Animals
Protect your dog from the harmful (at times fatal) effects of sunstroke and heat stroke – Vet shares how to keep your pet cool in hot weather
Dogs are more likely to get sunstroke than humans - and it can be fatal. Vet explains how to keep dogs cool in hot weather and what to do if heatstroke strikes
Shocking photos released as RSPCA urges public to adopt as 4,200 heartbreaking mass animal incidents leave shelters overwhelmed
There were 75 large-scale incidents involving 100 or more animals being rescued from the same property last year alone
The new law on "livestock worrying" all dog owners need to know about – or risk facing unlimited fines
New legislation has been passed that requires dog walkers to be more aware of their surroundings than ever before
Chris Packham is moving his dogs to a plant-based diet – should you? Here’s what the research says
Chris Packham has explained why he's transitioning his dogs onto a vegan diet
As tall as Napoleon and hungry for octopus, meet the sun-loving mammal once hunted for its fur
The common seal, or harbour seal, is typically a placid and gentle creature that lives along much of Britain's coast, if you know where to look...
What's new?
This badger behaviour is so rare, most people have never seen it – Watch how badger cubs react when they're startled
When badgers are surprised, they can puff up like a beachball to look bigger to their potential attacker. Catching it on film is incredibly rare – but one wildlife spotter managed it
Hanging out on a mucus thread together or challenging your boyfriend to a boxing match? These are the weirdest mating rituals in the animal kingdom
For these creatures, there’s no such thing as wining and dining a potential mate – the courtship rituals look a little different
These are the UK’s most expensive dog breeds (and why they cost so much)
Britain's love of dogs comes at a rising cost, with new research revealing sharp increases in purchase prices, vet bills and insurance
Hampshire's most wanted: The viral capybara still on the run and other famously elusive zoo escapees
From a red panda perusing Cornish shops to a capybara frolicking in a Hampshire river, here are a few of some of the most infamous zoo escapees in recent years and what happened to them
Is my dog depressed? Here's how to tell (it might not be obvious) – and what you can do about it
Dogs get depressed and stressed, just like us. Here are a few clues to look out for to spot signs of dog depression (they might not be what you expect)
Farm animals
Can sheep and goats cross-breed?'
Can sheep and goats crossbreed? There’s considerable debate, with evidence and claims on both sides.
What’s the tallest cow in the world? At over 6ft tall, she would tower over many people
Discover the record-breaking cow, named Blosom
How many stomachs do cows have? The biology behind the myths
Do cows really have four stomachs? We take a look at their rather complicated digestive system
Horses
How do racehorses get their names?
Why do racehorses sometimes have ridiculous names? Naming conventions for racehorses can get creative at times. Here's how the monikers are chosen...
The silent architects: How horses have sculpted the British countryside over centuries
The countryside would look very different were it not for horses. Tiffany Francis- Baker reveals some of the surprising ways horses have sculpted our landscapes.
With just 300 left in the world, is this the rarest horse on the planet?
Once the lifeblood of Scotland’s island communities, this rare pony now faces a fight for its future
Pets
No chaos, just chill: These 6 dog breeds are perfect for first-time pet owners
From easy-going companions to highly trainable favourites, these six breeds are ideal for beginners – as chosen by a vet nurse
Crufts winners through the years: A gallery of the Best in Show champions from everyone's favourite dog show
From regal retrievers to spirited terriers, explore every dog that has claimed Crufts’ top prize in history
Crufts’ new star: Here's everything you need to know about the Clumber spaniel (including its aristocratic origins)
Heavy-set, calm, and loyal, Clumber spaniels are rare winners at Crufts – but this year, Bruin stole the spotlight
poultry
Mike the Headless Chicken: the real-life chicken that lived for 18 months without a head
After a failed decapitation in 1945, a chicken in Colorado stunned the world by surviving for 18 months without a head
Meet the bizarre blue-egg laying chicken taking over British backyards
Bird flu: what is it, which populations are affected and what are the long-term impacts?
As bird flu hits the headlines again, we take a look at what it is, the long-term impacts and what to do if you find an infected bird
