Health

Dogs are capable of a far greater range of emotions than most owners have ever imagined – and that could even stretch to a canine version of depression. If you think your dog is feeling down, find out how to keep them emotionally and mentally healthy and happy. It may surprise you to learn that dogs can suffer from a type of depression – and even more so that it may be more common in the long dark winter months.

Dog exercises help your dog control their weight and reach their ideal body condition, build energy, and maintain a strong cardiovascular and immune system. And if you join in, you’ll get all those health benefits too! Although for many of us “exercise” and “fun” don’t always go together in the same sentence, for our dog friends, a workout always brings out their happy tail-wagging side. But dog exercise isn’t just for staving off your pet’s boredom. Walking your dog daily is also key to keeping them in shape and healthy, both physically and mentally. Luckily there are lots of fun and easy ways to get the “dog workout” task ticked off every day, but before we get to these top dog exercise ideas, here is what makes an active dog, a happy dog. The benefits of dog exercise Keeping your dog active and well-exercised does more than keeping your pet in shape. Dog exercise has many benefits: • Staves off obesity by burning out excess calories. • Keeps them well behaved as they don’t have to look out for creative ways to keep themselves entertained such as furniture or barking up a storm.

We can’t think of anything more exciting than finding out your dog is expecting! As dog pregnancy only last for around 2 months, you can look forward to bundles of fur filling your home very soon! When your dog is pregnant, you may find yourself wondering “how do dogs give birth?”. You don’t have to panic as thedue date approaches - dog labours are usually much less dramatic than ours, and your petshould be able to bring thepuppies into the world without any worries. Mum should be more than capable, but keep her company during labour in case your dogruns into any complications. Speak to your vet if you have any concerns about pregnancy in dogs or about your dog giving birth. Their advice should help to put your mind at rest. Here are some helpful tips from our Pet Care Team to help you be as prepared as possible for when your pet becomes a new mum. Preparing your dog for the birth Build a nest Mum will want a private place in your home where theycan relax and give birth to the puppies in peace, so build a ‘nest’in the last two weeks of your dog’s pregnancy. An ideal nest for dogs giving birth is a large cardboard box lined with puppy pads (in case of accidents), and filled with clean blankets, sheets or towels. Make sure the box is big enough for both mum and thelitter to fit comfortably inside, and allow mum room for theirown space if your dogwants it. You’ll also have to make sure the box is tall enough to stop any adventurous puppies escaping! Place the nest in a quiet spot at room temperature, where theywon’t be disturbed and can stay cosy. Adding your dog'sown bedding or toys to the nest (as long as they are clean) can encourage your petto use it, and will make the soon-to-be mumfeel at home before the birth. Have help on hand Your dog’s labour should go smoothly, but it’s useful to have help on hand to keep themcalm and in case your dog runs into any complications. Get hold of your vet's out-of-hours phone number prior to your dog giving birth, as delivery often happens during the night. Let your vet know your dog’s due date (if they don’t know already), so they know when to be on stand-by. If mum does have problems delivering the puppies you may need to take them into the vet, so make sure that you have access to transport. In case mum does need a helping hand, have nail scissors and several clean, dry towels nearby during the birth. If thelitter is a large one, you may also need an extra basket to ensure you have plenty of room for the new born puppies! If you do move the puppies away from mum, you’ll need to help them to stay warm. We recommend using a microwaveable beanie bag instead of a hot water bottle, as their sharp teeth and claws can cause punctures. Know what signs to look out for One of the first signs of impending labour is a drop in mum’s body temperature from 38.5°C to 37°C – labour usually begins around 12-24 hours after that. To know when this happens, take your dog’s temperature twice a day with a rectal thermometer throughout the final week of pregnancy. If you’re unsure how, ask your vet to show you. If you find that taking her temperature is causing your dog stress, then stop. You need to help your dogto stay as calm as possible at this time. During the final week of dog pregnancy, mums-to-be may be a little restless and seclude themselves in a quiet area. A loss of appetite and scrabbling in her bedding is common in the 12-24 hours before theirgoes into labour. Very occasionally, your dog may move the nest that you made for themto another area of the house. If this happens, try not to move it from thepreferred location if possible.

Your dog loves spending time outside with you – there’s so much opportunity to spend the day out, explore and play. However, as the weather in Malaysia can get particularly warm, it’s sensible to consider heat stroke in dogs and the effect the sun might have on your friend. Heat stroke in dogs can occur if they are without shade, ventilation or water, and as with humans, it can be dangerous for their health. It can also occur when they’re out and about with you, for example after vigorous exercise in warm weather, or following stress or overexcitement. What is heat stroke in dogs? Heat stroke or heat exhaustion in dogs refers to a high body temperature that is not caused by underlying illnesses but rather by excessive exposure to environmental factors, mainly hot temperatures. Heat stroke occurs because the dog’s body is unable to bring the temperature down to normal levels through panting alone. Factors that increase heat stroke in dogs Of course you want to avoid any risk of heat stroke, but what should you look out for to keep your dog healthy and happy during the summer months? Factors that can increase the risk of developing heat stroke in dogs include: • Lack of water. • Enclosed space. • Excessive humidity. • Obesity. • Intense exercise. • Old age. • Cardiovascular disease or respiratory disease. • Lack of acclimatisation. What dog breeds have a higher risk of developing heat stroke? Short-faced dog breeds, such as Boxers, Bulldogs, Pugs and Pekingese, and dogs with heavy coats (such as Huskies or Newfoundlands), are at particular risk of heat stroke. But the all types of dogs can suffer from heat exhaustion if the conditions are right. Signs of heat stroke in dogs No matter how carefully you care for your dog, it’s always possible that something unexpected can happen. Here are some signs of heat stroke in dogs to look out for just in case: • Severe panting. • Difficulty breathing (particularly if your dog already has any respiratory problems). • Severe salivating. • Vomiting. • Diarrhoea. • Raised temperature (40.5° C or above). • Blood in his urine. • Nose bleeds (and other bleeding problems). • Ultimately, collapse and coma.

Has your dog been diagnosed with hip dysplasia? Don’t worry as we have put together a quick guide that explains in plain English what the condition is, what is causing it and what you can do to help your dog. What is hip dysplasia in dogs? Hip dysplasia in dogs is a genetic condition in which the hip joints develop abnormally. Puppies are born with structurally normal ball-and-socket hip joints, but within the first few weeks of life the ligaments that support the hip joints become lax. The joints then become less stable and can make slight movements that would not occur in a healthy individual. This instability leads to the development of further structural changes, such as flattening of the ‘ball’ part of the joint. This means the ball and socket do not fit together how they should. Therefore, the two can move out of correct alignment and even lead to slight dislocation. Most pets will be affected by dysplasia in both hip joints and all dogs will develop a degree of osteoarthritis at some point in their lives. Although hip dysplasia is genetic, there are several genes that can lead to this condition and not all pets with these genes develop the disease. Environmental factors can make the problem worse, but they cannot cause the disease unless a predisposing gene was present. Symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs Hip dysplasia is more common in larger breed dogs, although it can occur in any breed. The condition will usually be diagnosed at 6 to 12 months of age and symptoms will start to appear at different stages, depending on the individual. Watch out for signs such as your dog being a bit unsteady on their feet or having difficulties getting up. Affected dogs will often have more difficulty going up stairs than down them, due to the weight distribution being greater through the back legs as they ascend. Depending on the severity of the condition, these are some of the most common symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs:

If you have a dog, chances are you’ll encounter a tick at some point in their lives. Find out how to remove a tick from your dog with this handy guide. If you’re a dog owner, chances are you’ll encounter ticks at some point. These creepy crawlies look like small spiders and are commonly around 1mm to 1cm long. They’re usually found in woodlands, grasslands, heath areas and in the countryside where there are lots of deer and sheep. If you find one of these nasty pests, you’ll probably be wondering the best way to remove a tick from your dog, which is why we’ve created this handy guide to tell you everything you need to know. Spotting ticks on dogs Contrary to popular belief, ticks can’t actually fly or jump and instead, just tend to drop on to your dog’s body as they walk past, hence why they’re most common in areas of dense foliage. The best time to check your dog for ticks is as soon as you get back from your daily walks. Be sure to check for any lumps and bumps as ticks will usually feel similar to a small bump (which can sometimes be mistaken for a little skin swelling or mass). The key areas to inspect are the head, neck, ears and feet as these are where they’re most commonly found.

Playing with your energetic dog is an invaluable part of your relationship with them and what’s more, playing together on a daily basis helps both of you stay physically and emotionally healthy – what more excuse do you need? Your dog will love nothing more than interacting with you, and the fun they have when playing is a reward in itself! Keep reading to find out about playing with your dog as Purina’s Pet Behaviourist explains what games our pets love to get up to. Playing with your dog Play isn’t just a fun part of living with your dog. It’s actually an essential feature of how we all stay emotionally and physically healthy. So it’s important for both your physical and social wellbeing to play with your dog on a daily basis. Of course, the games you play depend on whether you have a cat or a dog, and if you have a dog, what type of dog you have. Retrievers like to retrieve, Collies like chasing, and Hounds like to use their nose to follow scents and find their toys. And of course, many dogs enjoy tug and chew toys and playing ‘hide and seek’ with you outdoors. Feeding dogs should also be more of a game than simply filling a food bowl. Use some of your pet’s daily rations as rewards in regular training sessions, either to teach obedience in dogs or even to teach you cat some tricks, such as rolling over and playing dead. Place a proportion of your dog’s food in special foraging toys, available in all good pet stores, and hide them in different locations around your home every day. Your pet will have to seek out the toy, and then manipulate it to obtain their food. It’s a much more challenging, stimulating and rewarding prospect than simply visiting the food bowl. Above all, whatever game you play, have fun. Why should you use find’n’seek food games when playing with your dog? Our resident Pet Behaviourist explains why find’n’seek food games are so much fun. Your dog will also love playing these games as part of dog playtime – after all, every clever animals loves a challenge. In short, your dog has a lot of natural intelligence that need to be exercised in order to keep them satisfied – and one of the best ways to do this is by making them ‘hunt’ for their food. A dog that has their food given to them in an easy or ‘boring’ way will want to occupy themselves in another manner – perhaps by chewing the sofa, vying for your attention, or playing with things you don’t want them to, all of which might develop into a behavioural problem without care. Bored pets may also sleep a lot – which makes them more lethargic, which in turn makes them want to exercise even less, leading to more weight gain. Rather than enter that vicious circle, a good find’n’seek food game will combine eating with exercise, just as your dog would do in the wild. In fact, making your dog’s meal a form of playtime means they’ll never be bored by their dinner – and you’ll probably have tonnes of fun into the bargain!

A dog’s soft and warm fur is one of the reasons why we love cuddling them so much – it’s also why fleas find your pet hard to resist! Dogs have quite a high probability of coming into contact with these parasites at some point, but with a bit of know-how you can easily control and treat them. What are dog fleas? Dog fleas are the most common parasite your canine friend can come into contact with. They measure about 1-2mm and can live for 7-14 days, dividing their time between living on your dog and laying eggs. Female fleas lay up to 40 eggs every day which are white, oval-shaped and about half a millimetre long. They hatch into tiny larvae that burrow into carpets, upholstery and often your dog’s bedding, which then develop into pupae. These will lie quietly for many months – you won’t even know they’re there – until they sense warmth and vibration. They then emerge as adult fleas and jump onto a passing ‘host’ – in this case your dog – before starting the cycle all over again! For every single flea living on your dog, there could be 99 more growing in your home, no matter how clean it is. Dog fleas can potentially transmit diseases and are the most common cause of?dog skin problems. Bites are itchy for all dogs, and can lead to some developing allergies, such as FAD (flea allergic dermatitis). Late summer is peak season for fleas thanks to high humidity and warm temperatures, but cosy central heating in winter means you’ll need to de-flea all year round. How do I spot dog fleas? Just because you can’t see them it doesn’t mean they’re not there! The most obvious sign that your dog has fleas is persistent scratching, or sometimes over-grooming, which can result in bald patches on their coat. If your dog develops a flea allergy, they may also have scabs and red, sore areas on their skin. Regular?dog grooming?won’t prevent fleas on your pet, but it will at least alert you to any symptoms sooner rather than later, so you can seek treatment as soon as possible. What do dog fleas look like?

While it’s not common, sometimes dogs can suffer seizures. There are many potential causes, from ingesting something toxic to having dog epilepsy. This guide will help you understand more about seizures in dogs, and what to do if your dog has a seizure. Epilepsy in dogs also known as ‘fitting’ is the result of abnormal electrical activity in their brain, resulting in a loss of control of their body. There are four key types of seizures in dogs which can be caused by a number of things from liver disease to the ingestion of a toxin. Dog seizures can be a very frightening thing to witness for owners, but it’s important to know how to react to them and when to contact your vet. That’s why we’ve created this guide to tell you all about epilepsy in dogs, the possible triggers and the myths surrounding them, keep reading to find out more. What to look out for with dog seizures Simply put, a dog seizure is caused by abnormal bursts of electrical activity in your pet’s brain which results in twitching, shaking, and sometimes loss of consciousness. Even if you don’t know what to expect, it will probably be quite clear if your dog is having a seizure. Your dog will begin by behaving very unusually, and the seizure itself can seem quite dramatic. The most important thing you can do is to remain calm and decide on the next step to take.

If your dog does develop a skin condition, there’s no need to worry. They are often common and very treatable with the right care. Here’s a guide to what to look for. What should my dog’s skin look like? Your dog’s skin is unique, just like their personality, but there are lots of general things that should be the same for all dogs with healthy skin. • Your dog's skin should be pink or black, depending on the pigments common to their breed or their individual genetic history – both are entirely normal. • It should be free of crusting, itching, scaling, black or white spots, and infected or hot and inflamed areas. • Their coat should be lovely and thick (although exact thickness depends on their breed) and shiny with no broken hairs, bald patches, dandruff or pesky fleas. • Their skin should be smooth, and their coat should be clean and in good condition. What should I look out for? • Look out for excessive scratching, scabs on your dog’s skin, and your dog pulling out fur, which can all indicate skin disease. • A poor hair coat with any scurf or dullness may indicate an underlying illness. • Skin covers not just the outside but also the inside of your dog’s ears, so any ear problems could be linked to dog skin problems. • If you see brownish discharge or redness in your dog’s ears, or they keep shaking their head, you should pay a visit to your vet. Dry skin on dogs and dog skin conditions

Your bitch is about to become a proud mum, and soon she’ll have some adorable new pups to care for – how exciting! The great news is that most canine pregnancies are problem-free and dogs generally make excellent mothers. Even though dog birthing problems are very rare, there are a few things to keep an eye on before, during and after labour. If you’re at all worried at any stage your vet will be more than happy to give you advice. Things to look out for during dog pregnancy Although dogs usually enjoy hassle-free pregnancies, there are a few signs that could suggest complications. Contact your vet if:

When your dog is happy, you’re happy – and when your pet is pregnant, making sure they'reas healthy and comfortable as possible is even more important, both for the mum-to-beand for the new arrivals! There are several things that you can do to ease the strain of having little bundles of joy, and ensure that everything goes smoothly. It’s an exciting time! During pregnancy, your dog will need your love and attention more than ever. Remember, as theirbody change, you will have to change the way you care for your dogin a few simple ways to make sure that they have everything theyneeds. Feeding and nutrition during your dog's pregnancy If you’re wondering what to feed a pregnant dog, you’re not alone – most dog owners ask this question! It’s important to know that basic adult-formula dog food won't provide the extra nutrients they need duringpregnancy, so you’ll need to make some diet changes to help your petget what theyneeds from theirfood. Slowly switch your dog back to a high-quality puppy formula just before mating, introducing her slowly over a period of 7-10 days to avoid upsetting their stomach. Your dogshould stay on this new formula until after they have givengiven birth, and thepuppies have been weaned. What you should feed your dog will also depend on thebody condition and any medical problems that theymay currently have or has had in the past, so make sure you check with your vet before changing thefood. For more details on what to feed a pregnant dog, visit feeding during pregnancy.