Articles by Orla Pentelow
Orla Pentelow
Orla Pentelow is Kinship UK’s Senior Editor. She has previously written for British Vogue, Bustle, Yahoo and The Telegraph. When not at her desk liking dog videos she’s out and about with her rescue pup, Luna, who works primarily as chief distractor.
![Dog and child looking at each other sat on the grass]()
lifestyleReal-Life Puppy Love: How Dogs Bring Out the Best In Kids
A study shows cuddles with pups go beyond just comfort
A study shows cuddles with pups go beyond just comfort
![Sphynx cat]()
health‘XL Bully Cat’ Breed Trend Sparks Outrage As Experts Warn of Severe Health Risks
Experts say this AI-like breeding trend is susceptible to serious health issues
Experts say this AI-like breeding trend is susceptible to serious health issues
![pet advent calendars]()
shopping10 Must-Have Pet Advent Calendars for Cats & Dogs
(As if you need another excuse to spoil your pet this December)
(As if you need another excuse to spoil your pet this December)
![A couple sat with a red miniature poodle cross dog]()
lifestyle“My Two-Year-Old Puppy Was A Dad”: What Canine DNA Testing Taught Me About My Dog
A simple dog DNA test turned into a surprise discovery
A simple dog DNA test turned into a surprise discovery
Taking “if I fits, I sits” to a whole new level...
- nutrition
Is a Plant-Based Diet Safe for Your Cat or Dog? Experts Weigh In
Curious about a plant-based diet for your pet? Discover what science has to say about it
Curious about a plant-based diet for your pet? Discover what science has to say about it
![Several cats lying on a bench]()
lifestyleWelcome to Cat Island: Where Feline Residents Outnumber Humans 20 to 1
For cat lovers, it’s nothing short of paradise
For cat lovers, it’s nothing short of paradise
![Marley, a black and white rescue cat who won national cat of the year award 2024]()
lifestyleTherapy Cat Who Supports Trafficking Survivors Crowned Cat of the Year
The seven-year-old rescue is a shining example of the difference a little bit of feline love can make
The seven-year-old rescue is a shining example of the difference a little bit of feline love can make
![XL bully puppy]()
lifestyleOne Year On: XL Bully Ban Sees Alarming Increase in Abuse
The UK’s XL Bully ban has led to a tragic rise in cruelty cases
The UK’s XL Bully ban has led to a tragic rise in cruelty cases
![two very fluffy dogs are pushed along in a dog stroller]()
lifestyleDogs Over Babies? Strollers for Pets Outsell Baby Buggies in South Korea
With a declining (human) birth rate and fast-rising dog pup-ulation, the country looks set to be the pet parent capital of the world
With a declining (human) birth rate and fast-rising dog pup-ulation, the country looks set to be the pet parent capital of the world
![A group of dogs running towards the camera in a green field]()
lifestyleThe 10 Most Popular Dog Names For Good Pups
Spoiler alert: Luna’s no longer the top dog, but she’s still shining bright
Spoiler alert: Luna’s no longer the top dog, but she’s still shining bright
![image of English Shepherd Dog looking at camera - DNA Test Aims to Eliminate Inherited Blindness in English Shepherd Dogs]()
healthA Game-Changing DNA Test Aims to End Inherited Blindness in Dogs
How a simple cheek swab could save English Shepherds from inherited blindness with a new DNA test
How a simple cheek swab could save English Shepherds from inherited blindness with a new DNA test
![Colin the Caterpillar pet toy Marks & Spencer]()
shoppingYour Dog Can Now Enjoy the Iconic Colin the Caterpillar – Sort Of
The Marks & Spencer staple is now available in a dog-friendly form
The Marks & Spencer staple is now available in a dog-friendly form
![dogs running with a football]()
behaviour5 Types of Enrichment Every Dog Needs
A well-enriched dog is a happy dog – and who wouldn’t want that?
A well-enriched dog is a happy dog – and who wouldn’t want that?
![Beagle dog lying on a suitcase]()
lifestyleWhat to Do With Your Dog When You Go Away On Holiday
Whether you’ve got a laid-back Lab or a temperamental Terrier, there’s a pet care option for everyone
Whether you’ve got a laid-back Lab or a temperamental Terrier, there’s a pet care option for everyone
![Misty the admin dog]()
lifestyleCrime-Fighting Canines & Pups With Backpacks: Meet the Dogs Holding Down Unusual Jobs
See also: doggos with jobbos
See also: doggos with jobbos
![man holding dog lead and collar]()
lifestyleWhat to Do, Practically, When Your Pet Dies
It might not be something you ever want to think about, but planning ahead will be a help when the time comes
It might not be something you ever want to think about, but planning ahead will be a help when the time comes
- health
When is it Too Hot to Walk Your Dog?
How to keep your dog safe, happy and active all summer long
How to keep your dog safe, happy and active all summer long
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healthHow to Keep Your Dog Cool This Summer as Animal Charities Warn of Hot Spell
Animal welfare charities and veterinary organisations have teamed up to urge on pet parents to get clued up ahead of the warm weather
Animal welfare charities and veterinary organisations have teamed up to urge on pet parents to get clued up ahead of the warm weather
- lifestyle
Viral TikTok Trends Are Cute, But Does Your Pet Enjoy Them?
The real impact of social media trends on your pets’ well-being
The real impact of social media trends on your pets’ well-being
![dog looking up at white woman putting hair up in a mirror]()
And what you can do inside instead
![Glen Powell and his dog Brisket wearing Stetson hats]()
lifestyleNepo Pups Are the Real Stars of the Summer, and They’re Living the High Life
Move over Brat Girl Summer, the nepo dogs are here to stay
Move over Brat Girl Summer, the nepo dogs are here to stay
![Person walking dog on lead]()
lifestyleUnexpected Safety Hacks For Anxious Dog Parents
Ways to keep your dog safe that you’ve never thought of
Ways to keep your dog safe that you’ve never thought of
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lifestyleRenters Reform Bill: Can My Landlord Ban Me From Having Pets?
Know your rights as new legislation comes into place
Know your rights as new legislation comes into place
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shoppingAmazon Prime Day Deals: Spoil Your Pets Without Breaking the Bank
Who says sales are just for humans?
Who says sales are just for humans?
![picture of trent alexander-arnold holding a french bulldog and smiling]()
lifestyleThe England Team’s Number One WAGs
It's coming home, but who are the pups the players are going home to?
It's coming home, but who are the pups the players are going home to?
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nutrition | Can My Dog Eat This?Can Dogs Eat Cherries?
As long as it’s not on top of a cake, the answer is yes
As long as it’s not on top of a cake, the answer is yes
![Black Labrador with an employee lanyard]()
lifestyleLabs Hired at Tewkesbury Abbey to “Put Visitors at Ease”
The dynamic duo have already made a paws-itive impact
The dynamic duo have already made a paws-itive impact
![Labrador outside polling station in the sun]()
lifestyle#DogsAtPollingStations Are Taking Their Pet Parents To Vote
Number one concern? The cheese tax
Number one concern? The cheese tax
![Gun dog in a field]()
behaviourBorn This Way: How to Meet The Needs of Your Dog’s Breed
Different breeds need different things...
Different breeds need different things...
![person hugging their dog on a sofa]()
lifestyle40 Percent of Brits Think They Should Get PTO When Their Pet Dies
The death of a pet is a heartbreaking time. A new poll shows Brits would like their workplaces to recognise that
The death of a pet is a heartbreaking time. A new poll shows Brits would like their workplaces to recognise that
![person holding a dogs face in their hands]()
lifestyleRehoming Centres ‘At Breaking Point’ as Animals Arrive Faster Than They Leave, Says RSPCA
Animal rescue centres are full as costs to provide emergency shelter mount to approximately £500,000 a month
Animal rescue centres are full as costs to provide emergency shelter mount to approximately £500,000 a month
![woman hugging a Dalmatian]()
healthDalmatians May Be the Key to Spotting Genetic Diseases, Say Scientists
Those spots aren’t just for show...
Those spots aren’t just for show...
![Tibetan Spaniel dog sitting in a suitcase]()
behaviourSo You’re Off On Holiday – Here’s How to Prepare Your Dog for a Daycare Staycation of Their Own
A guide to a stress-free break – for you and your pup
A guide to a stress-free break – for you and your pup
- nutrition | Can My Dog Eat This?
Can Dogs Eat Pineapple?
Whip out the Hawaiian shirt, pineapple is a go for dogs
Whip out the Hawaiian shirt, pineapple is a go for dogs
![Dog in a car seat being strapped into the seat belt by their harness]()
lifestyleHow to Keep Your Dog Safe In a Car According to Experts (and the Law)
Including how to stop them jumping out the window whilst you’re driving...
Including how to stop them jumping out the window whilst you’re driving...
![Jack Russell dog on beach looking at a jellyfish]()
healthA British Guide to the Countryside – For City Dogs
From thorns and grass seeds to more insidious threats such as snake bites and jellyfish stings, there’s a lot to watch out for
From thorns and grass seeds to more insidious threats such as snake bites and jellyfish stings, there’s a lot to watch out for
![Woman with ginger hair at a table with her laptop and her white dog on her lap]()
lifestyleDogs Trust Invites Dog Lovers to Participate in the National Dog Survey
There’s nothing dog parents love talking about more than their pups, so why not tell the world about them?
There’s nothing dog parents love talking about more than their pups, so why not tell the world about them?
![Golden retriever lying in grass with red eyes]()
healthHealth Warning as Pet Parents Urged To Keep Animals Indoors During Peak Pollen Times
Pet parents are being urged to keep their pets indoors during peak pollen times “until September”
Pet parents are being urged to keep their pets indoors during peak pollen times “until September”
![Confused dog lying in a field a green]()
healthHow to Spot if Your Dog Has Ingested Cannabis as RSPCA Issues Warning
The charity has seen an influx of marijuana poisoning cases in recent years
The charity has seen an influx of marijuana poisoning cases in recent years
![a small brown kitten is bottle fed]()
healthRSPCA Urges Pet Parents to Neuter Cats Ahead of Kitten Season
The charity is expecting an influx of kittens this summer
The charity is expecting an influx of kittens this summer
![Baby Lasagna Croatia Eurovision entry 2024 and a cat]()
Meow back, dammit
![Human and golden retriever greeted by captain at the stairs of a private jet with BarkAir logo]()
lifestyleNew Dog-Friendly Airline Takes Off in the UK This Month
On these flights, dogs come first and humans second
On these flights, dogs come first and humans second
- behaviour
Can You Train Your Dog to Use a Litter Box?
Whilst typically associated with cats, the idea of litter trays for dogs isn’t entirely far-fetched
Whilst typically associated with cats, the idea of litter trays for dogs isn’t entirely far-fetched
![Newfoundland dog in the arms its owner]()
lifestyleThe Most Expensive Dog Breeds to Insure (How to Reduce Your Pet Insurance Premium)
How to get that insurance premium down (without sacrificing your pup’s health)
How to get that insurance premium down (without sacrificing your pup’s health)
![Taylor Swift holding two small kittens in each hand and smiling down at them]()
lifestyleTaylor Swift-Inspired Pet Names (From Every Era)
In celebration of her latest album, The Tortured Poets Department, we unleash the best Taylor Swift-inspired pet names for all the Swifties out there
In celebration of her latest album, The Tortured Poets Department, we unleash the best Taylor Swift-inspired pet names for all the Swifties out there
It’s more than just an adorable habit…
![cat in red bow tie being held up by hand]()
lifestyle8 Things You Needn’t Splurge On For Your Pet (If You Don’t Want To)
If you don’t buy these things for your beloved cat or dog, you’re not a bad pet parent
If you don’t buy these things for your beloved cat or dog, you’re not a bad pet parent
![woman on the bus with her dog on the chair]()
An awkward reality for many of us
![Man walking his dog on a pavement]()
We delve into the age-old debate
- lifestyle
What Are The Different Types Of Pet Insurance?
Everything you need to know about how pet insurance works in the UK
Everything you need to know about how pet insurance works in the UK
Don’t start packing those treats just yet...
![dog running through a field of yellow flowers jumping up at their pet parent]()
health5 Ways To Keep Your Pup Safe This Spring
There’s no need to worry, if you know what to look out for
There’s no need to worry, if you know what to look out for
![Woman with brown hair on hand and knees with yellow cleaning gloves on, cleaning the floor whilst a black Labrador watches on]()
lifestylePet-Safe Cleaning Products
Because we have to look after the four-legged family members, too
Because we have to look after the four-legged family members, too
![Dog lying on grass with a child standing next to them holding an easter basket filled with eggs.]()
lifestyleHow to Organise an Easter Egg Hunt For Your Pup
Want to include your four-legged family member in the seasonal fun? Of course you do
Want to include your four-legged family member in the seasonal fun? Of course you do
![German Shepherd with Bunny ears and Easter products around]()
shoppingThe Best Easter Treats and Toys For Dogs
How to include your pup in the Easter celebrations (no chocolate allowed)
How to include your pup in the Easter celebrations (no chocolate allowed)
Sometimes ‘sharing is caring’ isn’t the best advice
![black and white Corgi puppy eating out of a yellow dog bowl]()
nutritionCould Your Dog’s Diet Be Changing Their Behaviour?
It turns out the saying ‘you are what you eat’ isn’t just for humans
It turns out the saying ‘you are what you eat’ isn’t just for humans
![Long haired blonde lhasa apso dog at crufts 2024]()
We can only dream of having hair as good as these pups
![action shot of a black and white Border Collie coming out of a tunnel section of a dog agility course at Crufts]()
behaviourWhat Does it Take to Be a Crufts Competitor? Tips From World-Class Trainers
And they all say the same simple thing…
And they all say the same simple thing…
![white dog looking up at a table with a plate filled with food on it]()
healthShould I Let My Dog Eat Off My Plate?
What are the potential health implications for both humans and hounds?
What are the potential health implications for both humans and hounds?
![Dog holding a toy and looking up at their owner]()
And should you be worried?
![Man wearing grey T-shirt and shorts with trainers walks alongside his dog on the lead in the woods]()
How to set boundaries and protect your pup
![Two women walking several dogs in Copenhagen with colourful leads and accessories.]()
shoppingHAY Has Launched a Dog Range and Your Daily Walk Just Got More Stylish
Run, don’t walk to get your hands on this delightful collab
Run, don’t walk to get your hands on this delightful collab
![Golden retriever puppy chewing and pulling on lead as pet parent tries to walk them]()
behaviourHow to Tackle Common ‘Pandemic Puppy’ Issues
Turns out, humans weren’t the only ones affected
Turns out, humans weren’t the only ones affected
![tri-colour, calico cat, white, black and tabby cat lying on their back with their paws lifted, looking at the camera]()
behaviour10 Common Cat Myths (That Are Actually False)
Peel back the layers of mystery to discover the truth about our feline friends
Peel back the layers of mystery to discover the truth about our feline friends
![Woman lying on bed with dog, dog is looking up at the woman and licking her in the face]()
How many kisses is too many kisses?
![French bulldog lying on a bed with their head at a tilt]()
behaviour9 Common Dog Myths (That Are Actually False)
Sorry to break it to you, you might not know your pup as well as you think you do
Sorry to break it to you, you might not know your pup as well as you think you do
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behaviourHow to Work Out What ‘Drives’ Your Dog
You might already have a good idea of what your dog likes, but it‘s not always that straightforward
You might already have a good idea of what your dog likes, but it‘s not always that straightforward
![Man with glasses on the phone with dog on his lap]()
healthWhat to Do When Your Dog Eats Something Toxic
So Fido has been in your chocolate stash... here’s what to do
So Fido has been in your chocolate stash... here’s what to do
![Grey XL Bully looking up at camera]()
behaviourHow to Protect Your XL Bully Under the New Ban
How to keep your dog happy and healthy under the new legislation
How to keep your dog happy and healthy under the new legislation
![Photo Courtesy of @doug.thexlbully]()
behaviourHow to Muzzle Train Your Dog
Contrary to common belief, muzzles aren’t solely for aggressive dogs
Contrary to common belief, muzzles aren’t solely for aggressive dogs
![dog in snow wearing a coat]()
lifestyleWhen Is it Too Cold to Take My Dog For a Walk?
It’s not as simple as one universal temperature for all
It’s not as simple as one universal temperature for all
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How to get your dog home, should the worst happen
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behaviourWhat to Do If Your Cat Goes Missing
Cats might be curious creatures, but when yours goes missing it can send the most composed pet parent into a spin
Cats might be curious creatures, but when yours goes missing it can send the most composed pet parent into a spin
