Flat-faced cats have become extremely popular in recent years with their smooshed faces, button-like noses and doll-like eyes, but there’s a price to pay for this cute factor. The technical term for cats with these flat faces is ‘brachycephalic’, and there’s tonnes of health risks that come with it. If you’re considering a brachycephalic cat, keep reading to find out about the risks involved and how extreme breeding has negatively impacted the health and well-being of these felines. What is a brachycephalic cat? Brachy means shortened and cephalic means head, so to break it down, brachycephalic means shortened head and in brachycephalic cats this is because the skull bones are far shorter than the average, healthy cat. As the face and nose are more pushed in, their anatomy and soft tissue are altered which causes a wealth of physical problems. Flat-faced cats first became popular in the 1950s when a kitten was born with a genetic mutation which gave them a flatter face. Over time this became very desirable so more kittens were bred with this feature in mind. This extreme practice of breeding cats has become far worse as of late with the attempt of making them look more flat-faced, but this comes at the cost of their health and quality of life. Brachycephalic cat breeds The following breeds are currently classed as brachycephalic: • Exotic Shorthair. • Himalayan. • Persian. • Scottish Fold. • Chinchilla. • British Shorthair. It’s important to remember that, within the breeds classified as brachycephalic, some individuals may be affected by this condition to a greater or lesser degree. Do flat-faced cats have breathing problems?

What is FIP (feline infectious peritonitis) in cats? FIP is a relatively rare but often fatal viral disease which is common in young cats (less than 2 years old) and kittens and is caused by an infection with the virus named feline coronavirus. It’s important to note that this is different from the coronavirus that infects people and leads to COVID-19. This is a feline coronavirus that is very common and only causes mild symptoms, but in a few cases, it mutates into the feline infectious peritonitis virus, triggering FIP, a serious disease that is deadly for most cats. A mutated feline coronavirus can trigger feline infectious peritonitis, so before we get to the specifics of the FIP disease in cats, let’s look at what the feline coronavirus is and how your pet might get it. What is the feline coronavirus? The feline coronavirus affects cats and is not contagious to humans. However, it can easily transmit from feline to feline and it’s usually passed in cat faeces. This is why it’s more common in cats that are in close proximity with or share a household with other cats and are in contact with their litter trays. The good news is that, despite being a very transmittable virus encountered by nearly every cat throughout their lives, feline coronavirus doesn’t typically make your cat visibly ill. The infection is normally limited to the intestinal tract, so if symptoms do manifest, they’re mild and you will usually notice your kitten suffering from diarrhoea for a few days and nothing more. Why does feline coronavirus cause feline infectious peritonitis? So how does a seemingly harmless virus turn into a more dangerous strain, capable of activating a disease that is fatal for most cats? As the feline coronavirus starts to replicate inside your cat’s body, mutations might occur. Scientists don’t know yet what is causing these mutations, but a weak immune system, stress and even age (with younger cats being more susceptible to FIP virus) have been proposed as possible explanations. One of these mutations can turn the feline coronavirus into the feline infectious peritonitis virus which, instead of remaining confined to the intestinal tract, infects blood cells that then travel throughout the entire body. The immune system should be able to intervene at this point and fight off the infection, but if this does not happen, the cat will develop feline infectious peritonitis. So, even if the cat becomes infected with the FIP virus, it does not necessarily follow that they will suffer from the FIP disease. A strong immune system will be able to stop the illness from being triggered. However, this means that young and old kittens with weaker immune responses are less likely to stop the virus and FIP will be triggered as a consequence. Despite this, the disease luckily remains quite rare in cats. What are the symptoms of FIP in cats?

If your cat has developed an unusual cough lately, you’re probably wondering ‘why is my cat coughing’ and what to do about it. Although it can be disturbing for owners to see their cat coughing and wheezing, this is not uncommon in the feline kingdom and it’s often a sign of the occasional hairball your pet is trying to get rid of. However, a simple cough can quickly get a bit more complicated when we take into consideration all the possible issues with their nose, throat and lungs that could cause this symptom. And even your cat’s heart might have something to do with it. This means your cat’s cough riddle is best left for the vet to solve. But while you wait for the appointment, here are some of the possible reasons why your cat is coughing. Why is your cat coughing? Top 6 possible reasons Is it an allergy attack, asthma or a lung infection? There are many possible causes for a cat’s sudden coughing fit. Even something as inconspicuous as dust can trigger all that feline coughing and wheezing. The list is long, but we’re breaking it down for you. Here are some of the reasons your cat might start coughing more than usual. 1) Asthma

During the warmer months, it’s common for many of us to grow sweet, juicy raspberries in the garden or buy them from the shop as a deliciously refreshing treat. They’re the perfect healthy snack and taste fantastic in many desserts, but it’s not just us humans that like to munch on the juicy red berries, our dogs can be quite partial to a taste as well! If your dog sneaks a few of these delicious fruits off your prized raspberry bush or keeps begging for a sample when you’re tucking into a punnet, you may be wondering “can dogs eat raspberries?” Find out all you need to know in this guide.

Roasted, baked, fried, mashed – so many delicious ways to enjoy potatoes, and just as many questions in the minds of dog owners wondering which one of their potato dishes they can safely share with their pet. Unfortunately, there isn’t a simple yes or no answer to the question “can dogs eat potatoes?” Human foods don’t always make an easy transition into the canine world. After all, our dogs have different nutritional checkboxes to tick. And when it comes to quantities, what is an imperceptible amount of salt or sugar in a potato recipe can end up being many times over the maximum daily recommended amount for our pet. That’s why it’s important to understand if and how to offer dogs a piece of that delicious potato dish, so that both you and your pet can enjoy your meals safely and happily. Keep reading to find out more. Can dogs eat potatoes? The answer depends on how the potatoes are prepared. Dogs can eat potatoes as long as they are plainly cooked and offered in moderation. Roasted potatoes, prepared without spices or butter are the best way to let your pet have a taste of a delicious spud. But avoid giving your dog raw or boiled potatoes as they’re not safe for dogs to eat as they contain solanine. Always cook the potatoes before offering them to your pet. As with any human food, make sure you check with the vet before adding it to your dog’s diet. Pooches suffering from diabetes need to be particularly careful when it comes to potatoes. Too much and their blood sugar might become too high. So, if your dog has diabetes, it’s best to avoid potatoes altogether. Can dogs eat sweet potatoes? Yes, dogs can eat sweet potatoes as long as they are cooked and the skin is removed- as this can sometimes be difficult for your dog to digest. Although this root vegetable is packed with fibre and has many vitamins and minerals, it’s always best to offer it to your dog in moderation with their meal or as an occasional treat. The bulk of their diet should always be food specifically designed with the right balance of nutrients for a dog’s system. Other fruits or vegetables such as sweet potatoes are not typically necessary and if offered in large quantities, this can lead to health problems in the long run. You can find out more about dog nutrition for a balanced diet with our easy guide. Can dogs eat mashed potatoes? Yes, as long as the potatoes are roasted and not boiled and no salt, seasonings, milk or butter is added your pet can enjoy this all-time favourite dish. However, there isn’t much nutritional value your dog will be able to get from eating mashed potatoes. Therefore, it’s always best to stick to carefully-formulated dog food that takes into account the specific canine needs. Can dogs eat chips? This salty treat is often a staple in our human diet, but when it comes to canine digestion, the chips’ salt and fat content can wreak havoc on their digestive system. That’s why dogs shouldn’t eat chips or fries at all – instead choose from these healthier treats for your dog. Can dogs eat raw potatoes? Dogs should never eat raw potatoes as they contain a substance called solanine which is potentially toxic to dogs. However, the levels of solanine are reduced when the potatoes are cooked (so long as they aren’t boiled) which is why it’s always best to roast them before offering a bite to your pet. If you suspect your dog ate a piece (or more) of raw potato, watch out for symptoms of solanine intoxication which might include vomiting, diarrhoea or lethargy. Make sure you get in touch with your vet as soon as possible so you can get your dog the help they need as quickly as possible. Can dogs eat potato skin? Potato skins can be difficult for dogs to digest and can cause an upset stomach so if you’re feeding potatoes to your dog make sure you remove the skin first. If in doubt, always check with your vet before offering your dog potatoes or any other food that is prepared for us humans to enjoy. Next, check out our list of harmful foods and substances for dogs, so you can make sure you keep your pet away from these potentially dangerous ingredients.

Pears are deliciously sweet and juicy fruits that are rich in antioxidants and minerals. As they’re so good for us humans, it may have caused you to stop and think “can dogs eat pears?” Keep reading to find out if your pup can join in the next time you’re enjoying this nutritious and delicious snack and if pears are good for dogs. Can dogs eat pears? The answer is yes- dogs can have pears! They’re fine for them to have as an occasional treat so you can save your pup a slice next time you’re tucking into the ripe green fruit. Just be aware that not all dogs like fruits, so don’t be surprised if your four-legged friend isn’t interested. And always make sure that you chop the pear into small, bitesize pieces and try giving your dog a small bit first to see how they react. Can dogs eat canned pears? No, dogs can’t eat canned pears as these are stored in juices which are very high in sugar and may irritate their digestive tract and give them a very upset stomach. Too many sugary foods can also lead to obesity and tooth decay, so it’s best to limit fruit consumption in general and stay away from canned fruits in particular. Are pears good for dogs? Pears are high in vitamin C and K as well as fibre, but as they’re also very high in sugar and we only recommend feeding a small amount, your dog won’t necessarily benefit from any of these things. But don’t worry, they’ll get everything they need to thrive from a complete and balanced diet.

Have the creators of the iconic Lady and the Tramp spaghetti scene taken artistic licence or does pasta really make a safe and delicious meal for our canine friends? Some of our favourite human foods are known to cause serious health issues for our pets, so it’s natural for owners to worry that spaghetti or noodles might belong to the same category of harmful foods. If you’re wondering whether dogs can have pasta or not as you dig into the delicious heap of spaghetti on your plate, here is what you need to know about this food and your dog’s nutritional needs so you can make the best decision for their health and wellbeing. Can dogs eat pasta? Dogs can have pasta, but there are a few important caveats. You should only offer them pasta that’s been cooked without sauces or salt. This is why the delicious heap of pasta on our plates is usually not the kind of treat dogs should have, especially if ingredients toxic to our pooches such as garlic or onions are part of the recipe. Plus, the pasta itself should not feature on your dog’s menu too often as it can lead to extra pounds for your pet. So, if you do decide to spoil your dog with this human food, make sure it’s only a small quantity once in a while. As always, it’s best to ask the vet’s opinion before adding any human food such as pasta, noodles or spaghetti to your dog’s diet. Is pasta good for dogs? Pasta isn’t necessarily bad for dogs in that it’s not toxic for them, however it’s also not a part of their normal balanced diet. Whether or not you should give your dog pasta will depend on how often they get to have their own Lady and the Tramp moment and if they have any health conditions. Dogs can have pasta if they’re not suffering from sensitivity to grains or wheat allergy. But keep in mind that they won’t get much nutritional value out of this food. After all, pasta is mainly carbohydrates, which in the right amounts give your pet some tail-wagging energy, but in large quantities can be detrimental to their weight and health. It’s also important to remember that dogs can easily get this energy (along with a lot of other important nutrition) from a good quality dog food. Therefore, your dog is okay to enjoy the occasional titbit of pasta, but it shouldn’t become a regular part of their main meal. Can dogs eat spaghetti?

Small fluffy dogs have a unique charm that can captivate just about anyone’s heart. Their luxurious locks paired with their diminutive stature means that their appearance can range from elegant to almost teddy bear like, so it’s no wonder that so many small fluffy dog breeds have been firm favourites of royalty throughout the years. If you want a small fluffy dog in your life, keep reading and find out about nine breeds that are so adorable you’ll want to cuddle them right now! 1. Pomeranian One of the most popular small fluffy dogs, the Pomeranian, has a charmingly foxy face as well as oodles of fluff. Queen Victoria fell in love with the breed in the 19th century and ever since they’ve been a firm favourite when it comes to toy types- and it’s easy to see why. With their vivacious personalities and high intelligence, they’re great fun, easy to train and make excellent watchdogs. Just watch out for them around larger dogs as they can sometimes have a big dog personality! 2. Bichon Frise

Mushrooms are making their way into more meals in recent years, but can your dog enjoy a nibble on fungi too? Find out if dogs can eat mushrooms and which ones to avoid in our guide. Mushrooms bought from the shops are an incredibly versatile ingredient and as humans, we enjoy the fungi in a great number of meals. Whether it’s an earthy addition to a fry up or a hearty meat alternative in veggie dishes, mushrooms pop up in some of our favourite dishes. There are many varieties out there, some of these are poisonous. So you should only forage for wild mushrooms with expert guidance. You may have wondered “can dogs eat mushrooms? Especially when a straggler falls on the floor whilst cooking or a dog gives you puppy eyes as you tuck into dinner. At Purina, we’ve got all the information you need to know about if mushrooms are bad for dogs or not, and the low down on the varieties you should avoid. Can dogs eat mushrooms? Similar to humans, some mushrooms are fine for dogs to eat, while others can be toxic. Dogs can eat mushrooms bought from a supermarket or other shop, preferably organic, unseasoned and raw. But you should always avoid any wild mushrooms. As there’s such a vast variety of mushrooms and they’re so difficult to tell apart, you should treat any wild mushroom with caution as some are incredibly poisonous. If you suspect your dog has eaten one, contact your vet as soon as possible. If you spot wild mushrooms growing in your garden, you should remove them as soon as possible. Can dogs eat cooked mushrooms?

Sweet and exotic in flavour, it’s easy to see why mango is one of the most popular fruits. But can we share a bite with our four-legged friends? Find out if dogs can eat mango in this guide. There’s nothing better than tucking into a sweet, juicy mango. While you’re tucking into this tropical fruit, you may notice you’re being watched by your four-legged friend with their best begging face pleading for a share. But can dogs eat mango? Is it safe to share your sweet fruity treat with your dog? Find out if it’s safe and healthy for you to offer your dog a piece and if mango is good for dogs in this guide. Can dogs eat mango? Yes, dogs can eat mango! It’s sweet and tasty which means many dogs love it and the flesh is very soft and easy for them to eat too. However, it’s very sugary and should only be given in small amounts as an occasional treat. Can dogs eat mango skin? While mango skin is edible, it may be difficult for your dog to digest and may cause tummy upset. We only recommend feeding your dog mango without the skin. Can dogs eat mango stones? Any fruit stones – including mango stones – can be harmful to dogs. Before offering your dog any mango, always make sure you remove the stone. Not only is it a potential choking hazard and may cause an intestinal blockage, it also contains small amounts of cyanide, which is toxic. Can dogs eat dried mango? Dried mango is OK for dogs to eat, but it’s best to stick to fresh as when dried, mango contains much more sugar content. Plus, mangoes lose a lot of their nutritional benefits when dried, so fresh is always best.