8 UK Seasonal Events Impacting Your Dog's Routine in 2025

Owning a dog in the UK offers joy all year with several seasonal events that can affect your dog's routine and wellbeing. This detailed guide highlights eight important UK events in 2025, providing expert advice to help keep your dog comfortable and safe. Whether you're welcoming a new puppy or caring for a pregnant dog, understanding these events allows you to offer the best care and ensure your companion remains calm and healthy throughout the year.

If you are looking to add a puppy to your family, it’s important to choose from Pets4Homes puppies, where ethical breeders committed to health and welfare offer various breeds. For example, if you are interested in French Bulldog puppies, trusted breeders listed here can guide responsible acquisition in line with UK standards.

1. Crufts (6-9 March 2025, NEC Birmingham)

Crufts is the world's most prestigious dog show and a splendid celebration of canine excellence with competitions and training demos.

• Impact: The noise, large crowds, and flurry of activity may overwhelm shy or nervous dogs.
• Tips for Owners:

1. Build your dog's confidence by gradually exposing them to busy environments well ahead of time.
2. Bring familiar toys and blankets to provide a sense of security amid the excitement.
3. Ensure regular hydration and rest breaks to prevent exhaustion.

2. Dogstival (31 May – 1 June 2025, New Forest)

Dogstival is a dog-friendly festival featuring splash pools, agility courses, music, and plenty of fun activities for dogs.

• Impact: The increased physical activity and sensory stimulation may disrupt normal routines.
• Tips for Owners:

1. Closely monitor your dog’s energy to avoid overexertion.
2. Provide shaded spots and fresh water, especially in warm weather.
3. Use dog-safe sunscreen on breeds with thin coats or light skin to prevent sunburn.

3. Paws in the Park (Sussex May 17-18, Kent September 20-21)

This event promotes socialisation with family-friendly activities and agility courses across multiple UK locations.

• Impact: Dogs unfamiliar with groups may experience stress or anxiety.
• Tips for Owners:

1. Start early socialisation in controlled environments to prepare your dog.
2. Consider calming aids like pheromone sprays or anxiety wraps for nervous dogs.
3. Reward positive social interactions with treats and praise.

4. All About Dogs Show Series (Various 2025, regional venues)

These shows combine shopping zones and training demos, perfect for dog education and enrichment.

• Impact: New surroundings can cause overstimulation in some dogs.
• Tips for Owners:

1. Begin with short visits and gradually increase time to build tolerance.
2. Use commands and rewards to maintain control and focus.
3. Check event schedules for quieter times to avoid crowds.

5. Royal Cornwall Show Dog Events (5-7 June 2025, Wadebridge)

These events focus on pedigree dogs, requiring excellent health and grooming in bustling environments.

• Impact: Strict standards and crowds can increase stress levels.
• Tips for Owners:

1. Maintain consistent grooming and health routines before the event.
2. If your dog is pregnant, familiarise yourself with dog pregnancy signs week by week to decide on attendance.
3. Consult your vet regarding safety of participation during pregnancy.

6. Bonfire Night & Fireworks Season (5 November 2025 and adjacent dates)

Fireworks are a common source of anxiety particularly for young puppies and sensitive breeds like French Bulldog puppies.

• Impact: Dogs may show shaking, hiding, or destructive behaviour due to stress.
• Tips for Owners:

1. Create a secure, quiet indoor retreat with familiar toys and blankets.
2. Use pheromone diffusers or vet-approved calming products if needed.
3. Anxiety wraps or pressure jackets are helpful, especially for French Bulldogs.
4. Never administer human medication like Calpol; always check with your vet for safe treatments.
5. Begin desensitisation early by playing low-volume recordings of fireworks paired with treats to build positive associations.

7. Winter Weather Challenges (December 2025 - February 2026)

Cold weather, ice, and shorter daylight affect your dog's health and routine.

• Impact: Risks include hypothermia, paw pad damage from road salts, and reduced exercise leading to weight gain.
• Tips for Owners:

1. Limit time outdoors in severe cold, especially for puppies, elderly, or short-haired dogs.
2. Use coats or jumpers to protect your dog.
3. Wash paws after walks to remove salts or chemicals.
4. Adjust exercise routines according to weather conditions.

8. Summer Heatwave and Holiday Season (June-August 2025)

The UK summer heatwaves bring heatstroke risks and routine disruptions during holidays.

• Impact: Risks include heatstroke, dehydration, and travel disruptions.
• Tips for Owners:

1. Provide constant access to fresh water and shaded rest areas.
2. Avoid walks during peak heat hours to prevent overheating.
3. Ensure vaccinations and pet passports are up to date if travelling abroad with your dog.

Responsible Dog Ownership: Buying and Caring Tips

How to buy a dog responsibly in the UK?

• Choose reputable breeders prioritising health, temperament, and welfare.
• Use trusted platforms like Pets4Homes puppies with verified breeders.
• Avoid puppy farms and unregulated sellers by visiting breeders and checking health clearances.
• Remember Lucy’s Law which bans buying puppies from third parties, promoting ethical sourcing.

Where to get a puppy?

• Consider adoption via rescue or breed-specific centres for a rewarding start.
• For popular breeds like French Bulldogs, find ethical breeders through Pets4Homes French Bulldog puppies.

Dog Pregnancy Signs Week by Week:

• Weeks 1-2: Subtle behavioural changes like mild fatigue or appetite shifts may appear; pregnancy is largely undetectable.
• Week 3: Increased appetite, slight nipple changes, some behavioural affection may be seen.
• Week 4: Veterinary ultrasound typically confirms pregnancy; mammary glands swell; physical activity may reduce.
• Weeks 5-7: Abdomen visibly enlarges, weight gain and nesting behaviours start.
• Weeks 8-9: Preparations for whelping increase; restlessness and nesting peak.
• Typical gestation lasts about 9 weeks; regular vet checks ensure mother and pups’ health.

Can you give dogs Calpol? No; Calpol contains paracetamol, harmful to dogs. Always seek veterinary advice for safe medication.

Calming French Bulldog Puppies During Fireworks:

• Provide a quiet, secure space with comforting aids like anxiety jackets and pheromone diffusers.
• Use gradual desensitisation to fireworks sounds paired with positive reinforcement.
• Consult your vet if anxiety is severe for tailored solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to buy a dog responsibly in the UK?

Choose reputable, registered breeders who allow visits and offer health guarantees. Avoid puppy farms and online scams. Adoption centres are also excellent sources for a new companion.

Where to get a puppy in the UK?

Adopt from rescues or select ethical breeders via platforms like Pets4Homes puppies. Adoption often includes health assessments and a loving home.

Can you give dogs Calpol?

Never give Calpol to dogs; it contains paracetamol which is toxic. Always consult your vet for safe alternatives.

What are signs of dog pregnancy week by week?

Signs progress from subtle behavioural changes and appetite shifts early on, to visible abdominal enlargement, nipple changes, and nesting behaviours by late pregnancy. Veterinary monitoring is essential.

How can I calm French Bulldog puppies during fireworks?

Create a quiet safe space, use calming aids like pheromone diffusers and anxiety wraps, and practice gradual desensitisation to fireworks sounds with treat rewards. For severe anxiety, veterinary advice is crucial.

Conclusion

Seasonal events throughout 2025 offer exciting experiences but require mindful management to maintain your dog's wellbeing. Preparing in advance, maintaining consistent routines, and providing safe, comforting environments during stressful times like fireworks or extreme weather are key to a happy dog.

Always source puppies responsibly from reputable breeders or adoption centres, respecting UK laws like Lucy’s Law and prioritising canine welfare. Avoid administering human medications without veterinary guidance.

Staying attentive and proactive across the seasons strengthens your bond and ensures a safe, joyful life for your beloved dog.