Pawd Drinks backs Dog Awareness Week to help protect delivery workers

Pet health supplement company Pawd Drinks is supporting Dog Awareness Week, a campaign aimed at reducing dog attacks on postal and delivery workers.

Founders Archie Wilson and Rory Hanna, whose business is based in London, are lending their backing to the Royal Mail Group and Communication Workers Union (CWU) initiative. 

Running from 30 June to 6 July, the campaign highlights the continuing risk of dog attacks on Royal Mail, Parcelforce and other delivery staff.

In the year to 31 March 2025, there were 2,197 dog attacks on postal workers, according to Royal Mail. This marked a slight decline from the previous year, a reduction partly credited to initiatives such as the Police Force’s Lead (Local, Environmental, Awareness on Dogs) campaign. 

The programme encourages responsible dog ownership and aims to improve public safety and reduce anti-social behaviour. Regional safety partnerships have also been established to raise awareness about the impact of dog attacks and how to prevent them.

Research by Guide Dogs and other organisations suggests a significant number of dogs experience anxiety. Some studies estimate that as many as 74% may show signs of stress or related behavioural problems. In some cases, this can lead to aggression, particularly if the dog feels frightened or threatened.

Dogs may bite for a variety of reasons, including a lack of early positive exposure, guarding possessions such as food bowls or beds, or discomfort from being handled. 

Pain, fear, inappropriate treatment by children or redirected aggression – for example, biting something nearby when agitated on a lead – can also contribute.

Royal Mail has warned that if a dog attacks a postal worker, the owner may face prosecution. This could come via the police, the local authority, or through a private prosecution brought by Royal Mail under an agreement with the CWU.

Pawd Drinks suggest that one preventative measure includes the use of calming supplements. Pawd Drinks, working with animal nutritionist Dr Farshad Goodarzi Boroojeni, has spent two and a half years developing a “fast-acting”, veterinary-approved liquid formula. 

Called Pawd Calming, the product uses natural ingredients such as lemon balm and passionflower, both known for their soothing effects on the nervous system.

The liquid format allows for faster absorption than chews or pills, according to the company.

Wilson said: “Customers regularly report visible results within just a few days, which is significantly faster than the one to three months typically needed for most natural products.”