Health

Arthritis in dogs is the biggest cause of chronic pain, particularly in older pets. With early diagnosis and appropriate management, your pet can continue to lead a happy life. Arthritis in dogs is an extremely common condition and the main cause of chronic pain in dogs. According to Canine Arthritis Management, Osteoarthritis affects an estimated four out of five older dogs, and sadly it’s progressive – meaning that it cannot be cured and gradually worsens. However, there are plenty of management options available to help slow the disease progression and alleviate the symptoms. Many dogs continue to live a happy and otherwise healthy life after diagnosis. If you suspect your senior dog has arthritis, you’ll probably be wondering about the symptoms and the current dog arthritis treatment and management options available. To help, we’ve created this guide to tell you everything you need to know about arthritis in dogs. What is arthritis in dogs? There are different types of arthritis in dogs, but usually we are referring to Osteoarthritis (OA). In a healthy joint, the bone surfaces are covered in a thin layer of smooth cartilage with a small amount of joint fluid to lubricate them – this allows them to glide over each other without friction so your dog can move freely. In a joint affected with OA, there is degeneration of the cartilage and underlying bone, leading to joint instability and pain. The process is a cycle, with these structural changes causing further inflammation and degeneration. This can also cause bone remodelling where there is new bone growth further affecting joint movement as well as weakening of the soft tissue structures around the joint – the muscles, tendons and ligaments.

Whether you’ve got a sniffle or something more serious, you may be worried about the potential risks for your four-legged friend. We’ve put together this guide to tell you everything you need to know about dog colds and flu to help you better understand your pet. When the trees start to lose their leaves and we have to defrost the car each morning, we know one thing for certain – cold and flu season is on the way. This has just become a natural fact for humans and we’re no stranger to stock piling tissues and tablets, but what about our four-legged friends? Can dogs get colds? No, dogs don’t get colds in the same way that humans do and they cannot catch the cold virus that causes symptoms in humans. However, dogs can get infections that create symptoms like a cold, such as sneezing and congestion. In general, these ‘dog colds’ are specific to that species, so you won’t be able to catch the same cold as your dog either. Can dogs catch a cold from humans? If you have a sniffle or cough, you may be worried that you may pass the illness onto your companion, but you’ll be glad to know that this isn’t possible. Dogs are not affected by the common cold virus that infects humans. Can dogs get the flu? Dogs also can't get the same type of flu as humans. Outside of America, where a type of dog-specific flu virus sometimes appears, dogs who seem to have flu-like symptoms are not suffering from flu, but from one of a variety of other infections which could also be contagious and serious. A few are listed below. Other dog specific illnesses: Just like in humans, there’s a variety of conditions that might seem like dog colds and flu, a few of the most common are as follows: • Kennel cough: a respiratory infection characterised by a dry cough which will sound like a honking. If you think your dog has kennel cough, contact your vet right away. • Dog allergies: your four-legged friend can suffer from seasonal and environmental allergies, similar to how humans get hay-fever. • Canine distemper: Your dog should be vaccinated against this with their initial puppy vaccinations. Canine distemper can be life threatening, which is one of the many reasons it’s incredibly important for your dog to be vaccinated.

Even if your dog is blind, nothing can dampen their adventurous, fun-loving spirit! Dogs cope well with the loss of their sight, and all it takes is certain changes to the way they are looked after to get them back on their paws. In fact, if allowances are made for the loss of their eyesight, your dog’s life should be every inch as good as it was before. What are the causes of blindness in dogs? Blindness in dogs can develop for many reasons; there’s no need to blame yourself or wonder what went wrong. Blindness may: • Be present from birth. • Be acquired later in life as the result of a traumatic injury or disease. Simply be related to the ageing of your dog’s senses. Some inherited causes of blindness can be tested for in the parents of your dog, or in young puppies before you take them home. Inherited causes tend to be seen in certain breeds – for example, blindness is more common in Collies due to a condition called ‘Collie eye anomaly’. When considering buying a purebred puppy, speak to your vet about the potential problems certain breeds can inherit. This way, you should know more about your chances of eventually caring for a blind dog, and decide if you are ready to take the risk. If you suspect your dog is losing their vision at any time, consult your vet. Some conditions causing such signs of blindness are very treatable – for example, cataracts can be removed. This is why it’s always good to check, even if your dog seems to be doing very well without their eyesight. Is my dog blind? If your dog is blind, there are a few things you might notice about your dog’s behaviour: • Most obviously, dogs that bump into things may be losing their sight. • If your dog is blind in one eye, they may be startled by sudden movements on their blind side – they won’t have seen you or something else coming. • Dogs that go suddenly blind may be disorientated and distressed. • You may notice an abnormality when looking at the eyes of your dog – perhaps something that doesn’t look like it used to. You know them best! • Your dog might not follow your hand or a treat when it’s moved, even though their energy and tail-wagging enthusiasm is just as high as it should be. If you are concerned about your dog's eyesight, arrange for an examination by your vet as some conditions can be effectively treated, preventing further vision loss. However, sudden blindness in dogs is a veterinary emergency, and may cause your pet to become disorientated or distressed – in these cases, you should act quickly.

Deafness in dogs may be present from birth, or it may develop as the result of injury, disease, or simply old age. Whatever the cause, there’s plenty you can do to help. Some inherited causes of dog deafness can be tested for in the parents or in young puppies and tend to be seen in certain breeds. For example, deafness is more common in Dalmatians. When considering buying a purebred puppy, speak to your vet about potentially inherited problems seen in certain breeds. If you already own a dog and you suspect they are losing their hearing, consult your vet as some conditions, such as infection, which cause these signs are treatable. How can I tell if my dog is deaf? • Your dog is so good at using all their other senses, it can sometimes be difficult to assess their hearing. • If you’re unsure, look for these signs: deaf dogs may not hear you approach, and may not move their ears, or turn to look at where a sound is coming from. • Ask your vet to assess your dog’s hearing if you are concerned. Making life easier for your deaf dog • If your canine friend is deaf, the most important thing for you to consider is their safety. • For both your peace of mind, avoid circumstances where a voice signal could be life saving, such as unleashed walks in high-traffic areas, as they might not hear you. • Make sure all the family know not to leave gates open to avoid your deaf dog going on an unexpected adventure. • Remember that your deaf dog won't hear the sounds that you of course take for granted. The growls, threats or approaches of other animals can't be heard, which creates increased potential for conflicts and fights. With some planning and gentle but firm physical control, these risks can be easily minimised. • Your dog, if deaf, will sleep deeply and be easily startled. Make sure the whole family know to approach them from a point that he can see you coming from, so he knows what to expect.

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

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

No one likes to admit that their dog eats faeces, but many do and as a dog owner you may want to understand why they do it, and what you can do about it.

With the outbreak of coronavirus, many pet owners have been wondering what this new normal could mean for them and their pets. Find out all you need to know about caring for your pets and how to look after them during this uncertain time. You ask, we answer! Find here our answers to FAQs related to COVID-19 and Pets. Where can I find the latest information about Covid-19 and pets? Since this is a rapidly evolving situation, we encourage you to keep up to date with communications from official and credible sources such as World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). Is Purina able to produce pet food and treats during this crisis? Purina’s products (pet food and pet snacks) are included in the list of industries considered as “essential critical infrastructure”. As a result, Purina is exempt from closures or stay-at-home orders. Purina is taking significant steps to ensure that we can service our consumers at the highest levels possible.

Cushing’s disease is a hormonal condition that is relatively common in middle-aged or older dogs. Read our guide to find out what it is, what’s causing it and how you can care for a dog that has been diagnosed with the disease. Your dog’s energy levels are likely to decrease as they get older, but did you know that this could point to something other than old age? In some cases, this is one of the signs of a disease known as Cushing’s Syndrome in dogs. Here is what you need to know. What is Cushing’s disease in dogs? Cushing’s disease, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, is more common in dogs over 7 years of age. The disease involves excess production of cortisol, a naturally produced steroid that is often referred to as the stress hormone. Certain levels of this hormone within the body are important and contribute to functions such as the immune system or ‘fight or flight’ response. However, the abnormally high levels seen in Cushing’s causes an imbalance of hormone regulation within the body and leads to the symptoms associated with the disease. The most common cause of Cushing’s disease in dogs is a benign tumour of the pituitary gland, a structure that is located in the brain. The pituitary gland sends messages to the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. In cases of pituitary-dependant Cushing’s disease, these messages continue to be sent to the adrenal glands even if there is already enough cortisol, leading to higher levels in the body. Less commonly, Cushing’s disease can be caused by tumours of the adrenal glands themselves, this is adrenal-dependent disease. It can also occur if a pet is receiving high doses of steroid treatment for a different medical condition. Symptoms of Cushing’s in dogs? Cushing’s in dogs will often go unnoticed for a while, and tends to progress very gradually. Because the disease affects middle-aged and senior dogs, the symptoms are often attributed to ageing at first. Cortisol is a vital hormone for different functions and organs, meaning that it acts in various ways around the body. Therefore, increased production of the hormone can affect a number of different body systems, and result in various symptoms many of which are non-specific. The list of symptoms of Cushing’s in dogs will differ between individuals and you should consult the vet even if you don’t notice all the signs listed below.

It can be quite worrying if you notice that your dog seems to be losing some of their lovely coat. Alopecia in dogs can be the result of skin infections such as ringworm (a fungal infection), a bacterial infection or parasites such as mites, and is often the result of the dog scratching or licking an itchy or sore area. Alopecia in dogs can affect all breeds and genders at any stage of their life. It’s a fairly common condition and can display as either partial or complete hair loss, but it can also affect your dog’s skin, endocrine, lymphatic and immune systems. It can be alarming to see your dog losing hair as it can be very noticeable, especially if you have a long-furred pet who typically has a silky-smooth coat. Luckily, alopecia in dogs is usually very treatable and a visit to the vet should help to find the root of the problem and allow you to find a suitable treatment to get your dog back to their usual, gorgeous selves. Causes of hair loss in dogs Alopecia in dogs can be a result of a number of skin conditions and cases can range from gradual to acute. The most common causes of hair loss in dogs include: • Mange, an occurrence caused by the mite ‘Demodex’. • A disruption in the growth of hair follicles caused by trauma, infection, immune disease or endocrine system abnormalities. • Hair follicle inflammation. • Allergic reactions: this may be to food or items in your dog’s environment. • Diet and feeding: poor diet can often be a cause of hair loss in dogs. • Parasites and fleas: these can cause intense itching and you may notice your dog losing hair around their lower back, inner thighs, neck and ears. • Bacterial skin infections or hot spots. • Ringworm: if the cause is ringworm, it will typically display as circular patches of flaky, red, hairless patches. • Overgrooming: grooming is obviously normal, but sometimes dogs may do it excessively due to stress or pain. • Seasonal alopecia: some dogs may experience hair loss each autumn which may take around 6 – 12 months to regrow. This type is most common in Boxers, Bulldogs, Dobermans and Staffordshire Bull Terriers. • Inherited: alopecia in dogs can be inherited if your dog’s mother of father suffered from it. More widespread hair loss in your dog’s coat may indicate a more specific disease, so it’s always important to see your vet as soon as you suspect your dog may be losing their fur. Symptoms of alopecia in dogs If you notice your dog losing hair, that can be a symptom of alopecia in itself, but there are also a few other signs they may display too: • Brittle or dry coat. • Shedding more than usual. • Bald patches on your dog. • Crusting, inflammation or red patches around the area of hair loss. • Scaly skin may be present. • Dandruff. • Itchy skin. • Overgrooming. • Patches of dark skin.

We all know that caring for a dog’s teeth is important. However, did you know that at different stages of their life, your dog requires different types of dental care? Puppies have sensitive and vulnerable teeth. For this reason, their teeth should be treated with care. Their young teeth may also not yet be strong enough to deal with some dental treatments. Equally, adult dogs’ teeth are not as fragile and therefore can withstand other forms of care. Dental care is particularly important here, because unlike puppies their set of teeth has to last for the rest of their life. Older dogs tend to be at a higher risk of dental conditions because their teeth are often more fragile, and they have worn down over time. Read on to discover the different stages of dental care. Puppy Teeth Taking care of a puppy’s teeth can be difficult. Their mouths and teeth are constantly growing and going through changes, which makes keeping track of their dental health important. By the age of 3-4 weeks your pup should have started to grow their first set of teeth. Just like people, dogs grow a set of milk teeth before their adult teeth come through. Once they have come through it tends to take around another 3-4 months before they fall out and adult teeth begin to take their place. Whilst milk teeth aren’t permanent it is still important to look after them. Following the below tips should help keep your puppy’s teeth healthy throughout their first year: Check teeth regularly – Since your puppy’s teeth are constantly changing it’s important that you check them out at least once a week. This will allow you to identify if there are any early signs of a condition developing in your dog’s mouth. Provide your puppy with toys – It’s important to make sure your dog has chew toys while they’re going through the teething process. Chew toys will not only help to keep your dog’s teeth clean, but will also soothe the pain of teething. Make sure teeth have fallen out – After about 3-4 months your puppy’s teeth should have started to fall out. You should take your pup to the vet if your dog’s teeth haven’t started to fall out by this time. Brush their teeth – Brushing your puppy’s teeth from a young age is really important. Not only does it help look after their teeth, but it also gets them used to the idea of brushing from a young age. We advise you start off by slowly rubbing your fingers across your puppy’s mouth. Once you have mastered this you can start to use toothpaste and eventually a toothbrush. Remember to praise and reward your dog after each session of cleaning.