Great for young dogs Our dog experts recommend this non-toxic, non-irritant, medical-grade bedding for puppies and young dogs as it is affordable, versatile, and easy to clean. Made with a comforting deep pile, Vet Fleece Bedding retains heat, keeping your pet cosy. Able to be cut to size, this versatile bedding is perfect for all breeds. Machine washable, it is ideal for puppy training and for use in a car or crate as your pooch grows up. Best orthopaedic dog bed: Silentnight Orthopedic Pet Bed Great for dog's bones and muscles The Silentnight Orthopaedic Dog Bed comes in three sizes to suit dogs of all shapes and weights. It is made from several foam layers, which help to distribute weight evenly and takes the pressure off the dog's joints and bones. The dog bed promises to soothe aches and pains and is covered in a durable outer fabric to withstand wear and tear, scratching and stains. The inside of the bed provides a lovely sleep environment for your pet, and the high sides help to keep your pet cosy and secure. Best anti-anxiety dog bed: Silentnight Donut Dog Bed For rest and reassurance Offering optimal comfort, Silent Night Donut Dog Bed is made with vegan fabric and works to satisfy the natural nesting instincts of dogs for enhanced feelings of security and calm. Perfect for anxiety-prone pets and new puppies, this 'donut' conforms to your pet’s body, soothing anxiety and improving sleep quality. Fully machine washable, this is a great option for a new puppy as soft fabric mimics the feeling of a mother’s fur, helping puppies to settle in. Best durable dog bed: Topology Dog Bed Style and comfort made to last Topology's durable dog beds pair style with functionality and ease of use, enabling you to create a bespoke, restful haven for your four-legged friend. It is a fully customisable dog bed with a range of sizes, fabrics and style options. Using supportive memory foam bases, the dog beds are made to support joints and provide the ultimate comfort. The dog beds also have zip-on covers which are easy to take off and machine washable to keep your dog bed sparkling clean. Best memory foam dog bed: JoyElf Memory Foam Dog Bed For long-lasting support As recommended by our animal behaviourist, memory foam beds conform to your pet’s body. With a solid base and padded bolsters for added neck support, this dog bed and other memory foam beds prioritise your pet’s comfort and long-term health. Working to provide the ultimate sleep experience for your pet, JoyElf Memory Foam Dog Bed pairs a durable memory foam base with soft fleece fabrics for added warmth and comfort. With a waterproof and machine-washable covering, this dog bed ensures easy maintenance. Best dog bed for large dogs: Silentnight Airmax Pet Bed Comfort for bigger canines Silentnight's Airmax pet bed uses the same cutting-edge technology found in their human products, ensuring your pet's comfort is as good as your own. The outside of the bed is made with durable fabric, and inside, there is a soft teddy fleece lining. The Airmax cushion inside the dog bed uses mesh fabric for optimal airflow, preventing your dog from overheating (particularly good for bigger and fluffier dogs). The bed's non-slip base adds stability, and the fully machine-washable design means that your dog's resting place can always be kept clean. Best travel dog bed: OneTigris Travel Dog Bed For the adventurer Pairing comfort with portability, this dog bed is perfect for your adventure buddy. It delivers on our expert's recommendations of durability while also being waterproof and easily foldable. Made with high-quality Oxford fabric and a polyester cotton filling, this travel dog bed is designed to keep your dog warm and comfortable, both indoors and out. Weighing just 20oz, this dog bed is compact and portable and can be wiped clean for easy maintenance. Dog bed buyer's guide Here's our buyer's guide to help you find the perfect bed for your pup, with insights and guidance from three top dog experts. Our dog experts Our experts are certified animal specialists with long, successful careers as veterinarians and animal behaviourists. They share their thoughts with us as to what makes the best dog bed for our four-legged friends. A qualified vet nurse with over 30 years of experience in veterinary practice, Caroline Clark is an expert in the treatment and management of companion animals, including dogs. Caroline was a featured expert on Channel 4’s Embarrassing Pets and believes in working closely with pet owners to create bespoke solutions to manage and resolve behavioural problems. Adem Fehmi is a certified dog behaviourist and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with dog owners to help them fully understand their furry friends. Adem offers one-to-one and group training sessions to manage and overcome any behavioural issues and is ultimately driven by a passion to help owners enjoy their dogs and dogs enjoy their humans! A qualified vet, Johnny Mullins graduated from the Royal Veterinary College and now works in a UK veterinary practice treating hundreds of pets each week. Johnny works with pet owners to advise on the treatment and care of a range of health and wellbeing issues that affect their animals. What should you look for when buying a dog bed? Adem was straight to the point and advised us to leave our aesthetic dreams at the door; “anything that doesn’t tick all the relevant boxes for your dog should be disregarded, no matter how aesthetically pleasing it might be”. The age and health of your dog are important factors to consider when finding the best dog bed for your pet. Caroline tells us that “a dog bed should be made of a comfortable material that supports and conforms to the dog’s body”, with Johnny adding that older dogs, or dogs with orthopaedic conditions, may benefit from orthopaedic beds as they can “work well in helping to manage the discomfort of your pet”. Adem also stressed the importance of durability when it comes to finding the best dog beds; “a dog bed that doesn’t have durable fabric and cannot be washed easily is a no-no”. What should you avoid when looking for a dog bed? The height of your dog’s bed is also something to consider. Johnny suggests you “avoid getting a raised bed or a mattress that your pet needs to step up onto, especially for medium-giant breed dogs”. Caroline added, “older dogs with arthritic joints need to be able to get in and out without any effort, so look for lower beds if you own a golden oldie”. Adem highlighted the safety concerns to think of when choosing a dog bed, especially if you have a puppy or your dog is a known chewer. “If you have a young dog or a dog that likes to chew, you should also avoid anything that can easily be chewed and ingested. Not only will replacing a bed be costly, but ingestion of fabric or other bed parts can also be a real health hazard to your dog”. Which is the best dog bed? Okay, so now we’ve covered what to look out for and what to avoid; which dog beds do our experts recommend? Caroline recommends beds that give your dog room to stretch out, and Johnny gives his vote to “ground level, padded beds” that are suitable to “most breeds of dog”. For puppies, Adem recommends ‘Vet Bed’ style bedding as it is inexpensive, can be easily washed and “and can be used in places like the boot of your car or provide padding in a dog crate when your puppy has moved on from this type of bedding”. Adem also recommended the Omlet Topology range, telling us, “they’re in the higher price bracket, but in my opinion, well worth the investment and have outlasted any other dog bed I have ever owned”. What size dog bed should you choose? Choosing the right-sized bed is important for your dog's comfort and well-being. Owners will know that dogs come in an array of shapes and sizes, and their sleeping habits can vary just as much. To ensure your dog can fully stretch, curl, and snuggle to their heart's content, take a moment to measure them from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail. Also, make sure your bed fits in a dog crate so they can travel well and feel secure. Use this measurement and add a few extra inches to accommodate any unexpected sprawls or restless dreams during the night. Then buy a bed which is the length you have just worked out. A bed that provides ample room for movement and relaxation promotes better sleep and helps prevent joint strain, especially in larger breeds or those with specific health needs. How to introduce your dog to a new bed If you've just brought a new dog bed, then you might be worried that your four-legged friend will be anxious about their new resting place. Fear not, introducing your dog to its new sleeping sanctuary should be exciting. It just requires a dash of patience and some positive reinforcement. To get started, place the bed in a familiar and cosy spot, ideally where your dog already likes to rest. Encourage exploration by offering treats, toys, or their favourite blanket on the bed. As your pup sniffs and investigates, give them praise to associate the new bed with joy and comfort. To help create positive associations, consider placing a piece of clothing with your scent on the bed, further making it a safe and inviting space. Gradually, your dog will come to recognise the bed as their own. When should you replace your dog's bed? Just like our own mattresses, dog beds have a lifespan, and recognising when it's time to bid wave goodbye to your pup's beloved sleeping pad is essential for their continued well-being. Knowing when to switch out the bed involves keeping a watchful eye on the condition of the bed. If you notice flattened or lumpy padding that no longer provides the cushioning your dog needs, it's a clear sign that a replacement is due. Lingering odours, even after a thorough wash, can indicate that the bed has absorbed more than its fair share of doggy dreams. Additionally, if your dog has outgrown the bed or if their health needs have changed, it might be time to explore a new bed that offers better support and comfort. Remember, a fresh and cosy bed ensures your dog gets the restorative sleep they deserve, contributing to their overall health and happiness. Want to read more expert-recommended pet product round-ups? Check out our Pets page for a full list of recommendations, including our list of the best dog toys and the best dog treats, all recommended by dog experts.
The best cat litter trays, with buying advice from cat experts
We spoke to a leading veterinarian and a seasoned animal behaviourist to get their take on what you should look out for (and avoid) when looking for the best cat litter tray for your favourite feline.
Cat litter trays aren't the most attractive part of owning a cat, but they are essential for your feline's comfort and the safety of your carpet. Choosing the right cat litter tray will not only make your cat feel sheltered and secure but also protect your home from unpleasant smells and unwanted cleaning jobs. Cat litter trays come in all shapes and sizes, from very basic to high-tech designs. With thousands of options available, picking the right one can be a tough task. To help, we've gone on a mission to find the best cat litter trays for your home. We've spoken to two experts, a leading veterinarian and a seasoned animal behaviourist, to get their take on what you should look out for (and avoid) when purchasing a cat litter tray. Here are some of their favourite cat trays and advice on how to choose the right cat litter tray for you. The best cat litter trays at a glance: Best open litter tray: Iris Ohyama Cat Litter Tray, £23.99 at Amazon Best litter tray with hood: Trixie Vico Litter Tray, £16.59, at Zooplus Best discreet litter tray: Archie & Oscar Messer Litter Box Enclosure, £102.99, at Wayfair Best self-cleaning litter tray: PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Tray, £286, at Argos Best private litter tray: Pets at Home Casetta Hooded Cat Litter Tray, £50, at Pets at Home Best large litter tray: CatCentre Large Litter Tray, £16.95, at Amazon Best metal litter tray: Yangbaga Stainless Steel Litter Tray, £42.99, at Amazon Best travel litter tray: Petsfit Portable Litter Box, £28.95, at Amazon The best cat litter trays Best open litter tray: Iris Ohyama Cat litter tray High walls for good protection While this litter tray is made with an open-top design, the high sides prevent mess, and the transparent plastic allows your pet to see their surroundings, helping them feel safe and secure. This cat litter tray is made of durable plastic and comes equipped with a litter scoop. It's less restrictive than a hooded design while still working to keep litter contained thanks to its high sides. The sides detach from the base for easy cat litter tray cleaning, and the moulded feet keep the design sturdy on a variety of surfaces. Best litter tray with hood: Trixie Vico Litter Tray For added privacy With a hooded design and door flap entrance, this cat litter tray offers a more concealed design and allows your pet some privacy. This litter tray is also designed with a removable hood that clicks out of place for easy cleaning. Equipped with a built-in handle, this tray can be moved with ease, and the double-rim design helps to stop litter from escaping. It can also be used outside and offers some protection from the elements. Best discreet litter tray: Archie & Oscar Messer Litter Box Enclosure Practicality and style This litter tray works to bring together practical usage and interior aesthetics with a stylish wooden exterior. The wooden litter tray is designed with a door at one side and a removable interior divider allowing you to customise the space. It promises to be durable and easily assembled, so this cat litter tray is a discreet option that won't sacrifice your decor. The top of the cat litter offers space for storage of your pet's toys or your own items. Best self-cleaning litter tray: PetSafe ScoopFree Ultra Self-Cleaning Tray Does the dirty work This scoop-free, self-cleaning litter tray does what it says on the tin. Equipped with automatic cleaning technology, this tray is designed with an inbuilt rake programmed to activate after every use and sweep your cat's mess away. Designed with sensors that stop the rake when your cat enters the tray, this litter tray prioritises your pet's health and safety with an inbuilt health monitor to record your pet's toilet usage. The tray base is then easily removed for convenient litter disposal and cleaning. Best private litter tray: Pets at Home Casetta hooded cat litter tray Privacy protection This litter tray is perfect if you have a shy cat who wants some privacy whilst going to the toilet. The handy lid on top helps to keep unwanted odours at bay and provides easy access for you to clean the tray. The box is also scratch and UV-proof with handles on the side, making it very easy to transport and pick up to clean. It has a low entry hole to the litter tray, which makes it suitable for cats of all ages and sizes. Best large litter tray: CatCentre Large Litter Tray Extra wiggle room Our experts recommended buying a cat litter tray with ample space, and this is exactly what this litter tray offer. The tray gives your cat extra room to move, allowing ease of use, and the lowered entrance enhances accessibility for cats of all ages and sizes. This litter tray is designed with rounded corners that promise to stop litter from sticking, and the deep-sided design is suitable for use indoors and outdoors (when it's not raining). It also has a rubber bottom to stop sliding when in use. Best metal litter tray: Yangbaga Stainless Steel Litter Tray Durable design Made with stainless steel, this litter tray promises to be extra sturdy and odour-resistant, while the anti-rust design promises long-lasting quality. Designed with a non-stick coating, it is easy to clean, and the extra-large design delivers on our expert's recommendations of allowing your pet ample space. The litter tray promises to harbour fewer bacteria than its plastic counterparts, claiming to be a healthier option for both pets and owners. On the bottom of the litter tray, rubber grips keep it stable by stopping it from sliding around whilst in use. Best travel litter tray: Petsfit Portable Litter Box On-the-go convenience This lightweight cat litter tray is easily folded for convenient storage, and the handle allows for portability. It is equipped with a waterproof, leak-preventing inner layer that is machine-washable for easy maintenance. With a detachable hood, this litter tray can be adapted for indoor and outdoor use. When not in use, it can be folded away and stored until you need to transport your cat's toilet around again. Our cat expert recommendations Our cat experts, Caroline Clark and Johnny Mullins have decades of experience between them. Both qualified veterinarians, Caroline and Johnny, have dedicated their careers to the health and wellbeing of cats and companion animals. Caroline Clark is a registered veterinary nurse and clinical animal behaviourist with over 30 years of experience in the field. Caroline favours a holistic approach to diagnosing, treating and managing behavioural problems and uses positive reinforcement to improve the well-being of pets and owners alike. Caroline has previously shared her expert insight on a variety of topics for The Recommended, including the best cat litter and the best dog treats. Johnny Mullins is a qualified veterinarian and graduate of the Royal Veterinary College who spends his days working in a UK veterinary practice treating the nation’s pets and advising owners on pet management and care. Johnny has a wealth of knowledge and advice when it comes to purchasing pet products, he gave us some great insight into what makes the best dog beds and best dog crates. What should you look for when buying a cat litter tray? When asked what to consider when looking for a litter tray, Caroline encouraged us to think about size, telling us to ideally purchase a tray “that is one and a half times their own length - that’s from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail” as “this makes it easier for them to move around and dig in the litter with comfort”. Johnny told us that the “provision of multiple litter trays is the most important thing” he continued that “the current recommendation is to provide an average of 1.5 litter trays per cat in the household” to help avoid conditions such as feline interstitial cystitis, a sterile inflammatory condition affecting the urinary bladder, which experts believe can be brought on by having too few litter boxes available for cats in your home. What should you avoid when looking for a cat litter tray? Caroline tells us to consider the age and health of our pets, telling us that “as cats get older, they can develop arthritis. So when choosing a tray for an elderly cat, avoid ones that are too deep as it can be painful for them to climb in and out. A little ramp up to it can be helpful.” Caroline also stressed the importance of size, telling us, “litter trays that are too small can be uncomfortable for cats when they are trying to adopt a suitable posture for voiding the bladder and bowels. This can lead to accidents occurring outside of the tray”. What is cat litter made of? When we're setting up our trays, the next job is to fill them with cat litter, but what actually is cat litter? Cat litter is a granular material put inside the tray which is used to absorb a cat’s urine and mask the smell of its waste. It can be made from several materials, but the most popular are clay, wood, paper, or silica gel. The different materials offer different properties, which you can then match to your personal preference. There is clumping cat litter, for example, which is made from clay that forms solid clumps when wet, making it easy to scoop out waste and keep the litter tray clean. On the other hand, non-clumping litter doesn’t form clumps but still absorbs moisture and odour effectively. Other types of cat litter include crystal litter, which is made from silica gel and has excellent moisture absorption properties, and recycled paper litter, which is eco-friendly and biodegradable. It’s worth noting that some cats may have preferences for certain types of litter, so experimenting could be a good option to help you find the perfect litter for your furry friend. Cat litter buyer's guide Here is our buyer's guide to cat litter to help assist you when you make your next tray purchase. Does cat litter smell? If you regularly clean your cat litter tray, the smell shouldn't become a problem. But, because cat litter is designed to absorb your cat's waste, unpleasant smells do sometimes escape. The odour becomes more noticeable if the litter box is not regularly cleaned and maintained, so you must stay on top of this. To keep your home smelling fresh and maintain a healthy environment for your cat, it is essential to scoop the litter box daily, removing any clumps and waste. Regular cleaning and changing of the entire litter box will also help control these smells. If you're worried about the smell, some cat litters also come with odour-absorbing properties, which can help reduce the smell further. If you notice a sudden change in the smell of your cat's litter, it could be an indication of a health issue. To be on the safe side, it's important to consult with a vet if you notice this has happened. How often do you change cat litter? The recommended frequency for cleaning your cat's litter tray and replacing the litter is determined by various factors, such as the number of cats in your household, the type of litter tray used, and the type of litter chosen. The cleaning process involves two stages. First is 'scooping', which involves removing a small portion of the litter after the cat has used that area. Next is a complete replacement where all the litter is discarded and replaced with fresh litter. Experts suggest that daily scooping is highly recommended to prevent odours from accumulating and to maintain a hygienic environment that encourages your cat to use the litter tray consistently. Regular scooping also prevents the litter box from becoming too full, which could lead to health issues for your cat or even prompt them to find alternative places for their needs. You should also perform a full litter replacement once every two weeks. This helps eliminate the accumulated smell of urine and faeces, which can become absorbed by the litter over time. Understanding the different types of cat litter Cat litter is a granular material put inside a tray which is used to absorb a cat's urine and mask the smell of its waste. It can be made from several materials, but the most popular are clay, wood, paper, or silica gel. The different materials offer different properties, which you can then match to your personal preference. There is clumping cat litter, for example, which is made from clay that forms solid clumps when wet, making it easy to scoop out waste and keep the litter tray clean. On the other hand, non-clumping litter doesn't form clumps but still absorbs moisture and odour effectively. Other types of cat litter include crystal litter, which is made from silica gel and has excellent moisture absorption properties, and recycled paper litter, which is eco-friendly and biodegradable. It's worth noting that some cats may have preferences for certain types of litter, so experimenting could be a good option to help you find the perfect litter for your furry friend. Clumping vs non-clumping cat litter: the pros and cons of each The difference between clumping and non-clumping cat litter often comes down to the owner and cat's preference. You may start with one and then choose the other because it doesn't work for you or your cat. If you haven't used either before, here are their main pros and cons. Clumping cat litter Pros: Easy to clean due to tight clumping, effective odour control, lasts longer before requiring a complete change, often low in dust. Cons: May be prone to sticking to the cat and moving outside the litter box, clumps can break apart during scooping, potential risk of ingestion if cats groom their paws after using the litter box. Non-clumping cat litter Pros: Reduced sticking and spread outside of litter box compared to clumping litter, no clump breakage concerns during scooping, no risk of ingestion. Cons: Less effective odour control, more frequent cleaning required, can be more labour-intensive compared to clumping litter. Tips for introducing a new cat litter to your feline friend If you're introducing your cat to new litter, there are some key tips to consider in order to make this a comfortable transition. Here are some top tips to make the change easier for your cat and owner: Make it a gradual transition: Cats can be sensitive to changes in their environment, including litter. When introducing a new cat litter, do it gradually. Mix a small amount of the new litter with the old one, increasing the ratio of new litter over several days until you have completely switched to the new litter. Observe your cat's reaction: During the transition, closely observe your cat's behaviour and reactions to the new litter. some cats may immediately take to the new litter, while others may be more hesitant. look for signs of discomfort or avoidance, such as avoiding the litter box or excessive scratching around it. if you notice any adverse reactions, consider slowing down the transition process or trying a different type of litter. Maintain a clean litter box: Make sure to keep the litter box clean and fresh. Cats are more likely to accept new litter if the litter box is inviting and pleasant to use. Scoop waste daily and change the litter as needed. Use familiar smells: Cats rely on their sense of smell, so to ease the transition, consider placing a small amount of your cat's old, used litter on top of the new litter. The familiar smell can reassure your cat that it's still their designated bathroom area. Litter box placement: Ensure the litter box is placed in a quiet and easily accessible location. Cats prefer privacy when using the litter box, so choose a spot away from high-traffic areas and any noisy appliances. Want to read more expert-recommended pet product round-ups? Check out our pets page for a full list of recommendations, including our list of the best cat litter, as recommended by cat experts.
How to manage your dog’s separation anxiety, with tips from a dog behaviourist
We all know our dogs miss us when we’re away, but how do we help manage their anxiety and calm their nerves when we’re not there?
Our dogs are always going to miss us when we’re gone, but what happens if you think your canine is really struggling to cope with your absence? If you find them barking, crying, or scratching at the door when you leave, they might be suffering from separation anxiety. This behaviour can become a concern if it persists and can make owners feel uncomfortable leaving their dogs at home. If this sounds like you, don’t worry, we’re here to help. We’ve got the expertise of a top dog behaviourist who is here to assist us in calming our dog’s anxiety when we go away. He’s provided us with six expert tips to help in soothing your dog’s anxiety. Our dog expert To help us ease our dog’s separation anxiety, we have got the help of dog behaviourist Adem Fehmi. Adem is a Canine and Feline Behaviour Association registered dog behaviourist and therapist. Adem currently works as a behaviourist for Barking Heads and is also the owner of Dog-ease, a canine behaviour and training business based in Hertfordshire. Here he helps dog owners train, manage, and overcome their pet’s behaviour issues. Adem’s experience has given him a broad knowledge of dogs, and he has previously advised us on the best dog toys, the best dog beds and the best dog crates. Today, Adem has helped us by providing six tips to reduce the anxiety our dogs feel when we leave them. What is separation anxiety? Separation anxiety is a condition that some dogs experience when they are left alone by their owners. Just like how some humans might feel worried or sad when their loved ones go away, dogs can also feel the same emotions. When dogs have separation anxiety, they can become very anxious and stressed when their owners leave them at home or go away for a while. You might notice some signs of separation anxiety in your dog, such as excessive barking, howling, whining, and destructive behaviour like chewing on furniture. Other pointers include trying to escape from their crate or room and sometimes even going to the bathroom indoors despite being house-trained. It's important to remember that separation anxiety is not your dog being naughty or bad. They are simply feeling worried and scared when they are alone. 6 top tips to ease your dog’s separation anxiety Here are Adem’s six top tips for easing your dog’s separation anxiety: 1. Exercise your dog before leaving them Adem’s first tip for reducing your dog’s separation anxiety is to make sure that you wear your dog out, advising that “effectively exercising your dog will help drain some of your dog’s energy, and they will more likely settle and rest after when you’re out. Similar to the benefits exercise have on humans, exercise has a positive effect on the mental well-being of our dogs and helps keep them calmer.” Exercise is suitable for most dogs to reduce separation anxiety, but exercise should be tailored based on the dog. Adem explained that “it’s important to remember that long walks are not suitable for all breeds or ages and a lengthy stroll might not even tire a very high-energy dog if they have a lot of stamina. So, it is important to tailor your exercise sessions to your dog and their life stage.” 2. Give your dog something to do whilst alone If your dog is bored, then it may start to feel anxious more quickly when you go away. To stop this, Adem advises keeping your dog entertained, explaining that “the quicker your dog gets bored when left alone, the sooner it may start to feel anxious about you being away. “Giving them an activity will keep their mind occupied and act as a positive reinforcer for being left alone because they get to do something fun! Food dispensing toys are perfect as an activity. Start with something easy so your dog’s interest builds. Then, once they become an expert, you can up the challenge, so it takes them longer.” Here are some of our favourite food dispensing toys if you’re looking for entertainment for your dog: Kong Extreme Chew Treat Dog Toy, Pets at Home, £13: This mentally stimulating dog toy can keep anxious dogs entertained as they chew to release treats which are placed inside. It is suitable for larger dogs anywhere up to 30kg and is great for boredom, teething and even weight management. CAROZEN Interactive Dog Puzzle, Amazon, £24.99: This entertaining puzzle can help lower separation anxiety and provide hours of fun for a restless dog. The treat toy promises to make your dog more intelligent as they manoeuvre their way through flaps and doors to retrieve treats. PetSafe Kibble Chase Roaming Treat Dispenser, Pet Safe, £38.99: This treat toy encourages active play and can be loaded with treats as well as regular dry food. It is battery-powered and roams around dispensing treats, keeping your dog engaged and entertained when you are not at home. 3. Create a calm environment for your dog to relax in If your dog is prone to separation anxiety, they are likely to be energetic and emotional when you are trying to leave. To help soothe this panic that many dogs feel when their owner leaves, music can be the answer. Soothing sounds can have a great calming effect on your dog and help lower their anxiety when you’re away. Adem explained that “playing classical or soft music can help your dog relax, just like us humans. I’ve found Classic FM always to be a winner! Music can also help drown out any external noises that might cause your dog to worry outside the comfort of your home.” 4. Creating comfortable spaces One way to reduce your dog’s separation anxiety is to create relaxing spaces where they can feel comfortable and stress-free. This way, when you leave, they have somewhere to go, which is familiar and safe. Adem says, “I recommend ensuring your dog’s designated bed area is an inviting space to entice them to keep calm and relaxed whilst you are away. “This should be trained from a young age. The bed should be a safe space, entirely theirs, with all their favourite things there too. This is a great place to leave their toys or treats when you leave, to distract them from your departure.” Here are our three favourite pet beds: PetFusion Ultimate Solid, Just for Pets, £59.99: Great for all shapes and sizes, the PetFusion Dog Bed can easily support over 50 kg of weight. With a solid 10cm memory foam base and recycled ‘green’ polyfill support bolsters, this dog bed offers optimal support, while the removable, machine-washable cover ensures ease of use. Bedsure Large Dog Bed Washable, Amazon, £49.99: With innovative design and durable fabric, this versatile dog bed offers maximum support and comfort. Designed to distribute weight and alleviate pressure on joints evenly, this orthopaedic dog bed helps to comfort older dogs, while the ‘egg crate’ foam base aids air circulation, keeping your pet cool. Silentnight Airmax Pet Bed Grey, Pets at Home, £35: The Silent Night pet bed has a soft outer fabric with the inside covered in soft and cosy teddy fleece lining. It is walled by mesh fabric allowing air to travel through the cushion to prevent overheating and to help keep your pet at a comfortable temperature. Also, make sure your bed crate is comfortable, check out our guide to the best dog crates to see how to choose the right one. 5. Be calm when returning to your dog When we get home to our dogs, it’s often the most rewarding part of the day (for us and them). It might be exciting, and your dog may be jumping up at you, but Adem advises us to stay calm when we return to our pups to lower their future anxiety. Adem explained that “although it’s tempting to make a huge fuss about our dogs when we return, this can make us leaving again a bigger deal than it necessarily needs to be. We want our dogs to learn that our coming and going throughout the day is normal and not to be looked forward to or feared.” 6. Consider a dog sitter If your dog is really struggling with your absence, then it might be time to call in some reinforcements. Adem advised that “if you’re away consistently for long periods of the day, another consideration is to hire a dog sitter to entertain you whilst you’re gone. “Dogs can easily become susceptible to changes in scenery, so keeping them at home where they’re comfortable with a regular sitter will calm them, rather than in kennels which may cause further stress (if they’re not used to this environment!).” Want to read more expert-recommended pet product round-ups and guides? Check out our Pets page for a full list of recommendations, including our list of the best dog beds, the best dog toys and the best dog treats, all recommended by dog experts.
How to cat-proof your garden: 10 easy ways to make your outside space safe for your cat
Follow theses simple steps to ensure your cat can enjoy the garden without you having to worry.
Cats love to roam around outside, and often we see them walking the streets, darting into hedges, or lying in wait for a stroke. Despite loving a wander, cats often don’t travel far from their home and rarely stroll beyond 200m away. For cat owners, this means that our gardens (if lucky enough to have one) are often the closest and most frequented area of green space for our felines. So how do we make them safe and enjoyable spaces for our cats? Cat-proofing. This process clears our outdoor areas of hazards which might endanger our cats whilst also adding entertainment features to make it a more enjoyable space. To help you turn your garden into a cat paradise, we’ve drafted together the top 10 tips to help you cat-proof. 10 easy ways to make your garden cat-proof Here are our top 10 ways to make your garden safer and more exciting for your cat: 1. Select cat-safe plants Everyone loves a green and colourful garden, but when selecting the plants to make your garden stand out, prioritise cat-safe plants. These can help to keep your cat protected and also make the garden a more exciting place for your cat to play. You want to avoid common garden plants such as lilies and tulips, which are both toxic to felines if ingested. For a full list of toxic garden plants, see Cat Protection’s toxic plant guide. Instead of these toxic plants, opt for plants like catnip, aromatic catmint, and nutritious wheatgrass. These are excellent options as they will keep your cat excited and playful whilst ensuring they stay out of harm's way. If you want to grow your own cat grass (wheatgrass), you can buy growing kits which can then be planted in your garden. 2. Create a designated play area Designing a dedicated play zone in your garden is like setting up a private cat playground! Lay down soft ground coverings such as sand or soil to create a comfortable and safe space where your cat can mess around to their heart's content. This designated area will not only keep your garden organised but also deter your cat from venturing into potentially hazardous spots. Try adding a portable cat tunnel to this designated space or even give your cat its own little playhouse so they have space to chill out in. 3. Install cat-proof fencing Secure your garden with cat-proof fencing to create a safe and contained outdoor haven for your cat. This is especially useful if you don’t want your cat to venture further than the garden. You can create a barrier that will not only keep your cat from wandering outside but also protect them from potential dangers beyond your property. By investing in quality cat-proof fencing, you're granting your furry friend the freedom to explore the great outdoors while ensuring they remain shielded from harm's way. The PiuPet Cat Net is a great option if you want a low-cost, reliable way to cat-proof your fencing. 4. Add cat-friendly furniture Cat-friendly furniture gives our felines the luxury that they very much deserve. From putting scratching posts in the garden to climbing structures and cosy lounging spots, these additions will keep your cat entertained and mentally stimulated. By providing designated spots for scratching and climbing, you're also diverting their attention from potentially hazardous objects. They will be less inclined to scratch your fence, climb the trees or attack the bird pond. Here are some of the best cat-friendly furniture and toys to add to your garden: Afufu Cat Hammocks, Amazon, £17.99: This hammock attaches to windows via four suction cups and can be set up either indoors or outdoors. It holds cats weighing up to 10kg, making a great spot for your cat to keep a watchful eye over the garden or take a nap in the sun. Catit 2.0 Senses Cat Grass Planter, Pets at Home, £22: This grass planter is the perfect garden feature for your cat and provides both fun and nutrition. It comes with three sets of grass seeds and a special planting pot so can be used on a balcony or placed on decking if you have no green space. When grown, the grass can be eaten by your cat, aiding digestion, and be used to brush up against, helping stimulate and groom your feline friend. 5. Avoid harmful chemicals Adopting an eco-friendly approach in your garden will not only benefit the environment but also safeguard your cat's well-being. Refrain from using toxic chemicals, pesticides, or fertilisers that might pose a risk to your furry friend. Instead, opt for pet-safe alternatives to nurture a thriving garden while prioritising your cat's health. By keeping harmful chemicals at bay, you're creating a safe and sustainable haven where both your garden and your cat can flourish. 6. Create shelters and hiding spots Create some shelters and hiding spots for your cat to use. These will make your cat feel a sense of security. Consider providing cat houses or boxes where your cat can retreat during bad weather conditions or when they feel the need to unwind in peace. These hiding spots not only offer refuge but also cater to your cat's desire for a cosy resting spot. If you don’t want to make a shelter yourself, then you can consider buying one instead. Here are some of our favourites: Petsfit Cat Waterproof Wooden House, Amazon, £129.99: This easy-to-assemble cat house provides the perfect place for your cat to stay warm in the winter or find shade in the summer heat. The house has a safe exit door on the side and a weatherproof bitumen roof designed especially to protect cats from light rain and wind. Hagen Cat Condo, Wayfair, £143.99: This three-tiered house is made with waterproof paint and protective roofing to provide refuge and fun during all weather conditions. There are 2 escape doors and 2 jumping platforms which not only provide fun entrances for your cats but also allow you to observe them when they're inside. PawHut Wooden Outdoor Cat House 3-Tier, B&Q, £114.99: This outdoor cat house is a three-tier model, featuring a bottom hideaway hole with three entrances. It is waterproofed with a durable roof and a raised base to keep it off the floor and away from the elements. 7. Monitor your water feature If you don’t have a water feature, maybe skip this one. If you do, it's essential to be cautious. Ensure that ponds or water features have escape routes, such as ramps or shallow edges, to prevent accidental drowning. By thoughtfully planning your water features, you'll create a space for your cat to quench their curiosity (and thirst) without any lurking water-related dangers. Also, be sure not to add toxic chemicals to the water that your cat could ingest. 8. Check for escape routes If you don’t want your cat leaving the property, make sure to maintain a cat-friendly and secure garden. Regularly inspect the premises for potential escape routes, as cats are skilled escape artists. Even the tiniest gap in the fence can be an open invitation to an unplanned adventure. 9. Supervise their time outdoors Being a responsible parent, even for cats, sometimes includes supervision. It's crucial to be present and supervise your cat's outdoor activities if they are not confident outdoors or if they have a tendency to run away. Being there for your feline friend ensures they stay away from potential hazards and dangerous encounters with wildlife or neighbouring pets. This is especially useful if they are younger cats who are getting to grips with the outdoors. 10. Introduce toys and puzzles Enriching your garden with interactive toys and puzzles helps spice up the life for your feline friends. Engage your cat's natural instincts with interactive playtime, climbing challenges, and stimulating toys. These activities will not only keep your cat mentally stimulated but also reduce the likelihood of them exploring hazardous areas in search of entertainment. Here are our favourite outdoor entertainment choices for your cat: The Pyramid, Cat Tree UK, £311: This outdoor cat tree is very easy to assemble and has been made to withstand all that British weather can throw at it. It is a pyramid shape with a hanging platform and four wooded areas for rest, sunbathing and play. Qianly Cat Outdoor PlaypenIs, Amazon, £32.99: This collapsible outdoor enclosure is a perfect combination of a cat tunnel and hexagon tent house. It is made of a high-quality scratch-resistant net which is both breathable and lightweight. If the weather is bad it can also be used inside! Kitty Pool with Floating Toys, Zooplus, £8.99: This small paddling pool is great for a curious cat and comes complete with three floating toys to keep your cat entertained. It is immediately ready to use and when not being paddled in can be folded up and stored away easily. Want to read more expert-recommended pet product round-ups and guides? Check out our Pets page for a full list of recommendations, including our list of the best cat toys, the best cat food, and if catnip is safe for your cat.
Do dogs need sunscreen? We spoke to an animal expert to find out
We all know how important SPF sunscreen is for protecting our skin from the sun’s harmful rays, but do you need to protect your dog in the way? We spoke to an expert to find out.
As temperatures rise, dog walkers can rejoice as the ground is no longer muddy and raincoats are swapped for shorts and a t-shirt. The difference in weather is a welcome change for most but also brings some seasonal safety considerations. Protecting the skin against UV rays is one of these. It's commonplace for us to use sunscreen before heading out on a sunny day, so should we be doing the same to protect our furry friends? Do dogs even need sunscreen, and is it safe for them? Here at The Recommended, we’ve been on a mission to find out. To help us do this, we have the assistance of an expert to answer questions surrounding the relationship between dogs, sunscreen, and sunburn. Our dog expert To help us with our guide to whether dogs should wear sunscreen, we have got the expertise of Alison Frost, Head of Nutrition and Product Development at ProDog Raw, where she helps to keep dogs healthy through nutrition and provides safety advice for pet owners. Alison has shared with us her top tips on dog skincare and explained if dogs need sunscreen, what breeds need the most protection from the sun and alternative ways to protect your dog from sunburn. Do dogs need sunscreen? Dogs, just like humans, can be susceptible to the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays and, therefore, can benefit from using specially formulated dog sunscreen. While the fur of dogs provides some natural protection, certain breeds and individual dogs with thin or light-coloured fur, or those with exposed skin areas, are more prone to sunburn and sun-related issues. Alison told us that “not every dog needs sunscreen, but certain breeds, and those with more exposed skin, will. Dogs with white or very thin coats and dogs with light-pigmented noses and eyelids are more at risk for sunburn, so you need to keep them protected! Dogs with very light-coloured noses need sunscreen – black noses are generally fine without; paw and nose balms will do the job just fine!” In cases where a dog does need sunscreen, you need to make sure it is specially formulated for dogs, as some ingredients in regular sunscreen can be toxic for them. Dog-friendly sunscreens are typically free of certain harmful chemicals and may have additional ingredients to soothe and protect the dog's skin. Remember that sun protection for dogs involves more than just applying sunscreen. It's also important to provide shaded areas for your dog to rest in when spending time outdoors and to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, especially during the peak hours of the day. What breeds need sunscreen the most? Although all dogs can be affected by UV rays, some breeds are particularly at risk. This is usually because they have less fur than other breeds or have several exposed skin areas. Here are the most at-risk breeds: Bulldogs: Bulldogs have short coats, light skin, and often wrinkled faces, which makes them prone to sunburn, especially on their noses and around their eyes. Dalmatians: Dalmatians have short coats with minimal pigmentation in their skin. This leaves them vulnerable to sunburn, particularly on areas with less fur, such as the nose, ears, and belly. Boxers: Boxers have short coats and thin hair, making them more susceptible to sunburn on their ears, nose, and other exposed areas. Poodles: Some Poodle varieties, especially those with lighter-coloured or shaved coats, may require sun protection. Their exposed skin areas, such as the face and ears, can be vulnerable to sunburn. Light-coloured or hairless breeds: Dogs with light-coloured fur, thin hair, or hairless breeds, such as Chinese Crested or Xoloitzcuintli, have less natural protection against the sun and are at a higher risk of sunburn. Alison reiterated this and said that even if your dog is not a breed typically prone to sunburn, you still need to look out for them. She told us that “shaved dogs and shorter-haired or hairless dogs need protection if they’re playing or basking in the sun for any length of time. If a dog has been shaved for an operation or due to skin issues, then it will also need sunscreen protection. Don’t forget vulnerable pink bellies too!” Alison also helped detail which dogs are less at risk. “Most dogs have coats that protect them from the sun’s UV rays which is why double-coated breeds shouldn’t be shaved (namely huskies, retrievers, and German shepherds). Shaving them makes it harder for them to cool off and exposes their skin to the sun. Instead, a good brush alone will do.” What sunscreen can you use on dogs, and what ingredients should you avoid? When it comes to choosing the best sunscreen for your dog, you should not be using the same suncream you put on your own skin. Alison explains that human sunscreen has chemicals inside which are toxic for dogs, and they can ingest these as they regularly lick themselves. She told us that it’s important that you’re careful when choosing sunscreen for your dog, warning that “there’s a myriad of toxic ingredients found in commercial sunscreens that you need to avoid, such as zinc oxide and parabens.” “These ingredients are high-risk for dogs because they lick their skin and fur, so these toxins can be absorbed into the bloodstream. For this reason, never use sunscreens made for humans on your dog.” If you are unsure whether sunscreen is safe for your dog, then consult your vet or buy sunscreen from them directly. The best sunscreens for dogs Taking all of our experts' advice onboard, we’ve put together a short list of some of the best sunscreens for dogs that you can buy online. All of the dog sunscreens we’ve picked provide all-important SPF protection and have all been tested to make sure they’re friendly to your dog’s skin. Here are our top four dog sunscreen recommendations: Be:sunsafe Dog Sunscreen: This dog sunscreen is SPF15 and is insect repelling, plant-based, and packed with vitamins. It is lick-safe for your dog and is citrus scented and made of ingredients including beeswax, grapeseed oil, shea butter and coconut oil. Petkin Doggy Sunmist Spray: This sunscreen is SPF15 and easy to apply as it’s sprayed on. It is made using three active ingredients which help to filter and absorb UV rays before they reach the skin. It lasts for two hours and also includes natural moisturisers. Strangest Heliovet spray: This sunscreen spray offers high protection against UV rays with an SPF50 rating. It is made with green tea, fern-block, and plankton. These 3 natural active ingredients have photoprotective, antioxidant and repairing actions. It is an ideal sunscreen to protect the skin during outdoor activities, especially for dogs with short or white hair. Filtabac Antibacterial Sunblock Cream: This dog-friendly sunscreen acts as a second skin for your pet and has antibacterial qualities which help protect dogs from infection and sunburn. It has SPF30 protection and is perfect for pets who suffer from skin conditions or dry skin. How and where to apply sunscreen to your dog To make sure that the sunscreen you have chosen is safe for your dog, Alison advises doing a quick patch test, “always test your dog-friendly sunscreen on a small spot of your dog’s skin to make sure they don’t have any kind of reaction.” If they haven’t had a reaction after 30 minutes, then it’s time to start applying it to your dog. “Apply it to any exposed areas, such as their nose, lips, ear tips, and bellies. Avoid getting it in their eyes, and don’t forget to check the temperature of concrete – if it’s too hot, it will hurt their paws regardless of how much sunscreen you put on”, Alison explains. What alternative ways can you protect your dog from sunburn? Surprisingly, there are other ways you can protect your dog from sunburn as well as the use of sunscreen. Alison explained some little-known ways that you could also bolster the protection your dog has from UV rays. Her alternatives were heavily based on diet, she said: “Many dog owners will be surprised to learn that whole foods can help to protect dogs against UV radiation by boosting antioxidant levels in the skin. “Whilst these foods can’t replace sunscreen, they can become an invaluable part of your dog’s diet. Give your dog meals containing lightly steamed greens or colourful berries, as these foods contain antioxidants called carotenoids. Carotenoids contain plant sunscreens and help to protect the skin from UV radiation. Spinach, kale, carrots, collard greens, and broccoli are also great examples of add-ins rich in carotenoids. Another invaluable consideration? Raw meat. As Alison explained, “Unprocessed raw meat contains high amounts of the amino acid histidine, which helps to protect the skin from molecular damage through the production of urocanic acid. We’re obviously huge advocates for raw feeding, and for good reason! People are often unaware of benefits like this.” Of course, the most effective sunscreen and protection method is common sense. Be safe and when it’s too hot, head indoors, minimise sun exposure and make sure your dog doesn’t spend too long in it. Want to read more expert-recommended pet product round-ups? Check out our Pets page for a full list of recommendations, including our list of the best dog beds, the best dog toys and the best dog treats, all recommended by dog experts.
How often should you change your cat litter? We spoke to two experts to find out
It’s a task most cat owners like the least, and we all know that keeping a clean cat litter tray is important - but how often should you clean it? We asked two top cat experts to find out.
Like with all pets, owning a cat comes with chores. There’s grooming, feeding, watering, and the picking up of their many cat toys. Out of all of these chores, the most unpleasant of them is usually the cleaning of the cat’s litter tray. Despite being difficult, this undesirable job is very important because not cleaning your cat’s litter tray frequently can trigger a number of health issues in your cat. It can also make your feline stressed and affect the cleanliness of other areas inside your home. So, how often should you be cleaning your litter to avoid these risks? To help answer this question, we’ve got help from two experts who have shed some light on the cleaning and management of cat litter. Whether you’re a new or seasoned cat owner, their expertise can help you learn the best litter tray practices to safeguard you, your pet, and your home. Our cat experts Our two cat experts have several decades' worth of experience between them and know all there is to know when it comes to looking after cats. They have helped explain why you should be cleaning your cat litter, how often, and the risks to you and your pet if you don’t do so frequently enough. Our first expert who has lent us a helping hand is Dr Jo Myers, a veterinary advisor for Vetster. Dr Myers has nearly thirty years of clinical experience as a veterinary technician and a small animal veterinarian. She studied Veterinary Science at Iowa State University and now spends her time helping pet owners as a vet. Adding to Dr Myers’ expertise is our second expert, Paul Trott. He is the UK Marketing Manager at the pet care company Catit. Here he uses his expertise in cats to help the company look after felines across the world. Paul has decades' worth of experience in the cat and pet sector and has shared with us some of his best tips regarding litter trays. What is cat litter? Before starting to think about cleaning litter trays, it's important to know what cat litter actually is. Cat litter is a granular material put inside a tray which is used to absorb a cat's urine and mask the smell of its waste. It can be made from several materials, but the most popular are clay, wood, paper, or silica gel. The different materials offer different properties, which you can then match to your personal preference. There is clumping cat litter, for example, which is made from clay that forms solid clumps when wet, making it easy to scoop out waste and keep the litter tray clean. On the other hand, non-clumping litter doesn't form clumps but still absorbs moisture and odour effectively. Other types of cat litter include crystal litter, which is made from silica gel and has excellent moisture absorption properties, and recycled paper litter, which is eco-friendly and biodegradable. It's worth noting that some cats may have preferences for certain types of litter, so experimenting could be a good option to help you find the perfect litter for your furry friend. How often should you clean your cat litter tray? The frequency you should clean your cat's litter tray and replace the litter depends on a number of factors, including the number of cats in your household, the type of litter tray you use, and the type of litter you use. There are two different stages of cleaning litter boxes, with ‘scooping’ referring to the removal of a small part of the litter when the cat has relieved itself in that area. There is then the full replacement of a litter box where the whole litter is thrown out and replaced by fresh litter. Cat expert Paul Trott gave some recommendations on the best time frames for both cleaning stages. “Firstly, I recommend scooping your cat litter box on a daily basis to prevent odours from building up. Scooping the litter box daily will also keep it hygienic and encourage your cat to continue using it as intended. “As we know, the fuller the box is, the more inclined your cat may be to hold it in, potentially leading to health problems, or do their business somewhere else in the house.” When it comes to completely changing the litter for a full replacement, Paul says that “it is recommended that you change all the litter once every two weeks and clean the entire litter box in the process. This is because, after a while, your litter will absorb the smell of the pee and poop in the box.” Dr Myers also gave her view on how frequently litter should be changed. “Daily cleaning/scooping is the general recommendation, but it’s fine to do it more often. Some cats don’t like to use a litter tray that has been ‘contaminated’ by even a single use. It might even be helpful to have extra trays on hand to ensure that a cat always has a clean tray available.” Why should you clean your cat litter tray? Some of the risks of not cleaning your cat’s litter come about only after a week or two. It isn’t really a question as to whether you should or shouldn’t clean your litter. It’s more of a warning as to the risks if you don’t do so frequently enough. If you aren’t a regular litter tray cleaner, then the risks can affect both owner and cat in different ways. To help us understand this more, our experts shared some of the most important reasons to keep on top of your litter tray cleaning. The smell Paul Trott explained that this is one of the most obvious reasons to regularly clean your cat litter tray. “I recommend scooping your cat litter box regularly because it will help prevent odours from building up inside your home. This will mean that your house is kept clear of nasty smells that might come about if you don’t clean frequently enough.” House cleanliness Dr Myers explained that cats are super clean creatures, so will notice when things become dirty and will then avoid these. This can have the potential to put them off using the litter tray if you don’t clean it, with Dr Myers telling us that “the most common potential consequence of failing to keep the tray clean is that using it becomes unappealing to the cat. “As a result, the cat is likely to go elsewhere in the house. House soiling is one of the most common behavioural problems reported by cat owners, and also a major reason for owners feeling they can no longer look after their cat.” Paul added to this, saying that “providing your cat with a clean litter tray is important for their health and wellbeing. A dirty litter tray may put your cat off from using it and increase the risk of accidents around the home which can be stress-inducing for both cat and owner.” Your cat’s comfort and stress Paul said that the cat’s comfort and stress levels are put at risk with a dirty litter tray. He said: “Cats are notoriously clean creatures and can be particular about their toilet habits, meaning that a clean and private litter tray will allow them to happily do their business in a stress-free manner. Having to wait to relieve themselves can also cause stress, as can any health defects/risks that arise when the owner doesn’t clean the litter tray. Overall, both experts had a similar stance and as a general rule of thumb, they recommended scooping out solid waste and clumps of urine at least once a day. They then advised replacing the litter entirely every one to two weeks. However, if you have multiple cats, you may need to clean the litter tray more frequently to prevent overcrowding and maintain hygiene. When replacing the litter completely, they also recommended washing the actual tray to prevent the build-up of bacteria. You and your cat’s health Paul Trott explained that it isn’t just the smell you should worry about but also your cat’s health. He said: “A dirty litter box can not only smell bad in your home, but it can also harbour dangerous bacteria. “These have the potential to cause your cat health problems such as intestinal worms, ammonia toxicity, urinary infections, and viruses. In addition, the bacteria found in cat faeces can sometimes cause illnesses in humans too, with children, pregnant women, and those with low immune systems being especially susceptible to falling ill.” Dr Myers explained another potential safety risk if you don’t clean your litter tray. “Urinary tract diseases are common in cats, and cats are more likely to get these when they can’t find a place to wee. If your cat finds that their litter tray is dirty, it will hold its urine because it can’t find what they perceive to be a suitable place to go. This puts their safety at risk because it increases their risk of developing lower urinary tract disease.” Want to read more expert-recommended pet product round-ups and guides? Check out our Pets page for a full list of recommendations, including our list of the best cat toys, the best cat food, and if catnip is safe for your cat.
The best pet trackers to track your dog or cat and keep them safe
Is your furry friend a secret escapologist? If you need a little extra help keeping an eye on your pet's whereabouts, you’re in the right place - we’ve together our top picks of the best trackers.
If we’re being honest, most of us prefer our pets to people, and keeping our dogs, cats and other furry friends safe is a top priority. A pet tracker is a great way to get some added peace of mind. Using live-location technology and GPS tracking, pet trackers can help you see where your pets are at all times and come in a variety of designs to suit every pet. From tracking collars to removable monitors, pet trackers come in all shapes and sizes. So, where do you start? Well, that's where we come in. At The Recommended, we know that your pet deserves the best, so we scoured the web to find the best pet trackers, from live-location designs to Bluetooth trackers; we’ve covered all bases and pulled together our top picks to help you breathe a little easier. The best pet trackers at a glance: Best pet tracker for dogs: Tractive DOG 4 GPS Dog Tracker Best pet tracker for cats: Tractive CAT Mini with weight-adjustable collar Best pet tracker for training: Weenect GPS Pet Tracker Best waterproof pet tracker: Pawfit Pet GPS Tracker Best 4G pet tracker: PAJ GPS PET Finder Best pet activity monitor: PitPat Pet Activity and Fitness Monitor The best pet trackers Best pet tracker for dogs: Tractive DOG 4 GPS Dog Tracker Tracker type: GPS | Subscription fee: from £7 per month (billed annually) This pet tracker works via a subscription service and offers the ultimate solution to keeping track of your furry friend. The Tractive GPS Pet Tracker delivers live GPS tracking and allows you to set up tailored safe zones that alert you if your pet wanders too far. It fits onto any standard pet collar and is lightweight and waterproof for convenient, long-lasting quality. It also has a location history option so you can see where your pet has been in the last few hours. Best pet tracker for cats: Tractive CAT Mini with weight-adjustable collar Tracker type: GPS | Subscription fee: from £7 per month (billed annually) This GPS tracker comes with a weight-adjustable Rogs Breakaway Collar and offers an unlimited worldwide range. The Tractive GPS Cat Tracker delivers live location 2-3 second updates and stores location history for you to review at a time that suits you. The pet tracker will attach to most cat collars and is lightweight, scratch-proof, and waterproof. It has a battery life that can last up to a week, so is great for owners going on holiday or a weekend away. Best pet tracker for training: Weenect GPS Pet Tracker Tracker type: GPS | Subscription fee: from £5.83 per month (billed annually) The Weenect GPS Tracker has no distance limit, allowing you to track your pet via your phone from anywhere in the world. This tracker features a ring function that can help with associative training and recall. The pet tracker offers up to 3 days of battery life and features location history and territory analysis functions, giving you an insight into your pet’s day. You can also set up boundaries to alert you when your cat has left the safety of the home. Best waterproof pet tracker: Pawfit Pet GPS Tracker Tracker type: GPS | Subscription fee: None The Pawfit GPS tracker is one of the only trackers we’ve seen that offers live and unlimited location tracking with no subscription fee. It allows you to establish tailored safe zones for your pet, alerting you if they wander too far. The pet tracker is waterproof and offers several safety features, including the option to record contact details and necessary information should your pet get lost. The tracker also estimates how many steps your pet has taken and the calories burnt. Best 4G pet tracker: PAJ GPS PET Finder Tracker type: GPS | Subscription fee: from £3.75 per month (billed every 2 years) This small GPS pet tracker can be attached to any standard collar and weighs only 32g for comfortable use. The pet tracker is easy to set up with a pre-loaded SIM and supports 4G roaming on a variety of flexible subscriptions. You can set up Geofences to keep your pet safe with this tracker, and these work with the precise, worldwide live location tracking. The tracker can also store up to 365 days of historical data on your pet's whereabouts. Best activity monitor: PitPat Pet Activity and Fitness Monitor Tracker type: Activity monitor | Subscription fee: None It’s important to note that, unlike the other trackers on this list, the PitPat Pet Activity Monitor is not a GPS tracker and, therefore, cannot give you a live tracking location for your pet. However, this affordable, compact and waterproof pet activity monitor gets a spot on our list as it requires no subscription and allows you to monitor your pet's activity levels to keep on top of their health and fitness needs. It offers breed-specific recommendations and goal-tracking features to help you and your pet reach your goals and has a very impressive battery life of one year - the battery can easily be replaced when this has run out. Pet tracker buyer’s guide If you want a better insight into the world of your pet, are worried about their safety, want to help them lose weight, or even stay out of a certain area, a GPS tracker might be for you. The handy accessory helps you keep an eye on your pet even when you can’t see them, and it can all be done from the comfort of your home. But, with hundreds of options on the market, how do you choose the best pet tracker? Well, we’ve put together a buyer’s guide to answer this very question. It will help you find out how a pet tracker can help you, the benefits of owning one, and what to think about before making a purchase. We also take a look at how much a tracker is going to cost you in the long term and how to match a tracker to your pet. What are GPS trackers, and how do they work? So what actually are GPS trackers, and how do they work? For the most part, GPS trackers for pets are lightweight accessories that attach to your pet’s collar or harness. Housed inside a plastic case is a GPS tracker which pings your pet’s real-time location to you. The GPS tracker then works like all other systems supporting this form of location technology - satellite. It determines your pet's location by pinging signals to various satellites around the world. This information is then sent to your phone or computer, allowing you to monitor your pet's movements and receive alerts. Some GPS pet trackers also offer additional features such as health and fitness tracking, remote training, and temperature monitoring. This information is accessed via an app on your phone or computer, and sometimes you have to pay a monthly subscription to continue seeing it. What types of pet trackers are there? There are several types of trackers on the market, and each comes with its own unique features. Generally speaking, the more features the tracker has, the more expensive it will be. There are four types of GPS trackers that are most commonly sold, these are: Collar GPS trackers: These GPS trackers are often the most common and attach to your pet's collar. They track the pet’s location in real-time and are easy to use as well as attach. Tag GPS trackers: Tag GPS trackers are small and lightweight and can be attached to your pet's existing collar or harness. They offer basic location tracking features. Dedicated GPS trackers: These are standalone devices that require a separate data plan and can track your pet's location even if they're not connected to your phone. They can either be in a tag or collar form. Activity trackers: Some GPS pet trackers offer activity tracking features that allow you to monitor your pet's exercise levels and overall health. Some activity trackers don’t come with GPS features, so it’s important to check before you buy. How can GPS trackers help me keep my pet safe? Using a GPS tracker can result in peace of mind and help you worry less about your pet. After all, one of the main reasons people invest in a GPS tracker is to try and keep their pets safer, but how do trackers do this? Location tracking One of the biggest benefits of GPS tracking is real-time location. This allows owners to see where the pet is at all times and quickly locate them if something goes wrong. You can check your pet’s location on your phone or desktop, and most trackers come with an accompanying app to do this. Knowing where your pet is can keep them out of danger and avoid you from losing them. Geofencing One good safety feature that a lot of pet trackers allow is geofencing. This is a virtual boundary that you can set up on the app where you choose an area your pet isn’t allowed to go. If your pet crosses this virtual boundary area, you’ll receive an alert on your phone. One boundary you might set up is one near a main road so you can make sure your pet is avoiding this and take action if they get too close to it. Activity monitoring Some GPS pet trackers offer features that allow you to monitor your pet's activity levels and ensure they're getting enough exercise. This is particularly helpful if your dog is over or underweight so you can feed them accordingly. It can also help you make sure they’re getting enough exercise throughout the day (or spy on how long the dog walker is taking your pup out for). Temperature monitoring GPS pet trackers with temperature monitoring features can alert you if your pet is in an environment that is too hot or too cold. This is particularly useful during warmer times to see if your pet is overheating. You can use this to decide if it’s appropriate to take them on a walk or if they need some cool water. How do I choose the best tracker for my pet? If you know you want a pet tracker but can’t work out which one will be best for your pet, then we’re here to help. There are important personal factors to think about, and you need to consider which features match your priorities best. Range and accuracy Consider the range and accuracy of the GPS pet tracker, as some may be better suited for larger or smaller areas. If you only allow your pet in the garden, then there would be no point in getting a tracker that reaches miles around. Likewise, if you have a cat that may wander quite far away from the house, you need a range that will encompass this. Durability Look for a GPS pet tracker that is durable and can withstand wear and tear from your pet's daily activities. You should look at how weatherproof the tracker is and what its reviews are like online. It also depends on your pet. If you have a dog, you would want a more robust tracker than a cat, as dogs get dirty and interact with other dogs and humans on a more regular basis. Costs and subscription fees Some GPS pet trackers require a monthly subscription fee for access to features like real-time tracking, geofencing, and more. The subscription fee can add a significant cost to the tracker, so make sure you choose one that will be within your budget. (See our section below.) What are the ongoing costs of pet trackers? One thing that most pet owners don’t know is that when buying a tracker, you usually have to sign up for a monthly subscription. This is a cost that isn’t well advertised when you buy the tracker, so is worth digging deeper into when choosing a tracker. The charge that you will have to pay for your GPS is so you can access features like real-time tracking, geofencing, and training games. Subscription fees can range from a few pounds a month to more than £20, depending on the device and the features included. When choosing a GPS pet tracker, be sure to consider any subscription fees and factor them into your budget. Some GPS pet trackers offer basic features without a subscription, while others require a subscription for full functionality. Want to read more expert-recommended pet product round-ups? Check out our pets page for a full list of recommendations, including our list of the best dog beds, the best dog toys and the best dog treats, all recommended by dog experts.
Can dogs get hay fever? Two dog experts give their top tips for dogs with allergies
Runny nose? Sneezing? Itchy red eyes? Your dog might have all the symptoms of hay fever, but can dogs get it, and what can you do to help? We spoke to two top dog experts to find out.
When temperatures begin to rise, it signals the start of summer, but also hay fever season. For sufferers, sunny days are accompanied by itchy eyes, runny noses, and pockets full of tissues. But it seems it’s not just humans that fall victim to the rise in pollen - dog owners often report that their dogs are getting it as well. So, do dogs get hay fever? Here at The Recommended, we’ve enlisted the knowledge of two experts in dog allergies and health to help answer this question. They’ve also helped us explain how to treat dogs’ hay fever symptoms, avoid dangers, and listed some handy preventative allergy measures which owners can follow. Our dog experts With over two decades of experience, Dr Scott Miller is here to help us understand more about dogs and their hay fever. He studied at the University of Queensland Veterinary School and began working at the largest animal hospital in Australia, and works alongside grain-free dog food brand Barking Heads, regularly appears on ITV’s This Morning, and stars in Channel 4’s Vet on the Hill. Our second expert is Ashleigh Walker, who is a Senior Pet Nutritionist at Harringtons. She also has expertise in dogs and hay fever, with a particular focus on how dogs can be looked after through what they eat and interact with. In this guide, they both reveal how dogs can be affected by pollen, the warning signs to look out for, and how to treat dogs with hay fever. Can dogs get hay fever? Yes! Dogs can and do often get hay fever. Allergies affect dogs in much the same way as humans, and when it comes to hay fever, the main difference is that while humans inhale pollen, dogs absorb it into the skin. Our four-legged friends can find hay fever distressing and uncomfortable whilst also not having the luxuries that we would. Dogs can’t carry handkerchiefs, put in eye drops, or pop hay fever tablets. This means the responsibility for their comfort and safety is down to us, the owner. In this guide, our experts will outline exactly what we can do to help. What is hay fever, and why does my dog have it? Before beginning to protect your dog against hay fever, it’s important to know what you’re actually up against. Technically speaking, hay fever is a pollen allergy, and the official definition of an allergy is “a damaging immune response by the body to a substance, especially a particular food, pollen, fur, or dust, to which it has become hypersensitive.” This is the same for both animals and humans. The definition might sound pretty complicated, but in simple terms, allergy is the result of mistaken identity. An allergen (pollen, peanuts, etc.) enters the body and is wrongly identified by the immune system as a dangerous substance. In response, the immune system makes antibodies to attack the allergen. The immune system's releasing of these antibodies causes the symptoms, which we then relate to an allergic reaction (inflammation, rashes, itching, etc). When it comes to pollen, there isn’t a definitive answer as to why the immune system mistakes it for danger. Despite not knowing why the immune system reacts this way, we do know there is a slight difference between a dog and a human allergy, with dogs absorbing pollen into the skin rather than inhaling it. This can cause a difference in symptoms between the two as this is more likely to cause dogs to scratch, lose hair, and other symptoms (listed below). What are the hay fever symptoms to look out for in your dog? We now know the basics as to why an allergic reaction happens. The next thing we need to work out is how to notice when your dog is having one. Luckily, there are some common indicators which we can look out for to let us know that our dog is suffering - these are known as symptoms. Recognising these earlier will give you a better chance of treating your dog before it can become too distressed or uncomfortable. Dr Miller helped us with this one and explained some of the key hay fever symptoms to look out for. He said that a dog’s symptoms most commonly present themselves through one or more of the following: Runny nose Frequent sneezing Irritated and itchy eyes Itchy skin Redness and rashes on skin (most commonly face, legs and paws) Licking or biting paws Watery eyes Dr Miller continued, highlighting the area you need to pay the most attention to on your dog, he said: “Your pup's skin is likely to be the most obvious sign of whether or not they are suffering from hay fever as the itching may lead to sore patches of skin or even bald patches. “These happen when the dogs have itched to excess, and this leads their coat to deteriorate. If you do notice sore spots, you should watch your pet's behaviour for signs they’re in pain.” One thing it’s important to remember is that not all of the symptoms of hay fever are exclusive to an allergy to pollen. Some symptoms might signal a reaction to something different or a completely separate health condition. If you are unsure that it is hay fever, then you can use Barking Heads' helpful Paw Examination Guide, which can help to rule out some other possibilities. You can also check with your vet. Are some dogs more likely to get hay fever than others? There are certain breeds of dogs for which hay fever is more likely to be a problem as they are predisposed to the allergy. In the case of these breeds, it is particularly important to look out for the symptoms when there is a large amount of pollen in the air. Dr Miller explained that, like humans, hay fever can affect both large-breed dogs and small-breed dogs. He said: “Some breeds are more likely to suffer from this seasonal allergy because they are inclined to suffer from allergies because of features such as coat type or nose shape.” There are some pure breeds that are also naturally more sensitive to allergens, including: Dalmatians Irish Setters Poodles Schnauzers Terriers How can hay fever in dogs be treated? Both Dr Miller and Ashleigh Walker both advise that the best course of action is speaking to your vet if you notice any signs of an allergic reaction. You should always go to the vet, even if you have dealt with a similar case before. This is because, even if dogs are the same breed, their treatments for hay fever can be different based on a variety of factors. Once you do get to the vet, there are a number of treatments which can be prescribed for your dog. As Ashleigh explained, “unlike humans, in which a general antihistamine pill is often sufficient to prevent discomfort, targeted hay fever treatments work better for dogs. “Your vet may prescribe eye drops or nasal sprays. In severe cases, vets can also administer injections to help get symptoms under control.” Other common treatments which a vet may provide include: Medicated shampoos Specialist dog antihistamines Medicated skin sprays or creams Biotherapy (to activate the immune system) can be better for large breeds as it is the most cost-effective. Medication to reduce inflammation and relieve itching Ear or eye drops What can I do to help my dog with hay fever? Once your vet has looked after your dog, there are some steps you can take to make sure a trip back will be less likely. Also, if your dog hasn’t shown any symptoms, you can still practise these to reduce the chances hay fever takes a toll. Dr Miller was on hand to offer some key ways to reduce dog’s hay fever symptoms. Wash your dog after a walk One way to make sure that your dog is coming into contact with less pollen is by washing down its coat when you’ve returned from a walk. This way, the only time they will be exposed to pollen is on the walk and not inside the home. Groom your dog regularly Try to regularly groom your dog during pollen seasons which also helps to get rid of the trapped allergen. Make sure to give them a good brush which can weed out any pollen particles which may have gotten stuck in the hair. You could also clip their nails for the same reason to get rid of stuck pollen. Choose when to walk It would be a good idea to select a time to walk your dog when the pollen count is at its lowest. This is usually earlier in the morning or later in the evening because pollen is usually at its highest during the middle of the day. Check bedding and toys Keeping your dog’s bed clean and washed will help remove any stray pollen particles which may have found a home here. The same goes for toys or blankets which your dog comes into contact with on a recent basis. Monitor your dog If your dog is prone to suffering symptoms, Ashleigh Walker said that one of the best things you can do is monitor them. She said: “When and where are their reactions more severe? Are their symptoms worse inside or outside? Or after eating? If you spot a pattern, remove potential stressors in sequence and check their symptoms in response to narrow down the cause. This information will be useful to help your vet determine the right response.” Want to read more expert-recommended pet product round-ups? Check out our Pets page for a full list of recommendations, including our list of the best dog beds, the best dog toys and the best dog treats, all recommended by dog experts.
The best automatic pet feeders, with tips on how to choose the best feeder for your pet
Need to keep your pet fed while you're out of the house? We've scoured the internet and pulled together our top picks of the best pet feeders to keep your furry friend fed and happy.
The way to your pet's heart is through its stomach. Any pet owner will know the power of a treat, the excitement that feeding time brings, and how managing your pet’s eating schedule is vital for their health and wellbeing. Investing in an automatic pet feeder is the perfect way to manage a busy schedule while always prioritising the needs of your furry friend. Pet feeders come in all shapes and sizes, from simplistic designs to high-tech gadgets. Whether you're a dog person or a cat person (or any other kind of pet person), you’re sure to find a pet feeder to suit your needs, and we are here to help. The Recommended has scoured the internet to find the best feeders to suit every need. From automatic designs to smart feeders, we've covered all bases and have pulled together our top picks to help you shop smarter (you’re welcome). The best pet feeders at a glance: Best multiple-meal pet feeder: PetSafe 5 Meal Pet Feeder Best smart feeder: PetSafe Smart Feed Pet Feeder Best for multiple pets: Cat Mate C200 2 Meal Automatic Pet Feeder Best for cats: Cat Mate C3000 Automatic Pet Feeder Best with water dispenser: Hipidog Automatic Pet Feeder Best affordable dispenser: Ferplast Azimut 1500 dispenser Best large pet feeder: HoneyGuaridan Automatic Pet Feeder Best feeder with a camera: PETLIBRO Automatic Pet Feeder Best microchip pet feeder: SureFeed Automatic Pet Feeder The best pet feeders Best multiple-meal pet feeder: PetSafe 5 Meal Pet Feeder Meal prep for pets This pet feeder can hold up to 5 meals worth of food at one time and can store both wet and dry food. It allows pet owners to manage food portions to best suit their furry friend and is equipped with a timer function, helping pet parents maintain a feeding schedule when life gets busy. It has a large capacity and spins around to allow one meal to be served at a time. It is made for use by both dogs and cats, with four D batteries providing the automatic functions. It weighs just 1.8kg, so is easy to store and transport. Best smart feeder: PetSafe Smart Feed Pet Feeder Tailored meal plans This smart pet feeder can be controlled via a mobile app and allows you to adjust timing, portions and feeding modes to suit your pet’s needs. It allows for a reliable, hands-off user experience and will send alerts to your phone when food levels are low, and the feeder is empty. It comes equipped with an anti-jam mechanism for ease of use, and you can get notified when your pet has been fed. The meals can be set up to follow a schedule so pets are still fed when the Wi-Fi connection is lost, or the feeder is offline. Best for multiple pets: Cat Mate C200 2 Meal Automatic Pet Feeder Easy to clean This battery-powered pet feeder features a simplistic design and can hold up to 2 meals for convenient, daily use. The pet feeder is equipped with removable dishwasher-proof feeding trays for easy maintenance and is tamper and fly-proof for enduring quality. It also has an optional lid-link clip, perfect for feeding two pets at once. It needs one AA battery which will power the feeder for around a year. An ice pack can even be inserted into the feeder to keep the food fresh for your pet. Best for cats: Cat Mate C3000 Automatic Pet Feeder Tailored feeling This automatic pet feeder can hold up to 3kg of food and features a programmable LCD control with a digital timer. It is best suited to cats and small dogs and features a unique internal mechanism that ensures accurate and consistent meal sizes. It is equipped with a dishwasher-proof bowl for easy maintenance. Its big capacity means it can hold up to a month of food for the average cat and can portion servings from two teaspoons upwards. It requires four C batteries. Best with water dispenser: Hipidog Automatic Pet Feeder Fed and watered This set of automatic pet feeders features both a food and water dispenser to meet all your pet’s needs. it uses a gravity-feeder design to automatically and consistently replenish food and water for your pet, so no batteries or power is needed. These products are made with anti-jam and anti-leakage designs using springs to let the water and food out in the right portions. They are also made of durable wipe-clean materials for easy maintenance. Best affordable dispenser: Ferplast Azimut 1500 dispenser Simple design This affordable pet feeder features a simplistic, intuitive design and is made with durable materials for long-lasting quality. It works using gravity and has a clear plastic food tank which is removable and easy to clean for convenient maintenance. The removable tank is also equipped with a graduated scale, designed to control portions in line with your pet’s needs. The bottom of the dispenser is made with feet and non-slip rubber that makes it more stable while your pet uses it. Best large pet feeder: HoneyGuaridan Automatic Pet Feeder Personalised voice recording This large automatic pet feeder is equipped with a built-in voice recorder, allowing you to record a 10-second message letting your pet know its feeding time. The pet feeder holds up to 6.5L of food and is equipped with a 2-way feeder allowing you to feed 2 pets at once. It has stainless steel bowls which are removable and easy to clean for convenient maintenance, and the anti-block sensor works to ensure seamless, reliable use. It is plugged in, and you can also add in four D batteries that will work as backups if the power stops for any reason. Best feeder with a camera: PETLIBRO Automatic Pet Feeder Keep an eye on them This wifi-enabled smart pet feeder features a 1080P HD Camera, helping you keep an eye on your pets when you’re out and about. Built-in motion detectors and smart notifications alert your phone to low food or battery levels, and the anti-block infrared sensor ensures seamless, reliable use. This pet feeder features 2-way audio and a personalised meal call function and can be controlled via an app on multiple devices. It is powered by cable and has 5 litres of capacity to store your pet’s food which is sealed in a tank which is sealed to keep freshness. Best microchip pet feeder: SureFeed Automatic Pet Feeder For multi-pet homes This pet feeder is designed to stop your pets from stealing each other's food and corresponds to your pet's existing microchip. It can also work using one of the provided collars, which the machine recognises and can use to differentiate between your pets. When the machine recognises each pet, it opens up a flap to let it eat. It features a sealed bowl design for long-lasting freshness and offers up to 6 months of battery life using four C batteries. It is made with durable plastic and wipes clean for easy maintenance. Pet feeder buyer’s guide Automatic pet feeders seem like a futuristic invention, but now they are becoming more popular than ever. Despite rising in popularity, automatic pet feeders are still quite a new idea, so it’s no surprise they can cause some confusion and raise questions. That’s why we’ve created this helpful buyer’s guide to help explain what automatic pet feeders are, their benefits, how to choose the right one for you, and other frequently asked questions. By the end of the buyer’s guide, you should have all the information you need to assist you in your next purchase. What is an automatic pet feeder? An automatic pet feeder is an electronic device which is designed to give your animal food at pre-arranged times. They are generally equipped with timers to ensure consistent feeding times, even when you're not at home. Typically, food is stored in the feeder using a hopper or container that holds the pet food and releases it into a feeding dish/bowl. There are some differences in the way automatic pet feeders work, depending on the specific model that you choose. You can see what different types of automatic pet feeder models are on the market by looking at our section below. What are the different types of automatic pet feeders? There are some big differences between models when it comes to automatic pet feeders. Knowing these can help you match the right one to your preferences and budget. As you might expect, more advanced feeders are typically more expensive, but there are options for all budgets and owners. These are some of the most common automatic pet feeders on the market: Gravity feeders These are the most simple pet feeders and often require no battery or power. They work using a container that holds food over a bowl where it then dispenses this food. As your pet eats food, more food will fall down automatically, using gravity, so the bowl is constantly full. Programmable portion control feeders These feeders need power via batteries or plug-ins and allow you to program how much food is dispensed and at what time. You can choose when and how much food is released, with some models being as precise as giving teaspoons of food up to hundreds of grams. Smart feeders These are some of the most advanced feeders and can be connected to your networks to allow control using smartphones and tablets. They connect to apps and allow you to monitor your animals' feeding from out of the house. You can use the app to release food, keep an eye on your pet and make sure it is eating enough. Timed feeders These work simply using a timer which can be programmed to release food at regular intervals. For example, you could tell the feeder to release a certain amount of food every 6 hours to make sure your pet gets two meals a day. They are slightly more advanced than gravity feeders. Wet food feeders These are designed specifically for dispensing wet or canned pet food. They often have a refrigerated compartment to keep the food fresh until it's time to dispense it. Wet food feeders rarely rely on gravity, so are either plugged in or have a timer spring function. Four benefits of using an automatic pet feeder Using an automatic pet feeder can have a range of benefits for both you and your pet. Knowing some of these can help influence your decision to buy one. Here are some of the key benefits: Consistent feeding times: Having a regular feeding routine can be beneficial for your pet, as some animals thrive on routine and structure. It will also help you as an owner to incorporate feeding into your routine and build it as a habit so you never forget to feed your pet again. Portions: Automatic pet feeders can help your pet get the right amount of food, depending on their needs. This is particularly helpful for pets who need to lose weight or have specific dietary needs. It can also be helpful for owners who are partial to indulging their pets. Convenience: This is a big reason owners get an automatic feeder. As you can program feeding times in advance, people working long hours or an unpredictable schedule can have peace of mind that their pet will be fed, even when not at home. Reduced stress: For pets that experience anxiety or stress around feeding times, an automatic pet feeder can help reduce that stress by providing a consistent and predictable feeding routine. Also, as owners, they can give you alerts when to top them up with food so you never have to stress about missing feeding again. How do you choose the right automatic pet feeder for your pet? When choosing an automatic pet feeder, there are several factors to consider. You need to make sure you match the feeder to your personal needs as well as your pets. So, how do you do this? Try considering some of these: Type of feeder Check out our section above and figure out what type of feeder you think will suit you and your pet the best. Before wondering about other variables, decide on this, as it will help narrow the hundreds of options on the market. Once this is decided, you can then move on to other features automatic pet feeders have. Capacity One of these other features you need to consider is capacity. Check how much food the feeder can hold and how often you’ll have to refill it. If you need it to feed your pet for a few days, then it needs to have the right capacity to suit this. Feeding schedule You need to consider the number of meals your pet needs each day and whether the feeder will be able to accommodate this schedule. For example, if your dog needs to be fed four times a day, make sure the feeder is programmable to four different feeding times. Food amounts This is similar to capacity, but check what food amounts/portions can be given by your machine. Not always if they can give enough food, but if they can give a little. If you have a small cat that only needs a certain amount of food, you don’t want a feeder which will give out too much food, or your cat might become overfed. Special features Some feeders have special features, such as built-in cameras or voice recorders. These can be helpful for monitoring your pet's feeding habits. Often, these can be a luxury, but if you think of these as a priority, then it’s important to make sure the feeder has them. Want to read more expert-recommended pet product round-ups? Check out our Pets page for a full list of recommendations, including our list of the best dog beds, the best dog toys and the best dog treats,