All Itch Insights

Firstly, you have our deepest condolences from everyone here at Itch. Losing a pet is never easy and we are here if you ever need any support - even if it's just for a chat to keep your mind off things, or if you feel like reminiscing - we will always be happy to hear their story. You can get in touch with us here.

Strolling through the fields in the fresh air is one of the many highs of owning a dog - that is until they start sniffing for that important, poo spot. Picking up your dog’s poo is far from glamorous but you shouldn’t turn a blind eye. It’s your duty to scoop up your dog’s poop and if you don’t, it can lead to a fine or even a poorly pooch.

If you've ever noticed your cat acting a bit more withdrawn, hiding away, or engaging in unexpected behaviours, you might be witnessing the subtle signs of cat anxiety and stress. Keep reading for the signs of feline stress, and a magical solution – pheromone diffusers.

If your dog has been scratching nonstop, you may immediately suspect fleas. But it could be lice. While it’s less common than flea infestations, dogs can get lice and they are treatable. Understanding the symptoms, causes, treatment options, and prevention methods can help you protect your dog’s health and comfort. This expert guide covers everything you need to know about dog lice, including how they spread, whether they’re contagious to humans, and how to get rid of them safely.

Fleas have an annoyingly impressive knack for surviving situations that should really spell doom for something so small. Fleas are smart enough to seek out warm, dry patches of fur on their hosts i.e. your pet so while they’re not water lovers, they have coping mechanisms. Carry on reading to find out whether you can kill fleas using water methods and if flea shampoo is effective enough to eradicate an infestation!

Most dogs are highly energetic characters who will go mad for food, treats, toys or even other pets. And as much as we love them, dealing with a dog that’s bouncing around all day, is no easy task. It’s proactive and responsible to know how to keep your dog calm in any environment to keep them and yourself safe. Scroll for our top 6 ways to calm down your pooch and signs of anxious behaviours to look out for.

Pet hair coming out of your ears? We’ve rounded up the best vacuum cleaners to zap up all that fluff (and any pet fleas, if you have them). Scroll to which vacuum cleaner we think is the holy grail for any pet parent this year!

Sending your pet to the vet is never going to be a cheap day out but the record shows that the cost of vet consultations and treatments are at an all time high, and it’s not going to slow down any time soon. On average, a trip to the vets in this day and age will cost you around £400.* Don’t fall into the vet bill trap, scroll to find our top tips to get the best bang for your buck when looking after your pup.

When you see your pet not acting themselves (pacing, hiding, panting) it’s not always obvious why they feel that way. Anxiety in pets is often a response to their environment, experiences, health, or inner state. Understanding the root causes can help you respond compassionately and effectively. Keep reading to find out how to get rid of your pet’s anxiety.

Keeping an eye on your dog’s magic number (the ideal weight for their breed and age) is super important.

If you know your dog’s weight, it's easier to work out things like how much food they should eat, or the amount of flea or worm treatment to give them. Getting the right treatment is the safest and most effective way to prevent your dog getting fleas or worms.

As the leaves start to turn golden, autumn feels like the perfect time to get outside with your dog. But it’s also the season when conkers and acorns start scattering across the ground – and while they might look harmless, they can actually be dangerous for our four-legged friends. Keep reading to learn what to watch out for!

Let's talk about a topic that's close to many of our hearts: anxiety in dogs. Our furry friends can experience stress and anxiety just like us, and as responsible pet parents, it's essential to understand the signs, treatments, and ways to alleviate our canine companions' anxiety.

With flea infestations up 47% in 2023, it’s important to get yourself prepped for this upcoming peak flea season to keep your pets, home and self happy and healthy. Keep reading for our expert tips on how to prevent these pesky parasites from taking over you and your pet's life this year.

Flea infestations rose by a whopping 47% last year and if this year is anything like 2023, it’s more important than ever to keep your pets and home protected against these pesky parasites!

Ah, the school holidays – the best and worst time of our lives… Non-stop fun and frustration. As schools break up, there’s certainly a change in routine for the kids, us, and also our pets. Our furry friends are thrilled to have their hoomans around more often, but it’s not necessarily easy for them to adjust. Scroll to find out how to handle pet anxiety and for some activity inspiration where your furball is always invited!

Fleas - part-time athlete, full-time nuisance. Did you know fleas have one heck of a jump on them? It’s not that surprising then, when a flea jumps onto our pet and causes an infestation. Keep reading to find out exactly how far a flea can jump!

Just like us humans, many cats enjoy spells of warmer weather! However, they can also overheat and risk developing complications such as heat stroke. Cats more at risk of illness as a result of the mercury rising include very old or young cats, cats with a dense, fluffy coat and those with pre-existing medical conditions. 

Felines with flat faces (you might hear these being referred to as brachycephalic breeds) like Persian cats and Scottish folds also have a harder time regulating their temperatures because of their shorter nasal passages.

 Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do as a cat parent to keep your puss comfortable and extra chill in warm weather!

Whether it's a road trip to the countryside or on a ferry across the channel, our furballs are a part of the family so it only makes sense to bring them along. However, while we may be excited about the adventure ahead, our pets don’t always share the same enthusiasm. Some can find the experience stressful and uncomfortable - does this sound a little too familiar? Check out our tips and tricks for unsettled pets.

As our beloved labs hit the milestone of 5 years old, it's essential to stay vigilant about their health. Here we'll talk you through Hypothyroidism - a condition which often affects Labs, and many common medium-large dog breeds. It can have significant impacts on your pup's well-being, so let's explore what it's all about and how to navigate it together.

Since the introduction of remote working, the modern workplace has changed a lot over the last 5 years. Some offices have even brought in a new type of colleague, the dog. As more and more companies see the benefits, dogs in the office are becoming a well loved part of the working day. 

There’s lots of research (which we’ll go into) that shows the benefit of dogs being in the office… So much so that we believe every office should be letting dogs come in! Keep reading to find out how to persuade your boss to let your pet come with you to work or you can just scroll to see cute office dog pictures - we know that's all you really care about.

The government warns pet owners to beware of fake flea treatments that contain toxic chemicals. Counterfeit flea treatments are being sold by third-party sellers online to UK pet parents and are poisoning cats and dogs. 

Fake flea treatments are not regulated by the Veterinary Medicines Doctorate (VMD), which means they are not scientifically licensed, proven or approved. And they may contain toxic chemicals, dangerous to your pet. Keep reading to find out the red flags for a fake flea treatment, and what to use instead.

Brits abroad? More like ticks abroad! As the Summer kicks off and we all jet off to somewhere sunny, keep your wits about you and your pet when it comes to ticks. British tourists are being warned about ‘monster ticks’ that are spreading across Europe.

As it gets a bit warmer and your pet wants to spend more time outside, it is the purrfect time to make sure your garden is safe for your furry friend. Whether you're a dog person, cat person, or a bit of both, it’s really important to know what plants are toxic to pets!

We love cats so much, but when they regurgitate a hairball it’s safe to say it’s not the most pleasant sight. Although hairballs are a normal and common occurrence for cats, it's good to know if they can cause problems and is there a way to prevent them? Don’t let hairballs be a mystery to you, scroll to find out how to keep your fluffy feline happy and healthy.

The most common urinary issue in cats is feline lower urinary tract disease.

Urinary infections don’t pick and choose, they affect all cats regardless of age and gender.* So as something that is likely to bother your feline, be on it when it comes knowing the signs and symptoms!

Let's start with a little bit of context. What is Feline lower urinary tract disease? It is in fact an umbrella term often used to describe problems affecting the lower urinary tract (bladder and urethra) of cats. This could be something along the lines of a urinary obstruction or infection.

Your home might be full to the brim of pet toys, stinky food and not to mention all the floof on your floors - but have you ever questioned if your garden is pet friendly? Scroll to find out how to pimp up your pad and give your pet the garden of their dreams.

Suns out, tongues out! Unlike us, dogs can't sweat to cool down, which makes them more susceptible to the dangers of overheating. Keep reading to know how to help your pooch get through the unbearable British summer and the key signs to spot for heat stroke in dogs...

Fleas; they come out of nowhere and cause itching and scratching. Having to watch your dog go through the torment of fleas is a lot for any pet owner. But are you responsible for giving your dog fleas? 9 times out of 10, you’re not at fault but let’s delve into how your dog can get fleas so you can ditch the blame.

Is your dog constantly scratching at their ears, shaking their head or scraping their head against the floor? If so, your dog’s ears are bothering them and they need some help! Itchy ears are a common problem, but it’s not always an easy fix and can be a sign of more serious issues. Keep reading to find the best treatment for your dog’s itchy ears.

We want our feline friends to be as happy and healthy as possible, so why do a lot of cat parents not check their pet’s dental hygiene. We get it. It’s easy to forget but given that up to 90% of cats that are over 4 years old have dental disease. This is your sign to check in on your kitty’s teeth and gums. Keep reading to find out our vet-recommended tips.

Not all cats are cool cats all the time. If your kitty is showing signs of stress or anxiety, there’s one method that’s been proven to help them feel safe, happy and relaxed, and that’s a plug-in pheromone diffuser for cats.

If you’ve ever found yourself nose-to-nose with your pet and nearly keeled over from their breath, you’re not alone. Dental hygiene isn’t just a human concern—it’s just as important for our furry friends. But as much as we’d like to think our pets will sit obediently while we shove a toothbrush in their mouth, that’s not reality. Pet dental treats can do this job for us, but how and is it always the best way to keep your pet dental disease free?

You love your dog - that's a given - but at times, they’re probably the most gross creature you’ve ever met. From rolling around in poop in the woods to burying dead seagull carcasses at the beach, they don’t do themselves any favours in the smell department!

In these cases it’s smart to stick them straight in the bath as soon as you get home. But how do you know when to give them a bath the rest of the time?

According to our research, two thirds (65%) of British pet owners will share the bed with their cat or dog tonight. It’s understandable. It can be hard to resist those puppy-dog eyes, or that loving purr when our pet's come to settle in for the night. 

 But did you know that by observing our pet's sleeping position, we can tell a lot about the special pet-owner bond we share with them?

We wanted to know more, so asked 2,000 Brits to reveal the 10 most common sleeping positions we adopt with our four-legged friends, and enlisted the help of leading animal behaviourist, Professor Peter Neville to give us insight into their meaning.

Valentine's Day or not, going on a date with your doggy is something all owners love. We’ve compiled our favourite ways to spend the day with your pooch - whether that be whining and dining or a long snug on the sofa - keep reading for doggy date inspiration.

Cats and dogs: the two pillars of pet ownership. Whether you’re a proud dog parent or a devoted cat companion, your choice of breed—or lack thereof—might reveal more about you than you think. Our furry friends are reflections of our personalities, from their quirks to their charms. So, what does your cat or dog breed say about you? Keep reading to find out.

Hey Lab lovers! Let's talk about a crucial aspect of our furry friends' health: dental care. As our Labradors hit the ripe age of 2, they become particularly susceptible to dental disease. A dog's lifespan can be shortened by 1-3 years if they get dental disease, so it's essential to pay close attention to their dental health to ensure they lead happy and healthy lives. So, grab a biscuit (for you or your Lab, your choice!) and let's delve into the world of dental disease in Labs together!