Blog | Bluebell Pet Care

Is Pet First Aid Training Actually Mandatory in the UK?

Short answer: not always by law… but honestly, that's kind of missing the point. If you run a dog walking, boarding, or daycare business, you've probably Googled this exact question at 11pm while questioning your life choices. So let's clear it up, no jargon, no 3,000-word legal essay. The legal bit (I'll keep it short, promise) Whether you need a certificate depends on where you are and what you do. For dog walkers and pet sitters, there is NO legal requirement to have pet f

Aubrey Oiller

Aug 143 min read

Does Pet CPR Actually Work?

If you've ever looked up pet CPR survival rates, you've probably come across a number that made you want to close the tab: only 6–10% of pets survive to hospital discharge after CPR. Dogs sit at the lower end of that range, cats a little higher. And if your first thought was "that sounds like a lot of effort for not much chance" — you're not wrong to think that. It's a genuinely low number, and most people who share it stop right there. So let's not stop there. Human CPR look

Aubrey Oiller

Aug 32 min read

The Summer Danger Hiding in Plain Sight (In the Water) 🌊

Quick one for you before your next walk near a lake, pond, canal or reservoir — because this time of year it matters more than usual. Blue-green algae. You've probably heard the name. You might even have walked past it without realising. But here's what a lot of pet business owners don't know: Blue-green algae isn't actually algae — it's bacteria (cyanobacteria, if you want the proper term), and it can produce toxins that are genuinely dangerous to people and animals. 😬 What

Aubrey Oiller

Jul 272 min read

Are You Covered to Give Pet Medication?

💉 I've had a proper run of the same question popping up lately from pet business owners: "Can I give insulin?" "What about epilepsy meds?" "Does my insurance actually cover me for this?" And my honest answer? Don't just assume it does. 😬 Medication is just part of the job now More of us are looking after older pets, or ones with long-term conditions, and giving medication has quietly become... well, just part of the job. Insulin injections, anti-epileptic meds that need to

Aubrey Oiller

Jul 212 min read

Can You Perform CPR on a Cat?

The short answer is yes—but only in very specific circumstances. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can be performed on cats, but it's important to understand that it should only be used when a cat has stopped breathing and other checks have been made first. In all other situations, attempting CPR could do more harm than good. Knowing how to recognise the signs and what to do next could make a critical difference while you're on your way to a veterinary practice. When might

Aubrey Oiller

Jul 83 min read

When to Call an Emergency Vet vs Your Regular Vet

If you work as a dog walker, groomer, pet sitter, daycare provider, or boarder, there may come a time when a dog in your care becomes unwell or injured. Or maybe something happens like this to your own pet. In those first moments, one of the hardest decisions is knowing whether the situation can wait for the pet’s usual veterinary practice, or whether they need to be seen by an emergency vet immediately. I've been in this very position myself! It’s a responsibility that can f

Aubrey Oiller

Jun 153 min read

How to Help a Pet with a Broken Nail

A broken nail can look small, but it can be surprisingly painful for pets and often causes a lot of bleeding and discomfort. Whether it happens during exercise, on a walk, or just from snagging a claw on furniture/clothing, knowing how to respond calmly can make a big difference to your pet’s comfort while you arrange veterinary care if needed. I'll explain how to safely help a pet with a broken nail and what to watch out for. Broken nails are so painful! A pet’s nail isn’t j

Aubrey Oiller

May 253 min read

Are Tulips Toxic to Dogs?

Tulips are one of the best-loved signs of spring. Their bright colours can make any garden look cheerful after winter, but if you share your home with a dog, it’s worth knowing that tulips are not totally harmless. The short answer is yes — tulips are toxic to dogs. But not as much as you may think. If your dog enjoys sniffing flower beds, digging up bulbs, or chewing on plants, tulips are something to be aware of. What makes tulips toxic? Tulips contain natural compounds cal

Aubrey Oiller

May 123 min read

Post Ideas for April: Pet First Aid Awareness Month

If you are not sure what to post this month, here are some ideas that will actually resonate with your followers and audience.

Aubrey Oiller

Mar 302 min read

Recognising Signs of Anxiety in Pets and How Pet Business Owners Can Support Their Clients

Anxiety in pets is a common but often overlooked issue that affects many dogs and cats. For pet business owners, understanding how to recognise anxiety and support clients dealing with anxious pets can improve animal welfare and strengthen client relationships. This post explores the key signs of anxiety in dogs and cats and offers practical ways pet businesses can help their clients manage these challenges. A dog displaying anxious behavior in a calm indoor setting How Anxie

Aubrey Oiller

Mar 23 min read

The Valentine’s Day Danger Most People Do Not Know About...Lily Toxicity in Cats

Valentine’s Day is meant to be about love. Flowers, cards, romantic gestures, and little surprises. But every year I a spike on social media. The same thing happens. Well meaning people bring lilies into their homes without realising they are one of the most dangerous plants a cat can be exposed to. And the scary part... Most people have no idea. If you live with cats, work with cats, or care for them professionally, this is something you absolutely need to know. Why Lilies

Aubrey Oiller

Jan 303 min read

The Truth About Cheap Pet First Aid Courses

If you have ever searched for a pet first aid course online, you will have seen them... Courses that promise to teach you everything in an hour. Courses that cost less than a bag of dog food. Courses that say they will make you “fully prepared” without ever needing to practise. And I get it. When you are busy, on a budget, or just trying to tick a box, cheap pet first aid courses can look like a bargain. But here is the truth. When it comes to lifesaving skills, cheap does no

Aubrey Oiller

Jan 95 min read

The Meaning Behind the Purple Poppy: Honouring Animals on Remembrance Day

Each November, we wear poppies to honour the fallen. The red for soldiers, the white for peace, and the purple to remember the animals who served alongside humans during war. As we approach Remembrance Day, it’s important to pause not only for the human heroes, but also for the four-legged, winged, and hooved companions who played their part and paid the ultimate price. Even when they had no choice. In this blog, we’re exploring the story behind the purple poppy, what it symb

Aubrey Oiller

Nov 6, 20252 min read

Arthritis in Dogs and Cats

We know arthritis is a common issue with age. And when we think of arthritis, we think of humans with painful knees, creaky hips, and swollen finger joints. But. .. pet joint pain is one of the leading causes of reduced activity and pain in older animals: Around 35% of dogs over one year old are affected by osteoarthritis (OA), with much higher numbers in older or large-breed dogs. 50% of dogs are not diagnosed until they are 8+ years old One study in cats found appendic

Aubrey Oiller

Oct 28, 20253 min read

Why Do Pets Fear Fireworks? Here's What’s Really Going On in Their Sense

Fireworks and Bonfire Night might be fun for us. Bright lights, big bangs, celebration. But for our pets? It’s a sensory nightmare. Every year, animal professionals and owners watch in panic as calm, happy pets suddenly shake, whine, bolt, or hide the moment fireworks start. But have you ever wondered why they react that way? Let’s break down what’s really going on, and how you can help them feel safe. 👂 Hearing: When Loud Becomes Overwhelming Our pets hear far more than we

Aubrey Oiller

Oct 15, 20253 min read