Dangers outside and in the garden

27 January 2026

Many trees can be dangerous if a dog eats them which many dogs can do.

 If you are in a new area, moving home or your dog is staying with a friend. Here are a list of trees to be concerned about.. the issues may occur with leaves seeds and wood.



Yew

Heart problems and breathing


Sycamore

Heart damage and damaged muscles can lead to kidney failure


Laburnum

Vomiting seizures and neurological signs


Cherry Laurel

Breathing and collapse


Oak

Irritate gut and damage kidneys


Elder

Vomiting  - death in large quantities


Horse chestnut

Lethargy and diarrhoea


Azalea and Rhododendron

Cause irregular heartbeats – vomiting and diarrhoea


A muzzle can protect a dog if they tend to scavenge. I am a Muzzle Up Movement ambassador and you can get money off here.

If you are having trouble with your dogs guarding and picking things up on walks, reach out.


Reference: Tree safety: oaks, sycamores and more pose threats to our pets – what to watch out for. Nicole Olewinski , Pet and Vet Magazine. Issue 7: August 2025


by Lisa Sinnott 27 July 2026
Information on mounting/humping
by Lisa Sinnott 7 July 2026
This is when a dog ingests non - food items such as rocks, stones, dirt, fabric.
by Lisa Sinnott 24 June 2026
A dog barking at night can feel frustrating and annoying – you know they need sleep and you need it too.
by Lisa Sinnott 15 June 2026
Here is some information about aggression.
by Lisa Sinnott 12 June 2026
If your dog barks, lunges, growls, or becomes overwhelmed around other dogs, people, or situations, you're not alone. Reactivity is one of the most common challenges dog owners face, and understanding why it happens is the first step towards helping your dog feel calmer and more confident.
by Lisa Sinnott 3 June 2026
Initia l meetings are like first impressions.= they count. Make sure the interaction is away from the house and in a neutral space. When they initially see each other have a treat ready to give but allow them to just watch each other too. Having toys on the floor (if your older dog does not guard can help take the social pressure off. Walking parallel with each other with both dogs on lead can help reduce frustration. If they engage in play, it should be mirrored and matched - always avoid any teeth on body parts. Coming home Dogs shouldn't be right next to each other on the way home. Just like we like personal space on a tube dogs's want this too! Here are some ideas that I got from Canine Arthritis Management for older dogs: If there is a back seat cover for mud an anti not slippy cover is important. Bolsters and cushions can help prevent moving around Harnesses to keep still when you go around any roundabouts can help too. Ramps and steps to get out of the car to prevent lots of pressure on joints ie caravan steps can help too At home Having a safe space for your older dog that your puppy cannot access is key. Feeding times can be over exciting. Just like, us all, older dogs need some tlc. Here are some home adaptations that can help:
by Lisa Sinnott 18 May 2026
Often people describe resource guarding and possessiveness over items when a dog has snapped or bitten.
by Lisa Sinnott 14 May 2026
When we live with an anxious dog, it is natural to want to reassure them.
by Lisa Sinnott 7 May 2026
There can be many great reasons to muzzle train every dog , just in case they ever needed it. These include: 🐾Accidents and emergencies – if a dog is in pain they can be unpredictable sore and aggressive in an attempt to protect themselves. Placing a muzzle on them without any training before hand can stress them out even more and could mean treatment is delayed. This can happen with ANY dog even if they have never shown aggressive behaviour before. 🐾Summer – As you may have seen in the news, very sadly a dog attended a tulip festival and after eating some passed away. More people will be having picnics due to the lovely weather and we don’t want a stressful and expensive vet trip if your dog eats something. 🐾A change in behaviour – a muzzle keeps your dog, people and other dogs safe. 🐾Travel – Many ferries and countries have rules that dog’s must wear muzzles. There is also a good website here , that takes you through steps. I am going to host a muzzle training workshop - you can find out more here. Adapted from the Muzzle Up Movement.
by Lisa Sinnott 21 April 2026
Having a dog who shows reactive behaviour can leave you feeling tired, on edge and emotionally exhausting experience at times. It is really important to look after yourself. I hope these ideas help you.