A Calmer Canine

20/04/2026

Many dogs love having fun on the beach and in the sea - and the very act of sniffing, swimming and investigating new smells does them the world of good - as well as us!
I've a cottage right by the sea in North Devon where you and your furry friends are welcome to stay. Full details are on the post below. Your dog goes free if you are a follower of this page or a client of A Calmer Canine, present or past.

20/04/2026

Does your dog love swimming in the sea or digging on the beach? Mine does!

There are so many great sniffs for our four-legged friends when they visit a beach and sniffing is a good way for them to relax.
It's good for them to indulging in natural doggie behaviours such as sniffing, digging, investigating new nooks and crannies, playing with pebbles, splashing in the waves.
And if you're relaxed - as most of us are by the sea - that will help your dog to be calm too.
If you love taking your dog to the seaside I've a two bedroom, dog-friendly cottage right by the sea in pretty Hele Bay, North Devon, just one mile from Ilfracombe and a short drive from Woolacombe Bay with its miles of sandy beaches.
There are dates available in May and June from £140 per night and if you are a follower of this page or you pass it on to a dog-lover you know, your or their dog can go free - normally £30 per stay. Just mention Calmer Canine Doggie Break when you get in touch or book.

Fisherman's Cottage has two bedrooms, sleeps 4 - 5 people and is 50 yards from Hele beach and the South West Coast Path. The village has a pub, cafe and shop just a few minutes' stroll and the beach is of course dog friendly all year round.

Here's Gem taking a dip in Hele Bay!
Get in touch if you'd like to give your furry friend a seaside treat.

13/04/2026

I'm sharing this again because so many dog-lovers are unaware of the serious risks of allowing their pets to have Librela injections for osteoarthritis.
Sadly, many UK vets aren't informed about the potentially lethal side effects of this drug. Thousands of dogs across the UK and the US are suffering awful neurological illnesses and either dying or having to be put to sleep after having these injections.
The drug stays in their system for months and there is no antidote.
This isn't social media hype or scare-mongering, it's based on adverse reaction data from US and UK regulatory bodies and genuine owner feedback.

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.

09/04/2026

Little Norman the Cotswold Pug is putting his best paws forward again after some WEBB massage.

09/04/2026

Seeing your elderly dog struggling to walk due to osteoarthritis is tough - and physically, it's probably even tougher for them!
You worry how much pain they are in and wonder if there's anything else you can do to help...The good news is, yes there is!
Fascia-release massage is an effective bodywork that helps loosen tight fascia that stiffens and gets 'stuck' when a dog has arthritis or other joint issues. It also causes further discomfort and makes movement difficult.
With Whole Energy Body Balance massage I seek out the fascia tension and work gently to ease it. Most owners notice an immediate improvement in their dogs mobility and general demeanour.

One happier and more mobile boy is Norman the Cotswold Pug. Norman had slowed up considerably due to suspected osteoarthritis and an unstable knee joint.
After a series of massages, supported by veterinary acupuncture, Norman is now enjoying his walks again and going further than before.

While we cannot heal arthritis, giving massage means your dog's comfort and enjoyment of its twilight years can be much improved.

Massage sessions take place in Winchcombe, last an hour and cost £40. Vet consent is always obtained first. Get in touch if I could help your pet. 07809 096036

Here's little Norman during one of his massages.

28/03/2026

It's a pleasure to help this cheeky little chap, aka, Dougal. This bright, affectionate, sociable, happy boy is 9-years-old and was rehomed from Cheltenham Animal Shelter nearly a year ago.
Arthritis in his hips has given him a very tight lumbar as well as tension in his shoulders due to putting more weight in his front legs.
Dougal has received a few sessions of fascia release massage and his mum Jeanette says:"Dougal certainly has more of a spring in his step since having his massage. I can see a difference, he seems more spritely."
If your dog is struggling with arthritis get in touch and let's get him/her moving better.
Sessions are £40, take place in Winchcombe and last an hour.

27/03/2026

Is your dog receiving monthly Librela injections for arthritis?

If so, please read the story below that appeared in the national press in February. You MUST ensure you and your vet are fully conversant with the very serious potential side affects.
The UK's Veterinary Medicines Directorate claims many side affects are 'very rare' or 'rare' but in practice based on thousands of genuine cases from around the world using the same drug - it appears many dogs are suffering significant harm from receiving Librela.

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.

27/03/2026

Ever heard of canine shiatsu? Or pharamcognosy? (Plant medicine)
All is revealed in The Dog Show that aired last night on Radio Winchcombe.
My guest was Andrea Marsh from .

If you missed it you an listen again via the link below. Enjoy!

Ruth talks to Andrew Marsh about Shiatsu

26/03/2026

Join me this evening live at 6pm on Radio Winchcombe when I'll be talking to canine shiatsu practitioner Andrea Marsh.
Listen on your smart speaker or online at

Radio Winchcombe (107.1 & 106.9 FM) is the community radio station for Bishops Cleeve, Winchcombe and the surrounding area. Radio Winchcombe launched in 2005 and is operated by volunteers.