Posted by wellsf on Jul 25, 2025 in News | 0 comments
Four Paws Dorset Dog Walk this morning in Shaftesbury with Bella and Holly.
Our dog walk took us through the town and then along the top of Castle Hill, leads off! Yeh!
Down into the green below where we met a very friendly Golden Retriever, up the 150 steps, along to Abbey Walk, down to and past the wonderful Memorial Garden and up Gold Hill.
Yes, all panting a little bit!!
Bella and Holly are the best of friends! 🐕🐕🥰🥰
Posted by wellsf on Jul 23, 2025 in News | 0 comments
Dog Owners Warned to Avoid Lakes and Ponds this Summer.
Hot Summer sparks blue-green algae warning.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has issued the warning due to the risk of toxic blue-green algae, which can pose a serious threat to pets.
Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, produces toxins that are harmful and potentially fatal to dogs, livestock and wildlife if ingested, even in small amounts.
Dr Rob Williams, junior vice president of the BVA, said: “Lots of dogs love water and won’t hesitate to dive straight in when they see a lake or go for a paddle in a pond.
Posted by wellsf on Jul 18, 2025 in News | 0 comments
Four Paws Dogs after their dog walk this morning in Shaftesbury – Caring is Sharing!
A fabulous walk through Shaftesbury Town Centre, across Castle Hill where we met a whole range of delightful, friendly dogs of all shapes and sizes, down into the lovely grassy area in Enmore Green, up the 150 steps and then retracing our steps back.
This walk can include lead training, recall when off lead and of cos socialising, sniffing and exploring plus getting used to town noise and activity, so a win, win.
On our return these two were ready for some serious chilling!
Even though they have three beds to choose from, in different rooms, they do like to snuggle up together! Pictured here in the Conservatory.
Love you both 🐕🐕🥰🥰
Posted by wellsf on Jul 15, 2025 in News | 0 comments
Four Paws Dorset Dog Willow out in the fields (hadn’t unclipped her lead yet!).
These images totally capture, in my mind at least, what Spaniel’s are all about!
Willow out in nature, the long grass, wind blowing and watching the Buzzard circling above!
It doesn’t get much better than moments like this.
I love my job! Thank you Willow 🐕🥰
Posted by wellsf on Jul 11, 2025 in News | 0 comments
☀️ HEATSTROKE SYMPTOMS ☀️
Following on from yesterday’s Dog Tip –
We’ve got another long hot weekend coming up so please familiarise yourself with the signs of heatstroke!
Signs of heatstroke can progress quickly. If you think your dog may have heatstroke it is vital that you immediately contact your vet while cooling them down. Getting early advice and treatment is essential to saving a dog’s life. Research has found that in the UK, although 1 in 7 dogs that are taken to vets with heatstroke die, 98% that are seen early with mild signs are likely to survive.
Know the signs, don’t risk your dog’s life and remember, if in doubt, don’t go out.
Posted by wellsf on Jul 10, 2025 in News | 0 comments
Four Paws Dorset Dog Tip for today – HEAT STROKE IN DOGS.
I found this very helpful and hope you do too.
Safe walking all you doggies and their walkers.
Especially those in Shaftesbury and the surrounding areas! 🐕🐾🥰
Posted by wellsf on Jul 9, 2025 in News | 0 comments
A big hello to Barney, who has just joined Four Paws Dorset. Barney lives in Shaftesbury.
Barney is an adorable Cocker Spaniel.
He has the sweetest nature and is a credit to his owner.
I will be doing regular ‘drop ins’ with Barney. Feeling very lucky!
Welcome Barney! 🐕🥰
Posted by wellsf on Jul 8, 2025 in News | 0 comments
Cuts on a dog’s paw pads can be caused by various factors, including sharp objects, rough surfaces and extreme temperatures. Common culprits include broken glass, metal shards, thorns, and hot pavements. Additionally, paw pad injuries can result from overexertion on rough terrain or even from chemicals like ice melt.
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Sharp objects:
Glass, rocks, metal, thorns, and even overgrown nails can pierce or cut paw pads.
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Rough surfaces:
Excessive running or playing on concrete, gravel, or other abrasive surfaces can cause wear and tear or cuts.
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Burns:
Hot pavement, sand, or even chemical burns from cleaning products can damage paw pads.
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Underlying conditions:
Dry, cracked paw pads can result from nutritional deficiencies (like zinc or protein), or medical conditions like liver disease, allergies, or autoimmune diseases.
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Environmental factors:
Extreme heat or cold, or exposure to chemicals like de-icing salt, can dry out and crack paw pads, making them more vulnerable to injury.
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Insect bites and stings:
While mosquito bites are usually minor, fire ants or ground wasps can cause painful stings or bites.
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Foreign objects:
Thorns, sticks, pebbles, or other debris can become embedded in the paw pad, leading to cuts or punctures.
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Frostbite:
In extreme cold, paw pads can be susceptible to frostbite.
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Overgrown nails:
When nails are too long, they can curl around and puncture the paw pad.
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Infections:
Fungal or bacterial infections can cause itching, swelling, and redness, leading to chewing and licking, which can further damage the paw pads and cause cracks.
In all cases, it’s important to:
- Inspect the paw pad: Look for signs of injury, foreign objects, or infection.
- Clean the wound: Use warm water and a mild antiseptic if needed.
- Seek veterinary care: For deep cuts, punctures, or signs of infection, consult a veterinarian.
- Protect the paw: Use a bandage or boot to prevent further injury and infection.
- Monitor for healing: Ensure the paw is healing properly and watch for any signs of infection.
Posted by wellsf on Jul 8, 2025 in News | 0 comments
Willow waiting to get out! 🐕
Four Paws Dorset Dog Willow, off in the car for our dog walk this morning.
As we set off I noticed Willow was walking slightly unevenly. I checked her paws and one of her front right digital pads had a slight cut.
It appeared very minor so I decided to only walk Willow on the grass (she walked perfectly fine on this), using a long lead and no excessive running. Hence going in the car today.
Willow had a great time sniffing and meeting a few other doggies. No town walk training today!
I checked Willow’s pad again at the end of our walk and it looked the same. We will monitor closely and if necessary put a self sticking stretchy bandage on it prior to going on our next walk.
Such a good pup! 🐕🌟🥰
Posted by wellsf on Jul 4, 2025 in News | 0 comments
Dog Walk today with Holly and Bella below Castle Hill, Shaftesbury.
Such a lovely walk today with these two wonderful Labrador Retrievers.
We set off and headed to and then along the top of Castle Hill in Shaftesbury. At the far end there are several slopes going down which led us to a lovely grassy expanse (being extra careful near the ponds, as we all know how much Labradors love water!).
Holly and Bella can be seen in the photo having fun sniffing and exploring together.
It’s safe for them to be off lead here which gives them freedom.
We met several other doggies which is good for socialising and confidence building.
After this we headed up the ‘150 steps!’ and back.
A super walk, thank you Bella and Holly!
🐕🐕❤️❤️
