Pet guides

Happy dog shaking its head in a bright home
The great ear mystery: why does your dog keep shaking their head?
A head shake after a bath is one thing. When the scratching and flapping keep returning, your dog's daily routine may offer some useful clues. Read more...
Curious dog investigating its food bowl in a bright kitchen
The beef detective: could your dog's dinner be leaving clues?
Your dog cannot tell you what is bothering them, but their bowl, treat tin and daily habits may leave some surprisingly useful clues. Read more...
Tabby cat sitting beside a ceramic food bowl in a bright home kitchen
Could your cat be sensitive to fish? What to look for
Fish appears in many cat foods and treats. If your cat is itchy or has a delicate stomach, a few simple notes can help you spot useful patterns. Read more...
Dog resting indoors and looking towards its front paws
Why does my dog keep licking their paws — could food be involved?
A quick clean after a walk is one thing. Repeated licking, chewing or sore paws deserves a closer look. Here is how to collect useful clues without jumping to a... Read more...
Adult tabby cat sitting beside a saucer of milk in a bright kitchen
Can cats drink milk? The truth about lactose intolerance
The saucer of milk is a familiar image, but it may not agree with your cat. Here is what to know before pouring another one. Read more...
Golden dog sitting beside a ceramic bowl of dry food in a bright kitchen.
Chicken allergy in dogs: could their everyday food be the problem?
The dinner bowl, the training treats, the little leftovers: where does chicken feature in your dog’s day? Here’s how to explore a suspected reaction without guessing. Read more...
Reading your pet sensitivity report: a practical first guide
When your pet’s sensitivity report arrives, give yourself a little time to read it alongside your order details and the information supplied with it. You do not need to decide on every next step immediately. Start by checking what you ordered, noting the sections and writing down anything you would like clarified. We recommend using your results as a starting point and a guide. Speak to your vet before making significant or prolonged changes to your pet’s diet. Start with the right pet and order Keep your order confirmation nearby... Read more...
Open notebook and pencil beside pet food bowls, with a dog and cat in the background.
Keeping a food and symptom diary for your dog or cat
A practical way to record meals, treats and everyday observations, with a copyable diary entry and tips for keeping useful notes. Read more...
A golden retriever and a black-and-white cat relaxing together on a sofa
More than one pet? A practical guide to testing dogs, cats and horses together
Ordering for more than one pet? Learn how to mix test levels, keep samples organised and save 17% on 2–3 tests or 25% on 4 or more. Read more...
What happens after you order a Test My Pets test?
Your guide to digital instructions, registering and posting your pet’s sample, receiving results and getting help with your order. Read more...
Preparing your pet’s fur sample: what to check before you post it
Get ready to post your pet’s fur sample with a practical checklist for registration, order details, packaging and when to expect your results. Read more...
Which Test My Pets test should I choose? A guide to the four levels
Compare Standard, Plus, Ultimate and Optimum tests for dogs, cats and horses, with clear item counts and a simple explanation of what happens after you order. Read more...