Top 9 Dog Friendly Pubs in Birmingham – Guest Post from Rover.com

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Top 9 Dog-Friendly Pubs in Birmingham

Birmingham-based dogs are spoilt for choice when their humans fancy a pint. The Black Country’s famous for canal walks, Crufts, and parks full of squirrels – a dog’s dream day out. Read on to discover the best dog-friendly pubs in Birmingham.

1. The Queens Head

Address & Map: Sugarbrook Lane, Bromsgrove, B60 3AU   The Queens Head in Bromsgrove is a dog-friendly pit stop in a well known dog walking location. Stroll along the canal with this pub in your sights—it’s the perfect mix of family-friendly and grown-up. Dogs are allowed in the bar area, where they’ll be given their own water bowl and maybe even a doggy treat or two while you inspect the gin menu (there’s one on every table). If you want to sit outside, there’s a large area with umbrellas for sunny days and blankets for cooler ones, plus newspapers to get stuck into while your dog keeps an eye on the passing boats. Enjoy the pitter-patter of paws over the Victorian floor tiles (there’s always a doggy friend to meet) while you tuck into a gooey pizza, fresh out of the wood fire oven, or listen to some live music by the open fire.

2. The Four Oaks

Address & Map: 62 Belwell Lane, Sutton Coldfield, B74 4TR The Four Oaks in Sutton Coldfield is warm, cosy and welcoming. In fact, it has one of the best reputations around as far as dogs are concerned. The staff love to see families relaxing in the bar area where they can dine without leaving their much-loved family member at home. If you’re bringing the whole family you can book an area in the bar before you tuck into the traditional-with-a-twist gourmet pub grub. There’s an outside area for enjoying the sun and an indoor fire where your dog can stretch out, plus plenty of action, from bank holiday tipples to Burger Wednesdays. If you’re driving in, you’ll need change for the car park however this is refunded on any pub purchase. Doggy water bowls are also supplied to quench your dog’s thirst after a long walk in Four Oaks Park.

3. The Oak (Calder Green)

Address & Map: 86 Calder Drive, Walmley, Sutton Coldfield, B76 1QR Another Sutton Coldfield doggy-dream, The Oak (formally Calder Green) welcomes all manner of four-legged friends and their owners—as long as humans and dogs are on their best behaviour! From free doggy biscuits, to water bowls and iced water for owners, everyone is made to feel welcome in this friendly pub. There’s real ale to sample while you watch the latest sports and a big breakfast menu, plus lots of meal deals throughout the week such as Pie and Pint night. Dogs are allowed in the bar area and outside space, with the lounge kept for dog-free diners. The friendly staff just ask that dogs are kept on the lead and close to their owners. In the summer, The Oak’s “Paw Parties” are a must-visit occasion, where dogs and their owners can socialise and make new friends.

4. The Station

Address & Map: 44 Station Street, Sutton Coldfield, B73 6AT The Station is a fun yet traditional free house that’s close to Sutton Coldfield train station and the town centre. Perfect for a midtown doggy day out. Treats, water bowls and fuss are given to every dog as standard, with some attention given to humans, too, you’ll be glad to hear. Their menu of cask ales is a must-try, plus they have wine, craft lagers and everything else in between. There’s always something going on, so peak times may be too much for the shyer dog, but a quiet spot can often be found in the vast and heated back garden where there’s an outdoor water tap for self-service.

5. Rose Villa Tavern

Address & Map: 172 Warstone Lane, Birmingham, B18 6JW Hailed as a top dog-friendly pub in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, Rose Villa Tavern asks one thing: that you bring the whole family down, four-legged members included.Although it’s in a grade II listed building, their food menu looks like it came straight out of an American diner so look forward to burgers, chicken wings, mac ‘n’ cheese and cobb salads. They even have cocktail masterclasses as well as happy hours, and special offers like 2-for-1 sundaes on Sundays. For dogs there’s a bowl of water no questions asked and lots of fuss for those who like it. They do have a small front and back garden, but due to its central location you’ll want to keep leads to hand for safety.

6. The Orange Tree

Address & Map: Warwick Road, Solihull, B93 0BN The Orange Tree is known for the best beer garden in Solihull and an atmosphere that welcomes dogs, children and grown-ups alike. There aren’t too many green areas within walking distance, but the pub’s garden is big enough for both dogs and humans to let off steam. There’s also ample parking if you’re driving in. Dogs are allowed everywhere apart from the main restaurant so you can eat in the bar or outside with your pet by your side. The signature spit-roasted chicken makes for a mouth-watering meal, and there are water bowls and treats galore for well-behaved pups. All in all, the perfect Sunday afternoon venue for the entire family.

7. Prince of Wales

Address & Map: 118 Alcester Rd, Birmingham, B13 8EE If you’re looking for a pedigree pub, look no further than the Prince of Wales, also known to some as The Prince Moseley. This isn’t your traditional pub, so expect a labyrinth of quirky nooks and crannies including cigar lounges, an indoor cocktail parlour and a themed beer garden. As well as welcoming dogs, the Prince of Wales also serves up their famous chilli hotdogs (that’s a spicy sausage in a bread roll, just in case you were worried). Once you’ve had your fill, there’s plenty of space for your little mate to lounge in the beer garden, with patio heaters for chillier evenings. Dogs are welcome inside the pub and outside too. Sit by the fire, snuggle into old-fashioned leather bench seating and see how many of their five rooms (all dog-friendly) you can make it round before closing time. You’ll also want to sniff out their “Pints & Pooches” fun days which include antics for you and your pup to enjoy. All proceeds go towards helping the Medical Detection Dogs charity.

8. The Griffin Inn

Address & Map: Church Rd, Shustoke, Coleshill, B46 2LB The Griffin Inn is a rare relic of a proper pub for those who like real ale and spending their day with Shustoke’s friendliest dog owners. This unpretentious country local has farm cider, country wines and water bowls for pets. Slip into one of the sofas by the L-shaped bar, grab a spot by the fire or take an old-fashioned seat in the garden for the perfect view of Birmingham.

9. BrewDog

Address & Map: John Bright St, Birmingham, B1 1BL BrewDog bars everywhere welcome dogs of all shapes and sizes, but there’s something special about the BrewDog in Birmingham. As the name suggests, it’s not just a pub but a community and they love their dogs just as much (if not more) than they do their brews. You’ll find their Instagram account paying homage to the many canine customers who accompany their humans while they tuck into a spicy burger or two. While you try some of the craft beers on offer, your dog can tuck into free doggy treats and their delicious doggy beer (but of course). The snug basement is a top dog spot on any day of the week but there are no restrictions here, so let the lead loose while you relax. BrewDog Birmingham’s staff have a genuine passion for dogs, so expect water bowls without having to ask and your dog to be genuinely spoilt. The pub is right by the train station so you can get home easily, or take a post-lunch walk by the nearby canals. These are just a few of the great dog-friendly pubs Birmingham has to offer, but if you’re not sure whether a bar is dog-friendly it’s always worth calling, Tweeting, emailing, or just stopping by without your dog to ask to ensure they won’t be turned away. Some places can also get quite busy in the evenings so if your dog would rather stay in, you don’t have to stay home too. Check out Rover.com if you’re looking for a great local pet sitter or dog walker who provides dog boarding in Birmingham! This is a republished article from Rover.com, please see the original post here.
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Zuki has Burn’s Night Supper at Red Lion, Iver

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Hi dog buddies,

Last weekend, Hum and GlennDad took me to the Red Lion pub in Iver for a Burn’s Night Supper. The Red Lion, Iver is a Chef & Brewer pub – a chain who seem to welcome dogs into a lot of their establishments.

Hum always celebrates Burn’s Night as her Dad was Scotsman who taught English in Ireland and he used to attend Burn’s Night Suppers and do the Address to the Haggis as he was the only Scot in the village ;-).

This is a very strange event to celebrate the life and poetry of the Scottish poet, Robbie Burn’s and takes place on his birthdate.

The menu is all Scottish foodstuff with the highlight being the Haggis which tends to be brought in by pipers and then the poem ‘Address to a Haggis’ is read before the host takes a ceremonial dagger called a Sgian Dubh and cuts the haggis open!

A lot of pomp and ceremony for a strange foodstuff!!!! I learnt that contrary to myth and legend, a Haggis is not a little round creature that runs around the highlands of Scotland (that I could hunt and chase); rather it is a savoury pudding containing sheep’s pluck (heart, liver, and lungs), minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt, mixed with stock, and cooked while traditionally encased in the animal’s stomach.

I decided to let Hum & GlennDad get on with that and stick to the treats they had brought for me 😉

Anyway, the Red Lion didn’t do all the ceremony stuff, probably as we were in the bar and not the restaurant (the bar is dog friendly), BUT Hum and GlennDad raved about the food.

There was a lot of Scottish fare on the menu and Hum rated it highly (she has had all these meals before many times). She had Cullen Skink (a fish soup); Haggis, Neeps and Tatties (swede and potatoes); Mussels and Cranachan (a Scottish pudding that she said was to die for and she is not pudding person!). GlennDad had Smoked Salmon & Scallops; the Haggis; Burger with haggis on top and Sticky Toffee Pud.

I didn’t get to share much as they were so enjoying it so much ☹ but I can tell you that the tastes I had (particularly the salmon) were yummy!!!

SO dog pals, I can highly recommend the Red Lion as a place to take your humans for a meal. We will certainly go back and try the main menu next time – will let you know how it is. Go and enjoy!

Zuki x[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”6500″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Paw Rating


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Guest Post – Have pets? 3 reasons it shouldn’t stop you travelling

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]It’s no secret that we humans love our pets. In all their shapes and sizes, furred feathered or scaled, more than ever we want to let our pets experience every part of our lives too. But as much as we love our animal companions, we also love to travel. It can be hard to see how you can balance both – especially if you’re travelling to exotic, faraway lands such as Japan or China, which you’ll probably want to spend a longer time exploring. Luckily we’ve found three ways you can travel the world and still care for your animals.

  1. Pet adventures


We love travel adventures, so it’s no surprise we’re keener than ever to take our pets with us when we travel. Dog-friendly hotels and B&Bs are more common, and you can book holiday rentals that allow your furry friend to stay for a small additional fee. Driving is the easiest way to travel as some airlines don’t allow pets in the cabin, and travelling in the hold can be very stressful for them.

Pet holidays are great for dog owners in particular and are easy to find in the UK and Europe. If you have horses, you can find holiday stables that allow you to bring your horse and enjoy an amazing adventure together. Cats are a little trickier to holiday with, but if yours is laid back and used to wearing a harness and lead, you can bring them with you – it should be no problem at all.

  1. Pet sitting


If you’re travelling for an extended period of time, or your pet just isn’t suitable for taking with you for whatever reason, pet sitting services are a great option. There is no need to call on your friends and family for favours and saves the stress of sending your pet to a kennel, cattery or boarder if you opt for a home visit service. You can find plenty of local pet sitters willing to look after your furry friends and even online associations like Cat in a Flat or Borrow My Doggy.

You can choose the level of care you want, whether it’s popping in to feed and walk them, right through to full boarding services. You can travel safely knowing your pet is getting the best level of care, helping them be less stressed and giving you peace of mind.

  1. Home technology


It’s natural to miss your pets and worry about them when you travel. Most owners say guilt and anxiety at leaving their pet behind can often put them off going altogether. But with new technology, you needn’t worry. Messages and photo updates from your sitter or friendly neighbour are a great way to reassure you, but you can go one further. Home camera systems linked straight to your device allow you to watch your pet, talk to them, and even play with them, no matter where you are in the world.

No matter what option you choose, you can travel the world reassured your pet is getting the best care possible whether that’s right by your side or at home with a trusted sitter.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”6492″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][/vc_column][/vc_row]]

Guest Post – 5 Tips for Training Your Dog

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Guest Post from Mo Ali from sparkpaws.com

Training a pet ideally must start when they are just mere babies. As the saying goes, “You can’t teach old dogs new tricks.”

Here are a few tips on how to train your dog.

1. Create a safe place in your home


Like babies, puppies are not good left unsupervised. So before you bring home that little puppy you are so excited for, make sure your home is puppy-proof. Put gates, especially near the stairs, create a space for your little pup to call his “bedroom” or a pen.

2. Show rather than tell


Dogs have no idea when you tell them “no.” And they definitely don’t understand why you are screaming at the top of your lungs. So instead of telling them no, show them what you want them to do. Just be prepared to keep on doing this though for quite a while. Very few get it right on the first few times.

3. Understand their body language


You might buy him dog clothes and dress him up when you go to the mall. Unfortunately for you, he doesn’t like it, so he keeps barking and making a ruckus at the mall. To avoid such problems in the future, try to understand his body language. They usually manifest moods like distaste, frustration, uneasiness, and even happiness through body language.

4. Reward good behavior


When you see your dog slowly getting what you are teaching, be quick to reward him with a yummy treat. This enforces learning of the acknowledged behavior and a desire to remember it.

5. Be consistent


Regardless of whether it’s the reward, or the behavior that merits the reward, or even the command that you use in order to elicit a specific response from your dog, you should always be consistent. If you want to use hand gestures to train your dog, then use the same hand gestures all throughout. Don’t expect your dog to respond the same way if you suddenly use verbal orders instead of the hand gestures that they were familiar with. Avoid exemptions in rules and variation of tones and commands. This will only lead to confusion and frustration for your pet. On the other hand, being consistent makes it easier for them to understand and remember behavioral patterns.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”6483″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][/vc_column][/vc_row]]

Zuki travels on the Dog Friendly Dartmouth Steam Railway

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Hi dog friends,

When we was in Devon, Hum & GlennDad took me on the dog friendly Dartmouth Steam Railway. (Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company).

Dartmouth Steam Railway & River Company run several different trips, but we chose to go to Dartmouth & back. GlennDad queued up to buy the tickets and us doggies even gets our own tickets for the journey! How cool is that!

We set off from Paignton where we were staying and I must say it was most exciting. The steam train goes from Paignton along the spectacular English Riviera Geopark coast line, to the picturesque stations at Goodrington and Churston, then on through the wooded slopes of Long Wood bordering the Dart Estuary to Greenway Halt (for the estate of the late Dame Agatha Christie) and on to Kingswear.

All the carriages have different female names and GlennDad chose to travel in Lady Chatterley 😉

I settled down for the journey and sat with GlennDad to see the view. We went past Goodrington beach where I had played ball the day before and Hum loved all the coastal scenery.

GlennDad was extremely happy reminiscing about trains he travelled on in India where he grew up.

Andrew, the guard came to check my ticket and make a fuss of me. He then was really friendly and had a good chat with Hum & GlennDad telling them local information and making us most welcome.

When we got to Kingswear station, we got off the Steam Train and took the Ferry (included in the price of the ticket) to the picturesque town of Dartmouth. If you wanted to stay there for longer, you could check out the castle or the famous Britannia Royal Naval College.

We didn’t have much time so we had a wander round the town; Hum bought a gift for GranGran and then we had refreshments at Platform 1 Champagne Bar & Restaurant which was rather lovely.

Soon it was time to head home so back on the ferry; back on the Steam Train and a relaxing journey back to Paignton.

Once you get used to the movement of the train, my pals, the Dartmouth Steam Railway really is a most wonderful, exciting day out for you and your humans.

Check out all the journeys here: https://www.dartmouthrailriver.co.uk

Highly recommended and a big 5 paw rating.

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Paw Rating


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Zuki stays at Dog Friendly St. Weonards Hotel, Paignton, Devon

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Hi again Dog Pals,

Last weekend I was invited to stay at the dog friendly St Weonards Hotel in Paignton, Devon.

Vicky & Leigh are extremely welcoming and absolutely LOVE dogs! They have a puppy of their own called Bea and there are lots of dog pictures on the walls as you go up the stairs.

Vicky & Leigh made a conscious decision to make St. Weonards dog friendly as even though lots of the pubs in Paignton are dog friendly, not many guest houses allow dogs to stay.

When we got to our room, there was nothing specific to welcome me which was a bit disappointing. Vicky & Leigh did tell Hum later that they can provide dog bowls, beds and even food if required but it would have been nice if they had just put a bowl and some treats waiting for me in the room to make me feel at home.

Leigh said they don’t always know if someone is bringing a dog with them, but if they do know, I think a welcome note/bowl/treats in the room would be a nice touch. Also, Hum thought as they are at the seaside and dogs are likely to get wet and sandy, the provision of towels to dry your pet might be a good idea. They could have them in the front porch for when you come in from the beach….

That aside, Vicky & Leigh couldn’t have been more welcoming themselves and made a HUGE fuss of me and all the other dogs that visited.

Our room was a family room and so therefore was a little bit crowded with furniture to accommodate a couple with 2 children. This meant that the layout wasn’t great for Hum’s hair and make-up (but I am sure not everyone needs quite as much make-up to look good as Hum does 😉). The hanging space also didn’t really allow for dresses as there was a chest of drawers under it.

Having said that, the room was really nicely decorated and extremely clean – I mean super duper clean! Also, Hum liked the bathroom as it had a rain shower so a BIG plus there. Leigh & Vicky are gradually doing up all the rooms and bathrooms. Vicky showed Hum some of the other rooms and Hum said they were beautifully decorated. Also, even though none of the rooms are very big, Vicky had tried to ensure there were mirrors near power points for hair drying and lit up bathroom mirrors for make-up. They are putting a lot of time and thought into St. Weonards to make it a lovely home from home for people to stay in. It is also excellent value for money!

Vicky & Leigh are super friendly and really engage with all their guests. They even re-froze our cool blocks so that Hum could keep my raw food fresh and put some of it in their fridge also!

We all slept very well and woke refreshed for the day ahead.

I wasn’t allowed in the dining room but there was a jar of treats in there so Hum and GlennDad brought me some after breakfast.

They rated the breakfast highly – excellent bacon and Hum had dippy eggs with soldiers which she said were perfect.

Vicky & Leigh then told us all the best dog friendly places to visit. The beach in Paignton is dog friendly from October to May so I was able to play on there. If you come during the restricted time, you can walk to the next bay – Goodrington where North Beach is dog friendly all year round.

The Pier in Paignton is also dog friendly! I took a look but wasn’t a fan of all the noisy games machines. I prefer the beach.

Vicky & Leigh also told us the best dog friendly eateries; parks and attractions. I will tell you more about those another time….

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at St. Weonards and can highly recommend it as a place to stay. If your humans want to visit Paignton and take you with them, then do please stay at St. Weonards and say a BIG ‘HI’ from me. I LOVED it and would go back anytime Hum & GlennDad want to take me.

Zuki xx[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”6442″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Paw Rating


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Zuki enjoys a night out at the dog friendly Rooftop Film Club

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Hi again Dog Friends,

My next adventure of the busy weekend was a night out at the dog friendly Rooftop Film Club in Peckham, London. @rooftopfilmclubUK ; https://rooftopfilmclub.com/london/venue/bussey-building

The Bussey Building is currently the only one of their venues that is dog friendly but they are hoping to try to extend dog friendly screenings to their other 2 venues in the future.

Hum & GlennDad got us there early so we could check it all out and while we were waiting for the cinema to open, we took time out for refreshments and snacks at the Rooftop Bar. The Rooftop Bar is a very pretty and lively area.

Of course, I got lots of attention as I is so pretty and everyone wanted to stroke me. I met another little dog whose humans were taking him to the cinema also so it is popular with dog loving peoples.

GlennDad went and got a hotdog at Rockadollar which serves street food snacks. I loves GlennDad as he always gets food I can have a little bit of. Yum! And not too expensive according to Hum.

The lovely staff at the Rooftop Cinema let us in first so Hum could look around and get some photos. At the Box Office, you are given a rain poncho and blanket and buy popcorn. However, as Hum had booked the Premium Double seats, she and GlennDad had bottomless popcorn included in their seating. They also had a big double deckchair to sit in! All the seats at the Rooftop Film Club are deckchairs – singles or the premium doubles.

While GlennDad settled in to his seat with his popcorn and drinks, Hum took me to suss out the cinema and check out the rooftop views. There realty are spectacular views over London which made Hum REALLY happy and she reckoned they only got better as it got dark.

When it got dark, the movie started. Hum and GlennDad saw Rocketman and reckoned it was really good! All the humans have wireless headphones so us doggy folk don’t get our sensitive hearing upset by the noise. So I settled down at Hum’s feet and enjoyed the experience.

Of course it rained but fortunately the humans had their rain ponchos and I had a big double deckchair to sit under to keep dry 😊

Hum LOVED the whole experience and was SO happy that I could be with them on a night out. Thank ou Rooftop Film Club for creating a great dog friendly venue. I highly recommend you and your humans try it out some time!!!!

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Zuki enjoys the Dog Friendly Arthur Daily Boat Trip, Uxbridge

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Hi Dog Friends,

I has had a super busy weekend! On Saturday morning I got to go on the dog friendly Arthur Daily Boat Trip (Arthur Daily Trips); www.arthurdailytrips.com.

The boat called Arthur is based right near our houseboat in Cowley, Uxbridge and so we just had to try it out!

Hum, GlennDad, Tom, Aurelia and the little humans met Lindsey and PJ at Cowley Lock and off we set.

Arthur does trips up and down the Grand Union Canal including:

  • Cream Tea Cruises

  • A Cruise to a View

  • Corporate Events

  • Lunch & Cruise

  • Celebration Days

  • Water Taxi

  • Fish & Chips Cruise


We were having a family morning experiencing the joy of chugging along the canal and watching the world go by. Arthur is a lovely boat with comfy seating inside but you can also sit out front to get a good view (of course that is where Hum wanted to be as she loves a good view).

We went through 3 Locks – Cowley; Uxbridge and Denham Deep which is one of the deepest on the canal. I sat up front in the lifebelt to be totally safe as going through the Locks is exciting but also a bit scary when lots of water rushes in and the boat rises!

The little humans had a great time feeding ducks and swans with special food PJ provided. He also made the human-folk teas and coffees and was a wealth of knowledge about the history of the area and in particular the canals.

He also knew a lot about wildlife and we managed to spot a deer! That was exciting for all!!! I think however, Hum and Aurelia liked looking into people’s posh gardens along the canal was the best bit. They ARE nosey!!!!

Lindsey was a great skipper and ensured we had a really smooth trip which we all thoroughly enjoyed and can highly recommend to all you lovely dog pals and your humans..

Arthur Daily Boat Trips can take up to 12 people and we often see parties on board enjoying themselves when we are walking along the towpath. It is reasonably priced and a great day out. You can also end the trip with lunch at one of the pubs by the canal.

Zuki[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”6411″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

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Guest Post – How to stay safe when walking in the countryside this summer

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]The summer is here and the sun is shining: what a great time to go for a walk in the countryside with your pooch! Kathryn Eccles from country and equestrian store Millbry Hill gives her advice for keeping yourself and your dog safe while you’re out in the countryside this season.

The summer is the perfect time to get out in the country with your dog. The fresh air and vitamin D can do wonders for your health, and your pooch will love the open space! But no walk is without its risks, so there are a few things you’ll need to bear in mind to keep you and your pet safe. From preparation and dealing with livestock, to avoiding harmful plants and insects, I’ll be giving you my advice to keep you both safe in the countryside.

Prepare before you go


When you’re out walking, it’s important that you stay hydrated and keep your energy levels up, especially while its warm outside. Make sure you take plenty of water and snacks for both you and your dog. For yourself, foods that are high in sugars, fats and carbohydrates can give you a welcome boost of energy, but fruit can also help to keep you hydrated.

Dogs with thicker and darker coats can overheat quickly, so it’s important that you stop regularly for a water break to keep them cool and refreshed. To make things easier, you can even get portable water bowls and bottles for your dog to drink from.

Follow a set route


One of the biggest dangers you’ll face when walking in the countryside is the possibility of getting lost, especially in an area that is unfamiliar to you. Before you go, you should consider planning your route and informing someone of where you plan to walk and when you’ll be back. Remember that the sun can cause you and your dog to get fatigued quicker than usual, so try to avoid long walks that could cause you both to overheat and try to stay in the shade as much as you can.

I’d also advise you to stick as close to your route as possible and be sure to follow maps and road signs to keep you on the right path. This will also avoid you stepping into private farmland which may have livestock or horses.

Be cautious around other animals


If you do encounter cattle and livestock, it’s important that you don’t disturb them, especially if there are any young animals around. You should be aware that they may react to the presence of your dog, so try to move quickly and quietly and as far away from them as possible. To keep your pet under tight control while you’re moving through the field, hold them close by on a short lead.

If you’re passing horses in a field or on the road, it’s important that you walk as far away from them as possible to keep yourself, your dog and the rider safe. Don’t approach horses from behind and avoid your dog getting too close by keeping them on a short lead.

Stay away from poisonous plants


When you’re out in the country, your dog is going to want to investigate as much as they can, but you should keep an eye on them at all times. Not only will this ensure that they haven’t wandered off anywhere or gotten themselves into trouble, but you can also see what they’re taking an interest in. Certain plants that occur in the wild can be harmful to dogs if ingested.

Some toxic plants that you might encounter on your walk include milkweed, acorns, tansy and even daffodils. For a full list of harmful plants and substances, and their symptoms if ingested, take a look at this list from Dogs Trust.

Look out for ticks


It’s not just plants you’ll need to look out for, because the summer can bring a whole host of insects to the countryside. When walking in long grasses, ticks can attach themselves to you and your dog. These small insects feed off your blood, but they can be dangerous because of the variety of diseases they can carry, including Lyme disease.

To avoid being bitten, try to wear clothes that will cover bare skin. These should be made from breathable fabrics to keep you cool. You should also wear closed shoes rather than sandals. Insect repellent can also help to protect against ticks, mosquitoes, midges and gnats. Your dog should also be equipped with a tick collar or insect repellent.

When you get home, carefully inspect your skin for any sign of ticks, paying particular attention to the back of your knees and under your arms. Then, check your dog for any ticks as well. You’ll be able to identify them as they’ll be small insects embedded into the skin. If you’re ever worried about an insect bite or sting, consult your GP or call NHS 111.

By following these simple tips, you can keep yourself and your dog safe when you’re out in the countryside this summer. Now all that’s left to do is enjoy the sun with your pooch by your side![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”6405″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row]]

Zuki visits Combe Martin Beach Holiday Park (John Fowler Holidays)

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Hi Dog Pals,

I has just spent the weekend at the Dog Friendly Combe Martin Holiday Park. I was invited by the Sales Director of John Fowler Holiday Parks (@JohnFowlerHols) to try out their new dog friendly Platinum Caravans! Hum and GlennDad came with me to be my chauffeur and to carry my bags.

John Fowler Holiday Parks have 11 Holiday Parks throughout Devon, Cornwall & Somerset. Combe Martin is in North Devon.

On arrival, we got a great welcome especially from Mac who ran the entertainment. We got our keys, were shown where to find our caravan and off we went to settle in.

Our caravan was at the top of the hill overlooking the park. I found a great vantage point behind the sofa to do my neighborhood watch dog role 😉

The caravan was really bright & spacious especially the lounge/dining area. There were 2 bedrooms, a shower room and a well-equipped kitchen with a range of crockery and cooking utensils. Hum had received an email prior to our visit to say we needed to bring towels, but it didn’t say she needed to bring washing up liquid and a dish cloth. Still they were cheap to purchase, and she did leave them for the next people.

All the chalets and caravans at Combe Martin Holiday Park are pet friendly now which is great as Hum & GlennDad were able to stay in this really lovely new Platinum Caravan and were extremely happy with it. It was clean, bright, comfortable and in extremely good condition. Happy Hum indeed 😊

Once Hum had done my unpacking, we headed to the Club House to get something to eat. The Club House overlooks the sea and Hum of course LOVED the view! Inside there is a good-sized Pet Friendly area to sit and have your meal and Hum of course managed to get a table at the window where she could enjoy that view! In the pet friendly area there was also a bed for us doggies to relax in and a tin of treats to enjoy.

The food is barmeals and Hum did note that there weren’t really any healthy options but no one else seemed to mind about that 😉 Hum & GlennDad reckoned the food was OK for the price but not amazing.

The Club House is also where entertainment takes place run by Mac who is lots of fun and gets everyone involved.

Combe Martin Holiday Park also has a swimming pool which Hum was delighted to see and I was pleased that us four-legs are allowed to sit by the pool and wait for our humans to finish their swim.

For me, the best part of Combe Martin Holiday Park is that just opposite the entrance there are steps down to the town’s Dog Friendly Beach!!!!! Combe Martin main beach has restrictions, but Newberry Beach right next to our Holiday Park is dog friendly all year round 😊 I had lots of fun playing ball and even put my paws in the water for once! There were other dogs enjoying a swim and just having a blast on the beach.

On returning to the Park, we had a walk round and came across a woodland walk which is right next to the Park and in the Park, Hum was pleased to see dog waste bins provided.

Combe Martin itself is a pretty village surrounded by cliffs and coves and with a old fashioned charm about it. You will find lots of gift shops; tea rooms, ice cream shops (one selling dog friendly ice cream) and pubs. All the pubs are dog friendly and a lot of the shops and cafes too!

So dog friends, I had a fantabulous weekend at Combe Martin Holiday Park and can tell you it is truly dog friendly and a great place to stay. The staff are super friendly (especially Karen) and helpful and there is lots to do.

If your humans want a great dog friendly holiday in Devon, this is definitely the place to visit! Check out the photos at the top of the blog to see how good it is 🙂

Zuki[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”6352″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

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