Health

Does your dog love splashing in every puddle they can find? You might be thinking your pet has already discovered canine hydrotherapy by themselves, but this form of therapeutic exercise is much more than just playing in water. If you’re wondering what hydrotherapy for dogs is, and whether your dog can benefit from it, keep reading to discover more about this increasingly popular form of physical therapy. What is canine hydrotherapy? Hydrotherapy for dogs uses water to facilitate rehabilitation of pets suffering from various conditions or injuries, particularly for joint conditions or to help build up muscle again after surgery. Water helps to support a dog’s weight so that they can start the road to recovery with lower-impact movements that are not too taxing on their joints. Sometimes these exercises will be targeted to help treat a particular body-part, and other exercises might aim to increase general fitness and wellbeing. There are different types of canine hydrotherapy, so before you book your dog’s first session, it’s important to make sure your pet is getting the best treatment for their condition by discussing the available options with your vet.

If you’re suspecting your dog is suffering from a case of conjunctivitis, here’s what you need to know. From causes to symptoms and treatment options, we’ve got you covered. Does your dog seem to have irritated, bloodshot or weepy eyes? Are they blinking a lot or rubbing their face on you or the ground? If the answer is yes, your pooch might be suffering from a case of dog conjunctivitis. Much like the human version, canine conjunctivitis can appear out of nowhere, is unpleasant and will require professional attention. Here’s what you need to know about this condition.

If you’ve spotted that your dog has weepy eyes, it’s likely you’re wondering what the possible causes are. Find out all you need to know about runny eyes in dogs and when to seek veterinary help in this guide. Our dogs’ eyes are incredibly precious – they help our canine friends explore and discover the world. So, when we notice something slightly out of the ordinary such as our dog’s eyes watering, it’s only natural that we feel a sense of panic.

Dogs can suffer from strokes, but the symptoms differ to what we see in people. Find out the possible symptoms and the current treatment options available with this guide. Dogs can suffer from strokes, but the symptoms differ to what we see in people. Find out the possible symptoms and the current treatment options available with this guide.

Water is essential to keep your dog hydrated and to regulate their body temperature. But how much water should your dog drink? Find out all you need to know to keep your dog hydrated in this guide. Water is essential to keep your dog hydrated. It’s actually even more vital for dogs than humans, in order to prevent them from overheating. Our canine friends release heat from their body differently to us. Dogs can only sweat a small amount from their nose and paw pads. The main way that dogs lose body heat to cool down is through panting, which results in a lot of water loss through evaporation. Because of this, keeping your dog hydrated is especially important on hot days. If you’re concerned your dog is drinking too much or too little, or are just wondering how much water your dog should drink per day, keep reading to find out all you need to know.

If you’re getting ready to take your dog on a trip to the countryside, or even on the usual walk in the park, there’s something else to consider besides checking the weather and planning the route: ticks. In particular, a certain type of tick known as the deer tick or the black-legged tick which might carry Lyme disease and infect your pet if it attaches to them. Keep reading to find out more about this tick-borne disease and what you can do to help prevent it.

Have you noticed your dog limping for a few steps or holding one of their back legs raised from the ground? This might be a sign of kneecap dislocation, also known as a luxating patella. This condition is actually quite common in dogs, especially when it comes to diminutive breeds. Here is what you need to know about luxating patellas in dogs and how to decide when it’s time to take your pooch to the vet for a check-up.

Glaucoma in dogs is a painful condition which can lead to blindness. Early detection is key to ensuring the best outcome for your pet, which is why we’ve created this guide to tell you all about the signs to look out for and the treatment options currently available.  

Cherry eye in dogs can appear very alarming, as a red, angry looking lump develops in the corner of your dog’s eye – many say that this looks a bit like a cherry. The condition usually requires surgery, but the good news is that it’s usually very treatable and with speedy veterinary help, your four-legged friend will be on the road to recovery in no time. Keep reading to find out what cherry eye is and the treatment options available.

Addison’s disease in dogs is a disorder which is caused by insufficient levels of hormones produced by the adrenal glands. It’s named after Thomas Addison, the British scientist who first discovered the disease. We’ve put together this guide to tell you all you need to know about Addison’s in dogs, including the symptoms and treatment options currently available – keep reading to find out more.

Paralysed dogs often take a lot of special care to ensure they can continue living their lives happily and healthily. That’s why the experts at Purina have created this article to tell you everything you need to know about looking after them, as well as dog wheelchair advice for helping those with hind leg paralysis get back on their feet. Although sometimes the only option for your dog is an upsetting one, in other cases rehabilitation can take place. Dog paralysis is an inability to use one or more limbs, usually due to a spinal cord injury. This can of course be distressing for you, and you may have to make difficult decisions. Your dog’s treatment and prognosis will depend on the cause of their paralysis and the limbs affected, and your vet will advise you on the chances that your dog will regain use of their limbs again. Looking after a paralysed dog is a big commitment and can at times be difficult. If you work long hours or have a busy family life, you may not be able to provide enough care. Rehabilitation centres are available in some areas; here, your dog will be looked after until they are well enough to be cared for at home. Larger veterinary practises, too, might hospitalise dogs for longer periods.  

When your dog reaches the age of about seven – a little younger in large breeds (five to six) and older in small breeds (around nine) – they’re generally considered to be ‘senior’. When they reach this age and start to slow down, you’ll need to adjust their diet to support them better. Find out more about feeding older dogs in this guide. You might notice your dog wanting to take life a little easier, as we all do when we get a little older! There will also be some less visible changes as they approach their senior stage of life as their bodies and digestion start to change and their immune system may need some extra support.