Pet care guides

Practical guides for dog and cat owners. Every claim is drawn from a named veterinary source — vet schools, vet hospital groups, professional bodies and animal-welfare charities — listed at the end of each guide.

• Walking your dog in hot weather

  Hot pavement, heatstroke signs and what to do fast. Advice on summer walks from the RVC, RSPCA and AAHA.

• Puppy feeding schedule: how often, how much, and what to avoid

  How many meals a puppy needs at each age, when to switch to adult food by breed size, how to judge portions, and foods to keep away.

• How to check your dog or cat for ticks

  Where ticks hide, how to remove one safely, the warning signs that need a vet, and why dog tick products can kill cats.

This guide is general information, gathered from the veterinary sources listed at the end. It is not a diagnosis or a substitute for your vet. If your pet is unwell, or you're worried, call your vet.