There is significant debate on whether we should feed our feline friends raw meat or not. We’ve put together a quick guide looking at the considerations and the risks of feeding your cat raw meat. Feeding a raw diet for cats is a controversial topic and there can be genuine health risks to you and your pet. If you decide to try raw-feeding, it is always best to discuss this with your vet first. They can give advice on responsible raw-feeding, making sure your cat receives a suitably balanced diet, and highlight some of the health and hygiene concerns that need addressing. What is a raw food diet for cats? Raw cat food refers to a diet that includes raw meat, sometimes containing raw offal and bone, in addition to other uncooked ingredients such as vegetables. A raw diet can be homemade or commercial, with the commercially available types being sub-divided into complete and complementary diets. A complete diet will contain the correct balance of nutrients that your pet needs in order to be fed solely on this food. However, a complementary food should be fed in combination with another diet, in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Homemade raw diets are not recommended as they can be very variable in terms of whether they adequately and consistently meet your pet’s nutritional requirements. This means they should only be fed under specialist guidance, and are likely to need additional supplementation to avoid deficiencies. There are purported benefits and drawbacks to a raw food diet for cats, which contribute to both sides of the debate on whether cats should eat raw meat. Here is what you need to know about raw cat food: Can cats eat raw chicken and other meats? There are food safety concerns to both pet and owner with feeding raw chicken, which will be discussed in more detail below. Supporters of raw diets for cats often mention that these diets allow the cat to consume food that is more similar to the diet of wild cats. After all, no one is cooking the rodent a wild cat just caught for dinner! It is important, though, to consider that our domesticated felines have come a long way since their ancestors, and that life expectancy of our pets is greater than wild cats.

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. What causes runny eyes in dogs? Weepy or runny eyes in dogs is actually a fairly common problem and the causes of it can range from something as normal as wind or dirt getting in their eye to more serious health issues such as glaucoma. Some of the most common causes are: • Eye infections • Corneal ulcers • Eye injuries • Dry eye • Eyelash issues • Eyelid issues • Wind exposure • Eye lumps • Something stuck in the eye • Breed-related issues What other symptoms may be present? Alongside your dog’s weepy eyes, you may see the following symptoms: • Rubbing their eyes • Squinting • Holding their eyes closed • Redness • Swelling • Cloudy eyes If your dog has weepy eyes after a walk but the problem quickly clears up, then it may well have just been caused by a sharp wind or little bit of debris. If the weepiness lasts longer or you notice any of the symptoms listed above, seek advice from your vet. Discharge colour One of the things you should look at if your dog has runny eyes is the colour of the discharge, as this will give you some clues as to the cause of the problem.

We love our dogs and only want what’s best for them, so it’s hardly surprising that interest in homemade dog food is up. Find out all you need to know about homemade dog food and why it’s best to seek expert advice before starting your pet on a home-prepared diet. Our dogs are our best friends and part of the family, so it’s only natural that we wonder if we can have them join in on our family meals – food is the way to (most) dogs’ hearts after all! But it’s not as clear- cut as just cooking an extra portion of whatever you’re having – homemade dog food can be quite tricky to get right. You’ll need to ensure that what you’re cooking meets all of your pet’s nutritional requirements. This means we advise that you don’t switch to a home-prepared diet without consulting with a vet or pet nutritionist. If you’re thinking about preparing home-cooked dog food, keep reading to find out everything you need to know. Are homemade dog food recipes healthier? Usually not! According to the American Kennel Club many vets don’t believe that feeding homemade food is better than a diet of commercial dog food. There’s currently a lack of evidence to suggest there are any benefits of homemade dog food that dogs can’t already get from a complete and balanced dry or wet food. In fact, vets actually worry that homemade dog food can sometimes be detrimental to dogs’ health, particularly if these diets aren’t formulated properly or are created without the help of a registered nutritionist or veterinarian. What are the possible benefits of homemade dog food? • Allows you to have full control over your dog’s diet as you can choose what goes in. • Home-prepared diets can aid in the management of food intolerances, as you can avoid ingredients which have caused your dog dietary issues in the past. However, there are now so many commercially prepared dog foods available for managing allergies and intolerances that you’re unlikely to need to switch to home-prepared food purely for this reason.

Is your fruit bowl constantly watched by those prying canine eyes? If your dog is keen to try every fruit you bring home, it’s worth checking which ones are actually safe for them to eat, so you can avoid an emergency trip to the vet. Here are some of the safest options you can choose. Some are sweet, some are sour, but they’re all delicious, low in calories and packed with many of the vital nutrients our bodies rely on. Fruits are one of the best parts of a healthy diet for us humans, so it’s natural to want to share all of that goodness with our canine companions. But does the ‘five a day’ mantra apply to our dogs too? Dogs are omnivores, which means their diet should include both meat and plant-based foods. However, if you feed your canine companion a complete and balanced dog food, this should contain all the nutrients they need and they won’t require any extra fruit or veg to keep them healthy. Fruit can be a great way to treat your dog though, but it’s important to remember that the high sugar content means it’s more appropriate as an occasional treat than a daily indulgence. So, as long as you offer them in moderation, your dog can enjoy some of your favourite fruits too! If you’re wondering what fruits are safe for dogs to eat, here are a few ideas to help you decide what to add to your shopping list. Apples Remove the core and the seeds and you’ve got a great fruit snack ready for your dog to enjoy. Apples are high in vitamins A and C, and there’s a good amount of fibre in each serving, making it one of the best types of fruit to offer to your dog. Do bear in mind that apple seeds contain a tiny amount of cyanide which is toxic to your pet (and to humans, but the quantity is too small for us to worry about). Make sure you remove the seeds and cut the apple into small pieces your dog can easily handle. It’s important not to feed too large chunks, as they could be a choking hazard for your pet.

Dogs can suffer from strokes, but the symptoms differ from what we see in people. Find out the possible symptoms and the current treatment options available with this guide. Can dogs have strokes? Yes, dogs can have strokes, although they are thought to be a lot less common than in humans. While in people, symptoms include paralysis on one side of the body, and facial drooping, these symptoms are extremely rare in pets. In fact, many of the symptoms of stroke in dogs are relatively non-specific and can be indications of a variety of other medical conditions. This means that diagnosis can be challenging, and in many cases, we might never know the underlying cause. Keep reading to find out about the possible dog stroke symptoms and treatment options available, so you know what to look for and when to seek help. What is a stroke? A stroke is the result of reduced blood flow to the brain which deprives the brain cells of sufficient oxygen, resulting in cell death or injury. Usually, a stroke will occur very suddenly, and the damage caused can range from mild to severe, which may depend on which part of the brain is affected. Some mild strokes can even go undetected. Causes of strokes in dogs To understand the different causes of strokes in dogs, it is helpful to learn about the two broad categories. Firstly, there are ischemic strokes which can be caused by blood clots, tumours, bacteria or parasites. In the event of an ischemic stroke, there is a blockage in a blood vessel, disrupting blood and oxygen supply to the brain. The other type of stroke is referred to as a haemorrhagic stroke, which is where blood vessels rupture and leak blood into the brain. This type can be caused by trauma, and some diseases or clotting disorders. All dog breeds can suffer from a stroke, but there are certain breeds which are more predisposed to the underlying causes, including King Charles Cavalier Spaniels and Greyhounds.

If your cat experiences a stroke, it can be really scary and it’s important to take them to the vet quickly so they can receive any treatment they need. Find out about the symptoms you should look out for and the current treatment options in this guide. Strokes in cats occurs far less frequently than they do in humans, but a stroke is still classed as a medical emergency. If your cat experiences a stroke, it’s important to seek veterinary care quickly to make sure they have the best chance of recovery. Find out all you need to know about the cat stroke symptoms to watch out for and the treatment options currently available. What is a cat stroke? A cat stroke refers to the sudden reduction of blood supply to the brain. There are two types of stroke – ischemic, which is usually caused by a clot within a blood vessel, and haemorrhagic, which is when there is bleeding in the brain due to a blood vessel rupture. The brain needs a constant supply of blood to bring oxygen and nutrients and to remove waste from the brain cells. When the blood supply to a part of the brain fails, its function will be severely disrupted and the tissue could even be destroyed. What causes stroke in cats? There are several possible causes for strokes in cats, including: • Head trauma • Body trauma: this can dislodge fat or cartilage • Brain tumour • Tumours elsewhere in the body • Heart disease • Genetic defects • Kidney failure • Diabetes • Parasitic infection such as lungworm • Ingestion of toxins that cause bleeding, such as warfarin in rat poison • Hyperthyroidism • High blood pressure • Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism) Cat stroke symptoms The symptoms of your cat’s stroke will depend on whereabouts in the brain it occurs, how much brain tissue is affected and how severe the effects are. Some symptoms you should be on the lookout for include: • Circling • Pressing their head against objects • Unusual walking gait (sometimes affecting just one side of the body) • Weakness or unsteadiness • Head tilting • Abnormal eye movements • Unequal pupil sizes • Coma • Seizures • In extreme cases, death Many of these symptoms of cat stroke are not specific to this condition and can indicate other diseases, so it’s important that you seek veterinary advice. In particular, the condition of ‘vestibular disease’ can cause some of these symptoms – a head tilt and loss of balance to one side, as well as rapid eye movements. Your vet will assess your cat and they’ll be able to advise you on how best to diagnose and treat your pet.

Asking yourself ‘what do dogs eat’ for the picky eater who’s always turning their nose up when dinner is served? Or are you just looking to spoil your pooch with the most delicious canine meals ever? Here are some great food ideas for dogs. Does the way to a dog’s heart go through their stomach? If so, it’s sometimes difficult for owners to find the right path. Since we can’t ask our four-legged friends directly, we need another way to find out what dogs like to eat. Luckily, thanks to pet nutrition experts, we do have a good idea about the foods that a dog’s taste buds will love and their tummies will approve of. If you’re wondering what makes your pet’s tail wag in pure joy at dinner time, here is all you need to know about what their favourite meals are made of. Are dogs omnivores?

Older dogs are often overlooked in rescue centres across the country, but these canines have so much love left to offer! Find out why you should consider adopting an older dog in this article. Older dogs are all too often overlooked in rescue centres across the country. It’s a heart-breaking truth that some will remain in shelters for months, sometimes years, and sadly many will stay there for the rest of their lives. A lot of potential adopters will avoid rescuing older dogs due to a mistaken belief that they don’t have much left to give, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. When you rescue an older dog you save a life, and you can rest assured your canine companion will be grateful for you for the rest of their days, no matter how long that may be. Benefits of rescuing an older dog Aside from the amazing feeling of offering an overlooked dog a home, there are tonnes of other benefits of adopting an older dog. 1. Older dogs are calmer If you’re less active, don’t have too much time for long walks every day or are not as young as you once were, an older dog can be a great fit. Senior canines can still be playful and will appreciate a gentle stroll, but it’s likely that they won’t want to go for more lengthy walks or have frequent vigorous play sessions. 2. They don’t need puppy training Most older dogs needing homes will have mastered the basics. They’ll probably be toilet trained and the majority will know ‘sit’ and ‘stay’, so you won’t have the stress and pressure of having to train them from the beginning – a lengthy process that can take months with puppies. Not to mention you’ll also miss that unruly teething phase, saving your sofa, shoes and sanity. 3. You CAN teach an old dog new tricks Did you know there’s actually no truth in the saying ‘you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?’Older dogs are more than capable of continuing their education, and it’s often easier to teach them new tricks as they have much longer attention spans than puppies!

You may be surprised to learn just how much onion we humans consume on a daily basis. Onion and onion powder are added into a vast number of recipes from soups to sauces, and this versatile vegetable is known for bringing an unforgettable flavour to dishes. With onions included as an ingredient in so many things, it has caused many pet parents to pause and ask the question “can dogs eat onions or foods that contain them?” Find out if onions are bad for dogs and more in this guide. Can dogs eat onions? No, dogs shouldn’t eat onions. These vegetables contain a compound called N-propyl disulphide which is highly toxic for dogs. This compound can cause the breakdown and eventual destruction of red blood cells and lead to anaemia. In extreme cases, onion poisoning can be fatal for dogs. How bad are onions for dogs? The toxic effect of onions depends on how much your dog eats and the size of your dog. According to various studies,100g of onion per 20kg of a dog’s weight can lead to toxic effects. This means that only a relatively small amount of onion can be deadly to a small dog. To be on the safe side, we recommend not giving any onion at all to any dog. All parts of the onion are bad for dogs, including the flesh and leaves, as well as the juices and powders that are created from this vegetable. So, if you grow onions in your garden, it’s a good idea to keep them fenced off away from opportunistic dogs. Can dogs eat cooked onions? No, dogs can’t eat cooked onions. Cooking and frying them doesn’t have an impact on how poisonous they are. Symptoms of onion toxicity If your dog’s eaten onions, they could show signs of illness within a day, but sometimes it takes several days for the signs of anaemia to become apparent. The following symptoms can develop: • Decreased appetite • Pale gums • Lethargy • Weakness • Collapse • Red tinge to urine • Vomiting and/or diarrhoea • Elevated heart rate • Panting If you notice your dog displaying any of the symptoms listed above, take them to the vet straight away for diagnosis and treatment. A speedy response can make the world of difference. How are dogs treated for onion toxicity? The treatment for onion toxicity depends on how much onion your dog has eaten and when they had it. If you discover that your dog has eaten onion and you manage to get them to the vet soon enough, the vet may be able to induce vomiting to get the onion out of your dog’s system before it can be digested. However, this only works as a preventative measure if you can take action quickly enough. If your dog develops symptoms of onion toxicity, they will need supportive treatment. In extreme cases where the dog is in a critical condition, a blood transfusion may be necessary. If your dog’s red blood cells have been severely affected, your vet will also provide ongoing care to help return them to their normal happy and healthy selves. Preventing onion toxicity Always keep onions out of reach of your dog as these vegetables can be extremely dangerous if ingested. Also, be sure to check the ingredients before offering any human foods to your dog as a lot of ready-made soups and sauces contain onions. Better yet, avoid human foods entirely and only feed your dog foods and treats specially created for dogs. Now you know that onions are bad for dogs, why not learn more about the foods your dog can enjoy and what to avoid? Read our guide on can dogs eat pineapple, next.

Scotland is a country of extensive beauty, rolling green hills, gigantic mountains and towns that look fresh out of a storybook. This charm and wonder that envelopes the land also transfers to their language, and the names of the towns, islands and people that are lucky enough to call Scotland home. So naturally they also make perfect names for our magical four-legged friends. Keep reading to find out our top Scottish dog names for both male and female canines and discover the perfect moniker for your new pup. Scottish girl dog names 1. Jessie This Scottish female dog name is a pet name for Jean or Jane, meaning ‘god is gracious’. 2. Maggie In Scotland, Maggie means ‘pearl’, which we think makes it the perfect choice for little white fluffy dogs, such as a Bichon Frise. 3. Shona Interestingly, Shona is the English spelling of the Scottish name ‘Seonaid’ which means ‘gift from god’. 4. Sorcha Sorcha’s a very unusual Scottish girl dog name that means ‘brightness’. As our dog’s bring such light to our lives, it’s only fitting we give them a name which means exactly that! 5. Skye