Health

Keeping your elderly dog at a healthy weight is super important. Just like us, senior dogs often get less energetic as they age and so are prone to weight gain. This may mean they don't need as much food or that they need a change of diet. Extra weight can make older dogs less active and mobile, and even worse; it is associated with health problems like osteoarthritis, diabetes, and some cancers – along with difficulties breathing, and a reluctance to exercise or play. Sudden weight loss can also be a sign of underlying health issues, so it's important to monitor your dog's weight closely. We'll discuss how to recognise the signs of weight changes in your senior dog and provide tips on how to maintain a healthy weight throughout their golden years. Understanding Weight Changes in Older Dogs Changes in Metabolism and Activity Levels in Senior Dogs As your dog gets older, several things happen that affect their metabolism. Here's how ageing slows things down: Muscle Loss: Muscle is the engine that burns calories. Sadly, as dogs age, they tend to lose muscle mass, especially if they're not as active. This means their bodies naturally burn fewer calories even when resting. Decreased Physical Activity: Older dogs often become less playful and energetic. This decline in activity level further reduces the number of calories they burn throughout the day. All these factors combined mean that senior dogs need fewer calories compared to when they were puppies, and sometimes adulthood. If they continue to eat the same amount of the same foods, those extra calories get stored as fat, leading to weight gain. Common Health Issues That Might Impact Senior Dogs Weight Keeping your senior dog at a healthy weight is crucial, but it can be tricky sometimes as they become more susceptible to certain health problems. Here's a closer look at some of the most common issues senior dogs face: ArthritisDiabetesHypothyroidismHeart DiseaseKidney Disease ArthritisThe pain and stiffness from arthritis can make exercise difficult for your dog. Exercise is a great way to burn calories, so limited activity due to arthritis can make weight loss, if needed, challenging. DiabetesManaging diabetes often involves medication and a carefully controlled diet. Some pets will have lost weight by the time their diabetes is diagnosed, and will need to be helped to re-gain weight, and others may be overweight, and need to lose some weight, so veterinary guidance can be helpful on your pet’s individual weight management. HypothyroidismThis condition slows down the metabolism, making it harder for your dog to burn calories. Even with a controlled diet, weight loss can be challenging with hypothyroidism. Heart DiseaseSenior dogs with heart problems, specifically congestive heart failure, may not be able to tolerate very strenuous exercise, which can limit calorie burning. Kidney DiseaseAdvanced kidney disease can sometimes affect a dog's appetite, making it difficult to control calorie intake. These health issues can definitely complicate weight management. However, it's important to remember that even small improvements in weight can make a big difference for your senior dog's health. Work with your vet to develop a safe and effective weight management plan that considers your dog's individual needs and limitations. Signs of Healthy and Unhealthy Weight Changes Healthy weight changes for older dogs happen slowly and come with positive signs. When losing weight, your dog should have more energy, look better, and gradually become slimmer. So, check these signs to find out if your elderly dog is losing weight? If your dog is gaining weight, they should eat more, look fuller, and put on weight steadily. Unhealthy weight changes are quick and often come with worrying symptoms. Rapid weight loss or weight gain in older dogs, less activity, trouble breathing, and muscle loss are all red flags. If you see any of these, it's important to see your vet right away. It's best to talk to your vet before making big changes to your dog’s diet or exercise routine. They can give you advice on getting and keeping a healthy weight for your older dog. Regular check-ups help track your dog's progress and find solutions to any problems. Role of Senior Dog Food and Weight Control As our canine companions age, their dietary needs change. Like us, senior dogs often experience a decrease in activity level, which can contribute to weight gain. To support their overall health, it's crucial to provide a diet specifically formulated for older dogs. Whilst, on the other hand, some senior dogs might encounter weight loss due to underlying health issues. In these cases, a specialised diet designed to promote weight gain can be beneficial. To address these varying needs, there are specific senior dog food options available. By selecting the right diet for your ageing friend, you can help them maintain a healthy weight and enjoy a happy, comfortable retirement. Benefits of Senior Dog Food for Weight Management Senior dog food is formulated with the specific needs of older dogs in mind. These formulas often contain: Reduced Calories: to help maintain a healthy weight and avoid obesity.Higher Quality Protein: helps maintain muscle mass and is easier to digest.Joint Supportive Ingredients: both glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids can be found in senior food which can help maintain healthy cartilage and joints. Key ingredients to look for: Highly Digestible Protein Sources: chicken, fish, or turkey that are easier for senior dogs to digest.Healthy Fats: Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are important for skin and coat health, as well as cognitive function. Look for foods that include sources like fish oil.Fibre: can aid digestion and help your senior dog feel fuller for longer. As your dog ages, you might find that changing their feeding schedule is more beneficial for them, feeding them smaller amounts more frequently so their digestive systems are not put under the stress of large meals. Purina’s Vet expert Adam Rampling adds "A healthy diet is vital for senior dogs. High quality, complete, senior foods are specially adapted to suit the needs of ageing dogs." Find out more info on how to feed your senior dog with Purina. Differences Between Regular and Senior Dog Food to Help Your Dog Maintain a Healthy Weight FeatureRegular Dog FoodSenior Dog FoodCalorie ContentHigherLowerProtein ContentModerate to HighHigher Quality Protein, may be higher contentFat ContentModerate to HighMay be LowerJoint Supportive IngredientsNot Typically IncludedOften Include Glucosamine Remember to always consult your vet before switching your senior dog's food. They can help you choose the right formula based on your dog's individual needs and health conditions. Exercise for Older Dogs While a dog can be considered a senior from the age of seven, many remain active and don’t require immediate adjustments to their exercise routine. However, for older dogs with mobility issues or underlying health conditions, whilst it’s crucial to maintain physical activity for their overall health, we must adapt their exercise regimen accordingly. Here are some fun ways to keep them active without straining their bodies: Walking Shorter, more frequent walks are often preferable to long, single outings. For dogs with limited mobility, consider using a dog stroller or a front-clip harness to provide support. Always choose flat, even terrain and avoid challenging conditions like hot pavement or slippery surfaces. Swimming This low-impact exercise is a wonderful option for senior dogs with joint pain. Hydrotherapy can help keep joints mobile. Consult your vet to find a reputable canine hydrotherapy pool near you. Gentle Play Avoid games that require sudden stops or turn (such as chasing balls or frisbees. Instead introduce low impact games such as following scents and finding hidden objects. If your dog loves tug of war games, keep these gentle, let them pull you rather than the other way round and don’t lift the toy upwards. Indoor Activities Rainy days? No problem! Enrichment games and puzzle toys with treats or "Hide the Toy" indoors are great ways to keep your dog active without going outside. Remember: Always listen to your dog. Watch for signs of fatigue like panting, lagging, or loss of interest. Take frequent breaks and offer plenty of fresh water. It's important to consult your veterinarian before starting any new exercise routine, especially if your dog has any underlying health conditions. Rapid weight loss in an old dog is often a cause for concern and requires immediate veterinary attention. They can help you create a safe and effective exercise plan tailored to your senior dog's needs and limitations. Benefits of Regular Vet Check-Ups for Senior Dogs Regular vet check-ups are essential for maintaining your senior dog's optimal health, including their weight. Sudden weight loss in older dogs can be a sign of an underlying health issue and should prompt an immediate visit to your vet. A professional can accurately assess your dog’s body condition, create a tailored weight management plan, and detect early signs of weight-related health problems. By working closely with your vet, you can help your senior companion achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Conclusion As our dogs age, their care requires adjustments. Veterinarian-approved senior food ensures essential nutrients, promoting healthy weight, muscle strength, and joint support. Gentle activities like walks, swimming, or playtime keep them mobile and engaged. Maintaining a healthy weight is vital, reducing stress on joints and allowing them to enjoy their golden years. Remember, regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for early detection of any health concerns. By prioritising these simple yet vital aspects of senior dog care, we can ensure our dogs experience a long, healthy, and joyful life by our side.

Arthritis in dogs is the biggest cause of chronic pain, particularly in older pets. With early diagnosis and appropriate management, your pet can continue to lead a happy life. Arthritis in dogs is an extremely common condition and the main cause of chronic pain in dogs. According to Canine Arthritis Management, Osteoarthritis affects an estimated four out of five older dogs, and sadly it’s progressive – meaning that it cannot be cured and gradually worsens. However, there are plenty of management options available to help slow the disease progression and alleviate the symptoms. Many dogs continue to live a happy and otherwise healthy life after diagnosis. If you suspect your senior dog has arthritis, you’ll probably be wondering about the symptoms and the current dog arthritis treatment and management options available. To help, we’ve created this guide to tell you everything you need to know about arthritis in dogs. What is arthritis in dogs? There are different types of arthritis in dogs, but usually we are referring to Osteoarthritis (OA). In a healthy joint, the bone surfaces are covered in a thin layer of smooth cartilage with a small amount of joint fluid to lubricate them – this allows them to glide over each other without friction so your dog can move freely. In a joint affected with OA, there is degeneration of the cartilage and underlying bone, leading to joint instability and pain. The process is a cycle, with these structural changes causing further inflammation and degeneration. This can also cause bone remodelling where there is new bone growth further affecting joint movement as well as weakening of the soft tissue structures around the joint – the muscles, tendons and ligaments.

Whether you’ve got a sniffle or something more serious, you may be worried about the potential risks for your four-legged friend. We’ve put together this guide to tell you everything you need to know about dog colds and flu to help you better understand your pet. When the trees start to lose their leaves and we have to defrost the car each morning, we know one thing for certain – cold and flu season is on the way. This has just become a natural fact for humans and we’re no stranger to stock piling tissues and tablets, but what about our four-legged friends? Can dogs get colds? No, dogs don’t get colds in the same way that humans do and they cannot catch the cold virus that causes symptoms in humans. However, dogs can get infections that create symptoms like a cold, such as sneezing and congestion. In general, these ‘dog colds’ are specific to that species, so you won’t be able to catch the same cold as your dog either. Can dogs catch a cold from humans? If you have a sniffle or cough, you may be worried that you may pass the illness onto your companion, but you’ll be glad to know that this isn’t possible. Dogs are not affected by the common cold virus that infects humans. Can dogs get the flu? Dogs also can’t get the same type of flu as humans, but they can get canine flu. The symptoms are relatively similar to flu in humans but have a different cause. Your dog may experience the following: sneezing, runny nose, coughing, lethargy, lack of appetite and fever. Dog flu is easily spread between other canines once they’ve been exposed to the illness, and according to Pets Web MD, if your dog is exposed to an infected dog, the chances of them getting it are very high. And while humans can’t get ill from dog flu, if you’ve been in contact with an infected dog, there is a possibility that you could pass it onto your dog too. Dog flu can live for a few minutes on your skin, but up to a day on your clothes. If you’re around an infected dog, make sure you change and wash your clothes before you see any other dogs. Other dog specific illnesses: Just like in humans, there’s a variety of conditions that might seem like dog colds and flu, a few of the most common are as follows: • Kennel cough: a respiratory infection characterised by a dry cough which will sound like a honking. If you think your dog has kennel cough, contact your vet right away. • Dog allergies: your four-legged friend can suffer from seasonal and environmental allergies, similar to how humans get hay-fever. • Canine distemper: Your dog should be vaccinated against this with their initial puppy vaccinations. Canine distemper can be life threatening, which is one of the many reasons it’s incredibly important for your dog to be vaccinated.

As dogs get older, it can be quite common for them to develop cancer. According to? Pets Web MD, more than 50% of dogs aged over 10 years will develop cancer at some point in their lifetime, so it’s important for you to know the signs of this disease and what treatments are available. Find out everything you need to know with our guide. Just like with people, dogs can suffer from cancer, particularly as they get older. In part, this is because our dogs are living longer as a result of improved veterinary and daily care, but unfortunately, old age still comes its own problems. The good news is that when caught early, cancer is usually very treatable. Knowing what signs of cancer to look out for in dogs and understanding when to seek help from your vet can help you to catch it early. Sings of cancer in dogs

Even if your dog is blind, nothing can dampen their adventurous, fun-loving spirit! Dogs cope well with the loss of their sight, and all it takes is certain changes to the way they are looked after to get them back on their paws. In fact, if allowances are made for the loss of their eyesight, your dog’s life should be every inch as good as it was before. What are the causes of blindness in dogs? Blindness in dogs can develop for many reasons; there’s no need to blame yourself or wonder what went wrong. Blindness may: • Be present from birth. • Be acquired later in life as the result of a traumatic injury or disease. Simply be related to the ageing of your dog’s senses. Some inherited causes of blindness can be tested for in the parents of your dog, or in young puppies before you take them home. Inherited causes tend to be seen in certain breeds – for example, blindness is more common in Collies due to a condition called ‘Collie eye anomaly’. When considering buying a purebred puppy, speak to your vet about the potential problems certain breeds can inherit. This way, you should know more about your chances of eventually caring for a blind dog, and decide if you are ready to take the risk. If you suspect your dog is losing their vision at any time, consult your vet. Some conditions causing such signs of blindness are very treatable – for example, cataracts can be removed. This is why it’s always good to check, even if your dog seems to be doing very well without their eyesight. Is my dog blind? If your dog is blind, there are a few things you might notice about your dog’s behaviour: • Most obviously, dogs that bump into things may be losing their sight. • If your dog is blind in one eye, they may be startled by sudden movements on their blind side – they won’t have seen you or something else coming. • Dogs that go suddenly blind may be disorientated and distressed. • You may notice an abnormality when looking at the eyes of your dog – perhaps something that doesn’t look like it used to. You know them best! • Your dog might not follow your hand or a treat when it’s moved, even though their energy and tail-wagging enthusiasm is just as high as it should be. If you are concerned about your dog's eyesight, arrange for an examination by your vet as some conditions can be effectively treated, preventing further vision loss. However, sudden blindness in dogs is a veterinary emergency, and may cause your pet to become disorientated or distressed – in these cases, you should act quickly.

Deafness in dogs may be present from birth, or it may develop as the result of injury, disease, or simply old age. Whatever the cause, there’s plenty you can do to help. Some inherited causes of dog deafness can be tested for in the parents or in young puppies and tend to be seen in certain breeds. For example, deafness is more common in Dalmatians. When considering buying a purebred puppy, speak to your vet about potentially inherited problems seen in certain breeds. If you already own a dog and you suspect they are losing their hearing, consult your vet as some conditions, such as infection, which cause these signs are treatable. How can I tell if my dog is deaf? • Your dog is so good at using all their other senses, it can sometimes be difficult to assess their hearing. • If you’re unsure, look for these signs: deaf dogs may not hear you approach, and may not move their ears, or turn to look at where a sound is coming from. • Ask your vet to assess your dog’s hearing if you are concerned. Making life easier for your deaf dog • If your canine friend is deaf, the most important thing for you to consider is their safety. • For both your peace of mind, avoid circumstances where a voice signal could be life saving, such as unleashed walks in high-traffic areas, as they might not hear you. • Make sure all the family know not to leave gates open to avoid your deaf dog going on an unexpected adventure. • Remember that your deaf dog won't hear the sounds that you of course take for granted. The growls, threats or approaches of other animals can't be heard, which creates increased potential for conflicts and fights. With some planning and gentle but firm physical control, these risks can be easily minimised. • Your dog, if deaf, will sleep deeply and be easily startled. Make sure the whole family know to approach them from a point that he can see you coming from, so he knows what to expect.

Are you worried that your dog is suffering from sensitive skin? Both genetic factors and environmental factors can cause skin sensitivity in dogs – and identifying the reason behind your dog’s skin problems will make finding the correct treatment much easier. Below we’ve explained how to spot the symptoms of sensitive skin, what causes it, and some of the ways you can help to keep your dog’s skin healthy. The signs of sensitive skin in dogs

Many of us have probably seen a three-legged dog before – and chances are, they were happy. Whether it’s the result of accident or disease, limb amputation in dogs is common, and dogs are great at coping with it. Although it involves major surgery, amputation can actually help dogs, rather than hinder them, by removing their source of pain and suffering. Limb amputation in dogs is designed to make their life better, after all, and will only take place if your vet thinks the procedure can achieve this. Most dogs will happily adjust to life on three legs with your help and your vet’s advice. In fact, they’ll often be so busy running around, chasing balls and playing ‘fetch’ that they hardly notice anything’s wrong. How will my dog cope with amputation surgery? Limb amputation in dogs, although difficult to think about at first, could do your severely injured pet a lot of good. In fact, dog amputation surgery may often be the best option for canines with severe injuries from car accidents, other accidents, or for those suffering from bone cancer or other serious diseases. Of course, it may not be easy for your dog to learn how to move around as they once did. The absence of a limb makes normal movement a bit of a task, and your dog will have to learn how to make up for it before they become their usual, bouncy selves again. However, with time, most can compensate for the changes in weight distribution and learn to walk and even run again. With time and understanding, they could soon be running around in the garden or in the park – just as they used to.

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 service 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.