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A new peer-reviewed study in Frontiers in Veterinary Science found that 2 out of 3 dogs with lymphoma were exposed to benzene at DNA-damaging levels, and nearly 9 out of 10 were exposed to xylene. But here’s what most people miss: over half of healthy dogs had similar benzene exposure, and nearly all dogs had xylene exposure too. This isn’t rare, it’s everyday life. These chemicals, released from products like cleaners, air fresheners, candles, paints, furniture, and even gas stoves, are commonly found in indoor air and can damage DNA in lab studies. Most dogs are living in a constant background of exposure we rarely think about. The good news is you can reduce it. Focus on your indoor air, improve ventilation, use an air purifier with activated carbon if possible, avoid synthetic fragrances, switch to simpler low-toxin products, and eliminate smoke exposure. It’s not one big toxin that matters, it’s the constant low-level exposure over time. Taken from Dr Karen Becker's Facebook page

Caroline has won an Influential Businesswoman Award I'm proud to have been recognised by Acquisition International and have featured in their Influential Businesswoman Awwards.

Ace the stumpy tailed cattle dog Hard to believe Ace is already 5 months old! He's matured very quickly, and has an incredibly strong work ethic, which can be challenging to keep up with at times. I have to admit that although surviving puppyhood isn't always easy, he's been much better than I expected him to be. We still have a long way to go, but I'm really enjoying the journey. Hopefully he'll be ready to feature in some film/television work within the next 9 months or so,

For decades, dogs diagnosed with pancreatitis were sentenced to a lifetime of ultra-low-fat food, but emerging research is changing that conversation. What we now understand is this: Fat alone is not the villain. The quality of the fat, and how suddenly it’s introduced, matters far more. A dog eating fresh, whole-food meals with clean, unprocessed fats is very different from a dog eating ultra-processed kibble that contains rendered fat or suddenly consuming bacon grease, fried scraps, or garbage. In fact, newer studies found that dogs recovering from pancreatitis did just as well on moderate-fat diets. Some dogs on severely fat-restricted diets developed nutrient deficiencies and liver problems. We no longer recommend prolonged fasting either. Starving the gut can damage the intestinal lining and slow recovery. Today, we know early nutrition with small amounts of fresh, highly digestible food helps pets heal faster. Here’s what I focus on now for pancreatic recovery and prevention: Fresh, low-AGE whole foods Clean omega-3 fats (EPA/DHA) Digestive enzyme support Avoiding oxidized, processed fats Maintaining a healthy body weight Preventing “garbage gut” moments The pancreas doesn’t just need LESS fat. It needs LESS inflammatory stress. Taken from Dr Karen Becker's Facebook page

Below 57°F (14°C), heartworm transmission stops because mosquitoes cannot support larval development, meaning no infective stage is present. Yet many dogs in low-risk climates are still placed on year-round prevention regardless of actual exposure. This becomes even more important when you consider that resistance exists in certain regions and not all preventatives perform equally. Moxidectin-based products show about 97 to 100 percent effectiveness against resistant strains, while ivermectin products like Heartgard range from about 8 to 37 percent and milbemycin products like Interceptor from about 14 to 36 percent. This highlights that resistance is real but still regional, and that drug choice matters far more than most people realize. It also challenges the idea of a one-size-fits-all approach, since risk depends heavily on climate, mosquito season, and geography. At the same time, natural dewormers are not effective against heartworms because these are blood-borne parasites, not intestinal worms. A more accurate approach is a customised plan based on where a dog lives, their exposure risk, and local resistance patterns, rather than blindly following a universal year-round protocol. Shared from Dr Karen Becker's Facebook.

This is why I love my miHealth so much-it combines PEMF, tens and scenar therapies in the one unit, as well as clearing acupuncture meridians. It’s a registered first aid device (for humans) with Australia’s TGA. If you dog is slowing due to age, struggling to rise or has been injured or had surgery, a miHealth session may well benefit them. Contact me to see how I can help your pet today

Training a puppy is often seen as a fresh start, a chance to shape a dog’s behavior from the very beginning. Yet many people expect puppies to behave like adult dogs right away, leading to frustration and confusion. Puppies and adult dogs learn differently, respond to training in unique ways, and require distinct approaches. Understanding these differences is essential for successful training and building a strong bond with your dog. This has really been bought to my attention since Ace came into my life. When I look around me I see just how many people are completely unrealistic with both what their puppy can/should learn and whether their puppy is actually as comfortable in their surroundings as people want them to be. Why Puppies Learn Differently Than Adult Dogs Puppies are in a critical developmental stage. Their brains are rapidly growing, and they are absorbing new information constantly. This makes them highly impressionable but also prone to distractions and mistakes. Short attention spans: Puppies can only focus for a few minutes at a time. Expecting long training sessions is unrealistic. Ace's training is often less than 3 minutes. Exploratory behavior: Puppies use their mouths and bodies to explore the world, which can lead to biting, chewing, and jumping. Developing bladder control: House training takes time because puppies cannot hold their bladder like adult dogs. Socialization window: The first few months are crucial for exposing puppies to new people, animals, and environments to prevent fear or aggression later. Adult dogs, by contrast, have more developed brains and better impulse control. They often have learned habits, good or bad, that can take time to change. However, they can focus longer and understand commands more quickly if trained consistently. Common Misconceptions About Puppy Training Many people expect puppies to behave perfectly from day one, but this is unrealistic. Here are some common myths: Puppies should not bite or nip Puppies explore with their mouths and teethe just like human babies. Teaching bite inhibition takes patience and gentle redirection. Puppies can be house trained in a week House training usually takes several weeks or even months. Accidents are part of the learning process. Puppies can handle long walks or intense exercise Their bones and joints are still developing. Short play sessions are better than long walks. Understanding these realities helps owners avoid frustration and build a positive training experience. How Adult Dog Training Differs Adult dogs often come with established behaviors, some of which may be undesirable. Training an adult dog involves: Assessing existing habits Some behaviors may be deeply ingrained and require consistent effort to change. Building trust Adult dogs may have had negative experiences. Patience and gentle encouragement are key. Longer attention spans Adult dogs can handle longer training sessions and more complex commands. Physical limitations Older dogs may have health issues that affect training methods. For example, an adult dog that pulls on the leash may need specific leash training techniques, while a puppy might simply need to learn basic walking manners. Hania (cat) and Ace (stumpy tailed cattle dog puppy) sharing a cat scratching post Practical Tips for Training Puppies Keep sessions short and frequent Aim for 3-6 minute sessions multiple times a day to match their attention span. Use positive reinforcement Reward good behavior with treats, praise, or play. Avoid punishment, which can harm trust. Be consistent! Use the same commands and routines to help puppies learn faster. This is one thing I see regularly with confused pups in a household-everyone is giving conflicting commands or rules, and then blame the puppy when they get it 'wrong'. Socialize early and safely Introduce puppies to new people, pets, and environments gradually. Manage biting and chewing Redirect to toys and teach gentle mouthing. Establish a toileting routine Take puppies outside often, especially after eating or sleeping. Practical Tips for Training Adult Dogs Start with a behavior assessment Identify habits to reinforce or change. Build a routine Consistency helps adult dogs understand expectations. Use clear commands and signals Adult dogs respond well to clear, calm communication. Be patient with past behaviors Some habits take time to adjust. Incorporate mental and physical exercise Puzzle toys, obedience training, and walks keep adult dogs engaged. Seek professional help if needed Trainers or behaviorists can assist with complex issues. Setting Realistic Expectations for Both Puppies and Adult Dogs Training any dog requires time, patience, and understanding. Puppies will make mistakes and need gentle guidance. Adult dogs may resist change but can learn new behaviors with consistent effort. Celebrate small wins Every step forward is progress. Avoid comparing your dog to others Each dog learns at its own pace. Adjust training to your dog’s personality and needs Some dogs are more food motivated, others prefer play. Remember training is ongoing Reinforcement throughout your dog’s life keeps skills sharp.

Collars can cause widespread damage In additional to the damage that using choke collars, prong collars, slip leads or shock collars cause in a psychological and emotional way, the physical risks are also often not acknowledged or understood. Here are just some of the physical risks these aversive tools can cause – The Vagus nerve runs down both sides of the neck and controls so many vital functions - heart rate, breathing, digestion, emotional regulation and communication between the brain and other major organs. Pressure on the neck can compress the trachea, making it hard to breathe properly -decreases oxygen to the brain and other organs, potentially causing long-term damage. Pressure can also damage the thyroid gland, injure nerves and muscles and bruise soft tissue. Compression of the neck can cause intraocular pressure which affects vision. The neck and cervical spine contain the spinal cord, where the nerves of the front legs originate. Excessive paw licking is often misdiagnosed as allergies, when it’s actually caused by pain. Compression of the Esophagus – the tube that carries food to the stomach, can cause digestive and gut issues. I find it really hard to understand why these tools are still so widely used and promoted. What could possibly be admirable or intelligent in using force, inflicting pain, causing physical and emotional harm to control another sentient being, when there are far more effective, humane, ethical ways?

I'm looking forward to being part of Paw & Order on Sunday 24th May. Hope to see you there!

Pair your working dog puppy with the farmer’s best dog, and you have a fabulous working dog very quickly. Pair your working dog puppy with your cat and the results can be interesting...😳

Voted Best Animal Communicator 2026 I'm very grateful to receive this award, it means a lot to me!