Cockerill PET Sitting Services

31/07/2026

You should get an idea of what’s going on

31/07/2026

31/07/2026

Before there was a Labrador Retriever, there was a small black dog working the docks of Newfoundland and the harbours of England 🐾

These were the St. John's water dogs, hardy swimmers that hauled nets and fetched fish in icy water. When English gentlemen like the Earl of Malmesbury imported them through the port of Poole in the early 1800s, they began calling them Labradors, and a legend quietly took shape.

It is a good reminder that the breed we adore is really only about two centuries old, built from working dogs and cold Atlantic water rather than ancient bloodlines 🌊

I always wonder what those first dockside dogs would make of the pampered Labs snoozing on our couches today.

31/07/2026

He’s grown on us this one so think we shall miss him a bit when he goes home. He’s strong on the lead but so gentle and loving in the home

31/07/2026

30/07/2026

29/07/2026

Dogs can sometimes find it difficult to cope with hot weather as they struggle to regulate their temperature which means they are more at risk of heatstroke than we are.

Heatstroke can be very serious! As a dog’s internal temperature rises it can cause damage to their organs and could lead to organ failure. According to AnimalTrust, 1 in 7 dogs that are taken to the vets with heatstroke are fatal.

During warm summer days it’s easy for your house to warm up. Some dogs may be able to cope with this rise in temperature, while others may struggle.

On hot days remember to:
• Ensure your dog always has access to drinking water
• Add ice cubes to your dog’s water bowls
• Use freezable dog toys and let them chew on it
• Put down damp towels for your dog to lie on (Never over the dog)
• If your dog has a long or heavy coat you could keep them clipped to make them feel more comfortable
• Keep dogs out of hot conservatories
• Avoid housing your dog in direct sunlight
• Keeping your curtains and blinds closed during the day to prevent your home from warming up when it’s hottest, and then open your windows at night to help cool down your house.

If you think your dog may have heatstroke it’s vital that you immediately contact your vet while also trying to cool them down. Getting early advice and treatment is essential to saving a dog’s life.

Research found that in the UK, although 1 in 7 dogs that are taken to vets with heatstroke die, 98% that are seen early with mild signs are likely to survive.

28/07/2026

🐍 ADDER BITES 🐍

If your dog has bitten by an adder, their symptoms will depend on where the bite is, and where the venom spreads to. If the venom stays in the tissues around the bite, it will cause pain and swelling, but if it spreads further and gets into the bloodstream, it can cause much more serious problems such as damage to the liver, kidneys, heart and nervous system. If venom is injected straight into the blood stream, it can cause death very quickly. It can also be very serious if your dog is bitten on the face or neck because swelling can lead to breathing problems.

With treatment, most dogs make a full recovery, but sadly, in some cases, adder venom can cause severe illness and even death. The quicker your dog is treated, the better their outlook. Any dog with a suspected adder bite should be seen by a vet ASAP.

What to do if your dog is bitten?

1. Stay calm
2. If you see the snake, try to remember what it looks like, or take a photo from a distance. Do not try to find the snake, get close to it, touch it or harm it. (Adders are a protected species so it is illegal to hurt or kill them, and they can bite people if disturbed.)
3. Keep your dog as still as possible to prevent venom spreading around their body
4. Leave the bite alone, don’t apply a bandage or tourniquet.
5. Call you vet to let them know you are coming down to the practice
6. If possible, bring a car to your dog or depending on their weight, carry them to it.

Snakebites should always be treated as an emergency - if your dog has been bitten, call your vet straight away. Do not attempt to treat your dog at home.

26/07/2026

No words for this one. Never seen a pose like that one before