Suffolk Dog Day 2025 Top Tips – with Nightingale Vets

Ahead of Suffolk Dog Day, taking place on Sunday 31 August at Trinity Park in Ipswich, we’ve teamed up with Dr Emily from Nightingale Vets (pictured below) to share some top tips for the day!

✅ It’s going to be a hugely fun and interesting day for your dog, so make sure they are well rested and maybe take slower paced or shorter walks during the days before to ensure your dog has all the energy they need to enjoy the day.

✅ Check your dog’s harness or collar fits really well, with no areas that can cause rubbing or risk that they can slip out of it.

✅ Bring poo bags for those little “whoopsy” moments because when your dog needs to go, they need to go!

✅ Make sure you know where the Dog Cool Off zone is so your dog can stay cool and have fun splashing around.

✅ Familiarise yourself with where Nightingale Vets’ first aid station is in case of any emergency.

✅ Ensure your dog’s collar has an identity tag on. This needs to have the owner’s name and address, including postcode. It is handy if this also has a telephone number too.

✅ Recognise if your dog is getting tired and needs a break. Yawning can be a sign that your dog needs a quieter tempo or change of scenery. If they do, it might be time to look at finding a quiet spot in the shade for some down time.

✅ It’s tempting to buy a selection of tasty treats that will be on display – enjoy everything in moderation as we don’t want any upset tummies.

✅ There will be water bowls around the venue, but it’s a good idea to bring a little collapsible bowl and some water for your dog just in case.

✅ Bring some really tasty treats from home that your dog’s tummy is familiar with to reward the ‘goodest’ boys and girls.

✅ There’ll be lots of stalls and exhibitors displaying everything from toys, leads, harnesses to beds, grooming kits and much more, so make sure you bring a bag to carry all your purchases in.

✅ You may want to pack a lovely soft bed to have in the back of the car for when it’s home time as your dog will have had the most fantastic day out and will need a well-earned snooze on the ride home – sweet dreams of Suffolk Dog Day 2025.