The decision to neuter your cat is one of the most important choices you will make as a pet owner. It can significantly improve your cat's health and behaviour. Neutering can help reduce the risk of certain cancers, prevent unwanted litters, and minimise roaming and territorial behaviours. The Purina Pet Care Team are here to help answer some of the most commonly asked questions, so that you can make a decision that’s best for you and your cat.

Dogs usually make firm friends easily, and your pup will almost certainly love being around other canine companions. In fact, they’ll probably jump at the chance to play with any animal, including cats. Here is how to introduce a dog to another dog or to the other pets in the family. As with any new experience for your pup, it’s important to introduce them to other pets carefully, to give their friendship the best possible start. But oftentimes this is easier said than done. An older dog can get territorial when they’ve stopped being the only four-legged member of the family. And a cat will let you know in no uncertain terms when they’re not happy with the new roommate. So, find out how to introduce a dog to a cat or a puppy to an older dog without World War III breaking out right in your living room? We’ve broken down the process of introducing a new dog into easy steps. Here is what you can do to help make the experience a smooth transition to family life for the new arrival and keep fellow pet residents calm during those first interactions.

There’s little more frustrating than a dog who won’t stop pulling on the lead. It can be extremely tiring for both you and your pup, can become dangerous or even cause lasting damage, and can turn a simple walk into a complete nightmare. This is why teaching a puppy to walk on a lead is important. In their excitement to get places, their joy of being in the great outdoors, and the thrill of having another adventure, many dogs pull on the lead. While every dog can get excited at times, if your dog refuses to walk without constantly pulling, it means that instead of you being able to walk with them happily staying beside you on a loose lead, you are controlling them with nothing more than physical restraint. The lead should be there for safety, and it is your puppy training that should keep your dog walking close to you – not be something you have to hang on to with all your strength! If you are relying on the lead, the physical effort involved in controlling your dog could be overwhelming – and even get dangerous for you both, especially if your canine friend is one of the larger, stronger breeds. Teaching your dog to walk on a loose lead isn’t difficult – especially if you start when your dog is a puppy – and with a bit of work and a lot of consistency, you can both look forward to a lifetime of fun, enjoyable walks together. Keep reading to find out how to lead train a puppy.

There are many reasons why your dog may be aggressive, and some of these may need professional help, and in some cases, veterinary advice. Read about some of the main causes of aggressive behaviour in dogs here. Your dog has a personality completely unique to them – and like all dogs, they have different moods ranging from joyful to scared. If your dog is behaving aggressively however – either to people or other dogs - you should address it as soon as possible. Aggressive dog behaviour can include:Aggression toward strangers Aggression against family members Guarding resources (such as food, treats or toys)Aggression to other dogs in the household Aggression to unknown dogs If your dog is showing any signs of aggression – especially if this is a new behaviour, first of all, consult your veterinary surgeon. Your vet will conduct a full examination to see if there is a clinical reason for your dog’s aggression such as pain, discomfort or any other physical cause. If no medical explanation or treatment can be found, the vet can refer you to a professional behaviourist for help. Take a look at your pet insurance policy - some will cover these fees for your added peace of mind. Although taking your dog to see the vet or behaviourist might seem worrying, you should never attempt to treat your dog’s aggression yourself, or ignore it and hope it will go away. If your dog’s aggression is not tackled quickly and appropriately, the problem can escalate and may result in serious injury to yourself and your family, other people or other animals, and even legal issues – and of course, you want to get help for your dog long before it gets this far! This is a problem that is far better - and far easier - tackled straight away.

If you have a dog that's constantly digging up your flower beds it can be incredibly frustrating. Find out why your dog digs and how to stop them doing it in the wrong places with our helpful guide. Dogs can develop the urge to dig at any time in their life: it could be a behaviour they’ve had since being a puppy, or something that comes on later in their adulthood. Find out more about what drives dogs to dig in order to determine how to prevent a dog digging in places you don’t want them to. The occasional scuffle in the soil isn’t a problem, but digging as a repeated behaviour – especially in your flower beds or if you are garden-proud - can be a behaviour you want to discourage. Find out more about what drives dogs to dig in order to determine how to best deal with this natural, but sometimes annoying behaviour.

Did you know that dental problems are the most commonly diagnosed health condition in all dogs over the age of three? Just like humans, dogs rely on strong, healthy teeth not only for eating but also for overall wellbeing. Neglecting their dental health can lead to pain, infections, and even more serious clinical issues. The good news is that with proper care, you can prevent many of these problems. In this guide, we’ll explore why canine dental care is essential and walk you through the best ways to keep your dog’s teeth clean and disease-free.

Grooming your dog is part of your life together, and done properly, is a great bonding exercise. Not only does grooming ensure your dog is kept looking at their very best but it is also a good opportunity to give them a quick health check for any lumps, bumps, cuts or and other physical changes. Here are some tips for how to groom your dog. When it comes to our canine friends, grooming is an important part of your regular dog care. Depending on your dog’s coat, this might be an every day event to keep them clean and tangle-free, or for smooth-coated dogs, more of a once a week thing but it’s equally important for both. For non-shedding breeds, hair care can be a bit more involved and can involve the expense of regular visits to a professional groomer. But in most cases, grooming your dog doesn’t require any special skills and can be done at home with basic equipment.

You may have noticed some grey hairs on your dog or sensed that they’ve started to slow down a little – or in some ever-youthful breeds, have got a bit more sensible. Just like in humans, this is all perfectly normal as they approach their senior years, but it is important to make sure your veteran dog remains healthy and happy.

Has your dog been diagnosed with hip dysplasia? Don’t worry as we have put together a quick guide that explains in plain English what the condition is, what is causing it and what you can do to help your dog.

Whether your dog is curious and fun-loving, affectionate to all, or a bit more selective about their friends, and whether they are generally relaxed, laid back or quickly excited – all dogs can experience fear. Some dogs will be more predisposed towards fear and anxiety as a result of genetics, prior learning or trauma, and some will be naturally more resilient with great bounce-back skills, but ultimately, frightening experiences or events can happen to anyone – dog or human.