Health

Pica in dogs can become quite a serious problem if not taken care of, so it’s best to know all the signs to help you identify the issue quickly and get your pet the help they need. Keep reading to find out some of the most surprising facts about this condition.

If you’ve got or seen a little pup who looks a bit small for their age and doesn’t seem to grow, they could have dwarfism. Like humans, dogs can also have this condition, and it’s down to genetics. Read on to find out all about dwarfism in dogs.

Many of us have probably seen a three-legged dog before – and chances are, they were happy. Whether it’s the result of accident or disease, limb amputation in dogs is common, and dogs are great at coping with it. Although it involves major surgery, amputation can actually help dogs, rather than hinder them, by removing their source of pain and suffering. Limb amputation in dogs is designed to make their life better, after all, and will only take place if your vet thinks the procedure can achieve this. Most dogs will happily adjust to life on three legs with your help and your vet’s advice. In fact, they’ll often be so busy running around, chasing balls and playing ‘fetch’ that they hardly notice anything’s wrong. How will my dog cope with amputation surgery? Limb amputation in dogs, although difficult to think about at first, could do your severely injured pet a lot of good. In fact, dog amputation surgery may often be the best option for canines with severe injuries from car accidents, other accidents, or for those suffering from bone cancer or other serious diseases. Of course, it may not be easy for your dog to learn how to move around as they once did. The absence of a limb makes normal movement a bit of a task, and your dog will have to learn how to make up for it before they become their usual, bouncy selves again. However, with time, most can compensate for the changes in weight distribution and learn to walk and even run again. With time and understanding, they could soon be running around in the garden or in the park – just as they used to.

Knowing that your dog is unwell or in some kind of pain or discomfort can be an upsetting and uneasy situation. That is why it is incredibly important to seek advice from a vet to determine what the cause of your dog’s pain is and to do so as quickly as possible, so that they can assess and treat as needed to make sure your dog gets back to their normal selves in no time. It is natural to want to go above and beyond for our pets, especially when they aren’t feeling well, but there are some substances they can’t have. In this article we will be exploring whether steroids for dogs are safe or not.

Bees and wasps are among the things that our dogs love to chase most. During the warmer months we often find them in hot pursuit of these fuzzy insects, but sometimes if they catch them, they can be met with a nasty sting! Find out what to do if your dog’s been stung by a wasp or a bee with our guide. Dogs are fascinated by bees and wasps. Their lazy buzzing is irresistible to dogs who enjoy chasing games. However, these little insects pack a surprisingly powerful sting when caught. In most cases if a dog is stung by a bee or wasp, they will experience mild local irritation which should subside within a few hours. However, it can be more serious if dogs receive multiple stings, or if they occur inside the mouth, nose or other sensitive tissues. At Purina, we’ve put together this useful guide to tell you what to do if your dog’s stung by a wasp or bee, the possible symptoms and when to seek help from your vet.

From digestive problems in dogs to coughing, our pets can sometimes be subjected to health issues that need treatment – especially our dogs who can often be prone to getting into trouble when they explore outside. From being stung by bees, to being a little too curious with stinging nettles, they can give themselves allergic reactions. As Benadryl helps us humans with our allergies so well, you might be wondering ‘can I give Benadryl to my dog?’ Find out if you can and if so, how much is safe for them to take.

Why is my dog chewing excessively? If your dog is chewing furniture, or excessively chewing their toys, it may be time to review their dental health. Discover possible causes for inappropriate dog chewing below, and learn how to help stop your dog chewing furniture and other items. Why is my puppy chewing on things? Teething is perhaps the most common reason for a puppy chewing. Just like in humans, teething is a stage every puppy has to go through and it can be uncomfortable. Teething is when the adult teeth are emerging and puppies often find that chewing on things helps to relieve the pain. The problem is they don’t yet understand what is and isn’t acceptable to chew on. Our first tip to help with puppy chewing and teething is to provide your puppy with plenty of safe chew toys. If they have plenty of appropriate items they can chew, they are less likely to chew on things such as furniture and cables. It is also important for you to play with your puppy using these toys. This will not only give you time to bond with your new pup but will also teach them that chewing their toys is a positive thing to do. It is important to keep items you do not want chewed out of your puppy’s way while they are going through this teething stage. Things such as electrical cables and favourite shoes should be placed out of reach. This stage usually only lasts for around six months, and your puppy should generally grow out of it. If after this time your dog hasn’t grown out of this type of puppy chewing there may be an underlying condition. Always visit your vet if you are uncertain. Medical causes for dog chewing Another reason for a dog chewing excessively is because of a medical condition. If your dog isn’t getting all the nutrients they need for a complete and balanced diet, they may develop a condition known as ‘pica’. Dogs with this condition tend to compulsively eat non-food substances. This can often be mistaken for a dog chewing issue. Gastrointestinal conditions such as dog gastroenteritis have also been linked to excessive inappropriate chewing. A dog with gastrointestinal conditions may chew things to help relieve the feelings of sickness. If you believe your dog could have either of the above conditions, you should take them to visit their vet for a full diagnosis. Separation anxiety Another common reason for excessive dog chewing is separation anxiety. This type of anxiety affects dogs that feels nervous when their owners leave them in the house alone. The stress can cause a dog to chew furniture and other items. Dogs will often show other signs of separation anxiety at the same time, such as excessive barking, defecation indoors, urination and extreme pacing. The best way to help a dog with separation anxiety overcome this anxiety is to show them that being alone can be positive. Read more about helping a dog with separation anxietyin our handy article. Boredom can cause excessive dog chewing Boredom can be the cause of a number of inappropriate behaviours, such as a dog chewing excessively. Taking your dog out for daily walks and setting time aside to regularly play with your dog can help avoid this kind of behaviour. Your dog should not be frustrated or bored, but stimulated and happy instead. Check out our brain games for dogs if you need a bit of inspiration.

Are you worried that your dog is suffering from sensitive skin? Both genetic factors and environmental factors can cause skin sensitivity in dogs – and identifying the reason behind your dog’s skin problems will make finding the correct treatment much easier. Below we’ve explained how to spot the symptoms of sensitive skin, what causes it, and some of the ways you can help to keep your dog’s skin healthy. The signs of sensitive skin in dogs

Gum disease in dogs can cause discomfort, dental health problems and, if left untreated, it can lead to deeper issues. Knowing how to spot the signs of gum disease in dogs will help keep the issues at bay and prevent potential long-term health problems. Cause of gum disease in dogs Bacteria is the main cause of gum disease in dogs, also known as periodontal disease or gingivitis. Periodontal disease in dogs, much like in humans, is where bacteria - along with food, saliva, and other particles - forms a sticky film called plaque over the teeth. Your dog's immune system tries to clean up the plaque by releasing enzymes that can break down gum tissue. Periodontal disease in dogs can lead to inflamed gums and destroyed tissue, and if left untreated, further gum disease. Because dogs can’t brush their teeth, they tend to have more plaque, meaning there's more potential for disease. Sometimes it’s easy to miss the early signs of gum disease in dogs, mainly because your dog can’t tell you what’s wrong or may try to hide any pain they have. However, there are signs you can look out for to help keep them in good health. Symptoms of gum disease in dogs You should examine your dog’s gums and mouth regularly for signs of gum disease. Bad breath is the most obvious sign, but look out for reddened, bleeding or swollen gums, crusted yellow-brown tartar or plaque build-up on the teeth and drooling. Other signs can be obvious from your dog's behaviour. Depending on how long you’ve had your dog or how familiar you are with their habits you may notice them having problems picking up food or making noises when they eat. You may also find that they’re leaving blood in their water bowl or on chew toys, or producing more nasal discharge or ropey saliva. Complications of periodontal disease in dogs Although the initial signs might be subtle, there is potential for the symptoms to get worse over time. The bacteria can enter your dog’s bloodstream causing complications and a higher risk of heart, kidney or liver disease. This is why it’s important to not ignore the early signs and discuss with your vet any unusual symptoms you notice. Regular check-ups can also help detect milder symptoms, allowing your vet to intervene before the disease progresses.

As a dog parent, it may not ever cross your mind to think about whether or not they lose their teeth. However, dogs can lose their teeth, and sometimes this can be a cause for concern. Carry on reading to find out everything you need to know about dog teeth, what to do when they fall out and more.

With so many different dog food and supplement options available, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out what exactly your dog needs. Along with other important nutrients, vitamin B complex can be really helpful in keeping your dog as fit as a fiddle. But what is the role of vitamin B for dogs and what are some of the benefits it can provide? Vitamin B comprises an important group of nutrients that can make a real difference in your furry friend’s life. Whether you’re looking to improve their energy levels, support their digestive system, or simply give them an extra immunity boost, adding vitamin B to their diet is a great way to do just that.

Dog miscarriage is a difficult experience for many pets and their owners. Even though we try our best to keep our furry friends healthy and happy, unforeseen complications can occur, and miscarriage is one of them. So if you’ve ever wondered: “can dogs have miscarriages?”, the answer is yes, they can and it’s important to know about them so that we can help. Understanding the possible causes, signs, and treatments of dog miscarriage is key for prompt and effective vet care. Whether your dog has experienced a miscarriage in the past, or you want to be prepared if it happens, this article is for you. Read on to learn how you can support your dog through this challenging situation.