Animals
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
Sunstroke can be fatal for dogs. Here's what do if you suspect your dog is overheating - and how to keep them cool in hot weather
What temperature is too hot to walk your dog in? You can do more harm than good warns veterinary surgeon
When is it too hot to walk your dog? Expert advice from veterinary surgeon Linda Simon
21 stallions were just let loose across the New Forest – for a very important reason
The stallions help preserve the New Forest pony’s bloodlines and boost foal quality, say experts.
What muscles does horse riding use?
You may be surprised to learn all the muscles horse riding works
It's rarer than a white rhino, five times as heavy as a badger and has webbed feet – meet the otterhound
With their webbed feet, supersensitive noses and abundant energy, otterhounds were perfectly adapted to track their prey, but the dog is now disappearing in Britain. Lucap Rolant asks, can they survive?
What's new?
Planning to take your dog abroad on holiday? Veterinary surgeon explains what you need to know
Thinking about taking your dog abroad on holiday with you? Veterinary surgeon Antonia Nichols explains all you need to know - and why you need to start planning early
What's wrong with brachycephalic cats?
Do brachycephalic cats deserve their unhealthy reputation? We investigate
When did dogs split from wolves and become their own distinct species?
Quite when dogs split from wolves isn't certain but it is likely to have been thousands of years ago...
Cat cafes are on the rise — but are these feline hangouts cruel or a safe haven for cats?
Quiz: What type of dog are you?
Unleash your inner dog! Share your results and challenge friends to find their match too!
Farm animals
Alpaca vs llama – what’s the difference between these two members of the camel family?
These members of the camelid family are easily confused, but there are key differences between the alpaca and the llama. From size and temperament to fleece quality and role in farming, here’s how to tell them apart
Should Britain be eating more goat? Why this common farmyard animal could be a more ethical alternative to beef
The dairy goat industry is linked to thousands of billy goats being slaughtered each year as wastage – so is it time to add the meat to supermarket shelves?
Adorable images of newborn lambs capture the beauty and vulnerability of lambing season in Lakeland
Farmer and photographer Amy Bateman captures the new life and hard labour of lambing season in Cumbria.
Horses
Saddle up! These are the best bridleways for safe and beautiful horse riding around the UK
Discover some of the UK’s most scenic and horse-friendly bridleways, from windswept coastal paths to ancient forest tracks – ideal for safe, off-road riding
Is a broken leg always a death sentence for horses? Contrary to common belief it doesn't always mean they have to be shot, says vet
Badminton Horse Trials 2025 in pictures: Spectacular photos from the world's greatest equestrian event
All the action for the world's greatest three day event
Pets
10 deadliest cat diseases today and how to spot or prevent them – by a veterinary surgeon
We take a look at the deadliest cat diseases in the world today. Thankfully many can be avoided by vaccination
Why cats prefer to sleep on their left side has long puzzled scientists - until now
For cats it's definitely best to get out of bed the right side - or should that be the left side?
10 deadliest dog diseases - according to a veterinary surgeon
We take a look at the deadliest dog diseases. Thankfully many can be avoided by vaccination
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
