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My wonder WOMB-AN: Fiancé’s cousin made our baby dream come true

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Top 12 best dog food brands: loved by pets, recommended by us and approved by vets

The best dog GPS trackers offer a great way to keep your pup safe and your anxieties at bay. We've all been there where dogs go sniffing or get lost when out and about on a walk. With this nifty piece of tech, you can just add to their collar, and you'll never have to worry about losing sight of your dog again, which is why they’re a great :a[dog walking accessory]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/dog-walking-accessories/' }.

If you’re wondering how does a dog GPS tracker work, they basically are little collar attachments with a GPS loaded inside them so you can keep an eye on your pooch if they go walkabout. They’re designed to plot your pet’s location on a map that’s connected to an app on your smartphone. So, if your dog ever goes walkabout by themselves or bolts off chasing something into the unknown, you just need to get your phone out to hunt them back down, no more using a :a[dog whistle]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/best-dog-whistle/' } to try and get your dog to return to you.

## Best dog GPS tracker at a glance: {#h-best-dog-gps-tracker-at-a-glance}

**• Best dog GPS tracker overall:** Tractive GPS Dog 4 – :a[View on Amazon UK]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tractive-Tracker-Location-Activity-Monitoring/dp/B08M6H284G?tag=qtabparticle1113-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}  
**• Best compact dog GPS tracker:** Weenect GPS Tracker – :a[View on Amazon UK]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/Weenect-Dogs-GPS-tracker/dp/B07HG21PPD/?tag=qtabparticle1113-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}  
**• Best dog GPS tracker with voice and light tracking:** Pawfit 3 Pet GPS Tracker – :a[View on Amazon UK]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pawfit-Activity-Included-Embedded-Waterproof/dp/B082F7J7LW/?Tag=qtabparticle1113-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}

While the primary function of dog GPS trackers is to pinpoint your pup’s exact location, many trackers have additional features that make them a worthwhile kit to invest in. You can often use them to record the route of your walks and the length of them as well, and some even provide stats on your pup’s health based on their activity so you can keep an eye on them from that perspective too.

When it comes to choosing the right tracker for you and your pooch, there are a couple of factors to consider. We’ve explored these in more detail in our FAQs, but you want to think about the overall size and weight, the battery life, how durable it is, the compatibility with your smartphone and what additional fees you may have to pay to access the full functionality of your chosen tracker. Ready to invest? Here are our top picks for the best dog GPS tracker.

## The best dog GPS trackers to buy UK 2024

## How we chose the best dog GPS trackers UK {#h-how-we-chose-the-best-dog-gps-trackers-uk}

All of these dog GPS trackers have been hand-selected by our team of Take A Break Pets shopping experts. We carefully considered quality, connectivity and ease of use in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching dog GPS trackers to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.

And, with pets big and small on our team, where possible, we'll share the best products that have been tried and tested by us and our own furry friends who have given their paw of approval.

## Are dog GPS trackers worth it? {#h-are-dog-gps-trackers-worth-it}

As dog owners, we’d do anything to keep our pups safe and knowing where they are at all times is a big part of that. For that peace of mind alone, we’d say that dog GPS trackers are 100% worth it. If your pooch ever slipped their lead while out on a walk or they found a way to get out of your garden and go walkabout, the best GPS trackers will soon help you be reunited with your canine companion. So, you can put on your :a[dog walking coat]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/dog-walking-coat/' } and head out with your pooch safe in the knowledge that the GPS tracker will help you to keep an eye on your pup at all times.

## How do I choose a dog GPS tracker? {#h-how-do-i-choose-a-dog-gps-tracker}

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing the best dog GPS tracker for your pooch. We’ve explored them below:

### Size and weight: {#h-size-and-weight}

Choose a dog GPS tracker that’s the right size and weight for your pooch. Your pooch will not want to wear a tracker that’s uncomfortable, so you’ll want to bear in mind whether your chosen tracker is suitable for your dog. For example, smaller dogs will need one that’s lighter compared to bigger dogs that can withstand the weight of a heavier tracker.

A GPS tracker for dogs will only work if it has sufficient battery to run, so it won’t be a lot of use if you go to check on the whereabouts of your beloved furry bestie and it’s flat. If you’re someone who likes to go on long walks with your dog or you’re heading on a camping holiday with your pooch where electricity isn’t widely available, make sure you’ve got a tracker that has a long battery life so you’re not worrying about the charge running out.

Look for a tracker that’s able to withstand everything your dog and the elements has to throw at it. If your pup likes to get down and dirty, make sure your chosen tracker is a heavy-duty one that’s able to stand up against a bit of rough play. If your pup loves a swim in local rivers or ponds, or if you like to head out on walks even if it’s raining, you may want to consider one that’s waterproof or water resistant up to a certain level.

Most dog GPS trackers will require you to have a smartphone so you can see where your dog is heading via an app. You’ll want to make sure the tracker you pick is compatible with your phone and/or your operating system, like iOS (if you have an Apple iPhone) or Android (for Samsung or Google Pixel owners, for example).

Some dog GPS trackers require subscriptions to unlock the full range of benefits, like real-time tracking and historical location data. Make sure you consider the cost of the subscription and whether it fits within your budget.

_:a[Rosie Floyd]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/author/rosie-floyd/' } is a Pets, Homes and Garden Product Writer for Take A Break Pets, specialising in all things dogs. She grew up always having at least one dog as part of the family and has experience in owning a variety of breeds, including Labradors, Cockapoos and Yorkshire Terriers._

The best dog GPS tracker to keep an eye on your pooch

While a big part of keeping your pup safe on a walk, choosing the best lead for puppy dogs is more than just the practicality of keeping them suitably controlled and restrained while out and about. The :a[right dog lead]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/best-dog-leads/' } plays a crucial part in the early training and development of your little bundle of fluff. The best puppy leads and proper training reinforces obedience and helps your little pup understand the boundaries and expectations you have while you’re outside of the home. How to walk on a lead is one of the fundamental skills you will teach your pooch in the first year of their life, which is why making sure you’ve got a suitable puppy lead is so important.

When bringing a new pup home, one of the things dog owners look forward to is taking them on their first walk (after they’ve been fully vaccinated, of course). When your puppy is still small, every walk seems like a big outdoor adventure with new sights and smells to see and sniff. A good walk offers a chance for your pup to burn off some of that infamous puppy energy while exploring the big wide world beyond their home. Not to mention, strengthen the bond between you and your new canine companion as they experience everything the great outdoors has to offer for the first time. However, getting to the stage where walks are safe and enjoyable for you both requires some training and a good quality puppy lead.

## Best lead for a puppy at a glance: {#h-best-lead-for-a-puppy-at-a-glance}

• **Best lead for puppies overall:** EZYDOG Zero Shock Dog Lead – :a[View on Amazon UK]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/EzyDog-Shock-Absorbing-Leash-Purple/dp/B00AR3EWS6?tag=qtabparticle1286-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}  
• **Best reflective puppy lead:** TRUE LOVE Dog Leash Puppy Walking Lead – :a[View on Amazon UK]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/TrueLove-TLL2111-Traction-Reflective-Available/dp/B01M74T3OB?tag=qtabparticle1286-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}  
• **Best retractable lead for puppy:** TUG Tiny 360° Tangle-Free Retractable Dog Lead – :a[View on Amazon UK]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/TUG-Tangle-Free-Retractable-Anti-Slip-One-Handed/dp/B08D3NH4KM?tag=qtabparticle1286-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}

When it comes to choosing the best lead for puppy dogs, you’ll want to think beyond the overall aesthetics of your chosen lead and whether they match your :a[pup’s collar]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/best-dog-collar/' } (although we’d argue that’s still a very important part of the decision) and consider the overall functionality, comfort and safety it will bring to your walk to make them a great experience for you both. Does your chosen lead have a safety clip to help keep the connection between the lead and collar or harness strong? Is the lead comfortable for you to hold in your hand while also being comfortable for your pup to wear? Can the length of the lead be adjusted to offer more or less freedom when required or does it have reflective strips for higher visibility in low light settings? You should think about your requirements from a lead and then ask yourself those questions to ensure you’re getting the best puppy lead for you and your pooch.

Whether you’re after a durable lead that will hopefully be a bit more chew-resistant against those razor-sharp puppy teeth or a :a[retractable lead]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/the-best-retractable-dog-lead/' } that can be extended as your pup grows more confident walking on the lead, we’ve rounded up the best leads for puppy dogs to help you find the paw-fect one for you and your pooch. We’ve also got some tips from the Dog Behaviour and Training Specialist at :a[Woodgreen Pets Charity]{href='https://woodgreen.org.uk/' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'} for teaching your puppy to walk on a lead and more in our FAQs.

## Best lead for a puppy {#h-best-lead-for-a-puppy}

## How we chose the best lead for a puppy {#h-how-we-chose-the-best-lead-for-a-puppy}

All of these puppy leads have been hand-selected by our team of Take A Break Pets shopping experts. We carefully considered functionality, comfort and safety in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching puppy leads to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.

And, with pets big and small on our team, where possible we'll share the best products that have been tried and tested by us and our own furry friends who have given their paw of approval.

Here at Take a Break Pets, we understand that while teaching your puppy to walk on a lead is a big milestone for you both, it can be quite a daunting task. That's why we put some frequently asked questions about the subject to Britt Rosendahl, Dog Behaviour and Training Specialist at :a[Woodgreen Pets Charity]{href='https://woodgreen.org.uk/' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'}, so you're equipped with all the knowledge you need to make sure lead and walk training is a rewarding and enjoyable process for you and your pup.

### At what age should I start using a lead with my puppy? {#h-at-what-age-should-i-start-using-a-lead-with-my-puppy}

As soon as possible! Most families take their puppy home when they’re about eight weeks old, which is a great time to introduce their new pet to wearing a harness or collar and lead.

### How do I introduce my puppy to a lead? {#h-how-do-i-introduce-my-puppy-to-a-lead}

It’s important to get your pup used to wearing a collar/harness and lead before you venture out on any walks. Do this in a calm environment where your puppy feels safe and there aren’t too many distractions – at home or in the garden, for example. Put the collar/harness and lead on for very short periods of time and reward them with lots of tasty treats or a fun game.

Once your puppy is comfortable wearing the equipment, practise walking with it on around the house or in the garden. Be patient and supportive while your puppy is getting used to walking on a lead. You can start off by taking a few steps backwards and making your puppy come towards you while you’re holding the lead – don’t forget to have plenty of tasty tidbits to hand to reward your pup.

The next step is to get your puppy used to walking next to you on the lead – again, with the help of tasty treats, such as dried liver or sausage. Put the treat right in front of your puppy’s nose and lure them next to you. Dish out lots of treats in this position so they learn it’s the best place to be! Once you start moving, lure your puppy with a treat so they’re walking beside you and give treats every few steps. Keep your puppy engaged and make it a pleasurable experience by giving them lots of praise and positive verbal feedback. Once your puppy is comfortable walking on a lead in the garden or at home, you can then practise this out and about.

## Top tips for training your puppy to walk on a lead: {#h-top-tips-for-training-your-puppy-to-walk-on-a-lead}

• Puppies have short attention spans so keep training sessions short and distractions to a minimum. One-minute sessions at a time is more than enough.

• Be patient! Puppies are still learning many things about their environment so it’s quite common for them to stop and stare at things while on walks. If your pup puts the breaks on, see if you can minimise distractions or throw some treats on the floor to get them moving again. Don’t pull their lead or collar to make them walk, however.

• Teach your puppy a marker word such as ‘good’ or ‘yes’ and always follow this with a treat. Your puppy will then start to understand which behaviour will be rewarded.

• Use lots of small and tasty treats – people are often surprised at how frequently they need to reward their dog during loose lead walk training.

• Pick up on early signs your puppy might be nervous or avoidant of putting on a :a[dog harness]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/best-dog-harnesses-uk/' }/collar and talk to a professional. It’s important not to wait until it becomes a bigger problem.

Best lead for puppy dogs to use on their first walk and beyond

Climb through tunnels and whizz down the slides of giant wooden play structures that look like something from a fairytale, enjoy messy play and get soaked in the outdoor wet play area, enjoy sensory play, chase each other round the huge indoor soft play, bounce on the jumping pillows, visit the farm and zoo animals, step inside the lemur enclosure, and meet Hobbledown's real-life characters. This is a place where imaginations can run wild, and where fun feels less commercialised that other days out attractions. There are two Hobbledown Heaths, one in Hounslow, West London, and one in Epsom, Surrey. We visited the one in Epsom.

I visited on a bank holiday Friday during the Easter break, with my husband and two sons, Odhran, aged 8, and Reuben, aged 5. Its was raining in the morning but turned into a beautiful warm day, with blue skies, which was a relief as most of what there is to enjoy here is outdoors. It is best to visit during the warmer months when the weather is more reliable. But if rain affects more than an hour of your visit, Hobbledown will issue you a 50 per cent return admission voucher that is valid for rebooking within one month. The bit of rainy we had didn't interfere with our enjoyment of the day in the slightest.

There is so much to see and do at Hobbledown. It's an adventure park, farm and small zoo combined. We visited during the Easter school holidays when there were additional activities on offer, such as a Golden Egg Hunt, Spring Story Time, and archery (rubber ended bow, suitable for all ages). There was so much to see that we didn't have time to visit a lot of the animals.

The outdoor water play area is directly in front of you as you enter. So, most kids will make a beeline to the water pumps, pipes, funnels and tipping jugs. We found some of the tipping jugs weren't working properly but that didn't stop the boys enjoying themselves. I was grateful for the advice of a friend who previously visited Hobbledown and told me to pack a towel and dry clothes as my youngest was soaked from head to toe within minutes. It got the day off to a fun-filled start. Luckily, you're allowed to exit and re-enter so my husband could take the heavy bag of sopping wet clothes out to the car, instead of having to carry them around all day. Next to the outdoor water play area is a giant wooden structure where the boys quickly made friends with other kids and they all enjoyed chasing each other around, climbing and playing hide and seek. I joined in for a game myself and found it fun with lots of areas to duck and dive and hide behind. The Easter Bunny was roaming around with enchanted characters creating huge bubbles. But my boys couldn't be torn away from the wooden play structure.

This is a wonderful addition to Hobbledown as it offers a bit of respite should it rain. We headed into The Imaginarium when it started to drizzle. There's a large water table area, where little ones can enjoy water play without getting soaked. There are little boats and water shooters you can aim at wheels to make them turn, alongside kinetic sand tables. Then there's an area that's a couple of levels high, with tunnels and rope nets for climbing. It's also part reptile house. As they're climbing and crawling around, children can discover creatures in glass enclosures, including a tarantula and poison dart frogs. They're being encourage to creep and crawl alongside the creepy-crawlies, and it's a wonderful idea.

The rainy morning meant the indoor playbarn was busy. But considering it was during the Easter holidays, it wasn't heaving, and it didn't take long before we found a table to sit at, while the boys chased each other round the soft play. The soft play was huge, with lots of slides, tunnels and trampolines. There was also a gated toddler area for under 3s, with its own mini play-frame, sensory lights and mirrors. The boys spent about 45mins in the indoor playbarn, and would have spent longer only they were keen to go explore Fern's Castle.

The sun was out by the time we ventured down to Fern's Castle. This fairytale castle is an impressive structure, where kids can have endless fun. Made of metal and wood, it has tunnels, towers and slides to explore.

There was story time and a move and groove session with characters at The Thinkery during our visit, but my boys deemed these activities too babyish for them. This is probably more suitable to under 5s and certainly something my boys would have really enjoyed when they were a bit younger. The toddlers there seemed to be having a great time engaging with the characters and dancing along.

This is an area of Hobbledown we'll need to revisit to fully explore. Hobbledown Epsom is home to a variety of animals including: armadillo, ring-tailed lemur, camel, meerkat, wallaby, prairie dog, otters, mara, pygmy goat, alpaca, capybara, giant rabbits, sheep and pigs. There were a couple of times during the day when we could go inside the Lemur enclosure. We waited for the last slot in the afternoon but by then it was a little windy and the lemurs refused to come out and play. So, if you want to enjoy this part of your visit, it might be best to attend the earlier slot to give yourself a second chance to visit in the afternoon if the lemurs aren't playing ball. You can pay extra for experience days, whether it's feeding the meerkats or a full zookeeper experience. We saw a few animals while making our way around Hobbledown, including the tortoise. But some enclosures were closed during our visit. You can purchase food to feed the farm animals.

A range of bird of prey rest in their aviaries and throughout the summer there are daily flying displays on peak days (weekends and school holidays).

You'll find different characters roaming around Hobbledown on different dates. These include Fern the fairy, Professor Topperpot, Sludgebucket, the colourful Flower Ranger, and the mischievous Skibblers. The characters help to add to the sense of fairytale magic at Hobbledown.

There's a giant bouncy pillow and water pillow, which the boys loved, as these activities are always a hit with kids. There was a big outdoor messy play area, where Odhran seemed completely lost in his own imagination. Reuben loved the wooden dragon sleigh and the wicker basket swing.

Hobbledown run extra special events during occasions such as Easter, Halloween and Christmas. We visited during the Easter school holidays and extra activities included in the cost were a Golden Egg Scavenger Hunt, which the boys really enjoyed. They collected a treat on the way out, after finding eggs hidden all around Hobbledown. We enjoyed taking pictures at the Easter Bunny meet and greet. There was also a build your own bunny workshop, to stuff your own cuddle toy, and a bunny brunch, both of which guests could play extra to enjoy. During our visit there was archery. This is available on peak days. So, weekends and school holidays. Archery is usually an additional extra on days out, so we were pleasantly surprised to find this covered in the admission cost at Hobbledown.

These were closed during our visit due to essential maintenance work. But this activity needs to be booked at an additional cost of £5 per session. The minimum height requirement is 1.3m. So, my five-year-old would have been too little to take part. Besides, there was so much to do during our first visit to Hobbledown that I think we'd have struggled to fit in the high ropes too. But this 70-metre-long sky trail, which stretches about the bouncy pillows and fairy castles, might be something to consider if you've got older kids to entertain. Or if the adults want to have a bit of fun! The high ropes tend to only be open during select times over the summer months.

There is a really good range of food options. The main restaurant is the Hobnosh bar, which is beside the softplay area. Here you'll find everything from all day breakfast, noodles, katsu curry, chicken nuggets, fish goujons, jacket potato, and kids meals from £4.95 for a hot meal to £5.95 for lunch box including ham and cheese roll, drink and fruit, and the choice of two snacks. There's also the Pizza Cottage, a shack next to an outdoor seating area with a large overhead canopy. We had lunch here and shared a good-sized and reasonably priced handmade Margarita and Pepperoni pizza, at a cost of £22. The boys also each had two marshmallows for toasting, at a pricey (but similar to what we've seen elsewhere) cost of just over £5. They enjoyed toasting these over the open pit. The boys also had a slushie each, which is something that's hard to avoid when you're on a day out with kids. There's lots of seating, both inside next to the soft play and outdoors (lots of which has overhead covering), and lots of families had brought a packed lunch. So if you're looking to save, bring a picnic.

**How long does it take to go around Hobbledown Heath?**

We arrived at 10.30am and left at 3.30pm. But even in five hours we didn't manage to fit everything in. Apparently there's a maze, teepee and zorbs (included in admission cost, but running on select peak days only. You can check opening times and book your session on the Hobbledown app). But we're happy to have more to discover on our next visit.

Hobbledown is best suited for children aged 2-13.

Timeslot tickets start from £15 per person and anytime tickets from £17 per person. Under 2s go free. There are also Afternoon Saver tickets for guests arriving after 3.30pm, which start from £11 per person. And Toddler Days on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, offer great value entry at £13 for one parent and one pre-schooler. But these Toddler Day tickets aren't available during peak periods, such as during school holidays. Generally speaking, we searched and found that if you're looking to visit on a weekend during the summer, you're likely to pay around £84 for a family of four.

**Tips for visiting Hobbledown Heath Epsom**

This is a 5/5 attraction for us. I overheard one mum tell her child 'I like this place because it doesn't feel to commercialised' and I agree. It's relaxed and wholesome fun. We were impressed by the long opening hours, giving plenty of time to enjoy the day at a leisurely pace. Hobbledown is open 9.30am to 5.30pm Mon-Fri, and 9am to 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays. There was no getting up at the crack of dawn and rushing to get there as soon as it opened to try and squeeze everything in. Considering the variety of activities on offer, the long opening hours, free parking, and overall fun and length of time spent there, we think this is a great value day out, and we'll certainly be returning.

Hobbledown Heath Epsom review: What to know before you go…

**_Do you know your blood group? It might tell you more about your health than you’d expect…_**

If someone asked you your height or shoe size, chances are you’d know it. But what about your blood type? According to the most recent research, more than half of us have no idea.

Yet the differences between the groups are interesting.

Currently there are eight main blood groups — A, B, AB and O, with each group either being RhD positive or RhD negative.

Clinical Director at One Day Tests and NHS GP, Dr Adam Staten explains more.

He says: ‘There’s nothing we can do to change our blood group — this is determined by our genes — but there are situations when knowing yours or a loved one’s type can be useful, such as during a medical emergency or if you need an operation. There’s also research that indicates our blood type may impact our risk of certain illnesses.

‘The best way to find out your blood type is to either pay for a private test or to give blood, which is a great way of giving something back as you find out.’

Dr Staten is keen to stress that whatever your blood type reveals you don’t need to panic.

He says: ‘It’s important to remember that the increased risks are relatively small when it comes to blood type. So, while it’s interesting and it might help you stratify your own risk a little, it’s something you can’t do anything about. You’re much better off focusing on the things you can change, such as your diet and lifestyle habits, which are likely to have a much bigger impact.’

Research suggests that compared with blood groups A, B or AB, those with blood type O have a moderately lower risk of developing coronary heart disease (CHD).

Research also suggests that having a non-O blood group is associated with a higher risk of heart attack. However, experts say that more research is needed to identify the cause of the apparent increased risk.

Dr Staten says: ‘When it comes to heart disease, there are key steps we all need to take, regardless of blood type, to reduce our risk.

‘Stopping smoking is vital for artery health and reducing your risk of CHD. Meanwhile eating a balanced, low-fat, high-fibre diet, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol and ensuring your cholesterol and blood pressure are under control are all key for improving your heart health also.’

Studies suggest that people with blood types A and B may have higher risks for developing blood clots than people who have blood type O.

Compared with individuals with blood group O, research suggests that blood groups A and B were associated with increased odds for thromboembolic events or developing venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Dr Staten says: ‘Smoking increases your risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). With VTE, it’s also important to be aware when your risk is higher such as after very long periods of inactivity, such as when you’re sitting on a long plane journey. To reduce your risk in those situations make sure you get up and move about regularly. Keeping yourself well hydrated and wearing anti-embolism stockings can also help.’

Results from a recent study suggest that, compared with blood group O, the risk of gastric cancer may be higher in patients with blood group A.

Furthermore, some research suggests that if you have type A, B or AB blood, you may have a higher risk for pancreatic cancer.

Dr Staten says: ‘Again, the best thing you can do to reduce your risk of stomach cancer is to try to quit smoking and to cut down or stop drinking alcohol. Obesity is a big risk factor also. Eating more fruit and vegetables can help reduce your risk as can cutting down on salted foods. Another thing to be mindful of is H.pylori, a very common infection caused by H.pylori bacteria which can cause indigestion, bloating or heartburn symptoms. It’s easy to test for and easy to treat. If you have those symptoms, getting tested and, if needed, treated for H.pylori is an easy but effective way to help reduce your risk of gastric cancer.’

• For more information, please visit onedaytests.com

Crack the BLOOD TYPE code

**_Enjoy a good night’s kip with these expert tips_**

### Stick to a schedule {#h-stick-to-a-schedule}

Our bodies thrive on routine, and the same holds true for our sleep-wake cycle. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule helps regulate the body's internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up naturally. Set a bedtime and wake-up time that allows for the recommended hours of sleep, even on weekends. This practice reinforces a healthy sleep pattern and enhances overall sleep quality.

Engaging in calming activities, such as reading a book, practising meditation or taking a warm bath, signals to your body that it is time to wind down. Avoid stimulating activities, such as watching intense TV shows or scrolling through social media, as these can hinder the body’s ability to relax and prepare for sleep.

### Optimise your environment {#h-optimise-your-environment}

Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool, and invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows. Limit electronic devices in the bedroom, as the blue light emitted from screens can interfere with your sleep.

### Stop the stimulants {#h-stop-the-stimulants}

Alcohol and nicotine, plus drinks fuelled with a lot of caffeine, are stimulants that can disrupt sleep patterns. It's advisable to avoid these substances in the hours leading up to bedtime.

### Time your exercise {#h-time-your-exercise}

Regular physical activity has been linked to improved sleep quality. However, the timing of exercise is also important. Engaging in vigorous exercise too close to bedtime may have a stimulating effect, making it harder to fall asleep. Aim to complete your workout a few hours before bedtime to allow your body to cool down and transition into a more relaxed state.

• Tips from Denise Iordache, sleep therapist & founder JoySpace Therapy

5 ways to…SLEEP BETTER

## Here's a sneak peek at issue 16's cover stories {#h-here-s-a-sneak-peek-at-issue-16-s-cover-stories}

It’s slightly daunting leaving our pets home alone, especially if they’re prone to anxiety, which is why the best pet camera are great for offering peace of mind. No matter where you are, you can now keep an eye on your furry friend at all times, thanks to these handy gadgets and your smartphone. If you’ve ever wondered what your precious pet gets up to behind closed doors, now you’ll know for sure.

According to the :a[Pet Food Manufacturers Association]{href='https://www.pfma.org.uk/news/new-pfma-pet-population-data-highlights-pet-peak-but-the-number-of-owners-giving-up-their-pet-is-huge-concern-' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'}, in 2022 around 62 per cent of households have pets, making around 35 million pets owned - including 12 million cats and 13 million dogs. That’s a lot of animals to keep an eye on! While many owners use camera to keep an eye on cats and dogs that are most likely to cause trouble when they’re home alone, the best pet cameras can be used to make sure all types of animals are as content as can be when left on their own, from rabbits and hamsters to parrots, rats and so much more. If you're finding that :a[pet calming products]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/care/best-pet-calming-products-uk/' } aren't helping your anxious animal to settle when you're not home, perhaps talking to them via your pet security camera might.

## Best pet cameras at a glance: {#h-best-pet-cameras-at-a-glance}

• **Best pet camera with treat dispenser:** Furbo Dog Camera – :a[View on Amazon UK]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/Furbo-360%C2%B0-Dog-Camera-Wide-Angle/dp/B09GDQZLD1/?tag=qtabparticle1014-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}  
• **Best pet camera for integration with other home security:** Ring Indoor Camera by Amazon – :a[View on Amazon UK]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/ring-indoor-camera-2nd-gen-by-amazon-plug-in-indoor-security-camera/dp/B0B6GKH3C2?tag=qtabparticle1014-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}  
• **Best battery-operated pet security camera:** EZVIZ Battery Camera – :a[View on Amazon UK]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/EZVIZ-Wireless-Subscription-1080P-Detection/dp/B0CB12Q3TD?tag=qtabparticle1014-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}

You may be thinking to yourself ‘why should I buy a pet camera?’ Well, there are many reasons why. You’ll be able to keep watch of them to make sure they’re happy while you’re not there, as well as making sure they haven’t hurt themselves or caused damage to your furniture (whether that’s from naughtiness, boredom or sheer panic that you’re not there with them). You can talk to them to offer that reassurance that you’ll be back soon to keep them calm. They’re also good for general home security as you can capture any comings and goings to your home and can act as a deterrent for burglaries in the same way a :a[security cat flap]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/cats/best-security-cat-flap/' } does.

When it comes to choosing the best pet camera for your needs, you’ll want to think what you actually need from a camera and the features they offer. Are you going to away from home during the evenings? You’ll benefit from having a camera that has enhanced night vision for the picture. Does your pooch have a tendency to hide after they’ve done something they know they shouldn’t? A camera with motion tracking will follow them wherever they go in the room. It’s also worth noting that many cameras may need you to sign up for additional subscription services to be able to store your videos so that’s a cost you’ll want to factor into your final decision. Without further ado, here are the best pet cameras and monitors so you can keep an eye on your little ball of fluff wherever you go.

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