Search results for: “What Dog Food Is Easy To Digest”

Over the course of the pandemic, 3.2 million homes across the U.K. welcomed a new pet into their lives.

And it’s easy to see why; dogs have been found to make us happier and can encourage us to live a healthier lifestyle, but if you’re a dog owner it can be quite concerning to see your best furry friend experiencing shivering, vomiting and/or diarrhea.

Naturally our curiosity and concern takes us directly to Dr Google to find out what could be causing our pooch to act out of the ordinary.

Dog food company tails.com has discovered the health issues that dog owners all over the UK have been searching for the most, and have asked their Head Vet, Sean McCormack for his advice on how to ease these symptoms at home (and when to seek the advice of a veterinarian).

Kennel Cough – searched 15,000 times a month

Kennel cough is the common name for infectious canine tracheobronchitis which is a highly contagious respiratory disease in the dog world. The disease causes inflammation to the throat and lungs.

The most common symptom of kennel cough is a dry, hacking cough that sometimes sounds like honking. Other symptoms include watery discharge from the nose and retching. In severe cases, symptoms can progress into pneumonia, fever, lethargy, and a lack of appetite.

Sean advises that treatment plans vary depending on the severity, your vet will know best on how to treat your pooch.

In most cases, however, it is suggested that you allow the cough to simply run its course, but make sure you double check this with your veterinarian. Sometimes a course of anti-inflammatories or antibiotics to treat secondary infection may be needed.

If this is the case, here are some tips from Sean on how to help your pet through the process:

Keep them isolated from other pets.

A humidifier or vaporiser can provide some relief. If you do not have either, try allowing your pet in the bathroom while you shower.

Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke or other irritating fumes.

If your pet is a puller, try replacing your pet’s collar with a harness for the duration of the cough to keep from causing any further pain.

Be sure to monitor your pet’s eating and drinking habits, and provide all the support they may need.

Sean goes on to say ‘if you are worried about your dog catching kennel cough then there is the option for your pooch to be vaccinated, to arrange this simply enquire at your local vets.’

Ticks On Dogs – searched 8,200 times a month

One of our biggest fears for our dogs is discovering the presence of ticks. Whilst there’s a common misconception that ticks on dogs are only a problem in the summer months, warmer weather has seen a rise in ticks all year round.

Through the nature of a tick’s blood sucking tendencies, they can transmit a range of infections and diseases including Babesiosis and Lyme Disease, affecting both dogs and their owners. Ticks are most commonly associated with Lyme Disease, an illness that often lies undetected due to symptoms frequently not appearing after the initial bite for up to several weeks.

Sean says: ‘the sooner a tick can be removed, the less likely it is that you or your dog can get infected by nasty bacteria.’

‘To remove a tick effectively, use a tick removal tool (you can get these easily online). This allows you to twist and lift the tick off of the skin by going underneath its biting mouthparts.

‘It’s important to make sure you remove the tick properly and get the head out, as just pulling at the tick can often leave the mouthparts embedded in the skin and risk infection. If you are struggling with removing a tick yourself contact your local vet for help’

Dog Diarrhoea – searched 5,200 a month

It’s not unusual for dogs to have stinky or runny poos. In fact, dog diarrhoea is one of the most common problems vets see every year.

There are many causes for dog or puppy diarrhoea, but here are a few of the most common; sudden change in diet, dietary indiscretion (eating something they shouldn’t), parasites, infections, inflammatory disorders and even quite simply stress, anxiety and over excitement.

Sean explains: ‘The colour of your dog’s poo can also depend solely on your dog’s diet – reddish, greenish, or dark brown poop can all be normal.’

‘If it’s looking black – it could be a sign of internal bleeding, whilst pale yellow or grey poo can be a sign of fat digestion issues in the pancreas or problems in the liver. Seek veterinary help immediately if you notice this in your dog’s stool.’

‘You know your dog better than anyone, if you feel like there’s something wrong – or common problems such as constipation or diarrhoea don’t seem to go away after a few days – don’t hesitate to take your dog to the vet, and take a stool sample with you.’

Dog Fleas – searched 3,000 times a month

Fleas, no one likes them, even the thought of the pesky little bugs makes your skin crawl. Did you know, more than 95% of fleas don’t live on animals, but in wood floor crevices, carpets and soft furnishings? And they can remain alive in the cracks for up to two years.

Sean states ‘the most effective flea products are a liquid spot-on medication which is applied to the skin on the back of your dog’s neck, but application errors can be an issue with these treatments, and if it rains or your dog jumps in water the product can wash away before it has a chance to be effective.

‘Double check with your veterinarian the best course of action to tackle fleas. It’s equally important to tackle the eggs and larvae in the environment as well as adult fleas on your dog. If you don’t you’ll never get rid of the infestation’

Also see: How often should I treat my dog for fleas?

Dog Ear Infection – searched 2,900 times a month

An ear infection is an irritating and painful overgrowth of bacteria or yeast in the ear canal, usually caused by an underlying condition such as ear mites, a skin problem, or excess earwax.

The most common symptoms of an ear infection can include; ear scratching, pain, and head shaking. Pay attention to your pooch – a head tilt or loss of balance is a sign your dog’s infection has moved deeper into the ear.

Sean says ‘when it comes to treatment for an ear infection, always contact your vet, the quicker your dog is treated, the faster their recovery is likely to be.’

Arthritis In Dogs – searched 2,700 times a month

Much like humans, arthritis is a very common condition that causes stiff, painful or swollen joints. It can make moving around very difficult and uncomfortable for your pooch.

Sean says ‘to prevent arthritis in your four legged friend, keep your dog’s joints as healthy as possible by keeping them slim and giving them regular, sensible exercise.’

‘Unfortunately arthritis can’t be cured but fortunately, there are several treatment options to slow it’s progression and manage pain. Nutritional supplements or special diets tailored to your dog’s needs containing omega 3 oils, glucosamine and chondroitin can be helpful.

Treatment may include painkillers, joint supplements, hydrotherapy, and even surgery – all of which will be available from your vet.’

’If you suspect arthritis in your dog, the best course of action is to visit a vet as soon as possible’.

Dog Vomiting – searched 2,500 times a month

Vomiting is one of the most common symptoms which vets attend to everyday. It can be caused by a variety of things and in most cases, vomiting in dogs improves within 24 hours. But some are more serious and require treatment from a vet.

Sean advises ‘it’s not always necessary to see your vet the first time your dog throws up, but it’s extremely important to monitor them closely and call your vet for advice if they vomit more than once, seem unwell, or have any other symptoms.’

‘Always contact your vet immediately if your dog is repeatedly trying to vomit but not bringing anything up, especially if they have a bloated tummy.

’This can be a sign of something more serious that needs to be investigated further. .

Also see: Why is my dog throwing up in the morning

Gastroenteritis in Dogs – searched 1,900 times a month

Gastroenteritis refers to inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, meaning the stomach and the intestines. It can be caused by infection with bacteria, viruses, parasites, medications, or even new foods. Most dogs with gastroenteritis will have intermittent episodes of vomiting and diarrhea.

Sean explains ‘symptoms may include foamy yellowish bile vomit, especially after the stomach has been emptied. Some owners may see dry heaving or gagging after their dog eats or drinks.’

‘If you think your pet may have Gastroenteritis then seek veterinary help right away, your pooch may need immediate treatment.’

Also see: Does my dog have IBD?

Cataracts In Dogs – searched 1,500 times a month

Most cataracts in dogs are the result of a genetic or hereditary defect. Many dog breeds are predisposed to hereditary cataracts, which may occur as early as at birth or develop later in young or middle-aged dogs.

A cataract is an abnormal cloudiness of the eye, caused by a change in the lens.

Sean explains: ‘Cataracts stop light reaching the back of the eye, reduce vision and eventually cause blindness. The most common causes of cataracts are due to old age, diabetes and eye disease.’

He continues ‘Cataracts are slow growing, so you may not notice them until later on but here are a few symptoms for you to be aware of;

A cloudiness, or grey tinge in your dog’s eye(s)

Loss of vision, especially in low light conditions – this can be very tricky to notice because it often develops slowly and most dogs are very good at adapting by using their hearing and sense of smell instead.

Pain – cataracts aren’t painful, but some of the underlying conditions that cause them are (such as eye injury or glaucoma).’

‘Contact your vet if you notice any changes in your dog’s eyes, or if you think they are losing their vision.’

Ultimately you know your pooch best, if they are acting out of the ordinary and you are concerned it’s always best to contact your vet.

We all love our dogs and want to do the best for them. You can give them all the love, attention and affection in the world but you also need to be aware of your pet’s health, so you can give them a longer, happier and healthier life.

From the day we bring our new puppy home, there are some key areas to look out for to help keep your dog healthy and enjoying life to the full:

Dog Health Problems Start From The Inside

· Diet: Providing the right food for their breed, size and age is vital. Making sure they get all the right nutrients – whilst not over or under feeding.

A large dog, such as a Great Dane, has different dietary needs to that of a Chihuahua, so some food brands even offer tailormade diets.

Dog Health Symptoms: Is Your Dog’s Weight A Cause For Concern?

· Exercise: You should be making sure they get enough exercise to keep them fit and active for as long as possible – dog walking can work to your benefit too!

· Vet visits: You should make sure they get regular health checks and injections with your local vet – as you would with your doctor – to prevent illness occurring and catch problems before they become threatening.

So how do you check if your dog is healthy?

This article discuss about the best cbd oil for dogs with arthritis and takes you through a ten-point health check that you can easily undertake at home. It works just as well on cats as it does dogs and I’ve called it the DIY MOT health check. You can monitor your pets’ health in-between regular visits to your vet, which will help alert you to any problem areas.

Eyes

Should be clear and sparkling without any discharge or redness, as this could be a sign of infection. The eyelids should also be checked for warts or cysts. Diet can also have an impact on eye health, if you have concerns, consider switching your dog’s food.

Teeth & gums

Gently lift your pet’s lips – the gums should be salmon pink, don’t worry some dogs can have naturally black pigmented gums, teeth should be clean and white with no yellow plaque or tartar and there should not be a bad smell!

Look out for loose teeth or bleeding gums, which should also be taken care of by your vet.

Paws

Check the pads for open cuts, splinters or seeds which can become embedded. Nails should be short and healthy looking without splitting. Some dogs will need to have nails regularly clipped at the vet.

Body checks

Check for any lumps or wounds by running your hands over your dog’s body and part the hair to check for signs of fleas or ticks. Your vet can recommend suitable treatments. Check a dog’s testicles and bitch’s mammary glands for any unusual swellings.

Weight

Be aware of what weight your dog should be and monitor it carefully – overfeeding can be as damaging as underfeeding. As a general rule run your hands down the sides of your dog’s belly and you should be able to feel the rib cage.

By feeling the rib cage you should be able to tell if they are under, over or just right! If your pet seems overweight check with your vet, they may recommend a light food, which has fewer calories or you might consider a different type of a dog bowl which steadies how fast your dog eats his food.

There are some which are floor bowls, which look similar to a puzzle, and dogs navigate the ‘spikes’ to eat. Or a raised dog bowl which can either sit in a dog bowl stand or be wall mounted alters how your dog eats, and can also slow them down.

Obesity can contribute to heart disease, joint disease, diabetes and many more health complications. As in humans exercise also plays an important part in weight control. Make sure your dog is getting plenty of exercise. Walks are the easy answer. Large dogs don’t necessarily need more exercise; it really does depend on their breed and age.

Ears

The inside of your dog’s ears should be clean with no odour. If they do smell this could be a sign that they are infected. Ears should be cleaned regularly – ask your vet to recommend a cleaning product and just as importantly, the best way to clean them without damage.

Muzzle

The nose should be free of discharge – pets get colds too. Noses should be wet but not runny, a dry nose could also signal health problems.

Coat and skin

The coat should look glossy and feel tangle free, not dull. Look out for any balding or irritation which could be caused by allergies, mange etc and should be checked out by a vet for treatment. The skin should not feel greasy or look flaky (no dandruff).

If you have concerns that your dog’s dull coat or flaky skin may be caused by an allergy, speak with your vet. If you are concerned that it may be parasite related, seek out a good flea treatment for dogs to restore.

Energy

Dependent on its age, your dog should be alert and energetic without any signs of stiffness or breathlessness – any reluctance to exercise should be looked into. Feeding the right amount of food and nutrients to your pet helps make sure they maintain high energy levels even into old age.

Under the tail

Hold up the tail and see if there are any signs of soreness or discharge. Also check your dog’s stools, they should be firm and fairly small – this is a sign of healthy digestion.

Stools are a good way of determining your pet’s health, a sudden change can bring your attention to a health issue that might have gone unnoticed. It is also the way your animal gets rid of all the waste in his food that he doesn’t need. Lots of products are bulked up with water and cereals when one of the most important ingredients to carnivorous animals is protein – that means meat.

A good rule of thumb is: the more meat ingredients a food contains the higher the quality of the feed, look on the side of the bag where the ingredients are listed, manufacturers have to list the largest quantity first.

What are the benefits of dry over wet food?

Once you’ve determined your dog’s life stage and lifestyle needs, you need to decide whether to feed dry or wet (canned) food.

It’s important to remember that while dry food can be left in a bowl, wet food should not be left out all day if not consumed. Therefore, dry food can often be the most convenient choice for busy people.

Although a recent BBC report suggested that brushing is the best way to keep a dog’s teeth clean, dry foods also promote good oral hygiene for teeth and gums through abrasive action.

How do I switch my dog’s food?

If you are looking to change your dog’s diet we would recommend you introduce the new food gradually over a period of 4 days.

Make the change slowly, try mixing of the new food with of old food then gradually change the proportions over the next three days until he’s eating new food. There are also a few tricks you could use to help make the change over to a complete dry food– for example, start by adding a little water or by warming the food in the microwave.

Vet visits

Remember that although you can monitor your pet’s health at home using the above guidelines I would also strongly recommend you make regular check-ups appointments with your local vet even if your pet seems healthy. And if this article has alerted you to any health issues please do contact your vet for a more thorough examination.

Dog Health Symptom Checker