Health

Just like in us humans, occasional coughing in dogs is completely normal - if it’s just the odd cough here and there. It’s a simple way for your pet to get rid of dust, germs and other things they’ve breathed in from their environment. However, if they seem to be coughing a lot, it could be a sign of something more serious.

As the summer rolls around it’s easy to get swept up in planning for holidays, trips to the beach and lounging in the heat, but if you have a four-legged friend, you’ll need to think about how to keep them cool as the temperatures soar. Dogs can’t cool themselves down as well as people, because their ability to sweat is much more limited and is mainly through their paws. It means they need to rely on other methods such as dog panting to keep cool. Their inability to sweat coupled with the fact that they literally wear fur coats makes them at a high risk of overheating and heatstroke. This is further exacerbated if they are one of the flat -faced (brachycephalic) breeds. At Purina, we’ve put together this guide with our top tips on how to cool down a dog. Keep reading to find out all you need to know.

Flat-faced dogs may be lovely and come with amazing personalities and give cute snuffles but unfortunately, often struggle to breathe because of the anatomy of their heads. The breathing difficulties in these breeds have a name: brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome or BOAS for short. Keep reading to find out what BOAS is and how you can help your dog.

Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular companion dogs in the world. Their happy go lucky personalities coupled with their soft, coat, adorable smiling faces and ever-wagging tails make them a firm favourite with adults and families alike. Not to mention they’re also smart and easy to train, so they’re also often seen performing important jobs such as guiding, detection and even search and rescue as well as their original job as retrieving gundogs. If you’re thinking about adding this breed to your household, you’ll probably be wondering about the possible Golden Retriever health problems. Keep reading to find out which issues this breed can be predisposed to and how to avoid them if you can.

Knowing that your dog is in pain is a horrible feeling, and for many owners the first instinct is to go straight to the medicine cabinet to look for some sort of pain relief for their pet. However, we would always strongly advise against doing this and, if you think your dog is hurting, stay calm and call the vet. They will be able to offer you help and advice on what to do next. We would always advise against giving any medications to your pet and, if you think there is something wrong, you should get in touch with your vet – even if it’s an emergency your vet practice should have a phone number that you can call 24/7. One of the most common medications that owners consider giving to their dog at home is ibuprofen. Here is all you need to know about why you should never give your pet this pain medication.

Chihuahuas may be small, but their big personality, comic nature, and fierce loyalty are part of their charm, as you’ll soon discover when you welcome one of these tiny companions into your life. Although you’ll see their bubbly attitude on full display as you get to know each other better, when it comes to health and wellbeing, there are a few health problems in Chihuahuas that owners should be aware of from day one. Chihuahuas are a relatively healthy breed, but if you want to make sure potential signs of trouble don’t go undetected, here are some of the common health issues in Chihuahuas to keep an eye out for.

Are you looking for a German Shepherd to join the family and wondering what the most important health concerns are in relation to this stunning dog breed? German Shepherds are a relatively healthy breed, so the chances are that you’re going to spend many years together from now on. However, there are a few conditions owners should be aware of. Here are some of the more common health problems in German Shepherds and the symptoms that should prompt you to call your vet.

Known for their stunning coats, long ears, and constant tail wagging, gorgeous Cocker Spaniels are one of the most cheerful dogs you’ll ever meet. Whether you already have this long-haired pup lying next to you on the couch or you’re getting ready to welcome one to the family, there are a few common health problems in Cocker Spaniels that owners should be aware of. Just like any other dog breed, the cheerful nature of these pups can be diminished by certain conditions. We break down the symptoms below to make the job of recognising them easier.

Pomeranians are one of the most popular toy dog breeds and it’s easy to see why with their larger-than-life personalities and cuddly looks. However, their popularity has also led to some common health issue in Pomeranians which can perhaps, in part, be attributed to irresponsible breeding practices. Keep reading to find out about health problems in Pomeranians which can affect the breed and how to reduce the risk of purchasing a puppy that’s predisposed to certain conditions.

Labradors are wonderful pets who generally love everything and everyone, so it’s hardly surprising that they’re one of the top dog breeds you’ll find in homes all around the world. Their popularity is easily attributed to their endearing personalities and as an added benefit, they tend to be great with families and other pets. Not to mention this combination of great temperament and trainability mean that they’re often employed in many service roles including as guide dogs for the blind, disability assistance dogs, and in search and rescue. Unfortunately, their good deeds and kind natures don’t make them exempt from illnesses and health conditions and there are a health problems in Labradors that you should be aware of if you’re looking to add this breed to your home. Keep reading to find out about the most common issues affecting this breed.

The sight of blood is frightening for any pet owner. Blood in dog urine is called haematuria, and if you’ve ever noticed this symptom in your pup, you’ll know how worrying it can be – it can send your mind into a tailspin with visions of a heart-breaking diagnosis and expensive veterinary bills. While a dog peeing blood is not always a story of doom and gloom, this can still be a serious symptom, so calling your vet should be your top priority. But there are many possible explanations for this problem, and a lot of them are treatable health conditions. If blood in dog urine has set off alarm bells for you, here is what you need to know about this symptom.

Parvovirus can be an extremely dangerous viral condition, but it can also be prevented. In this article we will be discussing this virus, covering diagnostics, treatments and how owners can help to prevent their dogs from catching this awful disease. Plus, get a better understanding of what parvo actually is, and how to protect your pup.