This guest article, written by Dr Carol Hughes, Lead Scientist at the world’s biggest canine microbiome database, Biome4Pets, looks at thew science behind anxiety and how it very well can start in the gut.
With 80% of communicating in the gut brain axis coming from the gut, to the brain, those gut feelings can really influence feelings, emotions and behaviour.

You know your dog’s normal. Or at least, you think you do. When certain behaviours have been there for a long time, it’s easy to accept them as part of your dog’s personality. The restless pacing. The constant licking. The grass eating. The ear flare-ups that keep coming back. But this “normal” is actually your dog quietly trying to cope. Inside, gut discomfort or inflammation has been there far longer than we realise. The kind that gently wears them down over time. The moment you start to question that normal is the moment real change becomes possible.

Caring for a dog with gluten sensitivity doesn’t have to feel complicated. This free, printable Carer’s Statement gives you a clear, simple way to communicate your dog’s needs to everyone involved in their care, from family and friends to vets and dog professionals. ‘Buy it’, (free) download it, print it, and keep it close for peace of mind and safer, happier dogs.

As the UK’s leading independent expert in gluten intolerance in dogs, with a special focus on Border Terriers, this article will guide you through what to do now. Step by step.

If your dog has had a positive gliadin test result you may be feeling unsure what to do next. Gluten intolerance in dogs, like with coeliac people, is very manageable. With the right care, your dog can live a long, happy life. This is not a tragedy. It empowers you to provide better care.

Some people recommend Weetabix, some people spend a fortune squeezing and damaging these delicate glands, but there is another way to help your dog’s body do what it needs to. Read this article on anal glands to find out how to support your dog easily.

If you know your dog isn’t quite right, maybe they’re medicated or on a prescription diet? If you’re tired of worrying, endless vet visits, and guesswork, this blog is for you. I share why the signs are often missed, and how the right diet plan and support can make a real difference. Discover practical ways to understand your dog, avoid unnecessary costs, and feel confident taking the next steps toward their wellbeing.

He’s allergic to chicken - or is he? Find out what an allergy is and how to manage it. Lift the lid on your dog’s anatomy to understand intolerances and why, if you’ve tried everything, nothing is working. Find out why medicating your dog long term isn’t the answer, and what you can do to help your dog.

With conditions like PGID, CEDS / Spike’s disease, and other dietary issues and intolerances, how do you manage your environment to keep your beloved pet safe? What does it take to stop them being sick, prevent them suffering, you worrying and constant vets bills? Read on to see how I manage my very sensitive boy every day.

We all want and expect breeders to be honest. Ethical breeders are hard to find. So to what’s right and the best for dogs, this blog gives you the right questions to ask for health and behaviour checks to get a brilliantly balanced dog that will be with you for as long as possible. This blog is based on my experience.

Back in 2020, I didn’t know that Border Terriers have a hereditary gluten intolerance. I didn’t know that itchy ears, constant vet visits, and ‘no chill’ behaviour could be symptoms of gut inflammation. Not bad luck, not bad behaviour. I didn’t know there was a simple low cost blood test that could change everything. (8 min read)

So You Got a Puppy - Now What?

Bringing home a puppy is joyful, messy, and magical all at once. From toilet training to teething, every day is packed with new lessons for both of you! Your pup is a blank slate, learning from every interaction, so now’s the time to lay strong foundations for a calm, confident future.

In this guide, you’ll find practical tips on everything from routines and sleep to nutrition, training, socialisation, and even the surprisingly important art of poop-watching (yes, really). Whether you're feeling excited, overwhelmed, or both don’t worry. With consistency, kindness, and the right guidance, you and your puppy can build something truly special.

Because when you put good in, you’ll get good out.