Health

Just like us, it’s not hard for dogs to put on a few extra pounds, especially as they get older and exercise less. As excess weight and rates of obesity in dogs increases, so do the risk of developing related health problems. A staggering 35%* of all dogs in the UK are overweight – and most owners don't even realise it until they take their pets to the vet for a related illness. Obese and overweight dogs are much more likely to develop health problems such as diabetes, respiratory conditions, arthritis and even behavioural problems, so it's easy to see why monitoring your dog's weight and body condition carefully is important. *Source: PDSA 2009 Is my dog overweight? Your vet will be able to tell you during their regular assessments if your dog is overweight, but it’s quite simple to weigh a small dog at home using bathroom scales. First weigh yourself, then pick up your dog and get back on the scales to measure the difference. This will be more difficult for larger dogs, so if you have a bigger breed of dog, you may wish to stick to your vet’s scales! For a more in-depth assessment, use our body conditioning tool. Checking your dog’s body condition is quick to do and allows you to spend even more quality, hands-on time with your pet. Helping your dog lose weight Talk to your vet before making any changes to your dog’s diet, as they’ll be able to advise you on the ideal weight for your dog and how it can be reached. The ideal Labrador weight, for example, will always be different from the ideal weight of a Toy breed, so you should know what weight you are aiming for. It’s important your dog is weighed and checked over for any underlying disease or health issues before you start fighting the flab, as their weight gain might not be caused by over-eating after all. Dog weight loss tips • To help your dog lose weight, increase the amount of energy they burn off (through exercise and play) and reduce the amount of energy they eat. • Table scraps and treats are often high in calories, so cut these out and make sure everyone else in the family does the same. Even when meant with affection, this still counts as cheating! If you have several dogs, feed your overweight dog separately to stop them stealing any leftovers. • Try dividing their food into smaller portions and feed those more frequently to help reduce hunger and begging, and always keep track of what your dog is eating. • Your vet may suggest reducing the amount you are feeding, or a special lower-calorie diet. • Never ever ‘starve’ your dog or restrict their food without veterinary advice. Consult your vet If your dog fails to lose weight despite increased activity and reduced calories, speak to your vet again, who may want to investigate any underlying medical problems that can cause dog weight gain. Your vet’s practice might also offer a weight-reduction group for dogs, which will help you to monitor your dog’s weight as well as provide lots of tips and advice. Successful weight loss in dogs is a slow and steady process, and the secret to success is patience.

Dog owners often believe that a healthy dog’s nose should be wet and cold. Here is why dogs usually have wet noses and what it actually means if your dog has a dry nose instead. Whether it’s when they sniff your face in the morning or your hand as you give them a treat, the sensation dog owners expect to feel on their skin when the dog’s nose makes contact is a very particular one: the nose should be cold and wet. But what does it mean when your dog’s nose is dry instead? Keep reading to find out what makes a dog’s nose wet in the first place and how should an owner react if they discover that their pet’s nose is warm and dry. Why do dogs have wet noses? A dog’s sense of smellis a trusted ally helping them find out more about their environment. So, dogs have naturally figured out a few tricks to make it work better. One of them is keeping their noses wet. Scent particles stick to damp surfaces better, giving a dog with a wet nose a superior ability to understand their surroundings. It is one of the reasons why some dogs keep their noses wet by constantly licking them.

Dry skin can be an extremely painful problem for puppies. As soon as skin begins to turn dry, it will also turn itchy. Young puppies won’t be able to resist this itch and will scratch it all day and all night. Scratching these itches can be very harmful and damaging. Scratching leads to cut skin and bleeding, which can then lead to even more severe skin issues. The good news is there are a number of steps you can take to minimise the risk of dry skin and keep your puppy’s coat at its best. Brushing Brushing the coat is one of the best ways to prevent dry skin in puppies. Each time you brush your puppy’s coat it wipes away any dry skin flakes resting on the surface. These skin flakes can cause irritation if left to build up, and this irritation will ultimately lead to your dog scratching.

Kidneys are very busy organs that have lots of responsibilities to keep your dog healthy, from removing toxins to maintaining their blood pressure and helping to create new red blood cells. With so many jobs to do, it can be a scary time if you think your dog’s kidneys are failing, find out the common symptoms and possible treatment options for kidney failure in dogs with this guide. Kidney disease in dogs can affect any breed at any stage in their life and sadly, there’s no way of predicting which will develop it and which won’t. Although there’s nothing you can do to actually prevent your four-legged friend from developing kidney failure in dogs, feeding them a good quality diet throughout their life, and providing them with a constant supply of fresh, clean water will help support their kidneys and, if they do develop kidney failure, it could help to slow down its progress. We’ve created this guide to tell you the most common causes of dog kidney disease and failure to give you all the information you need. Acute kidney failure in dogs If your dog has acute kidney failure it means that their kidneys have suddenly stopped working properly. This can be caused by something such as an illness or infection, or because they’ve eaten something they shouldn’t, like antifreeze. Acute kidney failure in dogs may be able to be treated and reversed but could also be permanent, depending on what has caused it. Chronic kidney failure in dogs Chronic kidney failure is more gradual and can take months or even years to develop. It can be caused by a number of things including infections and tumours and unfortunately, by the time it’s diagnosed, it’s sometimes too late to reverse. In the early stages of disease, the healthy areas of the kidney take on the extra work that the damaged areas can’t do, meaning that healthy parts work even harder than usual. As the disease progresses, and the unhealthy areas start to outnumber the healthy, the workload simply becomes too much and your dog will show signs of kidney failure. Chronic kidney failure in dogs is a progressive illness that your vet will need to keep an eye on, but it can usually be managed with a combination of medical treatments and a special diet. Signs of kidney failure in dogs There are a number of possible signs of kidney failure in dogs and each dog is different so there’s no guarantee that they’ll experience the illness in the same way, however, the most common symptoms are as follows: • Urinating more often – urine will usually be very diluted • Increased drinking to replace lost fluids • Nausea and vomiting due to build-up of toxins • Retching or going off their food • Tiredness and lethargy • Weight loss • Pale gums • Mouth ulcers • Fragile, weak bones Be careful about trying to diagnose kidney disease yourself, as the signs of kidney disease in dogs can also be a symptom of other illnesses. The sooner you see your vet for a proper diagnosis, the better. Although there’s no cure for kidney disease, early treatment will help to relieve the discomfort caused by the symptoms and support your pet’s kidneys. Diagnosing kidney disease in dogs When diagnosing kidney disease in dogs, your vet will start by testing a sample of pee to see if your dog’s urine is being concentrated, whether protein is being lost in their urine and if they have any other problems, like an underlying infection. They might also take a blood test to check for specific kidney function, to get an idea of your dog’s overall health and to see if the build-up of toxins has affected any of their other organs. Monitoring the condition Your vet may ask you to collect a sample of your dog’s urine as a part of monitoring their condition. The best time to collect your dog’s urine sample is first thing in the morning, ideally in mid-flow. How you physically collect their pee will depend on whether you have a male or female dog but plastic lunchboxes or soup ladles can come in handy! Your vet will probably provide you with a sterile container to store your sample in or you can use a container such as a clean jam jar (any residue can affect the results, so do make sure the container is very clean). The fresher the sample, the more accurate the tests will be, so try not to delay in getting the sample to your vet. Dog kidney failure treatment Depending on how severe the symptoms are, dog kidney failure treatment usually consists of a combination of medical and dietary interventions. Medication As kidney failure in dogs can impact so many different bodily functions and cause them to develop conditions such as high blood pressure or anaemia, your vet might recommend specific medications to help treat each symptom. Supplements may also be suggested to replace lost vitamins and help to improve some secondary effects caused by the disease. It’s important to remember to only give supplements and medications at the recommendation of your vet. Diets for dogs with kidney failure

Phantom pregnancies in dogs are very common, with symptoms from mothering behaviour and lactation, to lethargy and vomiting. Find out more about signs, causes and possible treatment. Has your dog started acting like they are pregnant, mothering their toys and creating a nesting space? Have you noticed mammary development and even milk from their nipples? Some female dogs may display signs equivalent to morning sickness; with lethargy and vomiting. If your dog has not been mated, this may leave you scratching your head as to why they appear pregnant. If they have been mated, before you get too excited about visions of cute puppies, you need to make sure it’s not a false or phantom pregnancy. Read on to discover what the signs are, how a false pregnancy gets diagnosed and when medical treatment is necessary. What is phantom pregnancy in dogs? Phantom pregnancy in dogs refers to a condition where a female dog exhibits symptoms of pregnancy, but is not actually pregnant. This is also known as false pregnancy or pseudo-pregnancy and can affect any type of female dog, regardless of age or breed. Symptoms of phantom pregnancy in dogs You can expect to see many of the same symptoms of an actual pregnancy to manifest in the case of a false pregnancy. Although the signs vary between individuals, these are the main physiological and behavioural changes to look out for: • Mammary development • Lactation • Enlarged belly • Loss of appetite • Lethargy • Vomiting • Nesting • Being protective of small inanimate objects • Restlessness or aggression How long does a phantom pregnancy last? The symptoms of a phantom pregnancy most commonly occur 6-8 weeks after your dog finishes her season, and should resolve within 2-3 weeks. Once your dog has had a false pregnancy after a season, it is very likely to recur at each subsequent season. What causes phantom pregnancy in dogs? The origins of phantom pregnancy are thought to be due to the pack behaviour of our domestic dog’s ancestors. All the females in the pack help to rear the family pups and feel motherly towards them, even when they are not their own offspring. This cooperative behaviour is driven by hormones. After a female dog has a season, she experiences a prolonged peak of the ‘pregnancy hormone’ progesterone lasting 8-9 weeks, whether she is pregnant or not (this does not occur in humans). As levels of progesterone decline levels of a second hormone, prolactin, increase. This is what triggers the physical and psychological symptoms of pregnancy. In some dogs this may be mild – not enough to notice – but in others the symptoms can be very convincing to both the dog and her owner. What to do when the phantom pregnancy symptoms appear Phantom pregnancy in dogs is very common and, if symptoms are behavioural and mild, you can try distracting your dog with increased play and walks. While they’re distracted you can remove any toys they have adopted as surrogate babies, being careful not to cause distress. You should make an appointment with your vet if the symptoms persist or are severe. Remember that non-specific signs such as vomiting and lethargy may also be due to other diseases and illnesses. It’s also important to rule out a true pregnancy as your dog may have had an illicit mating!

All puppies go through a teething phase. Puppy teething is when they outgrow their puppy teeth, which are replaced by more permanent, adult teeth. This happens at a different age depending on their breed and size. But the effects of teething are the same: an irritable puppy and damage to your house! In this article, we explore why puppy teething can be a destructive phase and talk you through five steps that can make the whole process easier on both you and your pup. When do puppies start teething? All mammals have to go through a teething stage; this includes both you and your puppy. Unlike humans, puppies begin to start teething at around 16 weeks of age. This means their milk teeth will begin to fall out and new adult teeth will begin to poke through. Once the teething process begins do not be surprised if your dog is chewing everything is sight – this kind of behaviour is completely normal. We recommend you provide your dog with plenty of chew toys throughout this period and praise them for using them, to save your furniture. When do puppies lose their teeth? It usually takes around four months for puppies to go through the whole process of teething. By the age of 7-8 months your puppy should have grown all of their adult teeth, if they’re not all there yet try not to worry too much. However, if it gets to 9 months and there are still some adult teeth missing, we advise you contact your vet. They will be able to access your dog’s mouth and find out if their mouth needs any dental work. Why can puppy teething be so destructive? Puppy teething means discomfort (and sometimes pain) for your pup: their gums may become red and swollen as and their teeth are falling out while new ones erupt. Who wouldn’t be uncomfortable? Your pup handles puppy teething by chewing. Chewing helps ease some of the irritation on their gums (a bit like scratching an itch). Plus, for a puppy their mouth is a bit like your hand; it is what they use to explore and understand the world. Couple that with their natural curiosity and they may start to chew anything and everything in your house. But just because it is nature’s way, it doesn’t mean you have to survive with chewed-up furniture and missing shoes. Keep on reading to find out how to puppy-proof your home from puppy teething. Creating a puppy-proof home when your puppy is teething

Many owners are concerned about mites in dogs, how they can be prevented, and how affected dogs can be treated. We’ve put together a guide on dog mites to help you out. What are dog mites? Mites are tiny creatures, usually under a millimetre long, that burrow into your dog’s skin and cause irritation and inflammation. Mites are a fairly common health concern for dogs. They are parasites that can cause a range of skin conditions, from dry skin to hair loss. Mites live in the fur, or sometimes in the ears, and can make life uncomfortable for your dog. Mites are also what cause ‘mange’, a well-known skin condition in dogs. What health conditions do dog mites cause? If your pet is infested with dog mites, it is known as a condition called mange. The common types are “sarcoptic mange” and “demodectic mange”. Other conditions caused by mites include cheyletiellosis, and trombiculosis, also known as “harvest mite” infestation. Ear mites live in the ear canals of dogs and can cause severe discomfort, so spotting and treating ear mites is extremely important.

Making a running partner out of your pet can be great. If you learn how to train your dog correctly, you’ll be improving your health, happiness, and your special bond… for both of you! Build up slowly to your ideal run. Just like humans, dogs need to acclimatise to levels of exercise. You could also research your dog’s breed to discover exactly what kind of running they might enjoy: you never know, they might just inspire you to achieve a marathon with time! Why run with your dog? There’s a whole host of research that tells us how great running can be for your health. It prevents helps obesity, helps you to get fit, and it can increase your stamina. It’s even been shown to lift your mood. And it doesn’t require an expensive gym membership either. What’s good for you is also great for you dog: it’ll also help them to lose weight if their body condition isn’t ideal, build muscle, and keep healthy. Keeping your dog fit and healthy is the best way to avoid expensive vet bills in the future. It’s also fantastic for your dog’s mood: most dogs are built to run (albeit some breeds more than others). They all enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the outdoors, and time spent pounding the pavement with you will always be time well spent in your pet’s mind. If you’ve noticed destructive behaviours creeping in, jogging with your dog might be a solution. Active breeds that are kept indoors for long periods of time can become bored, which may result in a bad behaviour. Keeping their mind and body active will help to get rid of that pent-up energy, and it’ll also build a great bond between the pair of you.

Even if you keep a close eye on your dog's health it’s important you book an annual appointment with your vet for a thorough check-up. This will give your vet the chance to spot any potential dog health problems and, hopefully, nip them in the bud before they become serious. Regular health assessments will also help you keep your dog's vaccinations up-to-date, provide an opportunity for you to accurately weigh your dog and help put your mind at ease about any issues. General dog health You already take your four-legged friend to the vet when they’re sick or injured but those appointments tend to focus mainly on one particular issue. ‘Check up’ visits, on the other hand, are more holistic, giving your vet the opportunity to detect subtle changes in your pet's overall physical health. Ideally, your vet should see your dog at least once a year, and more frequently as they get older or if they have special medical needs. These regular visits play a huge part in the 'prevention is better than cure' approach; so don't hold off making the appointment just because your dog seems fit and healthy to you. Your vet will check your dog over, including listening to their heart and lungs, running their hands over their abdomen to check for any unusual signs, checking for skin/coat, eye and ear problems to see if it’s all in working order. Another advantage of these annual check-ups is to get your dog used to visiting the vet surgery when they’re well. If they only visit when they’re hurt or ill they can become nervous about seeing the vet, associating their trips with bad times or stressful experiences. It’s a good idea to pop into the vet practice every so often, even if you don’t have an appointment. The receptionists and vet nurses will always appreciate a cuddle and it will create a positive memory for your furry friend.

Dog urine infections are incredibly unpleasant for your pup. Not only is it incredibly annoying needing to wee every few minutes, but it’s also quite painful when they go! Find out everything you need to know about urine infections in dogs with this guide. A dog urine infection is very common, and just like when it happens to us humans, it can be unpleasant and quite painful thanks to the burning sensation when urinating. Luckily, once taken to your vet for diagnosis and treatment, these infections will clear relatively quickly and your canine friend will soon be back to their usual self. If you’re wondering about the signs of dog urine infections and want to know the treatment options available, keep reading as we’ve put together this handy guide with everything you need to know. What are dog urine infections? A dog urine infection is an infection of the urinary tract, making it uncomfortable to pass urine. Your dog may strain when urinating, and their urine may contain blood. These urinary tract infections (UTI) are commonly caused by bacteria including E coli, but some fungi may also cause an infection. UTIs can also be caused by bladder stones, and incontinence in older dogs may also lead to an infection. Surprisingly, dog urine infections are more common than you’d think. According to the American Kennel Club it’s one of the most common infectious diseases in dogs and around 14% will get it at some point in their lives. Are there some dogs more predisposed to urine infections? Any dog can get a urine infection, but there are some which are more likely to be affected. Older dogs are more likely to get them, as are female dogs because they have shorter urethras. Additionally, dogs with pre-existing health conditions such as chronic kidney disease and Cushing’s disease are more at risk of getting a dog urine infection.

What happens when you find a stray dog, and how can you help? Find out what to do when you find a dog without its owner. Even if you have an almost instant connection and want to keep them with you, there are basic steps everyone must follow when they find a stray dog. In this article, we will outline what to do when you find a dog without an owner. What should you do if you have found a dog on it own? 1. Approach them carefully A dog that is lost is likely to be very frightened and overwhelmed by their surroundings. If the dog is a stray, they will be wary of human beings and may be scared of your intentions. Approach the dog carefully. Make sure you do not frighten them further and that your body language puts them at ease. Talk to them soothingly to make them feel comfortable. You do not want them bolting, especially when there is traffic around. If the dog is behaving aggressively, do not approach, but find assistance. 2. Check if they are really a stray dog Check to see if they have a collar and if that collar tells you who the owner is. Sometimes, the collar may be lying around nearby. Do a quick search of the area to see if you can find it. You should also check the area to make sure their owner isn’t close by, looking for them! If you can find the owner’s contact details on their collar, ring immediately and tell them that their dog is safe. 3. Check for injuries Some dogs may be wounded. In such a cases, you may need to take them straight to the vet. 4. Contact the local council Immediately contact the local authorities and arrange a time for them to collect the dog. If it is safe and easy to do so, you can take the dog to your home first, but you must then call the authorities immediately. It can seem tempting to just keep the dog, but this is against the law. The dog may not actually be a stray dog and may belong to someone; failure to report a found dog to the local dog authorities can result is accusation of theft. 5. The local authority will then keep the dog in the local holding kennel Again, this is a necessary step. While the stray dog you have found may not be wearing an identification collar, they should be fitted with a microchip that has their owner’s details. The local kennel will be able to use this information to try and find the owner.

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.