Health

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.

With the outbreak of coronavirus, many pet owners have been wondering what this new normal could mean for them and their pets. Find out all you need to know about caring for your pets and how to look after them during this uncertain time. You ask, we answer! Find here our answers to FAQs related to COVID-19 and Pets. Where can I find the latest information about Covid-19 and pets? Since this is a rapidly evolving situation, we encourage you to keep up to date with communications from official and credible sources such as World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). Is Purina able to produce pet food and treats during this crisis? Purina’s products (pet food and pet snacks) are included in the list of industries considered as “essential critical infrastructure”. As a result, Purina is exempt from closures or stay-at-home orders. Purina is taking significant steps to ensure that we can serve our consumers at the highest levels possible.

Cushing’s disease is a hormonal condition that is relatively common in middle-aged or older dogs. Read our guide to find out what it is, what’s causing it and how you can care for a dog that has been diagnosed with the disease. Your dog’s energy levels are likely to decrease as they get older, but did you know that this could point to something other than old age? In some cases, this is one of the signs of a disease known as Cushing’s Syndrome in dogs. Here is what you need to know. What is Cushing’s disease in dogs? Cushing’s disease, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, is more common in dogs over 7 years of age. The disease involves excess production of cortisol, a naturally produced steroid that is often referred to as the stress hormone. Certain levels of this hormone within the body are important and contribute to functions such as the immune system or ‘fight or flight’ response. However, the abnormally high levels seen in Cushing’s causes an imbalance of hormone regulation within the body and leads to the symptoms associated with the disease. The most common cause of Cushing’s disease in dogs is a benign tumour of the pituitary gland, a structure that is located in the brain. The pituitary gland sends messages to the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. In cases of pituitary-dependant Cushing’s disease, these messages continue to be sent to the adrenal glands even if there is already enough cortisol, leading to higher levels in the body. Less commonly, Cushing’s disease can be caused by tumours of the adrenal glands themselves, this is adrenal-dependent disease. It can also occur if a pet is receiving high doses of steroid treatment for a different medical condition. Symptoms of Cushing’s in dogs? Cushing’s in dogs will often go unnoticed for a while, and tends to progress very gradually. Because the disease affects middle-aged and senior dogs, the symptoms are often attributed to ageing at first. Cortisol is a vital hormone for different functions and organs, meaning that it acts in various ways around the body. Therefore, increased production of the hormone can affect a number of different body systems, and result in various symptoms many of which are non-specific. The list of symptoms of Cushing’s in dogs will differ between individuals and you should consult the vet even if you don’t notice all the signs listed below.

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. What is diabetes in dogs? Dog diabetes, or ‘canine diabetes’, is caused by either a lack of insulin in your dog’s body or, in some cases, an ‘inadequate’ biological response to it. When your dog eats, the food is broken down. One of the components of their food, glucose, is carried to their cells by insulin. If your dog can’t produce enough insulin themselves, or the insulin they have isn’t used properly, the glucose cannot be used properly either. This means your dog’s blood sugar levels will rise, which can lead to adverse side effects. What causes diabetes in dogs? Just like in humans, it isn’t completely certain why some dogs develop diabetes. Some dogs may be more genetically prone to developing the condition. It is known, however, that being overweight can increase the risk of your dog developing diabetes. This may be because obesity causes cells in your dog’s body to become more resistant to insulin. If your dog develops diabetes, it is most likely to happen when they start to reach their senior years. Female dogs and neutered dogs may also be more at risk.

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. Much like with humans, dogs can get acne when they start to go through puberty. In dogs, puberty occurs between five to eight months old which is when dog acne will be likely to appear, and in most cases it will disappear on its own by the time they reach one year old. Dog acne is more common than you might think and generally affects the facial area including lips, chins and muzzles. Cases can range from mild to severe and it’s important for dog owners to recognise the signs and know when to seek help from a vet. Keep reading to find out the possible causes and symptoms of dog acne and the currently available treatment options for your dog. Causes of dog acne Acne in dogs is caused by the same things that cause human acne, a combination of excess oily sebum and dead skin cells mixing together which causes the hair follicles to get clogged, resulting in raised and red lumps, blackheads or whiteheads. There can be numerous reasons why this may occur including genetic factors, hormonal changes, food and environmental allergies and in some cases, trauma. Additionally, sometimes dog acne can just be a normal part of adolescence which will occur no matter what preventative measures you may take.

Just like us, our dogs can suffer from certain allergies. Discover what the most common dog allergies are and how they’re diagnosed with Purina. Dog allergies are a reaction to foreign substances in your dog’s immune system – which is the same cause of allergic reactions in humans! Unfortunately, where it’s relatively simple to diagnose allergies in humans, it’s usually quite difficult for dogs as there are many different types of allergies and the symptoms often overlap. This makes it hard to understand which allergies they’re actually suffering from. If you suspect that your dog may be suffering from allergies, you may be wondering about the potential dog allergy symptoms and when to seek help from your vet. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know. Dog skin allergies Skin allergies, also known as allergic dermatitis is one of the most common types of dog allergies. These are usually caused by reactions to flea bites or their surrounding environment such as pollen, dust or mould.

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! Symptoms of dog ear problems Your dog’s ears really benefit from a regular check-up, which is something you can share with them as part of an enjoyable grooming routine. Look out for any changes in your dog’s ear health; you know them best. Your dog's ears should always be clean and without any thick brown or green waxy discharge. There should also be no redness, itchiness or unusual smells coming from them. Unusual behaviour in your canine companion might also indicate a problem. If they start to scratch their ears frequently, shake their head more than normal, hold their head to one side, or rub one side of their face along the carpet or grass, it’s best to take them to your vet for a thorough ear examination. Severe ear problems and ear infections in dogs can have a more serious effect, such as loss of balance, which can be distressing for you both. (Bear in mind that balance loss may also be due to other causes, so always visit your vet for advice in such instances – that way you’ll know if something else is wrong.)

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. Does your dog shuffle up to their food bowl and sniff disapprovingly, yet the minute you sit down to eat they stare at you with big, begging eyes? If so, it’s probably down to one of two things: your dog may have lost their appetite because they’re feeling unwell, or they’re simply a fussy eater. What causes dogs to lose their appetites? The first thing you need to do is consult your vet to rule out illness, dental problems or a reaction to a vaccination or allergen. If they get the all clear from the vet, it’s time to address the pickiness – for both of your sakes!

Hot spots in dogs are a common skin condition. Find out what they are and how to treat them once they show up, so you can get your dog back to their usual happy self. If you’ve noticed your dog itching more than usual and discovered a moist red spot on their skin under their fur, your beloved canine friend might be dealing with a skin condition known as dog hot spots. In this article we will look at what they are and how they can be treated effectively so your dog can get back to their normal happy self. What are dog hot spots? Dog hot spots are areas of infected skin that look red, wet and sometimes raised. Officially known as Moist Dermatitis, hot spots can be found anywhere on the body and can increase in size very quickly. Your dog will experience them as itchy and sometimes painful patches and will often try to soothe hot spots with scratching, licking or biting.

Have you noticed your dog scratching and shaking their head more than usual? The culprit might be an almost invisible insect causing irritation and making your dear pet friend extremely uncomfortable. Dog ear mites are unfortunately a common thing in the canine world. Find out what to do when they choose your dog as their host. What are ear mites? Ear mites are insects similar to ticks that live inside the ear canal but can also be found on the skin. Barely visible to the naked eye, they can only survive for a very limited time without a host to live on, which makes them extremely eager to find a welcoming dog. This means that ear mites are extremely contagious, hopping from dog to dog or even from cat to dog in no time. What are the symptoms of ear mites in dogs? Ear mites are irritable little creatures, so one of the first symptoms of dog ear mites will be an intense itch. You will notice your pup shaking their head or rubbing their ear against the carpet. The symptoms of ear mites in dogs typically include: • Ear scratching • Head shaking • Dark discharge from the affected ear • Skin lesions around the ear However, these symptoms are common for many parasitic infections, so the best thing to do before starting any sort of treatment is to book an appointment with your vet to rule out other possible conditions. What causes ear mites in dogs? Dogs will usually pick up ear mites from another pet. It can be another dog or cat, and mites can pass very quickly between animals. They can only live in the environment for a limited time and with such a small window of time at their disposal, they’re quick to find an unsuspecting dog to claim as their host. Mites hop around from host to host, so if you are lucky enough to have multiple pets in the family, it’s very likely that once one of them gets ear mites, the rest will follow shortly.

Are you getting ready to bathe your puppy for the first time? Here is everything you need to know. What you will need for your puppy’s first bath Let’s start easy with a shopping list. Here are the must-haves of puppy bathing time. • Table • Towel • Suitable puppy brush • Hair dryer • Dog bath or other suitable container • Puppy shampoo • A treat Steps for bathing a puppy When your puppy arrives home for the first time, it is beneficial to give them a bath in order to let them start their new experience fresh and clean. Here is a step-by-step guide for bathing your puppy without any unnecessary complications: 1. Place the puppy on a table The table has to be specifically designated for the job. In placing the puppy in this elevated, unfamiliar spot, you will help them understand that you are not playing. This will help you handle bathtime safely and comfortably. Put a towel on the table to ensure your puppy doesn’t slip off. It will also absorb excess water.

Gastroenteritis in dogs is a fairly common condition and will usually display as diarrhoea and sometimes vomiting too. Find out all you need to know about what causes it, the most common symptoms and the current veterinary treatments available. If your dog has suddenly started having diarrhoea and perhaps vomiting as well, there’s a chance it may be dog gastroenteritis. This is a relatively common condition, typically occurring after the consumption of something unsavoury, but luckily with the right treatment it usually disappears relatively quickly. At Purina, we’ve put together this guide to tell you all you need to know about gastroenteritis in dogs including the most common causes and the current treatment options available. What is gastroenteritis in dogs? Gastroenteritis in dogs is a condition that causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract (stomach and intestines). It will most commonly display as diarrhoea either with or without vomiting, where it can be just vomiting, this is far less common. Gastroenteritis can be either chronic (where it lasts for more than two weeks) or acute (this type doesn’t last long and will usually go away by itself in time, but may worsen as it goes on). What causes gastroenteritis in dogs? There can be many causes of gastroenteritis in dogs, including: • Eating food that’s gone bad • Ingesting foreign bodies • Ingesting toxins • Certain viruses or bacteria, such as parvovirus • Liver and kidney disease • Intestinal parasites, such as worms • Food allergies • Gastrointestinal ulcers • Certain cancers of the gastrointestinal tract