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17 Dog Breeds That Suit an Active Lifestyle
When selecting the right dog for you, it’s important to consider which breeds may be more suitable for your lifestyle than others. For example, if you enjoy heading out on jogs and hikes and would like your dog to accompany you on these excursions, choosing an active dog breed is key. While there are always exceptions, there are certain breeds that tend to be more active and energetic than others. This article covers 17 of the best dog breeds for owners who want to include them in their active lifestyle. Why does breed matter? All dogs need exercise to thrive. However, some breeds are naturally active and energetic, while others lean more towards the couch potato side of the scale. A dog’s level of desire for exercise and activity often stems from the purpose they were originally bred for, as well as natural athletic abilities. For some owners, a less energetic breed is ideal. For example, elderly people typically choose dogs with lower exercise demands as this suits their lifestyle better. So, by the same logic, if you want to incorporate your dog into your active lifestyle, choosing a breed that would enjoy this is a smart move. That way, rather than dragging them out for exercise-heavy excursions that they’re not particularly interested in, you’ll have a dog that’s begging to head out on your next active adventure. Meanwhile, less active dogs can find happy, loving homes too with people who are more interested in their favourite things, like long snuggle sessions on the couch. 17 great dog breeds for owners who lead active lifestyles Below are 17 excellent dog breeds for you to consider if you’re looking for the right dog to fit into your active lifestyle. Once you choose the pooch for you, don’t forget to treat them to our wide range of treats and chews, toys, and keep them sparkling clean with our hygiene products. 1. Border Collie Border Collies are highly energetic dogs as they’re bred as working animals primarily for herding on farms. A simple walk around the block won’t be enough exercise for this type of pooch. They love to run, so taking them somewhere open and safe where they can release their energy is ideal. Border collies are also highly intelligent, with many regarding them as the smartest of all dog breeds. This allows them to excel in many different activities that include both physical and mental stimulation. If intelligence, agility, and a love for hard work are important to you, this breed is calling your name. 2. Labrador Retriever Labrador Retrievers are the UK’s favourite dog breed. They make excellent family dogs and have plenty of energy to spend on adventures. This breed has an equally laid back and energetic nature, meaning they’re happy to partake in any activity that comes their way. For example, Labrador Retrievers are known to love to swim, run, and play games with other dogs and their owners. If you’re a runner, a labrador retriever could be a great option as they tend to enjoy jogging alongside their humans. Additionally, for mental stimulation, this breed is great at learning tricks and following commands, hence their use as service dogs all over the world. Looking for a happy-go-lucky pooch with lots of energy that's eager to please? Look no further than a Labrador Retriever. 3. Jack Russell Terrier They may be small, especially in comparison to many of the other dogs on this list, but don’t let that fool you. Jack Russell Terriers are full to the brim with energy and love to partake in activities that are reminiscent of the original purpose of their breed. Their job was once to hunt animals that burrow underground, which means they’re happiest when they get to chase and dig. Jack Russel Terriers need both mental and physical stimulation to thrive, meaning they enjoy everything from a walk and a simple game of fetch to higher intensity activities like agility training. If you live in a smaller space but still want a dog that you can bring on your active adventures, this pocket-sized pooch could be the perfect companion for you. 4. Hungarian Vizsla Hungarian Vizslas are full of energy and enjoy a wide range of activities, making them a great option for any type of active lifestyle. Running in open spaces, swimming, and hiking are a few of many examples. Like all dogs, they also require mental stimulation, so finding ways to weave this into their physical activity is ideal. For example, you may want to try some sort of agility training, tracking activities, or frequently take them to locations where there are lots of new sniffs. Sometimes referred to as ‘velcro dogs’, this breed will want to be by your side as much as possible, whether it’s while swimming, exploring a hiking trail, or anything in between. If you’re on the hunt for a versatile and energetic companion that will never leave your side, this could be the breed you've been looking for. 5. German Shepherd German Shepherds are athletic, versatile, and fiercely protective of their loved ones. Additionally, this breed is incredibly intelligent, which is why they are often used as working dogs in varying capacities, including law enforcement. They make great running partners and enjoy any activities that involve spending time with their humans. Due to their intelligence and hardworking nature, it’s a good idea to mix in a healthy portion of mental stimulation alongside their physical activity. For example, you could set up obstacle courses and teach them tricks that require both mental and physical exertion. If you’re looking for a loyal, protective, and highly energetic dog, this breed could be the perfect fit for you. 6. Siberian Husky As cold weather and endurance lovers, Siberian Huskies are full of energy. This breed is often used as a working dog, which means they thrive with plenty of daily exercise that goes further than a simple walk and a game of fetch. In particular, they have a soft spot for any type of winter activity, such as sledging in freshly fallen snow. This breed is also excellent at running with incredible levels of endurance, making them perfect running partner candidates. If you’re looking for an athletic breed that can enjoy cold weather activities with you, a Siberian Husky may be exactly the dog you’re looking for. 7. Weimaraner Weimaraners have a unique grey coat and were originally bred as hunting dogs. These large dogs are packed full of energy and require lots of exercise. This makes them excellent candidates for joining your active household. They’re speedy with lots of stamina, so activities like running, swimming, and agility training can be great options for this breed. In addition to their athleticism, Weimaraners are very loving and loyal, enjoying spending time with their families. If you want a gorgeous breed that can show you love and keep up with your activities, you may have just found the ideal pooch for you. 8. German Shorthaired Pointer German Shorthaired Pointers may be your first thought when someone mentions the term ‘hunting dog’. This is because they’re known for their identifiable ‘point’ stance when they spot prey, with one front foot cocked in the air. This breed thrives when provided with opportunities for vigorous exercise, particularly outdoors. They love partaking in anything that involves nose work due to their hunting nature, but they also enjoy plenty of other more athletic activities. These include options like swimming, agility training, running, hiking, among many others. German Shorthaired Pointers are powerful, affectionate, and very intelligent. If you’re looking for a medium-sized dog with the energy of a large dog and plenty of endurance, you’ve found it in this breed. 9. Australian Shepherd Australian Shepherd is an odd name for this breed considering they originate from the US. They’re incredibly intelligent, athletic, energetic, and loyal. They were originally bred for herding which means they love working and exerting themselves both mentally and physically. Involving them in activities that require lots of energy and agility is a great way to ensure they are able to thrive. This breed is very trainable, so you can add to their mental stimulation by teaching them tricks, and take them to wide open spaces as they can easily learn excellent recall. Options that involve coordination, such as catching a toy, are also great for Australian Shepherds and provide a perfect bonding opportunity. Looking for an adorably affectionate, highly intelligent, and incredibly energetic dog? No need to look any further. 10. Rhodesian Ridgeback Did you know this powerful breed was originally bred to hunt LIONS in Africa? That should tell you almost everything you need to know about the strength, athleticism, and endurance that comes naturally to Rhodesian Ridgebacks. This breed is perfect for hiking and jogging with their owners, and their loyal nature means they love sticking by their human’s side. Despite their original purpose in Africa, this breed can be very gentle and make an excellent and affectionate companion in addition to being a family protector. In need of a gentle giant with the endurance to keep up with your activities? We’ve found the breed you’re after. 11. English Springer Spaniel English Springer Spaniels are kind and loving dogs with bundles of energy. As is the case with many other dogs on this list, they were originally bred for hunting, which is where much of their energy comes from. They love to accompany their owners on adventures and relish any opportunity they get to run and explore the world around them. This breed is another medium sized option that suits owners who cannot accommodate large and XL breeds. If excitable, affectionate, energetic, and friendly are traits you’re looking for in a medium-sized pooch, this breed could be your perfect companion. 12. Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers are known for their happy-go-lucky personalities and sweet, gentle nature. They’re incredibly popular family dogs for these reasons. In addition to their heart-warming personalities, they’re also intelligent and have lots of energy, so they love to accompany their families on all types of adventures. This breed typically loves to swim and play games that involve water, but will also enjoy other activities like running, hiking, and going on walks. Golden Retrievers are very affectionate and loving, and thrive best in a lifestyle that includes plenty of activity and outdoor time. If these traits and interests sound like what you’re looking for, you’ll find an excellent match in this breed. 13. Dalmatian Dalmatians are of course known for their white coats covered in black spots, but did you know they also have very high energy levels? Long walks and runs are great for this breed, making them the perfect exercise companions. They’re intelligent in addition to being athletic, so activities that engage their minds as well as their bodies are ideal. For example, you could offer them agility and obstacle courses or games that involve nose work. As was demonstrated in the classic film ‘101 Dalmatians’, this breed is up for adventure and makes a brilliant canine companion. If you want a highly energetic and athletic dog that will turn heads wherever you go, this is the showstopper for you. 14. Standard Poodle While Poodles are best known for their looks, they also have other distinctive traits. They are extremely energetic and respond very well to training. This breed enjoys anything from long walks to playing with other dogs to accompanying their owners on adventures. In fact, as they were originally bred as water-retrievers, they have no natural aversion to water and may enjoy swimming and other water-based activities. It’s worth noting that without enough mental and physical stimulation, this breed can become anxious. However, given the opportunities they need to blow off steam, they make excellent companions with very stylish (and hypoallergenic) hairdos. If you struggle with allergies but still want a dog that can keep up with your highly active lifestyle, you may have been in search of a Poodle all along. 15. Bernese Mountain Dog The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large breed of dog that requires plenty of exercise. This breed is kind in nature and very easy to train, making them an attractive option for people who can accommodate XL dogs. This is especially true of hikers, as this type of dog’s love for hiking is practically spelled out in its name. In addition to their love of adventure and physical activity, they’re also very loving, affectionate, and are often referred to as ‘gentle giants’. Looking for an enormous ball of fluff that’s as full of love as it is energy? Look no further than these mountain climbing cuties. 16. Doberman People are often frightened of Dobermans due to their striking appearance. In reality, this breed is loving, protective, and affectionate, as well as high energy. They adore running and benefit from being allowed to run freely in open spaces on a regular basis. This breed is also very intelligent and obedient, making them highly trainable. Plenty of exercise and mental stimulation is necessary to ensure Dobermans are happy and able to thrive. If you’re on the lookout for a fiercely loyal companion who loves to exercise and will listen to your commands, a Doberman could be the breed for you. 17. Whippet Last but not least, we’re finishing this list off strong with the lovely Whippet breed. They’re on the smaller side, especially in comparison with many of the other dogs on this list. However, this breed is still brimming with athletic ability, allowing them to partake in many different adventures. One of the most notable points about this breed is their incredible speed, as they can reach up to 35 mph! So, needless to say, they make great runners and benefit from plenty of opportunities to exercise. Mental stimulation is also important to incorporate to keep their minds sharp. Despite their speed, Whippets also like to indulge in plenty of cuddles and snoozes on the couch with their family. So, if you’re after the perfect balance between activity and snuggle sessions, it was definitely worth reading to the end of this list as number 17 seems to be the perfect pooch for you. Final thoughts This list of dog breeds for active lifestyles is by no means exhaustive, as there are many other breeds that could also make a great addition to your household. However, it offers a great jumping off point and some inspiration to use when selecting the perfect next member of your family. To ensure both you and your pooch are as happy as possible, choosing one that suits your lifestyle is key. So, even if you choose a dog not on this list, if you have an active lifestyle, make sure it’s a breed that will enjoy taking part in your routine and activities.
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6 Ways to Provide Your Dog with Mental Stimulation
Along with feeding them a healthy diet and facilitating enough exercise, providing your dog with mental stimulation is a key part of dog ownership. There are plenty of ways to do this, the best of which depends on your dog and what they respond to. Some dogs may thrive learning tricks, while others feel more stimulated by going on enriching sniff walks. This article covers six great ways to provide your dog with mental stimulation. Why is mental stimulation important for dogs? Just like us humans, dogs need mental stimulation to feel happy and avoid boredom. Additionally, mental stimulation can help reduce or prevent behavioural issues in dogs. When dogs are young, it can positively impact their mental development, and as they age, it can help keep their minds sharp and reduce the mental impacts of the ageing process. Mental stimulation may also help increase confidence in shy dogs. When you involve yourself in their activities, this also helps deepen the bond between you and your pooch, as they associate you with happiness, fun, and enrichment. Mentally stimulating activities for dogs There are lots of different types of activities that can provide enriching mental stimulation for your dog. Many of these activities also provide you with an opportunity to spend fun quality time with your pooch, and we all know there’s nothing better than that! 1. Offer puzzle toys Some dog toys are specifically designed to provide dogs with mental stimulation and solo entertainment. For example, there are lots of different types of puzzle toys that dispense food or treats to reward your dog’s effort. Some require their paws, while others come in the form of chewable dispensers. These options encourage your dog to use their brain and engage their problem-solving skills to get a reward. When they get their food or treat, they feel satisfaction and will likely be motivated to keep going with the activity. Other options, like snuffle mats, encourage your dog’s natural foraging instincts. These mats are perfect for hiding food and treats, and like the puzzle options, require your dogs to use their brains to get what they want. Engaging their natural hunting and snuffling instincts in this way helps stimulate their brain and keep them sharp. 2. Play interactive games There are lots of different types of interactive games you can play with your dog to keep them entertained and provide you both with some quality time. For example, if your dog is a quick learner or enjoys working for a treat, you could try a guessing game. This involves getting three identical cups and placing a treat under one of them, then moving the cups around into a different formation. Then, encourage your dog to find the treat. Another option is teaching your dog the names of their toys, such as ‘ball’ and ‘bear’ so they can retrieve them. Learning games like this help strengthen their mind and memory. Take it slowly, one toy at a time, so they don’t get overwhelmed. Make sure to reward and praise them when they’re able to identify and eventually even retrieve the correct items. More common games are also great options, such as classics like tug of war and fetch. Tug of war in particular allows them to work on their impulse control. Just make sure not to overdo this game in a way that could damage their teeth or jaw. Fetch can also sharpen their mind by requiring them to focus and utilise their reflexes. If it includes catching the toy, their coordination can improve as well. 3. Teach them new tricks Learning new tricks and skills engages your dog's brain, and providing positive reinforcement makes them feel happy and satisfied. This is another activity that requires you to spend focused one-on-one time with your dog, further strengthening your bond. The tricks you can teach them are endless, but some fun options include teaching them to open or close a door, wait with a treat on their nose until they’re given a release word to eat it, and weaving between your legs. Other more classic options include shake a paw, roll over, and speak. Regardless of the trick, your dog will enjoy this enriching quality time with you (and the training treats used for positive reinforcement will be much appreciated too). You can then practice these tricks regularly as this also serves as a great form of mental stimulation and keeps their memory sharp. 4. Go on sniff walks Scents are incredibly mentally stimulating for dogs. Allowing your dog to sniff as much as they want on dedicated sniff walks helps them learn about their surroundings. It may seem off-putting to us, but sniffing other dogs' urine can help them learn a lot of information about other dogs in their area. Sniffing in general fulfils some of their sensory needs and gives them a chance to partake in a key part of their natural behaviour. Plus, as it engages their respiratory system as well as their brain, sniff walks can be a tiring activity that leaves them feeling satisfied, even if the route is shorter than other walks that aren’t sniff-focused. Allowing your dog to lead the way based on scents they find interesting can also help build their confidence and reduce any stress they may be feeling. 5. Try different walking routes and destinations Offering your dog new places to explore can be very stimulating and exciting, which is great for mental stimulation. For example, a new park or hiking trail they haven’t been to before may engage their brain more than going to the same spot they’re used to. Even a different walking route in the same area helps engage their brain more than sticking to the same route for every walk. They won’t know exactly what to expect or where they’re going next, keeping them fully engaged and interested in the adventure. This, paired with the new smells and scenery, keeps them sharp and stimulated. 6. Set up a scavenger hunt or an obstacle course If your dog is a bundle of energy, something like an obstacle course could be a great option for them. It doesn’t need to be Crufts-level fancy, it just needs to be dog-safe and provide them with a challenge. This option is great for both mental and physical stimulation, and should come with plenty of positive reinforcement when they complete different parts of the course. You could also choose to set up a scavenger hunt in your house, with treats, food, or some of their favourite items like toys and blankets. This encourages them to use and improve their nose work, one of their natural skills, to achieve a goal. It’s important to give them clear commands to find whatever you have hidden, and plenty of praise when they complete the task successfully. Final thoughts You know your dog better than anyone, so it’s up to you to decide which mentally stimulating activities will be most enjoyable for them. There’s also no harm in trial and error to help you figure this out. It will become clear to you upon trying out some of these activities which ones your dog responds most positively to both during the activity and afterwards. The most important thing is that your dog is happy and having fun, and if their favourite human (you) and some treats, food, or toys are involved, those serve as added bonuses.
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Maintaining Your Dog’s Dental Health
There are lots of ways to keep your dog’s dental health and hygiene in good shape. Every dog is different, which means that exactly what’s needed to keep their teeth and gums healthy can differ. However, what all dogs have in common is that proper dental hygiene is crucial to maintaining their overall health and wellness. This article covers why dental health is important for dogs, how to care for your dog's teeth and gums at home, signs of dental disease in dogs, and what to do if you think your dog has a dental problem. Why dental health is important for your dog Keeping your dog healthy means considering all aspects of their health, including their teeth and gums. Just like with humans, dental disease (such as gingivitis) can be uncomfortable, cause smelly breath, and make simple functions, like eating, painful. Additionally, the bacteria that builds up as a result of dental disease can spread to other parts of the body, potentially causing issues in the blood and vital organs. So, keeping your dog’s mouth clean and healthy not only helps keep their breath fresh and their mouth comfortable, it can also have a huge impact on their health and quality of life. 4 ways to care for your dog’s teeth and gums Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to help prevent dental disease in dogs. Here are 4 options to consider: 1. Brush their teeth and gums This may seem odd to some people, but a growing number of veterinary professionals recommend brushing your dog’s teeth. This helps keep their gums healthy while removing plaque and tartar from their teeth. Doing so on a regular basis should prevent any nasty bacteria from building up and causing problems. To get your dog on board with the process, it’s a good idea to allow them to taste the dog-friendly toothpaste. This can help your dog perceive tooth-brushing time as a positive experience as they may think the toothpaste is a treat. Then, ease into the process by getting them comfortable with the sensation of their mouth being touched and the look and smell of the toothbrush so they feel calm and relaxed. Once they're ready, use a dog-friendly toothbrush to clean their teeth and gums, making sure you get all the way to the back. The amount of time it takes to reach the brushing stage depends on your dog’s comfort level and reaction to the steps that precede it. While the process for brushing your dog’s teeth is much like what us humans do, make sure you NEVER give your dog any human toothpaste. Some of the ingredients may be toxic to dogs and these products are not tailored to canine oral needs. However, when it comes to selecting a toothbrush, you can choose a child’s toothbrush or one made specifically for dogs, as both options are safe. That being said, toothbrushes made for dogs are the best option as they're specifically designed to help keep dogs' teeth clean. 2. Offer safe and natural chews In addition to brushing your dog’s teeth and gums, offering them natural, safe chews is a great way to promote good dental health. Chewing is very important for dental health, as it can help remove plaque and tartar from their teeth. It also contributes to the maintenance of a strong and healthy jaw. Due to these effects, good chews can help prevent gum disease from developing, as well as bad breath. If you have a puppy, chews can also help with their teething pain. 3. Regularly check their mouth To avoid any dental issues progressing, make sure to keep an eye on your dog’s mouth. Weekly or even daily checks help ensure you don’t miss any new issues or sources of pain or bad breath. When issues are detected early, the treatment for them is usually less invasive and expensive, which is good news for both you and your dog. Hopefully, your dog won’t develop any dental issues, and these regular checks will simply maintain your peace of mind that their mouth is perfectly healthy. 4. Feed them the right diet for their needs The type of food you feed your dog depends on a wide range of factors. These can include your dog’s preferences, health conditions, age, and breed. Another consideration to throw into the mix is their dental health. For example, offering them something to crunch on during each meal can help them break down plaque and tartar, thus preventing gum disease. Therefore, it’s worth checking with your vet if your feeding plan is healthy for their teeth and gums, and if there’s anything you can do to improve it. Finding the right food for their needs is key to your dog’s dental and overall health. Signs of dental disease in dogs When completing your regular checks of your dog’s mouth and keeping a general eye on them, these are the key signs of dental disease to be on the lookout for: Smelly breath (all the time) Red, swollen, and/or bleeding gums Unusual levels of drooling Smaller appetite (this may result in weight loss) Discolouration of the teeth Trying to only chew on one side Missing or loose teeth Bloody saliva, which may be found in the mouth or on their toys Low mood or irritability Difficulty keeping food in their mouth Regularly rubbing at their face and mouth What to do if your dog shows signs of dental disease If your dog begins to show signs of dental disease, we recommend booking a vet appointment as soon as possible. The sooner you can have a professional assess and address the issue, the simpler the treatment should be. More progressed cases of dental disease may require more invasive treatment, including the removal of several teeth in some cases. Your vet will be able to treat any existing issues before they get worse and provide you with personalised advice for maintaining their dental health moving forward. Final thoughts Our dogs are family members who rely on us to help keep their overall health in check. Keeping their mouth healthy is a crucial part of this. The key points to remember here are the importance of dental health and the best ways to prevent dental disease in dogs. The steps to maintain your dog’s dental health don’t take a lot of time or effort, but they do make a huge difference.
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12 Autumn Hazards for Dogs
Autumn is upon us, which means we’re in store for cooler weather, fireworks, and various festivities. While some of the things that come along with autumn are welcomed, they can also pose risks to our canine companions. It’s important to still make sure they’re getting out and exercising to maintain their healthy weight, but we must also take extra precautions while doing so to keep them safe. This article covers the top autumn hazards for all dog owners to be aware of. 1. Conkers and acorns Fallen conkers and acorns are key signifiers that autumn has arrived, but did you know they can cause harm to your dog? Conkers contain a toxin known as aesculin, which can cause sickness in dogs. The severity of this often depends on how much of the toxin is ingested. Due to their size, conkers are also a choking hazard and may cause internal blockages when swallowed. While dogs may find them fun to carry around, it’s best to replace this with a safer option, like a ball. Acorns contain a different type of toxin called tannic acid, which can also cause an upset stomach in dogs. This can become more serious and impact internal organs like the kidneys and liver if eaten frequently or in high quantities. The highest levels of tannic acid are typically found in green acorns, although brown acorns do still contain it. Additionally, like conkers, acorns can also cause internal blockages. 2. Wild mushrooms Mushrooms are tricky because some are edible, while others are extremely toxic. This applies to both humans and dogs, but dogs are of course much more likely to indiscriminately eat random toadstools they come across on walks. It can be difficult to discern which wild mushrooms are safe and which are poisonous, even for experts. Their effects can range from harmless to life-threatening, depending on the type. Due to this, it's always safest to keep your dogs away from all wild mushrooms, even if you think they may be safe to eat. If your dog does ingest a wild mushroom, it’s important to take them to the vet immediately, even if no reaction occurs. This is because some mushrooms can cause delayed effects. To help the vet properly assess and treat your pet, any information you can provide about the mushroom they ingested will be welcomed. This may include where it was growing, images, or even a sample of the mushroom. 3. Antifreeze and rock salt As colder weather approaches, more car owners will be using antifreeze in their cars, and rock salt will be appearing on the roads. Antifreeze, unfortunately, tastes and smells attractive to some dogs and can appear as an innocent puddle on the ground. Many dogs like to drink from puddles as a quick refresher on their walks, but the potential for an antifreeze leak or spill makes this very dangerous. It’s toxic if ingested and can lead to serious complications, including kidney failure. In some cases, it can be fatal. Rock salt used to grit roads can also cause serious issues if ingested, such as liver failure and dehydration. Therefore, it's important to be extra vigilant around roads and parked cars. If you think your dog has ingested any antifreeze or rock salt, contact your vet for advice. As an extra precaution, it’s a good idea to wipe your dog’s paws and any other part of their body that touches the ground after walks to remove possible antifreeze and rock salt residue. 4. Fireworks Most dogs are not fans of fireworks displays, such as those that occur on Bonfire Night here in the UK. They don’t understand where the loud noises are coming from or why they’re happening, which can be very distressing, especially with their highly sensitive ears. Watching TV or listening to the radio can help reduce their effect by distracting your dog. For additional positive stimulation, healthy chews that keep their attention may help soothe them. Other pet-safe calming products are also available. We advise speaking to your vet before giving any ingestible calming products to your dog. This is especially important if your dog takes any regular medications or has a health condition. Unfortunately, dogs are still not always safe from fireworks even when the display is over. Used or discarded fireworks still contain chemicals that put your dog at risk of illness. Ingesting these chemicals can cause a range of symptoms, from an upset stomach to liver and kidney problems, among various others. This is why it’s important to check any outdoor spaces, including those on your own property, for remnants of fireworks after a display in your area. 5. Slugs and snails Slugs and snails are thought of as harmless creatures, but curious pups may find different results. This is because some slugs and snails carry a type of parasitic worm called lungworm, which can be fatal to dogs if left untreated. Luckily, there are preventative worming treatments that work to protect dogs against lungworm. However, even if your dog is protected by one of these treatments, it’s always safest to ensure they steer clear of licking or ingesting any slugs or snails you encounter on your walks. 6. Fallen fruits As autumn weather sets in, trees take this as their cue to begin dropping their fruits. Some of these fruits, as well as their seeds or stones, can be dangerous to dogs when ingested. This can become even more dangerous if the fruits are growing mould. Depending on how long the fallen fruits have been on the ground, they may also begin to ferment, which is not good news for your dog’s tummy if ingested. If you want to give your dog a healthy fruity snack, make sure to do so at home with clean fruits that are known to be safe for canine consumption. 7. Fleas, ticks, and mites Between harvest mites, fleas, and ticks, there are plenty of little critters that would love to attach themselves to your furry friend. Cooler weather prompts fleas to make their way into warmer environments, such as your dog’s fur, to lay their eggs and feed. There are preventative measures that you can take to avoid this, such as regular flea treatments. It’s also worth carefully choosing your walking routes. For example, heavily wooded and grassy areas may be a fun place to take your dog, but they’re also home to harvest mites and ticks which can cause various issues. Harvest mites may lead to an uncomfortable and itchy reaction, with some dogs being more sensitive to them than others. Ticks can carry harmful diseases, so avoiding them where possible and properly removing them from your dog as soon as you can is important. It’s nearly impossible to avoid the natural homes of all of these critters while still providing an enriching walking experience for your dog. However, taking all the precautions you can and closely inspecting their bodies for invaders after walks can help keep your dog safe from the effects of harmful pests. 8. Rodent poison Speaking of pests, rodent infestations in homes spike in autumn as the weather begins to get cooler. This results in rat and mouse poison being used to get rid of them. These poisons work by attracting rodents with their smell and taste. Unfortunately, this means dogs may find them attractive, too. If your home or any other home you enter with your dog contains these poisons, it’s crucial that your dog is not able to access them. If you believe they have ingested any poison, contacting your vet immediately is the best course of action. 9. Halloween Spooky season isn’t just scary for us, it can give your dogs the heebeegeebees as well! Large Halloween decorations or those that produce sudden sounds or movements can become very distressing to dogs. The same goes for all the little humans running around in costumes and knocking on the door all of a sudden. In addition to the visual confusion, the influx of discarded sweets and chocolates and their wrappers pose a health risk for dogs. Make sure to keep a close eye on what they’re sniffing and munching on walks to avoid any ingestion of harmful ingredients. It’s also important to ensure they can’t access any Halloween treats you may have in your home. 10. Hidden dangers in leaf piles Leaf piles are tempting to jump into, even for us humans at times. However, it’s hard to know what may be lurking within them. Natural hazards, such as sharp sticks, ticks, and mould may be hiding beneath the surface. Additionally, man-made dangers like broken glass and cigarette butts may also be present. Unless you are absolutely certain that a leaf pile is safe for your dog to roll in (i.e. it may be freshly fallen on your property with very little to no chance of natural or man-made hazards), they are best avoided where possible. 11. Low visibility As dusk and darkness begin to appear earlier and earlier, you may find yourself walking your dog at times with low visibility. This can become dangerous if you’re walking them near roads or if you let them off-lead without any way to track their whereabouts. Luckily, there are lots of dog-friendly high visibility options, such as light up collars and reflective harnesses. Using these for darker walks means you can still give them the freedom to run around (in safe, road-free environments) without worrying about being able to keep a close eye on them. However, when it becomes especially dark or if you walk your dog late at night, the safest option is to keep them on the lead as much as possible to avoid them getting lost. 12. Cold weather Just like us, dogs are sensitive to the temperature dropping. Of course, those with longer and thicker coats will feel less of these effects than those with short coats. Older dogs are also more susceptible to the effects of cold weather. There are plenty of ways to keep your dog warm, such as dog-friendly attire like coats and jumpers. Additionally, it's important to make sure that they’re clean and dry when they return from walks, and have a cosy place to rest. Offering plenty of blankets and a warm environment will go a long way to keep them toasty in these cooler months. Final thoughts Our dogs are like our babies and we want to do whatever we can to keep them safe. This list may feel a bit overwhelming, but the key to most of these points is keeping a close eye on your dog and what they’re ingesting, and providing them with a safe and warm environment. These are things you’re likely already doing year-round, so don’t fret about drastically changing your lifestyle or routine. Knowing these potential hazards gives you the preparation you need to prevent them from impacting your dog. You’ll also know when and how to take appropriate action if any accidental mishaps do occur. Now you can comfortably enjoy your safe and fun walkies with your cute canine companion!
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Taking Care of Dogs in Hot Weather
Essential Hot Weather Safety TipsFinally summer has arrived in the UK! However, the hot weather pauses risks to dogs ranging from dehydration to heatstroke and many other potential problems in between. Here are our essential safety tips to make sure your furry friends can enjoy the warm weather.Plan your walksWalk your dog either early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the hottest parts of the day. If you have a very active dog, you might have to limit the amount of walks on hot days as a dog would carry on as normal risking heatstroke, which can be fatal to dogs. Pavements get very hot and therefore can easily burn the paws. To check if a pavement is too hot, simply put your hand on it and if it feels too hot for you, it will be unpleasant and dangerous for your dog to walk on.It's also a good idea to visit the woods instead of open fields and remember to take some water with you for your dog.Provide shade in the gardenDogs will naturally seek out the shades outside so you just need to make sure there are trees in your garden. If not, you can buy a dog-friendly tent.Provide fresh waterKeep your dog hydrated by providing access to fresh water at all times and keep the water bowl out of direct sunlight.Apply sunscreenIf you have a short-haired breed with whitish or pinkish ears, you should apply sunscreen to the nose, lips and ears. This can be done to any dogs just to be on the safe side.Circulate indoor air with fansYou can just use fans to cool the house but if your dog seems very hot and bothered by the temperature, place it near your dog’s spot and let him/her enjoy it.Cooling mats and damp towelsCooling mats are great but if you don’t have one, you can simply dampen some towels and lay them out for your dog to lie on. They bring down a dog’s temperature quite quickly. Please make sure you don’t wrap your dogs in damp towels though as they will warm up eventually and instead of cooling they will warm up your dog.Ice treatsMake ice-lollies with simply blending water with a few strawberries or blueberries. You can also just freeze some carrots or cucumber if your dog is usually happy to have such vegetables. Alternatively, you could fill a hoof or Kong toy with some plain yoghurt and some dog-friendly fruits.Car safetyNever ever leave your dogs in the car, not even for a few minutes as cars get overheated very quickly!Signs & symptoms of heatstroke in dogs include collapse, excessive panting and dribbling.Most importantly, try to prevent heatstroke by following the advice above.Go and enjoy the lovely weather whilst it lasts!
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Travelling with Dogs
Hitting the road with the furry friends Many of us will be getting in the car heading either to the beach or some tranquil holiday cottages with our furry companions with the good weather and half term break in sight. Before you hit the road, it’s good to ensure you have everything you might need for making it comfortable for your pooch. The most important aspects of any travels BlanketMake sure your dog has something comfortable to lie on. Ideally a blanket from home, albeit if your dog is not used to travelling in the car you might want to put a plastic blanket down, which is easy to wipe off should your dog get sick. It’s a good idea to roll down one of the side windows a few centimetres but best avoid blowing cold air on your dog.You might want to use shades to block out the sunshine to reduce heat and glare from the sun. Motion sicknessThe best way to deal with motion sickness is to train your dog well in advance. Ideally, this would start in the early puppy days, which helps to desensitise their uncertainty and get them used to the motion. However, the training can be done at a later stage as well. Start with short journeys in the car, starting with max 10 minutes and gradually increasing it to longer periods over a couple of weeks. Having a positive experience at the end of the car journey will help your dog make positive connections so it’s a good idea to meet up some doggy friends for a nice walk. Having treats at hand in the car can also help. It’s important that you don’t travel with your dog when he/she has just had a meal, best to wait a couple of hours before setting off.If your dog travels in a crate within the boot of the car, you could put some blankets or sheets on top of it to reduce visual disorientation from looking out of the window. However, most dogs quite enjoy watching out of the window so just see how your dog deals with it before trying to reduce the visibility. BreaksIf you are going on a long journey, take a break every couple of hours unless your dogs are seasoned travellers but nonetheless you should not exceed 4 hours of non-stop driving. A bit of stretching and walking around makes the journey so much more comfortable for both humans and canines. Motorway service stations are not the most dog-friendly places but some offer more greenery and dog-friendly areas than others and it is good to do some research before you hit the road. SpaceAssuming your dog travels in the boot, you need to give him/her enough space to be able to stand up, turn around and change position. If you are putting some luggage in the boot, make sure that they won’t fall on your dog, which could be distressing. It’s always better to have a roof box for suitcases and bags.If your dog travels in the boot, it is also recommended to have a boot gate to prevent your dog from jumping through to the front of the vehicle. HydrationMost dogs are not keen on drinking whilst travelling in the car. However, you could put a bowl of water in for him (ideally only filled one third), you can even buy non-spill travelling bowls. However, it’s not necessary to do so as long as you make sure that you often take a break and offer fresh water to your dog at every stop. SafetyAccording to the Highway Code, “a seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.” These are the safest ways and you need to choose the method that suits you and your dog the best. Unrestrained dogs can be a distraction increasing the risk of an incident. No dog should ever be restrained by the collar though!It is not illegal for your dog to travel in the front of the car, however, the passenger side airbag must be switched off and the seat should be moved far back. Travelling to Europe It used to be quite straight-forward to travel to Europe with dogs. However, Brexit has changed that and unfortunately, it is now quite an expensive exercise. We have already written a detailed article on all the requirements, which you can access here. However, a summary is included below. Animal Health Certificate requirements: All dogs need to be microchipped Be up to date on rabies vaccinations. If not, allow for a minimum of 21 days from the date of the vaccination before travelling to the EU. Make an appointment (well in advance) with a vet authorised to complete the necessary checks and issue the Animal Health Certificate. The appointment will last around an hour. The appointment cannot be more than 10 days before you enter the EU. Make sure the form is in the language of the intended first point of entry to the EU. Your vet will do this but please double-check it. On arrival at the first point of entry in the EU, have the form checked with the dogs if travel beyond the country of the first point of entry is intended. Between 24 hours and 120 hours prior to re-entry to Great Britain the dog(s) require tapeworm treatment. On our trip the details of this treatment were entered onto Page 4 of the Animal Health Certificate. This does look like where if you were travelling into Finland, Norway, Ireland, Northern Ireland or Malta the tapeworm treatment would appear but it is the correct place for re-entry to Great Britain too. Remember the document only lasts for 4 months from the date of issue for returning your dog to the UK. Remember that every time you make a trip to Europe you need a new Animal Health Certificate. Things to pack for your dog: his/her regular food. If your dog is raw-fed, you can either try to source complete raw food abroad or simply buy raw meat and veg from any supermarket and offer him that. For the actual journey, either use a cool-box with ice packs or buy some freeze-dried raw food. Don't forget poop bags. Treats for the journey and the stay. In order to ensure you can enjoy BBQs and lounge in the garden/beach, it's a good idea to get some long-lasting chews in advance. Remember that buying from us will be much cheaper than buying treats abroad! toothbrush and toothpaste. We got great feedback on the Enticers. The takeaway of Travelling with Dogs: DOs: Secure your pet using a crate, pet carrier or harness You can open the window slightly or have the aircon on as long as it’s not blowing directly in your dog’s face Either have a bowl of water accessible in the car or offer plenty at stops Take regular breaks on a long journey to give your dog the chance to stretch, drink and go to the toilet Have some comfy blankets for your dog to lie on DON’Ts: Don't leave the passenger-side airbag on if your dog travels on the front seat Don’t feed your dog two hours prior to travel. Don’t let your dog stick his head out of the window Don’t leave your dog in the car as it can very quickly warm up causing your dog to overheat
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Anal Gland Problems in Dogs
All you need to know about anal glands Anal glands are a pair of small, grape-sized scent glands on either side of a dog’s anus, just under the tail. They are not visible to the naked eye as they are inside the anus. The glands normally release a few drops of scent when a dog defecates, helping dogs to mark their territory. These glands can become irritated, blocked or over-filled. If they are too full, they can create pressure, which is uncomfortable to the dogs and most dogs will try to ease this by scooting their bottom on the floor. Another typical sign is the distinctive odour. Signs & symptoms of anal gland problems: scooting on the floor excessive licking near the hind area foul/fishy odour leaking of anal gland fluid swelling near the anal region straining when defecating What causes anal gland problems in dogs? Diet can be a major factor, however, often it is a combination of things. In order for the anal glands to empty naturally, stools need to be firm to create sufficient pressure on the anal sacs. Allergies can also contribute to irritated anal glands. Allergies cause inflamed skin, which can affect the ears, belly, paws as well as the anal region. For some dogs it can be simply due to an abnormally low or high (too deep in the anus) pair of anal sacs so much so that they cannot easily empty without any help. How to resolve anal glands problems naturally As diet can be a major factor in its problem, it is also the first thing to look at when trying to resolve the matter. High quality food is essential as proper ingredients and nutrients ensure healthy stools and healthy anal glands. It is a good idea to give your dog some raw or steamed vegetables as well. These toppings would increase fibre in the diet which helps digestion as well as healthy functioning of the anal glands. Treating your dog to some tinned salmon, sardines or mackerel would also be beneficial as they are high in Omega 3 essential fatty acids, which support a healthy immune system so that it can combat inflammation. As well as diet, regular exercising is essential to support healthy bowel movements. If your dog is left at home for long periods with no walks, having to hold back bowel movements can put excess pressure on the organs which can negatively impact the anal glands. In order to avoid this, it’s best to have a friend or dog-walker coming round to take your dog out if you have to be away. When to see the vet If your dog is still showing signs of anal gland problems after having tried to relieve the pressure naturally, it is best to seek help from a vet, who can express the glands manually. Some people might try to do this less than pleasant job themselves. However, it is stressful and unpleasant for both dog and owner therefore I’d urge anybody to take their dogs to the vet instead. Anal gland problems left unchecked can develop into infections or even abscess, which would require prescription drugs.
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Are Dogs Omnivores?
Have you ever wondered if dogs are carnivores and therefore should live on a pure meat diet? Or are they omnivores like us? After all, they are more than happy to tuck into our food and sometimes they simply refuse to eat their food unless some human food put on as toppers. You might say, it doesn't matter as my dog is happy. However, the reason why it should matter is because we all want to give them the best to keep them happy and healthy and for this reason we need to know what is the best for dogs based on their build and characteristics. Before we dive in, let's start with the basics. Are dogs carnivores or omnivores? A carnivore is an animal or plant that eats the flesh of other animals, put it simply they are ’meat-eaters’. These animals have higher nutritional needs for certain amino acids (taurine) and fatty acids (arachidonic acid) and animal protein is a rich source of both. Omnivores are animals that eat both plant-and animal-derived food. In Latin, omnivore means to eat everything. Humans are typical omnivores. Are dogs meat-eaters? Yes. Do dogs eat everything? Yes (think of those puppy eyes as you are enjoying a slice of buttery toast). Based on these two simple questions, we can already see that dogs fall into both categories. However, to muddle the water even further, carnivores can be sub-categorised further: Obligate carnivores, whose diet entirely rely on meat. They include members of the cat family. Facultative carnivores are those that also eat non-animal food in addition to animal food and dogs would be considered facultative carnivores. Scavenging omnivores would be another very apt term to describe dogs as they are certainly not against the idea of feeding on leftovers, be it carcasses, fallen fruit, veg or of course your toast. In the wild, they would pretty much eat anything! Their primary choice would be animal protein, however, when food is scarce they could survive on a meat-free diet until animal protein was available again. As such, in terms of behaviour, dogs would most certainly be classified as omnivores. How about the physical traits? Many physical characteristics of dogs show carnivorous traits, including teeth and physical build. Teeth - Plants include an outer layer of cellulose, which is indigestible for a typical carnivore like a cat. However, herbivores and omnivores (like humans) can extract and digest the nutrients with the help of their flat morals, which can grind the indigestible fibre. Dogs don’t have these molars but equipped with sharp, serrated ones which work like a meat-slicer. Their wide-set jaws and relatively large oesophagus are further evidence of that dogs are designed to be able to swallow large chunks of meat at a time. As such in the wild, even if dogs would munch on plant material it would not provide any nutritious and digestible nutrient; it would be done more as an activity to kill boredom or ease teething pain. Digestive system - Dogs stomach can take up large amount of food as generally speaking their stomach has a larger capacity plus they are equipped with shorter digestive tract. As a result food stays in their stomach for much longer which subsequently means that food is more easily broken down and digested. It also kills harmful bacteria more efficiently hence the reason why dogs don’t suffer from salmonella and the likes. The efficient digestion is further aided by the pancreas whose key role is the breakdown and digestion of fat. Recently there has been a shift to no-grain or low-grain diets as the preferred diets for dogs and there is a genetic reason for this. Digestion of food for omnivores and herbivores start in the mouth with the production of amylase in the saliva. This helps the breakdown of carbohydrate. However, dogs lack this ability and the digestion of carbohydrate happens in the small intestine, which is a typical trait of carnivores. Dogs are able to digest carbohydrates, however, the reason why it is not advisable to put your dog on a high carbohydrate or grain diet is because they could be lacking sufficient amount of carb-processing enzymes to digest the carbohydrate. Whilst their digestive system is dissimilar to herbivores or omnivores they are perfectly capable to digest plants and live on a plant-based diet. However, if a dog is to live on a plant-based diet, supplementation will be required to make up for those nutrients not found in plant material. Having analysed dog’s physical traits and digestive system, it is fair to say that dogs can safely be classed as omnivores with a preference for animal protein.
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Allergies in Dogs
Is it an allergy or sensitivity? Similar to humans, dogs can also display signs of allergies or sensitivities to certain external factors, be it pollen, dust, mould, certain food, etc. When talking about allergies and sensitivities, most people will refer to allergies. However, allergies in dogs are actually quite rare and in most cases it is food sensitivity that causes issues for your dog. Let’s now look at each in turn. Allergy Allergy is caused by external factors (referred to as allergens), which initiate the immune system to ’over-react’. The allergens are usually some type of protein. These allergen proteins attach to antibodies in the body then to mast cells which are found throughout the body. Mast cells then release histamines which cause inflammation and symptoms of itching, redness and swelling. The most common symptoms include itchy skin and sometimes sneezing, coughing and runny nose. However, the symptoms can affect the digestive system as well, resulting in diarrhoea or sickness. The most common allergens are pollens, insects, dust mites, mould spores, shed skin cells, fleas or more specifically their saliva or medications. Insect bite allergy is quite common and it manifests in the same way as in humans, triggering an overreaction from the immune system. Such a response can be triggered by fleas, spiders, flies, bees, wasps, basically any insects that bite. When an insect bites a dog, most dogs experience localised itching. However, with constant scratching dogs might remove large amounts of hair or even skin, potentially risking a bacterial infection. In the case of severe itching, you can use calamine lotion or simply soak some oats in water, strain it after half an hour and dab the skin with the liquid every now and then. Alternatively, your vet can prescribe some antihistamines. Atopic allergy Atopic allergy refers to the tendency to produce an exaggerated immune response to otherwise harmless substances naturally found in the environment. The main allergens are pollen, grass, mould, dust and weed. When atopic dermatitis occurs, you will see your dog licking his feet, scratching the underarm area as well as rubbing his face to whatever he can to ease the itching. In order to identify the allergen, your vet will either do a skin test or a blood test and advise you to keep your dog away from the offending substance. Treatment can include any of the therapies below: Anti-inflammatory medication: Most often corticosteroids or antihistamines are prescribed. However, these drugs can have serious side-effects so it is important to do your research and make an informed decision to see if it is the best treatment for your dog. Medicated baths: Frequent bathing with hypoallergenic shampoo will soothe the itchy skin as well as get rid of the allergens which could still be stuck in the hair. Anti-inflammatory diet: Your vet might prescribe some specific food to your dog. However, it’s possible to make changes to your dog’s diet without the need to go down this route. The natural approach would incorporate plenty of safe veg and fruit in your dog’s diet, along with lots of oily fish (salmon, herring, anchovies, sardines, mackerel) rich in Omega 3 fatty acids. You might wish to find a reputable dog nutritionist to help you along the journey if you opt for this. Contact dermatitis/allergy Dogs can also suffer from contact dermatitis upon coming into contact with certain substances, be it chemicals found around the house, grass, pesticides or bedding. Once the allergen is removed, the problem is usually resolved. Food allergy Should your dog be allergic to certain protein types, the most obvious sign would be itching, diarrhoea, hives, excess wind, vomiting. However, food allergy can also manifests itself in respiratory problems, such as coughing or sneezing. Another tell-tale sign is recurring ear infection as well as itchy skin not reacting to steroid treatment or antibiotics. The only way to identify the allergen is to put your dog on an elimination diet. The most common allergens include: chicken beef dairy products (many dogs struggle to digest cow’s milk as they lack the enzymes need for digestion) fish eggs However, dogs can be also allergic to plant-based sources such as wheat, corn, soy. However, it is less common so simply switching to a grain-free food will not resolve the issue. (Food) Sensitivity Whilst allergy can be triggered by a number of factors, sensitivity is triggered by excess exposure to a type of food. Food sensitivity builds up over a prolonged time before any signs can be spotted. The most common signs include vomiting, diarrhoea, gas, lack of appetite and weight loss, which is all due to your dog not being able to digest the allergen. It is possible to overcome sensitivities by following the elimination diet for dogs for a set of time before re-introducing common protein sources in order to identify the triggering food. Elimination Diet for Dogs It is a strict diet whereby you cannot cheat, i.e. your dog cannot have his favourite snacks or scraps from the table, if you wish to successfully identify the allergen. The owners (and all family members) therefore need to be 100% committed, but the good news is, the diet is not for the rest of the dog’s life! Basically all potential allergens are removed from the diet whilst the immune system is strengthened and the gut is supported. The practise involves 3 specific actions, often referred to as the 4Rs: Remove: Remove offending food, one at a time and note any changes. Both the elimination phase and the re-introduction can be quite lengthy, therefore it is best to keep a food diary for your dog, noting everything he eats and all his symptoms as well. Repair: Support the gut with glutamine and N-Acetyl-Glucosamine (NAC). Help the immune system with feeding your dog oily fish and veg and fruit rich in Vitamin C. You also need to consider any medications your dog is taking, again it is best to involve either your vet or a dog nutritionist. Restore & Replenish: This is the next step in supporting the gut – remember that 70-80% of the body’s immune cells are found in the gut, hence the importance of repairing the gut and restoring a healthy gut biome. In order to do this, probiotics have to be incorporated into the diet. If you wish to purchase supplements, you can do that but it is also easy to give your dog natural, unflavoured kefir and Greek yoghurt and the good news is, dogs absolutely love both. You can read more about Supplements for Dogs if you wish to go down that route. How to do it? Start off by either cooking for your dog (makes digestion easier) or putting him on the raw diet and start him on some hypoallergenic, novel protein source, be it wild boar, rabbit, ostrich, kangaroo, venison or horse. Pick one and stick to it for 12 weeks (12 weeks is how long it takes for the body to get rid of previously fed food). After 12 weeks, introduce another novel protein source and stick to only that type of protein for a week or two. If your dog shows no allergic symptoms then you can safely feed him both protein sources. After a while you can re-introduce common protein sources, but only one at a time. So let’s say your dog is OK on venison and wild boar or even rabbit (which means any combination of them can be in the diet once they were individually vetted), however, you now want to test your dog on chicken. AT this point bring in the chicken, ideally in small quantities first. Feed chicken along the already vetted protein types for a week or two and check for reactions. If all is well, you can move onto the next possible allergen. As you can see the elimination and the the re-introduction can be quite lengthy but it is worth doing it right in order to help your dog live a better life.
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Dogs' Nutritional Requirements
What do dogs need in their diet? As omnivores, dogs have the ability to digest both meat and vegetables. Therefore they need a balanced diet of proteins, fats, carbohydrates (they are classed as macronutrients) as well as vitamins and minerals (micronutrients). Both macro- and micronutrients are important for healthy body functions, however, it is the macronutrients that provide the foundation of a dog’s (or of course human’s diet). It is important to understand what each macronutirent does to the body, why it is important and what your dog’s needs are for each. We will take you through each of them in turn. MACRONUTRIENTS Protein Protein is extremely important for building and repairing muscles and other body tissues. It is needed to form new skin cells, grow hair, build muscle tissue, and more. It also assists in creating body chemicals like hormones and enzymes that are needed for normal function. It provides energy and keeps the immune system strong. Proteins are made up of amino acids, and dogs require 22 amino acids to make necessary proteins. A dog’s body is able to make about half of these needed amino acids, but the rest must come from the food your dog eats every day. Because these amino acids are so important, they are called essential amino acids. Deficiencies of any of the essential amino acids over time can lead to health problems. Animal proteins are complete proteins, meaning they contain all 10 essential amino acids a dog needs ( as well as some non-essential ones). Whilst plants also provide amino acids, there is only a handful which contain all the essential amino acids required in the canine diet. 10 Essential Amino Acids for Dogs arginine – needed for healthy circulation and blood vessel dilation histidine – improves oxygen circulation for the whole body methionine – promotes healthy skin and coat threonine – important for energy production isoleucine – protein synthesis and muscle development leucine – as above valine – as above phenylalanine – required for thyroid and adrenal gland function lysine – aid protein synthesis for growth and development tryptophan – supports circadian rhythm so that your dog knows when to sleep Whilst plants provide digestible protein for energy they do not contain all 10 essential amino acids (with a few exceptions) needed in a canine diet, therefore it is important to provide sufficient meat to your dog for long-term health. Interestingly, it is also common practice by dog food manufacturers to increase the dog food’s protein content by the inclusion of grains and plants and market them as extremely beneficial due to the added vegetables. However, the truth is that this only helps those manufacturers to keep their manufacturing cost low and their profits high as a dog cannot easily digest grains and/or inexpensive grains and vegetables do not provide all the essential amino acids required. Digestibility of a macronutrient is usually discussed with reference to its bioavailability. One fairly inexepensive but highly digestible protein source is eggs. Now check out how many dog food manufacturers use eggs in kibble! There is nothing wrong with using eggs or giving eggs to your dog, however, these manufacturers just distort the true value of their food, whilst asking for a high price on the basis that it is high in protein, has added vitamins and vegetables (more on these added synthetics vitamins later). Digestibility of a macronutrient is usually discussed with reference to its bioavailability. One relatively cheap but highly digestible protein source is eggs, however, you never find it on the ingredients list! One reason is that it is more expensive than other less bioavailble sources (such as grains or meat meal). Manufacturers usually distort the true value of their food by not detailing bioavailability but just the ingredients regardless if they are easily digestible or not by dogs. Fat Fats are very important in both human and canine diets as they are needed for energy production, cell membrane integrity, hormone production, insulation and many more body functions. Fat is also required for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, namely vitamin A, D, E, and K. Without enough fat, a dog with an unlimited supply of those vitamins cannot benefit from them. Fat also serves as a source for essential (unsaturated) fatty acids (EFAs) that canines can’t manufacture but they are needed for cell membrane integrity. There are 2 types of fats: Saturated fat, which is easily digestible and provides a great source of energy. Examples include butter, cheese, eggs, beef, salmon, coconut oil or peanut butter and many more. Saturated fat helps the absorption of vitamin A,D,E and K as mentioned above. However, some dogs can't easily digest cow milk and for them sheep or goat milk products are better. Unsaturated fat includes vegetable oils, avocado, nuts and seeds, etc. Remember, that avocado is toxic for dogs and not all nuts are great either. These are detailed further in the article. Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) EFAs are a type of saturated fat and as the name suggests (essential) a dog is unable to synthetise all the required EFAs and therefore they are needed in the diet. There are 2 main categories and altogether 5 EFAs. They all have common dietary sources so eating one source usually provides the rest of the EFAs. For simplicity, in this article we just break them down to the two major groups: Omega 3 fatty acids – rich sources include oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, anchovies and sardine, flaxseed, hemp, soybean, walnut, rapeseed and dark green leafy veg are rich in these EFAs. Omega 6 fatty acids – rich dietary sources include sunflower seeds and oil as well as safflower oil. Animal products such as meat, eggs are also rich sources of one type of Omega 6 fats. The ideal ratio The Western human diet is rich in Omega 6 fatty acids and as such the ratio between Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids tends to be around 10:1 (the ideal ratio is 1:1-3)! More and more dogs’ diet mimics their owners therefore their ratio can be distorted, albeit dogs do need a larger amount of meat in their diet and therefore they need more Omega 6. The ideal ratio for dogs is: Omega 3:Omega 6 = 1-5:1:10 Kibble is often fortified with EFAs, however, this can actually cause issues for some dogs, plus manufacturers don’t always detail which type of EFAs were added to the food and in what ratio. As well as the ratio, the source of fish oil is also important to consider. Fats and oils from poor sources will adversely impact a dog’s health. You also need to be careful with supplements as excessive Omega 3 supplementation can suppress the immune system, risk mercury accumulation and oxidative damage. In order to know more about the topic, please read Supplements for Dogs. Carbohydrates Carbohydrates do have a place in a dog’s diet but not all carbs are equal. When it comes to carbohydrates, we usually talk about 4 sub-categories: Digestible Absorbable Fermentable – this type of carbohydrate is required to feed healthy bacteria in the intestines. Fermentable carbs are also known as prebiotics and they are often present in commercial dog food in the form of chicory root. Whilst they are healthy, it is not advisable to overfeed them Non-Fermentable carbs are basically fibre, which is essential for healthy digestion and regular bowel movement. Fibre cannot be digested, however, it slows down digestion and keeps dogs (and humans ) fuller for longer. Specifically, it is soluble fibre refers which does this by attracting water and giving the feeling of fullness. On the other hand, insoluble fibre adds bulk and speeds the movement through the digestive system. Brown rice is a good example of insoluble fibre. Vegetables are great sources of fibre and they also provide vitamins and minerals therefore it is great to incorporate them into the diet. Simple vs. complex carbs Another way to group carbohydrate is simple versus complex carbs. Simple carbs have very low nutritional value other than they give a quick boost of energy, which doesn’t last long. Simple carbs are made up of one sugar molecule, like glucose or fructose and simple carbs often refer to the likes of white bread, pasta, cake, sugar, fruit, etc. Complex Carbs take much longer to digest and they provide a slow-releasing form of energy, which will maintain the blood sugar level at a healthy level for longer. They are made up of several sugar molecules, which the body has to break up in order to digest and this takes some time hence the slow-releasing energy. Complex carbs, like brown rice, usually contain fibre and other nutrients as well, making them a healthier choice. MICRONUTRIENTS The word micronutrient encompasses vitamins and minerals, which are still essential for a dog but they are needed in much lower quantities. VITAMINS Vitamins play an important role in immunity, energy production, and many more. They can be sub-categorised into water- and fat soluble vitamins. Vitamins are abundant in fruits and vegetables. Whilst vitamins are added to commercial dog food, they are usually the cheap, synthetic version, making them difficult to absorb. As such, it is advisable to incorporate fruit and veg into your dog’s diet (Please read our article , Vegetables for Dogs to know which veg to feed to your dog to be on the safe side). Vitamins are organic and can be broken down by heat, air or acid. MINERALS Minerals are important for healthy cell function, growth, repair and many more. They are found in both animal and plant origins. Macro minerals are required in larger amounts than the trace minerals and are found in greater amounts in your dog’s body. Macro minerals include calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, chloride, potassium and sulphur. Trace minerals include iron, zinc, copper, chromium, iodine, selenium, manganese and fluorine. Significant interactions exist between many of the minerals. Thus, minerals need to be balanced with each other to provide optimal health. Too much of one mineral and not enough of another can affect growth and cause other problems in the body. Problems with mineral nutrition in dogs are often a result of excess of imbalance from interactions with other nutrients. Supplementing your dogs food with minerals should never be done without expert advice. The health risks from excessive amounts or improper balance are too severe A word on ’ash’ When a food is analysed for energy all nutrients other than minerals are removed. The remaining material is made up if minerals, commonly referred to as ‘ash’ – also one of the most frequent misunderstood terms in dog food. High quality dry food generally contain between 5%-8% ash. Summary on Dogs' Nutritional Requirements Dogs nutritional needs is similar to humans. As omnivores, they need healthy sources of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals. As a nutritionist, I believe it is better to provide all of these in the most natural form, therefore as food which the body can easily absorb and digest as opposed to synthetic versions found in supplements. However, supplementation can be a good idea should your dog be severely deficient. Hopefully the above information will guide you choosing the right food for your beloved dog. Should you wish to cook for your dogs or address nutritional deficiencies, it is best to speak to a pet nutritionist.
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Bully Sticks for Dogs
All that you need to know about this well-loved dog chew Bully sticks (aka pizzles, pizzle sticks) are well-loved dog chews, so much so that not even the fussiest dogs can say no to these long-lasting dental chews! Many dog owners are eager to treat their woofers to these delicacies despite the strong smell they tend to have. However, others might limit it to summer treats which can be enjoyed in the garden whilst others totally avoid them due to the unique smell or simply as they know what it is! Talking of which, do you know what bully sticks are? They are nothing else but a bull’s penis! Please, don’t stop reading on though as they are the ultimate dog chews for a number of reasons. Benefits of Bully Sticks They are extremely tough chews due to the slow, air-drying process. However, not all pizzles are made the same way so always check that your chosen supplier does indeed sell air-dried pizzle sticks without any chemicals. High in protein, which is essential for growth, development and bone health. Easy to digest unless your dog has some intolerances to high protein treats. Highly digestible treats lower the risk of intestinal blockage. Excellent dental chews keeping the jaws, gum in top condition and tartar-free. Regular chewing is an essential activity for all dogs as it helps to reduce boredom, anxiety and frustration whilst keeping on top of oral hygiene. As with any long lasting chews, bully sticks stimulate the release of endorphins, promoting good mental health and a happy dog. If you have a dog with phobias or separation anxiety, bully sticks could help them. Prolonged peace – even the biggest chompers can get a good 20 minute chewing session out of an extra thick pizzle and for smaller dogs one stick can last hours or days, which means some well-deserved relaxation and peace for us dog-parents. Nutritional benefits of Bully Sticks Bully sticks are pretty nutritious. They are primarily made up of protein (around 80-90%), and are low in fat (approximately 3%) and low in cholesterol. However, they are relatively high in calories (c. 15kcal per inch) which means a small, 6-inch bully stick is approximately 90 calories! For medium to large dogs, this is nothing to worry about but if you have a small breed, you might have to pay a closer attention to your dog’s meals on days when he/she enjoys some pizzles. Are Bully Sticks Safe for Dogs? The main risk associated with bully sticks for dogs are from bacterial contamination. However, this can be minimised if you source them from reputable companies. In terms of your own safety, always wash you hands after handling them. Bacterial contamination Dogs have much stronger digestive systems (maybe they are just better trained to deal with 'dodgy' food) than humans, and can tolerate bacterial contamination to some degree. However, sometimes it can cause stomach upsets, and symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea. Naturally, any product which is ‘all-natural’ will have had minimal processing, which means harmful bacteria can still remain on it. The more processed it is (for example, irradiation, baking at a high heat, or using chemicals to sanitise it), the safer it is from contamination. However, those processes take away from the fact that one of the most common reasons why people like bully sticks is that they are natural. Additionally, the more processed a treat is, the less nutrients it contains. Choking When a pizzle stick becomes small enough to swallow whole, it becomes a hazard. If it reaches the stomach, it shouldn’t cause a problem, as they are fully digestible. However, prior to the stomach it can become lodged in the throat, which can cause serious choking incidents. Therefore, when it becomes small, take the last bit away. The best way to avoid any choking hazard is to supervise your dog at all times. Can puppies have bully sticks? Absolutely, as long as they are aged 12 weeks or more. They are hard, but not so hard that they will damage a puppy's teeth. Therefore they are great for your puppy to gnaw out his teething frustrations on. Please ensure that you choose the most suitable pizzles for your puppy though. They should start out with Standard pizzles before moving onto the Extra Thick or Jumbo ones. Please bear in mind that young puppies have immature digestive systems, so introduce the pizzle stick to them slowly, starting with 5-10 minute chewing session (then take it away) and slowly letting your puppy enjoy it for longer periods. What to watch out for Some bully sticks are baked or smoked, which can reduce the nutrients and in some cases means the use of chemicals. The best bully sticks are air-dried slowly at a low temperature to preserve all nutrients. Some pizzles might have gone through a ’chemical bath’ to kill any potential harmful bacteria. If your dog is overweight, limit how often she/he can have a pizzle or reduce the normal food intake As natural bully sticks often have a relatively strong odour, some suppliers have started to offer ’no-odour’ pizzles. However, these ones will have been more processed, and once chewed they will still smell, although to a lesser degree. These ’no-odour’ pizzles tend to be lighter in colour, which might help you choose wisely, albeit this is not always guaranteed to be the case. Our range of Bully Sticks All our pizzles are sourced from the EU from reputable farmers. Our pizzles are all 100% pure meat, which has been air-dried at a low temperature preserving all nutrients and killing all harmful bacteria. We grade our pizzles by weight and offer the following products: Regular 12cm pizzles – average weight of 20g (varies between 15-25g). As well as selling them in bags of 5, they are also in our Long-Lasting Delights bag. Thick 12cm pizzles – average weight of 25g. These are found in the Chomper boxes (Power and Ultimate). Extra Thick 12cm pizzles – average weight of 35g (varies between 30-60g). These are sold in bag of 4. Jumbo 20cm pizzles are sold in bag of 4. Alternatives to Bully Sticks If you are still not totally convinced that pizzles are what you should treat your dog to, here are some alternatives which you might want to think about: Yak chews: Originally from the Himalayas, these milk sticks are compressed blocks of yak milk which have been smoke-dried for about a month. They are completely natural, incredibly durable and excellent for dental health. They are suitable form 16 weeks of age. Antlers: An excellent fat-free option, which dogs love to gnaw on. The bonus is that they are totally odourless to humans! Camel Braids: Exceptionally long lasting, low fat, natural healthy treats for dogs of all sizes. The best of all, they are virtually odourless and naturally hypoallergenic. Suitable for dogs aged 12 weeks and above.
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Pancreatitis in Dogs
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. According to some experts, it is one of the most common health problems in dogs. (Pathophysiology of pancreatitis in dogs) Pancreatitis can be acute (it appears suddenly and lasts a few days) or chronic (it slowly develops over several years). However, let’s start with the basics before diving into this serious health condition. What is the pancreas? The pancreas is a gland located in the abdomen and it’s part of the small intestines. What does the pancreas do? The pancreas has two key roles: It secretes hormones, including insulin and glucagon, which play an important role in regulating blood sugar levels in the body. It is essential to have a balanced blood glucose level for healthy levels of energy as well as functioning liver, kidney and even brain. It also secretes digestive enzymes, making digestion and excretion of nutrients from food easy. These digestive enzymes work along with bile (secreted from the liver and gallbladder) and they help to break down substances for proper digestion and absorption of nutrients. What causes pancreatitis in dogs? Normally the enzymes secreted by the pancreas become active only when they reach the small intestines. However, in pancreatitis the digestive enzymes become activated while still in the pancreas, irritating the cells of the organ and causing inflammation. If this happens over and over, the pancreas itself will be damaged leading to chronic pancreatitis. This can result in the formation of scar tissues in the pancreas eventually causing loss of function. A poorly functioning pancreas can cause digestion problems and even lead to diabetes. Some experts also believe that in the case of pancreatitis, the enzymes actually start ‘digesting’ the pancreas itself causing severe pain to dogs. Signs and symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs Hunched back Numerous vomiting within a few hours Distention of the abdomen Diarrhoea Dehydration Loss of appetite Lethargy Fever Some of these symptoms are quite common for other, less serious illnesses so if your dog only exhibits some symptoms infrequently then please monitor. However if your dog shows several of these symptoms at once and repeatedly, then call your vet urgently. Risk factors for pancreatitis in dogs Whilst there are a number of causes for pancreatitis, often the attack appears out of the blue. Nonetheless, some conditions certainly increase the risk factor, such as: A high fat diet. The risk is increased if a dog is fed only once a day and his/her diet is especially high in fat. Sharing high-fat human food with your dog is not a good idea either. Diabetes mellitus. Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can increase the risk due to the disfunction of insulin. Hypothyroidism. Other endocrine diseases can also increase the risk. Some medications. Diuretics, cholinesterase inhibitors, estrogen and several other drugs can increase the risk; read leaflets carefully and ask your vet to detail such risks before prescribing any medications. Genetic disposition. Certain breeds have higher risk of pancreatitis, such as Miniature Schnauzers and some toy breed dogs. How is it diagnosed? The vet will look at the dog’s medical history as well as ask about its diet. Blood tests are usually performed to measure the pancreatic enzymes in the blood. Additionally, the vet will examine the stomach, heart, temperature. Ultrasound or fine needle aspiration might be performed to rule out other causes. Treatment of pancreatitis in dogs The most common treatment and management options include: Management of pain IV fluid therapy Withholding food for 24 hours Long-term management involve keeping an eye on fat intake, smaller, regular meals throughout the day. Complications of pancreatitis Pancreatitis can lead to serious complications, including: Kidney failure. Acute pancreatitis may cause kidney failure. Breathing problems. Acute pancreatitis can cause changes in the lungs’ function causing the level of oxygen in the blood to fall to dangerously low levels. Both acute and chronic pancreatitis can cause the pancreas to produce fewer of the enzymes required to break down and process the nutrients from food. This can lead to malnutrition, diarrhoea and weight loss even if the same amount of food is eaten. Damage to insulin-producing cells on the pancreas can lead to diabetes, a disease that affects the way the body uses blood sugar. Acute pancreatitis can make the pancreas vulnerable to bacteria and infection. Pancreatic infections are serious and usually require surgery to remove the infected scar tissue. Pancreatic cancer. Chronic inflammation in the pancreas increases the risk factor for developing pancreatic cancer. How can you keep the pancreas healthy? Given that the problems start if the diet is unhealthy, the way to keep the pancreas in top condition also lies in diet and lifestyle. Avoid obesity. Healthy weight will prevent diabetes mellitus as well as gallstones that could lead to pancreatitis. Keep the diet low fat. Fats and cholesterol can lead to the development of gallstones, which can subsequently lead to pancreatitis. However, the inclusion of healthy fats (such as those found in oily fish, flaxseeds, chia seeds, avocado, etc.) can actually prevent pancreatitis! Regular exercise. It’s easier to maintain a healthy weight with regular exercise. One hour exercise a day should be sufficient for most dogs but of course it really depends on the dog as young, active breeds need more than an old dog. Healthy fats, such as fish oil or Vitamin E oil are shown to lower fat levels in the blood so giving your dog a can of sardines can be beneficial (don’t give the oil the sardines are in though!). Unfortunately, once a dog has had a bout of pancreatitis, the recurrence is quite high. Be vigilant and watch for any signs and keep your dog on the lean side.
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