Health

Discovering mites on your dog can be concerning. These parasites cause discomfort, leading to itching, scratching, and in some cases, hair loss. This guide provides information on dog mite types, prevention, and treatment options to help you keep your dog mite-free.

Making a running partner out of your pet can be great. If you learn how to train your dog correctly, you’ll be improving your health, happiness, and your special bond… for both of you! Build up slowly to your ideal run. Just like humans, dogs need to acclimatise to levels of exercise. You could also research your dog’s breed to discover exactly what kind of running they might enjoy: you never know, they might just inspire you to achieve a marathon with time!

What happens when you find a stray dog, and how can you help? Find out what to do when you find a dog without its owner. Even if you have an almost instant connection and want to keep them with you, there are basic steps everyone must follow when they find a stray dog. In this article, we will outline what to do when you find a dog without an owner.

Bees and wasps are among the things that our dogs love to chase most. During the warmer months we often find them in hot pursuit of these fuzzy insects, but sometimes if they catch them, they can be met with a nasty sting! Find out what to do if your dog’s been stung by a wasp or a bee with our guide. Dogs are fascinated by bees and wasps. Their lazy buzzing is irresistible to dogs who enjoy chasing games. However, these little insects pack a surprisingly powerful sting when caught. In most cases if a dog is stung by a bee or wasp, they will experience mild local irritation which should subside within a few hours. However, it can be more serious if dogs receive multiple stings, or if they occur inside the mouth, nose or other sensitive tissues. At Purina, we’ve put together this useful guide to tell you what to do if your dog’s stung by a wasp or bee, the possible symptoms and when to seek help from your vet.

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.

We tend to think that dog’s teeth are different from our own human ones, but in fact they can have many of the same dental health problems. One of these is cavities, which are small holes or weaknesses in the tooth.

Dog constipation can affect many dogs. Make sure you know what the symptoms are and discover what you can do to help your dog get back to their normal self. Dog constipation is not exactly the kind of challenge you’re looking forward to when becoming a dog owner, but it is a problem you are likely to face at some point. This is why we recommend becoming familiar with the signs, the causes and the things you can do to help your pup through the discomfort. Here is a simple need-to-know guide to dog constipation.

Understanding when or when not to visit the vet can be difficult, especially when dealing with a dog’s dental health. Most people don’t want to see their vet every time they have a small question, but equally, not going at all could mean dental problems go unnoticed.

Dogs have a far greater range of emotions than most owners have ever imagined – and that can result in what appears like a canine version of depression. If you think your dog is feeling down, find out how to keep them emotionally and mentally healthy and happy.

After months, sometimes years, of planning the perfect breeding, 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! When your dog is pregnant, you may find yourself wondering “what happens when dogs give birth?”. You don’t have to panic as the due date approaches - dog labours are usually much less dramatic than ours, and your pet should be able to bring her puppies into the world without any worries. Mum should be more than capable, but she will need you there during labour for support and in case of any complications. Speak to your vet if you have any concerns about pregnancy in dogs or about your dog giving birth. Their advice should help to put your mind at rest. Here are some helpful tips from our Pet Care Team to help you be as prepared as possible for when your pet becomes a new mum.

Why is my dog chewing excessively? If your dog is chewing furniture, or excessively chewing their toys, it may be time to review their dental health. Discover possible causes for inappropriate dog chewing below, and learn how to help stop your dog chewing furniture and other items.

Find out everything you need to know about puppies and their grooming needs.