Dog Health and Nutrition

Hypothermia in dogs can occur during the winter months and is usually due to prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. Read our guide to find out about the possible symptoms and what you should do if you suspect your dog has hypothermia.

Christmas is an exciting time for all the family, and that includes your dog too! Most owners want their four legged friend to be involved in all the festivities, but it's important to know which foods are safe for them to eat. Read our guide to find out what can be included in your dog's Christmas dinner and what should be avoided.

Most dogs have to wear one of those big, plastic cones at some point in their lives, but why do they actually need to wear them? Read our guide to find out why they're important for your dog and discover the best alternatives currently available.

It may surprise you to learn that dogs can get acne just like humans! Find out all about the causes and symptoms of acne in dogs and what you can do about it here.

As a dog owner you can sometimes find yourself obsessing over dog poop. From the colour of it, to the shape and consistency, you may be wondering what's normal. Our guide to dog poop aims to answer all of your questions and more.

Hernias can be quite common in dogs, especially in puppies. Our guide tells you the most common types of hernias and the likely treatments used to fix them.

Dogs sneezing can be a common occurrence, but sometimes you may notice your dog sneezing during unusual times or more than usual. In this article we investigate the causes of sneezing in dogs and what it could mean for your dog.

Dogs can get hay fever just like humans can! Find out what the symptoms and causes are of hay fever in dogs and the current treatment options available to help your dog get back to normal.

As the New Year rolls around, it is common for us to make resolutions for the year ahead.

Have you found a stray dog, and are wondering what to do next? Find out what steps to follow when you find a dog without an owner here.

If your dog does develop a skin condition, there’s no need to worry. They are often common and very treatable with the right care. Here’s a guide to what to look for.

Although dogs have a reputation for eating anything and everything, some are quite fussy and others can suddenly go off their food. Discover what you can do about your picky dog below.

Ear infections in dogs aren’t uncommon, but with the right care and treatment you can keep your dog’s ears nice and clean, and prevent further earache for both of you!

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.

We understand that you always want the absolute best for your dog, and this all starts by keeping them as healthy and happy as possible. To keep your four-legged friend in tip-top shape, give them a regular once-over with using our ‘dog symptom checker’ guide.

While it’s not common, sometimes dogs can suffer seizures. There are many potential causes, from ingesting something toxic to having dog epilepsy. This guide will help you understand more about seizures in dogs, and what to do if your dog has a seizure.

Your dog loves spending the summer with you – there’s so much opportunity to go outside, explore and play. However, should the weather be particularly warm, it’s sensible to consider heat stroke in dogs and the effect the sun might have on your friend.

Nobody likes to think of their dog having worms, but there’s nothing unusual about it – in fact, your puppy or dog has probably had them at some point in their lives!

Your dog’s digestive system can normally look after itself, as long as it is getting the right food and nutrition. But even with your care it can sometimes encounter unexpected problems.

It can be quite worrying if you notice that your dog seems to be losing some of their lovely coat. Hair loss 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.

Kidneys are very busy organs that have lots of responsibilities to keep your dog healthy, from removing toxins to maintaining their blood pressure and helping to create new red blood cells. With so many jobs to do, it’s perhaps not surprising that kidneys can start to wear out as dogs get older.

Just like us, dogs can also feel a little under the weather. The only difference is that your pet can’t tell you when they’re feeling poorly, so it’s important that you can recognise common dog illness symptoms so you can help your furry friend feel like themselves again. Pay attention to subtle signs, as dogs can be good at hiding any aches or pains.

A dog’s soft and warm fur is one of the reasons why we love cuddling them so much – it’s also why ticks, fleas, lice and mites find your pet hard to resist! Dogs have quite a high probability of coming into contact with these parasites at some point, as well as others such as worms, but with a bit of know-how you can easily control and treat them.

Just like us, it’s not hard for dogs to put on a few extra pounds, especially as they get older and exercise less.

Dog exercises help your dog control their weight and reach their ideal body condition, build energy, and maintain a strong cardiovascular and immune system. And if you join in, you’ll get all those health benefits too!

Every vet will tell you that prevention is better than cure. So in addition to a nutritious, balanced diet, you can make sure your puppy thrives by providing regular exercise and veterinary check-ups and effective dental care.

You love your dog just the way they are, so you probably won’t worry too much if they seem to put on just a few extra pounds. But from a health point of view, size really does matter!

Even if you walk different routes with your dog every day, or you both love visiting the park and playing games, you might sometimes feel like you need to add some variety to your routine.

You know your dog is unique, but did you know this extends to the way they process the nutrients and energy in their food?

Playing with your energetic dog is an invaluable part of your relationship with them and what’s more, playing together on a daily basis helps both of you stay physically and emotionally healthy – what more excuse do you need?

At Purina, we asked for two people to share their pets’ weight management journeys with us. Read their diaries and find out how their dogs’ health changed – and get inspired to put your pet on the road to fitness!

Take a look at our tips all about caring for your dog during winter to make sure you both are able to have plenty of fun through the colder months.

With all the enjoyment you and your pet give each other, it’s easy to forget that as well as being valued family members, there are many ways in which your cat or dog can affect your health too.

It’s not uncommon for a dog to have ticks. These pesky parasites are very adept at attaching themselves to your dog’s coat, even if you do your best to avoid them. Luckily there are simple ways to help prevent, and treat, ticks on dogs.

Many owners are concerned about mites in dogs, how they can be prevented, and how affected dogs can be treated. We’ve put together a guide on dog mites to help you out.

A dog’s soft and warm fur is one of the reasons why we love cuddling them so much – it’s also why fleas find your pet hard to resist! Dogs have quite a high probability of coming into contact with these parasites at some point, but with a bit of know-how you can easily control and treat them.

Whether your dog is an energetic puppy or a fully grown adult they will rarely, if ever, need their nails trimmed. But it’s still a good idea to keep an eye on your dog’s nails – and know how to clip them, just in case!

Whether you’ve got a pampered Pomeranian or a scruffy Terrier, you’ll need to give them a helping hand to keep their coat in top condition.

Did you know that dental problems are the most commonly diagnosed health condition in all dogs over the age of three? Because your dog's teeth and gums are as vulnerable to disease as yours, make sure you give the same care and attention to your dog's dental health as you do to your own.

Read more about dog care and looking after your dog all year round to get ready for a whole year of fun and adventure.

The majority of us can’t wait for summer to come around. We all love to go outside and enjoy the warm weather, our pets included. However, with the heat comes added dangers. Here are some hazards that you should be aware of to make sure your dog stays safe and healthy.

Many owners know that dogs shouldn’t eat chocolate, but do you know why? An accidental chocolate button dropped on the floor can be gone in instant—so be sure that you know what do if your dog eats chocolate.

Your bitch is about to become a proud mum, and soon she’ll have some adorable new pups to care for – how exciting! The great news is that most canine pregnancies are problem-free and dogs generally make excellent mothers.

We can’t think of anything more exciting than finding out your dog is expecting! As dog pregnancy only last for around 2 months, you can look forward to bundles of fur filling your home very soon!

Having puppies is both exciting and exhausting for you and your pet. Whilst it’s wonderful to welcome adorable bundles of fur into your home, it’s hard work for a new mum to grow, deliver and look after a mischievous litter!

Even if you keep a close eye on your dog's health it’s important you book an annual appointment with your vet for a thorough check-up. This will give your vet the chance to spot any potential dog health problems and, hopefully, nip them in the bud before they become serious.

With your tiny puppy now all grown up, it’s time to say “goodbye” to puppy formula and “hello” to adult dog food. This usually happens at about 12 months old for small breeds, and around 24 months for giant breeds.

All dogs are different, so it’s good to know there’s a wide range of specialised dog food formulas that cater for each unique need – from weight management to medical conditions.

To keep them healthy, happy and active for as long as possible, your dog's diet needs the right balance of six major nutrient groups: protein, fats/oils, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates and water.

Many owners know that dogs shouldn’t eat chocolate, but do you know why? An accidental chocolate button dropped on the floor can be gone in instant—so be sure that you know what do if your dog eats chocolate.

There are many common foods that dogs can’t eat and non-food substances, including plants, which are potentially poisonous. Some of these you’ll know, while others might come as a surprise.

When your dog is happy, you’re happy – and when she’s pregnant, making sure she’s as healthy and comfortable as possible is even more important, both for her and for her new arrivals!

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.

If your dog has an injury or disease that results in paralysis, there are sometimes things you can do to help them live a happy, energetic life. We’ve put together a guide to coping with paralysis in dogs to tell you more.

Diabetes is a complex disease that most often develops in older dogs. Just like in humans, diabetes in dogs can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms. However, with careful management, this condition doesn’t need to affect their quality of life.

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.

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.

If your four-legged friend has to have surgery, it can be helpful to know what to expect post-dog operation so that you can make your pet as comfortable as possible. Your vet will give you specific advice relating to your particular pet’s ongoing treatment and recovery, to help them get back their usual selves.