A Calmer Canine

16/03/2026

Do you spend hours exercising your dog using a ball thrower?

The take a minute to read this...it could prevent all sorts of harm befalling your beloved pet - and save you thousands of pounds in vet costs.

Is your dog obsessed by balls? Do you spend hours in a park with a plastic ball thrower, heaving a tennis ball skywards for your pooch to charge at, full pelt? Many owners do. Ball-throwing makes ‘dog exercise’ easy Ball throwing is a human action often used as an easy way to ‘exercise’ a do...

15/03/2026

ARE YOU A DEDICATED OWNER WHO SPENDS
HOURS HURLING A BALL FOR YOUR DOG?

While your dog may enjoy this high octane, high impact, run and retrieve game, far from doing them good, it's very likely to be causing them harm - physically, physiologically and/or emotionally and possibly all three!

This is because...

* The impact on their joints of this unnatural doggy movement of chasing, jumping, twisting, turning and stopping suddenly, is immense. The risk of cruciate ligament damage is high and worn joints are more prone to arthritis.

* The daily flood of adrenaline around their bodies affects their ability to relax as it remains in their system long after the ball has been put away.

* The repetition of this 'game' can lead to obsessive behaviour, putting them on high alert for movement even when at home.

Nothing about this human-driven activity is good for our beloved pets.

If you're an habitual ball thrower, please take a minute to read my blog and you may agree the best place to throw your dog's ball is in the bin.

Is your dog obsessed by balls? Do you spend hours in a park with a plastic ball thrower, heaving a tennis ball skywards for your pooch to charge at, full pelt? Many owners do. Ball-throwing makes ‘dog exercise’ easy Ball throwing is a human action often used as an easy way to ‘exercise’ a do...

27/02/2026

Do you and your dog love running?
Then listen in on your smart speaker or online to The Dog Show, hosted by me today, at 12 noon on Radio Winchcombe.
I'm talking to Jo from Rather Be Canicrossing who explains about both the physical and mental health benefits to you and your dog of this fun sport - running safely with your dog.
You can also listen on the Radio Winchcombe website. The Dog Show is supported by A Calmer Canine and is also repeated on Monday lunchtime at 12 noon.

10/02/2026

If you're a dog owner or know someone who is, please read this article in today's Daily Mail.
It's about Librela, a very controversial drug used for treating osteoarthritis. UK vets aren't privy to the same adverse reaction information as vets in the United States, although it's exactly the same drug. It has the potential to cause serious and severe neurological adverse reactions, awful suffering and in some cases death or euthanasia.
For some dogs it works well, but as an owner you need to be fully informed about the potential side effects before consenting to your dog having it.
Knowing what I know and having had personal dealings with many heartbreaking cases, I wouldnt take that risk with my dog.

Dr Nick Thompson, a global expert in dog nutrition, has urged other vets to 'do their research before injecting their pets with the controversial drug.

03/02/2026

If your dog has arthritis, is slowing up, is anxious, reactive or finds life overwhelming Whole Energy Body Balance massage can help. It works by releasing fascia tension to improve mobility, relax the nervous system and ease emotional and physical tension.



A Calmer Canine

30/01/2026

On The Dog Show last night I spent a fascinating hour chatting to vet Tim Sandys Team Lead with the charity StreetVet. StreetVet helps the pets of people who are homeless. Tim is Gloucester-based and has been a vet for 25 years.
There's a repeat today, Friday 30th at 12 noon and again on Monday 2nd at 12 noon on Radio Winchcombe.

You can also click the link below to listen now!

The Dog Show is supported by A Calmer Canine

Ruth talks to Street Vet Tim Sandys about his support for animals of homeless people

28/01/2026

Ever heard of StreetVet?
Find out how vets and vet nurses are helping the pets of people who are homeless in Gloucester.
Tune in tomorrow evening on Radio Winchcombe at 6 pm.
Full details on the post below.

Join me tomorrow at 6 pm live on Radio Winchcombe for The Dog Show when I'll be talking to vet Tim Sandys from the award-winning national charity StreetVet.
Tim is Streetvet's Team Lead in Gloucester and volunteers his services to provide free, essential vet care and support to the pets of people who are homeless.
Find out more about the amazing voluntary work of Tim and other veterinary professionals in Gloucester and the difference they're making to animals and their humans living on the streets.
www.streetvet.co.uk

Just ask your smartspeaker to play Radio Winchcombe or go online to www.radiowinchcombe.co.uk and click on 'listen live.'
If you're local you can tune in on 107.1 FM or 106.9 FM.

The Dog Show is run in association with A Calmer Canine.

28/01/2026

Join me tomorrow at 6 pm live on Radio Winchcombe for The Dog Show when I'll be talking to vet Tim Sandys from the award-winning national charity StreetVet.
Tim is Streetvet's Team Lead in Gloucester and volunteers his services to provide free, essential vet care and support to the pets of people who are homeless.
Find out more about the amazing voluntary work of Tim and other veterinary professionals in Gloucester and the difference they're making to animals and their humans living on the streets.
www.streetvet.co.uk

Just ask your smartspeaker to play Radio Winchcombe or go online to www.radiowinchcombe.co.uk and click on 'listen live.'
If you're local you can tune in on 107.1 FM or 106.9 FM.

The Dog Show is run in association with A Calmer Canine.

13/01/2026

Fantastic news...NELLY has been found alive.

NELLY HAS BEEN FOUND!
Fantastic news. Discovered by beaters having buried herself deep in some brambles near a wood, not too far from where she went missing. She's been reunited with her owners. She survived 12 days and nights out in sub zero temperatures and snow on the Cotswold hills. Quite amazing. So pleased. 🥰🐾🐾🎉❤️

Nelly is still missing - have you seen her?

This tri-colour Cavalier, described as 'quite elderly' disappeared after a walk at the back of Cleeve Hill on New Years Eve morning, nearly a week ago. Despite extensive searches there have been no sightings. Have you see her anywhere? Her owners are desperate.
If you've any information please contact Matt Grimshaw on 07792 088822.

06/01/2026

NELLY HAS BEEN FOUND!
Fantastic news. Discovered by beaters having buried herself deep in some brambles near a wood, not too far from where she went missing. She's been reunited with her owners. She survived 12 days and nights out in sub zero temperatures and snow on the Cotswold hills. Quite amazing. So pleased. 🥰🐾🐾🎉❤️

Nelly is still missing - have you seen her?

This tri-colour Cavalier, described as 'quite elderly' disappeared after a walk at the back of Cleeve Hill on New Years Eve morning, nearly a week ago. Despite extensive searches there have been no sightings. Have you see her anywhere? Her owners are desperate.
If you've any information please contact Matt Grimshaw on 07792 088822.

31/12/2025

New Year's Eve help for frightened hounds and cats.