Health

As the summer rolls around it’s easy to get swept up in planning for holidays, trips to the beach and lounging in the heat, but if you have a four-legged friend, you’ll need to think about how to keep them cool as the temperatures soar. Dogs can’t cool themselves down as well as people, because their ability to sweat is much more limited and is mainly through their paws. It means they need to rely on other methods such as dog panting to keep cool. Their inability to sweat coupled with the fact that they literally wear fur coats makes them at a high risk of overheating and heatstroke. This is further exacerbated if they are one of the flat -faced (brachycephalic) breeds. At Purina, we’ve put together this guide with our top tips on how to cool down a dog. Keep reading to find out all you need to know.

As dog owners, some of us are a little obsessed with inspecting our dog’s poop. This might sound a bit gross, but having a quick glance is actually a very good habit to get into as your dog’s poop can tell you a lot about their general health. Just be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after picking up after your dog, because there are some germs and small parasites that can pass to people. If you notice your dog is pooping blood, it can be incredibly alarming to see. There are a huge range of reasons why this may be happening and we’ve outlined some common ones below, but it’s important to seek help from your vet so that they can make a proper diagnosis and recommend the best treatment plan if needed.

Anyone who’s ever owned a Dachshund can vouch for their lovely personality, playful spirit, and soulful eyes that you can’t help but get lost in. They might show their owners their stubborn side from time to time but all in all, they’re a lovely companion you’ll adore straight away. If you have a Dachshund in your life already, it’s only natural to wonder what to expect. Luckily, we’ve prepared a handy list of possible health issues and easily identifiable signs affecting Dachshunds. New owners can use this to help them navigate life with these dogs.

Every owner wishes they could have superpowers when they see their best friend struggling. Imagine being able to open the kitchen cupboard or go into your garden and find a cure-all that instantly relieves your dog’s discomfort, whether it’s itchy skin, fleas or an upset stomach. It turns out there are a few tricks that might make this scenario possible. We’ve put together a handy list of home remedies for dogs to help whenever your pup feels a bit under the weather. But before we dive in, we have a word of caution regarding the use of DIY solutions to fix dog health problems.

Cockapoos are one of the most adorable designer crossbreeds out there. The offspring of a Cocker Spanieland a Poodle (Toy or Miniature), this dog can take some of the best characteristics from each breed and has made the whole world fall in love with them in the process. So, expect an affectionate, but highly active, dog who’s so intelligent that it can make training a breeze – as long as they get the exercise and enrichment they need. But that’s not all the Cocker Spaniel and Poodle passed down to their Cockapoo puppies Health issues usually seen in the Cockapoo’s parents can also be part of that inheritance. So, if you’re wondering which Cockapoo health problems to look out for, here are the hereditary issues that can affect these dogs. Cockapoo health issues

Running through grass, splashing in puddles or chasing every living creature in the garden are often a part of a dog’s daily adventures, but did you know dogs can be at risk of catching parasites when they’re out having fun? In this article we’ll be looking at lungworm in dogs, which is one of the potential parasites our canine friends can easily pick up. Here is what pet owners should be aware of.

Does your dog love splashing in every puddle they can find? You might be thinking your pet has already discovered canine hydrotherapy by themselves, but this form of therapeutic exercise is much more than just playing in water. If you’re wondering what hydrotherapy for dogs is, and whether your dog can benefit from it, keep reading to discover more about this increasingly popular form of physical therapy. What is canine hydrotherapy? Hydrotherapy for dogs uses water to facilitate rehabilitation of pets suffering from various conditions or injuries, particularly for joint conditions or to help build up muscle again after surgery. Water helps to support a dog’s weight so that they can start the road to recovery with lower-impact movements that are not too taxing on their joints. Sometimes these exercises will be targeted to help treat a particular body-part, and other exercises might aim to increase general fitness and wellbeing. There are different types of canine hydrotherapy, so before you book your dog’s first session, it’s important to make sure your pet is getting the best treatment for their condition by discussing the available options with your vet.

If you’re suspecting your dog is suffering from a case of conjunctivitis, here’s what you need to know. From causes to symptoms and treatment options, we’ve got you covered. Does your dog seem to have irritated, bloodshot or weepy eyes? Are they blinking a lot or rubbing their face on you or the ground? If the answer is yes, your pooch might be suffering from a case of dog conjunctivitis. Much like the human version, canine conjunctivitis can appear out of nowhere, is unpleasant and will require professional attention. Here’s what you need to know about this condition.

If you’ve spotted that your dog has weepy eyes, it’s likely you’re wondering what the possible causes are. Find out all you need to know about runny eyes in dogs and when to seek veterinary help in this guide. Our dogs’ eyes are incredibly precious – they help our canine friends explore and discover the world. So, when we notice something slightly out of the ordinary such as our dog’s eyes watering, it’s only natural that we feel a sense of panic.

Dogs can suffer from strokes, but the symptoms differ to what we see in people. Find out the possible symptoms and the current treatment options available with this guide. Dogs can suffer from strokes, but the symptoms differ to what we see in people. Find out the possible symptoms and the current treatment options available with this guide.

Have you noticed your dog limping for a few steps or holding one of their back legs raised from the ground? This might be a sign of kneecap dislocation, also known as a luxating patella. This condition is actually quite common in dogs, especially when it comes to diminutive breeds. Here is what you need to know about luxating patellas in dogs and how to decide when it’s time to take your pooch to the vet for a check-up.

Glaucoma in dogs is a painful condition which can lead to blindness. Early detection is key to ensuring the best outcome for your pet, which is why we’ve created this guide to tell you all about the signs to look out for and the treatment options currently available.