Health

Known for their stunning coats, long ears, and constant tail wagging, gorgeous Cocker Spaniels are one of the most cheerful dogs you’ll ever meet. Whether you already have this long-haired pup lying next to you on the couch or you’re getting ready to welcome one to the family, there are a few common health problems in Cocker Spaniels that owners should be aware of. Just like any other dog breed, the cheerful nature of these pups can be diminished by certain conditions. We break down the symptoms below to make the job of recognising them easier.

Are you looking for a German Shepherd to join the family and wondering what the most important health concerns are in relation to this stunning dog breed? German Shepherds are a relatively healthy breed, so the chances are that you’re going to spend many years together from now on. However, there are a few conditions owners should be aware of. Here are some of the more common health problems in German Shepherds and the symptoms that should prompt you to call your vet.

Chihuahuas may be small, but their big personality, comic nature, and fierce loyalty are part of their charm, as you’ll soon discover when you welcome one of these tiny companions into your life. Although you’ll see their bubbly attitude on full display as you get to know each other better, when it comes to health and wellbeing, there are a few health problems in Chihuahuas that owners should be aware of from day one. Chihuahuas are a relatively healthy breed, but if you want to make sure potential signs of trouble don’t go undetected, here are some of the common health issues in Chihuahuas to keep an eye out for.

Puppies are born very helpless. When they first come into the world, they’re deaf and blind. They have their eyes closed and their vision develops later on. However, the good news is that puppies don’t really have any need for vision or hearing at first because they are able to compensate with other senses such as smell, touch and pheromone detection. If you want to learn about how old puppies are when they open their eyes and what their first glimpse of the world looks like, keep reading and find out all you need to know.

Discovering that your dog is leaving behind wet patches in their bedding or on the couch can be upsetting for pet owners. While in some cases, this might be an isolated incident, it is also possible that your dog is suffering from a medical condition causing urinary incontinence, where they are unable to control their bladder and might not even be aware of the leakage. Incontinence in dogs can affect all breeds, genders, and ages but is most common in older dogs. So, if your dog has started having accidents around the house, and is usually well toilet trained, make an appointment with your vet for a diagnosis and to discuss possible treatment options. Meanwhile, here are a few things to know about incontinence and what to do if your dog is leaking urine.

Your dog’s eyes can be as sensitive as they are precious. There are a range of causes that can make a dog’s eyes red which we will explore below. Some of these causes the skin or conjunctiva around the eye to appear inflamed and red, while others seem to affect the eyeball itself. As always, the best way to figure out the answer to the question ‘why are my dog’s eyes red’ is to talk to your vet as eye irritation can lead to more permanent damage if left untreated. But here are a few possible explanations you might hear mentioned during your appointment.

As the summer rolls around it’s easy to get swept up in planning for holidays, trips to the beach and lounging in the heat, but if you have a four-legged friend, you’ll need to think about how to keep them cool as the temperatures soar. Dogs can’t cool themselves down as well as people, because their ability to sweat is much more limited and is mainly through their paws. It means they need to rely on other methods such as dog panting to keep cool. Their inability to sweat coupled with the fact that they literally wear fur coats makes them at a high risk of overheating and heatstroke. This is further exacerbated if they are one of the flat -faced (brachycephalic) breeds. At Purina, we’ve put together this guide with our top tips on how to cool down a dog. Keep reading to find out all you need to know.

As dog owners, some of us are a little obsessed with inspecting our dog’s poop. This might sound a bit gross, but having a quick glance is actually a very good habit to get into as your dog’s poop can tell you a lot about their general health. Just be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after picking up after your dog, because there are some germs and small parasites that can pass to people. If you notice your dog is pooping blood, it can be incredibly alarming to see. There are a huge range of reasons why this may be happening and we’ve outlined some common ones below, but it’s important to seek help from your vet so that they can make a proper diagnosis and recommend the best treatment plan if needed.

French Bulldogs have become an incredibly popular breed in recent years, which is likely due to their adorable bat-like ears paired with their wrinkly face, alongside their quirky and playful personalities – and their high social media profile. Sadly, this popularity has also had a downside and there’s now a long list of French Bulldog health problems that have arisen due to both their physicality and irresponsible breeding practices.

Anyone who’s ever owned a Dachshund can vouch for their lovely personality, playful spirit, and soulful eyes that you can’t help but get lost in. They might show their owners their stubborn side from time to time but all in all, they’re a lovely companion you’ll adore straight away. If you have a Dachshund in your life already, it’s only natural to wonder what to expect. Luckily, we’ve prepared a handy list of possible health issues and easily identifiable signs affecting Dachshunds. New owners can use this to help them navigate life with these dogs.

Cockapoos are one of the most adorable designer crossbreeds out there. The offspring of a Cocker Spanieland a Poodle (Toy or Miniature), this dog can take some of the best characteristics from each breed and has made the whole world fall in love with them in the process. So, expect an affectionate, but highly active, dog who’s so intelligent that it can make training a breeze – as long as they get the exercise and enrichment they need. But that’s not all the Cocker Spaniel and Poodle passed down to their Cockapoo puppies Health issues usually seen in the Cockapoo’s parents can also be part of that inheritance. So, if you’re wondering which Cockapoo health problems to look out for, here are the hereditary issues that can affect these dogs. Cockapoo health issues

Running through grass, splashing in puddles or chasing every living creature in the garden are often a part of a dog’s daily adventures, but did you know dogs can be at risk of catching parasites when they’re out having fun? In this article we’ll be looking at lungworm in dogs, which is one of the potential parasites our canine friends can easily pick up. Here is what pet owners should be aware of.