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Understanding Arthritis in Your Dog - Causes, Symptoms, and Viable Treatments Arthritis is when joints (such as hips and elbows) become inflamed, causing pain and discomfort. Bones in a healthy joint have a smooth surface, which allows them to glide past each other easily when moving around. For dogs, arthritis it is often when the cartilage within a joint change or becomes damaged, making movements between the joints less smooth and causes joints to rub against each other, causing swelling. The rubbing can be extremely unconformable and painful, and can often damage the cartilage even more. As a result of the increased friction, new bone can form around the joint, which makes it even stiffer and harder for your dog to move around. Although it is more common in senior dogs, young pets can also suffer from arthritis if they become injured, such as tearing their cruciate ligament, or if they have weak muscles and muscle loss. Symptoms of arthritis: Although it may seem your dog is acting normal within themselves such as eating normally and wanting to go on walks, there are some key indications of arthritis in dogs to be aware of and look out for: Limping before and after walks - this can be a slight limp but sometimes it may not always be obvious so make sure to watch them carefully. Tiredness and showing unwillingness to walk around - this can be just as simple as them seeming stiff in the morning or they can't get comfortable when trying to lay down. Behavioral changes - they may seem slightly grumpy if being touched or may appear as more snappy due to the pain. Licking or chewing painful areas Slowing down - your dog may seem to have 'got old quickly'. Signs of pain when standing, walking, or sitting up/down If you notice your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms, a visit to your vet may be needed to confirm a diagnosis with a simple physical examination, blood test, or x-ray. Causes of arthritis: There are several external and internal factors that may cause arthritis in your dog, some include: Old age - this is one of the main causes of arthritis. Even if your dog has always been healthy and fit, wear and tear of old age can cause pressure on joints. Whilst it may be normal for old age to affect your dog's mobility, if caught early there is treatment to prevent it from getting worse. Joint issues - An injury to a joint such as a torn ligament or an infection can cause further damage within the joint itself which can cause inflammation around the joint too. This can cause a healthy joint to be prone to arthritis. Being overweight - If your dog is or has been overweight, their joints experience more pressure than they are used to which overtime can increase the wear and tear on the joints. Dog breeds prone to arthritis: Some dog breeds are more susceptible to arthritis as they can suffer from bone conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia. These breeds include working dogs such as German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Springer Spaniels, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Rottweilers. Most bone conditions are more common in larger breeds, and it tends to be the larger the dog is, the more likely they are to have joint issues. However, elbow dysplasia and also any 'wonkiness' in the legs is seen most often in the short-nosed breeds like Shih Tzus and British Bulldogs. If the joint isn't formed properly, the weight of the dog can cause pressure in the wrong places of the joint and cause damage. Over-breeding can also play a role in how joints are formed within the body, and therefore, this can also have an impact on if arthritis forms. How to treat arthritis in your dog: While there is no cure for arthritis, there are several treatment options available in different forms to support your dog and prevent the symptoms from worsening. Provide a suitable balanced diet - This is key in preventing strain on your dog's joints, especially if their current diet is causing them to carry extra weight. Helping them to lose weight will be beneficial for many reasons, and a loss in weight can also aid their ability to exercise, further helping their joints and mobility. Exercise - A common misconception is that a dog with arthritis should not be walked as much; however, this is very much not the case. While it may not be suitable for your dog to run like they did when they were a puppy, dogs with joint issues such as arthritis can be taken on shorter walks, sometimes multiple times a day, to help them stay active. Exercise is also crucial to keeping up muscle strength around your dog's joints. If a dog doesn't exercise enough, the muscles become weaker and provide less support to the joint. The joint then has to do more of the work in supporting the weight of the dog, which causes more pressure and more damage to the weak joint. Medication - There are forms of medication that can be provided by your vet to help aid the symptoms of arthritis in your dog. Effective pain management prescriptions, such as anti-inflammatory aids, can help alleviate the pain in your dog's joints. There are several different types of anti-inflammatories available, and how they all work is similar. It is recommended that you give them to your dog for at least three months at the full dose. Do not use human anti-inflammatory drugs for your pet, even in an emergency, as some can be poisonous to dogs. Always use ones that have been prescribed by your vet. Herbal supplements - Several different types of supplements are available to help manage your dog's pain and provide them with the nutrients they need. How to help dog arthritis: Provide a comfortable bed Keep their nails trimmed Encourage them to go out Provide a ramp Walk them using a supportive harness Keep them cool and dry Take them to hydrotherapy  

    What is a dog run? A dog run is a secure enclosed outdoor space or structure for your dog to run free and live comfortably. Dog runs allow your pooch to enjoy their own space and freedom, while giving you the peace of mind that they are safe and happy! Dog runs can be brought as a pre-made set or can be made up from multiple individual panels allowing you to create a more flexible outdoor home, specific for your space and pet. They are used in kennels, animal charities, the police and for individual pet owners. Dog runs are suitable for both long-term or short-term use, either by using them as an extra outdoor space to leave your dog in when you need them out from under your feet, or by having a specially adapted run for your working dogs to sleep in all year round. The increase in demand of dog runs for private use comes from a number of factors, such as: -Providing them with a safe space to play -Encouraging training -An extension of their indoor space -Used as an exercise zone -A safe and enclosed area to leave them on their own   Benefits of dog runs: Providing safety and security, dog runs are beneficial for both dogs and their owners in many ways and can provide several health and wellbeing benefits for your pet. -Provides your dog with their own home- We as humans know how important it is to have our own space to have ‘chill out time’ and how relaxing being in your own safe space can be; dogs can feel exactly the same. Having their own run that they can call home can have many benefits, especially for dogs with environmental anxiety, as this allows the run to become their own safe space and reduced the anxiety that comes with the uncertainty of not knowing where they are. Overtime your animal will learn to associate their run with comfort, warmth and security, as long as you remember they are to be used as a home for your dog and not as a place of punishment. -Provides environmental enrichment-We all know how much dogs love to be outside, it’s a space for them to be themselves and disperse all of that energy that they normally save for 11pm zoomies! Environmental enrichments help to maintain a dog’s physical and psychological health by alleviating boredom and stress- which is also another benefit to us as it makes them a bit easier to look after! -Can be the perfect space for training-We all know how difficult toilet training can sometimes be, especially when your dog is stubborn! Using a dog run ensures your dog is outside and in a space where they can use the toilet and you can easily clean it. As well as this, runs can help with teething dogs or dogs that may not be able to stay inside the house when alone (unless you want your house ripped apart!). The outdoor run can be a space where your dog can’t get up to mischief, and overtime can help them forget about how fun it is to chew furniture! -Provides Safety-One of the most important features you want your dog run to have is for it to be secure and safe for your animal. An enclosed dog run provides you with the peace of mind that they are far from any danger such as poisonous plants, and they are also safe from any unwanted visitors. As well as this, lots of dogs mischievous sides comes out when they’re alone, but the dog runs provide a safe space for them to be left unsupervised in, without the panic of them hurting themselves or something else. -Convenience-As much as you love your pet, sometimes they can get in the way and all you need is a place for them to be while you sort everything out! A dog run provides you with a safe home for your pet to be unsupervised, meaning you can leave them to be happy while you continue with your busy life. This can come in handy when there are visitors, builders, parties, other dogs that you need to separate them from or just when you both need some chill time. -Flexible-Dog runs can be made to suit your dog and the space you have available. This means you can make them as big as you want and if you are using individual panels, you can even make them a specific shape to suit your garden by adding or removing panels as and when you wish. As well as this, you can make the inside of the run suitable for your dogs specific needs, such as adding a kennel, toys, grass and anything you think they will need while they are in the run. Dog run panels can be added to existing structures such as sheds which can be made into a shelter area and utilized as your dogs cabin and sleeping area. What makes a good dog run? The most important thing to remember when choosing a dog run for your pet is to make sure the run is suitable to specifically fit them and their needs. This depends on many factors such as how long they will spend in the run, what they will do in there and the size of your dog. When building your dog run, you should consider these: -Making sure there is enough space for your dog- There is no such thing as having a run too big for your dog, however there can be many negative consequences of the run being too small. If your dog is to spend more than a couple of hours a day in its dog run, we recommend that small and medium dogs will need a minimum of 3 square meters, increasing to 5+ for larger dogs. -Choosing the correct bar/panel type- There are different types of panel bars which each fit specific requirements, making it easier to pick the one most suitable for you and your pets. For example, mesh panels are mostly used for destructive dogs, 5cm bar gaps are suitable for small-medium sized animals and 8cm bar gaps are suitable for larger breeds. As well as different bar types, there are also solid panels available which can be used to block the dogs view, or can be used to help with shelter from wind. Please see ‘Types of panels’ section for more information. -Providing the right accessories-While in the run, you will need to ensure your dog has all the right items it will need, and this can change depending on how much time they will spend in there. For example, every dog will have to have a supply of clean and fresh water, even if they are only in the run for a small amount of time. Here at Doghealth, we have heavy duty galvanized bowls and bowl holders which are perfect for dog runs (https://www.doghealth.co.uk/products/new-design-heavy-duty-single-kennel-bowl-and-holder). If your dog is to spend multiple hours in the run, or sleep overnight in it, you will need to provide them with a sheltered bed to sleep and lay in. As well as this, you will have to consider extra warmth if your dog will be in the run during colder weather, and shelter from sun if they will be in there during hotter weather. -Providing enrichments-It is important that the dog run is a fun and enjoyable experience for your dog and to ensure this, you can provide enrichments for your dog to keep themselves busy. Some recommendations are toys, mental stimulations and fun items such as obstacle courses. -Making sure the space you have it suitable- Your dog run needs to be a space that is specific to your dog, and to ensure this is done properly you will have to consider many things such as the amount of time they will spend in the run, the weather, the size of your dog and their health and wellbeing. We recommend building your dog run either on concrete or having an easily cleanable floor, such as putting down rubber matting, as the run will need to be cleaned regularly to make sure your dogs health is not effected. If your dog is going to be in the run for a long amount of time all year round, you will need to add items such as a roof to ensure it is suitable for all weather conditions. In this case, you will also need to consider adding bedding and shelter to the run so your dog has a space to lay down and sleep. -Making sure it is as stable and safe as possible-Dog runs are secure units however there are ways in which you can ensure your pen is as safe as possible. Extra brackets are available so you can bolt the panels down to a concrete base/wall to improve the stability of the run, as well as adding in galvanized posts which can be used as extra strength in keeping your panels straight and strong, especially if the run is long and made up of multiple panels.   Why are Galvanized dog runs better then chain-link dog kennels: Galvanized dog runs are both long lasting and stronger than the ‘US style’ chain link kennels. Chain link kennels are made from a form of mesh similar to chicken wire and consist of slim metal poles at either end of the panels, which have a chain link to join them together. Chain link kennels are not as safe for both your dog and you, as they are easier to get through and do not last as long. Chain link kennels may be cheaper to set up, however you may find that they will end up costing you more in the long run. Installing dog runs: Building your dog run requires very little knowledge or power and can be easily done with a minimum of two people. Once you have ensured you have a suitable base for the dog run to be set on (such as concrete or rubber matting), you can start assembling the individual panels together by bolting them using their pre-drilled holes. Each panel will need two standard bolts to secure it to another one, and if you wish, you can add more security by also using floor or roof brackets depending on the situation of the run. Once the panels have been bolted together, they simply support each other and stand as a complete run. How to introduce your dog to its new run:  They key to ensuring your dog develops a positive attitude towards their dog run is to use it as a place of fun time, chill time and definitely not as a place of punishment. The way to do this is by using positive reinforcements- start by leaving the door to the run open and playing with your dog near it for 5-10 minutes, then leaving your dog to explore closer if they wish. Each day, progress to play with your dog closer to the run or inside the run, eventually do this inside with the door closed. At meal times, start by putting your dogs food near the run (but not in it) and over the next few days you can place the bowl closer to the inside of the run, eventually encouraging them to eat within the dog run with the door open. Over time, you can start to close the door for short amount of time while your dog is eating, and this reinforces the fact that the dog run is a positive environment. As well as this, you can slowly encourage your dog to spend time alone near or inside the dog run, so they will naturally develop independence and feel more confident within the space. Types of panels: Individual panels can come in different sizes and types to suit your dog and space. Below are some examples of types of panel gaps you can get (available on our website- https://www.doghealth.co.uk/), and these are all available in 1m, 1.5m or 2m lengths with a 1.84m height as standard.   -8cm gap- The vertical bars within the dog run panels are 8cm apart. This is by far the most popular type of panel and the most cost effective. This type is suitable for all but the smallest dogs and cats, but is perfect for medium or larger dogs that cannot fit through the gap. If you are using this type for young puppies, customers often use mesh around the lower part of the dog run for the first few weeks until the puppies are bigger. -5cm gap- The vertical bars within the dog run panels are 5cm apart. This is a popular choice with kennels as it is suitable for dogs all shapes and sizes. These types of panels are also particularly climb resistant. -Mesh-The vertical bars within the dog run panels have mesh between bars. These panels are for those who don’t want to take any chances. These dog run panels are 4mm welded mesh- the best solution for cats and small dogs. They are mostly used for aggressive dogs that you need to secure within the run, or highly destructive dogs as the mesh makes them the strongest type of panel. -Full or ¾ solid- These dog run panels are panels filled with ridge profiled coated steel sheets, either all the way down the panel or ¾ of the way, just leaving the top ¼ with bars. These types of panels are useful in parts of a dog run where you need to form a screen such as using it as a wind break. These types of panels also have good noise reduction properties if barking is a problem.   Here at Doghealth, our high-quality panels all come with a lifetime guarantee against manufacturing faults.     

Bananas can promote and help maintain healthy blood pressure. Bananas are rich in potassium and vitamin B6. These two nutrients can help regulate your dog’s blood flow. Low blood pressure equates to healthier heart function.

Why Dogs Eat Poop and What To Do About It Stool eating is actually a common habit of many dogs. We look at possible causes, either medical or behavioural,  and suggest remedies!

Just like us, dogs enjoy a little variety in their diet -Give your dog healthy meals that taste good and offer something different. We know our dog will want whatever he sees us eating so we should have a clear idea of what we can and cannot share You want to know which foods are safe and which ones you should stay away from.  So, here’s the ultimate list.

How to Keep Your Dog's Ears Clean and Healthy Have you rubbed your dog’s ears today? Sure you have. It’s one of those things that we do almost mindlessly, relishing their velvety softness and our dogs’ groans of pleasure. But did you know that rubbing your dog’s ears is also a great way to make sure they’re healthy?

A crate or a kennel can give dogs a sense of security.  Crate training if done properly is also a highly effective management system that can be a lifesaver for dog owners.  Using a crate for appropriate time periods is helpful with a variety of important goals, including house training, preventing destructive behaviour, and teaching a dog to settle and relax.  

Understanding the Special Needs of Older Dogs Mobility Problems for Older Dogs: Helping Your Dog Get Around We all age, and there are many things we can do to improve/maintain the quality of our lives as this happens…and so it is for our dogs. Care of the elderly is a massive subject and there are no quick fixes. As with owners, modern dogs can expect to live longer ( a lot longer if you use a healthy diet and do not rely on processed foods, and keep fit through regular exercise). This means that other conditions ( nb arthritis) become more common, especially as like ourselves there is a tendency for overfeeding and excess weight. However, there are a number of things you can do to improve quality of life 1. Is the diet your dog is on supportive of his new requirements? By this I mean you should research the foods he is on and consider whether he would benefit from the various veteran formulae. My own view is that you should consider alternatives to processed food and remember you are normally paying a big premium for the advertising. Generally speaking, its never too late to diet and reduced weight makes mobility easier, and will give you a more alert dog. Definitely no treats!!! 2. Might supplements help? The answer is yes, there are excellent supplements available. It is best to go by personal recommendation. Most supplements will contain Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, and/or Hyaluronic Acid in various combinations and anti-inflammatory vitamins C and E. As you research the amazing number of these available you will quickly overload (...powerful, proven, unique blah blah blah…) A quick plug from me…My company, Doghealth does supply RUNAROUND a product containing Shark Cartilage a natural source of chondroitin. In our trials a consistent 85% of owners will note an improvement, so we offer a full money back guarantee! 3. The exercise regime will change. Continued exercise, possibly reduced in scope will prolong active life. Walks in safe environments are recommended! But continuation is essential. A supportive walking harness should be considered. 4. In the house. I find it best to make use of rugs and mats as slippery surfaces might be difficult for your dog to manage. Likewise, sleeping should be at floor level. If your dog is used to climbing the stairs this is now a risk area too. 5. In the car. Thee are a number of excellent pet ramps which will make entering ( and more importantly ) exiting the car safer, and avoid the need for you to lift. When using a ramp, ALWAYS support your dog with one hand under the belly and one on the collar to guide. NEVER rush and ALWAYS give the dog a chance to learn to use the ramp ( old dogs/new tricks?). Second plug, Doghealth also supplies an excellent light but strong folding ramp, as do many other companies!! It is absolutely possible for your pet to enjoy a high quality of life as he ages, and a responsible owner will be aware of the effects of age on your dog and the measures necessary to continue a high quality and active life .

Just as there are many poisonous plants for dogs, there are a few alternatives that are completely safe! Here are a few good ones that not only look beautiful, they have some great benefits.

Research by The Kennel Club suggests that over 80% of dogs suffer a stage of gum disease before they are three years old. And Gum Disease is five times more common in dogs than humans, as dogs have a more alkaline mouth, promoting plaque formation.

Dogs can’t talk and are only able to communicate through body language and barking, this can make deciphering their behaviours difficult. There are many different conditions that can drive dog to chase its tail out of frustration these conditions are:

Fleas are tiny but can be seen with the human eye, they are dark brown and measure approximate 1mm.  A flea can leave for 7-14 days on your pet and feed of their blood.  Adult fleas will also lay eggs deep in the coat of your dog causing your dog to scratch.  Every time your pet moves or shakes flea eggs can be dislodged and fall into carpets, bedding etc. which means you will have to treat your home as well. The signs to look out for are abnormal scratching, biting or licking, red spots or patches on the skin, pale gums, small reddish or brown specs on your dog’s skin and even hair loss. The best way to deal with fleas is to prevent them so your dog does not suffer unnecessarily. Our Award winning Dynamite insect, flea and tick repellant is economical and universal.  Supplied as a concentrate, simply dilute at a rate of 1ml to 100ml ratio.  Use as a final rinse when washing your dog for long term protection or as a grooming spray for short term protection.  Dynamite is extremely economical one 250ml bottle makes up to 25 litres and is also recommended for human protection especially against midges.

I’m sure most responsible dog owners are very aware of hidden dangers lurking in the home, by which I mean things in our households which could be harmful to our pets if ingested. In particular I want everyone to be aware that things we might be tempted to offer as treats...I want to help us to stop inadvertently damaging our dogs with kindness.   If in doubt I strongly recommend that you save the following website www.petpoisonhelpline.com Number one on my list is overfeeding. Dogs need different amounts and types of food depending on their age and activity levels. Dogs do not know how to control their eating. If it’s there they will eat it. If it’s not taken away they may learn to leave it and then come back later and eat it. As a rule of thumb you should feed and remove.Or just use a cold press food like HealthyDog where recommended amounts are half those of a traditional extruded food It follows from One above that most treats in so much as they increase amounts eaten should be discouraged.  I however enjoy giving my dogs treats so moderation and only occasional treats are the rule. So treats to avoid include the following (and yes, I encourage feedback and additions to this list, you will help all our readers) Most lists start contain Macadamia Nuts. I start with these as I did not know what they are. They are in many biscuits and snacks. So either read the label or just don’t give pastry things to the dog. Chocolate should NEVER be given. I still remember the sage when my Jack Russell discovered an Easter Egg. I am eternally grateful to the vet for coming out late on a Sunday evening to save her life.  So please make sure all chocolate is in a secure place and children/non dog owning guests understand that they must not give this to their pet. Remember dark chocolate and cooking chocolate are the most lethal. Grapes/raisins are a threat to kidney function and should be avoided. Onions, leeks, chives and garlic Members of  the Allium family and poisonous to dogs. Garlic is considered to be about 5-times as potent as onion and leeks. Certain breeds and species are more sensitive, including cats and Japanese breeds of dogs (e.g., Akita, Shiba Inu). Toxic doses of garlic can cause damage to the red blood cells (making them more likely to rupture) leading to anemia.. While tiny amounts of these foods in some pets, especially dogs, may be safe, large amounts can be very toxic. Chicken bones can splinter and do all sorts of harm. Cooked bones of any kind may be brittle and hazardous. Rawhide dog chews  can host bacteria like Salmonella, which isn’t good. Monitor the storage, handout, use, and life of chews. Plants. The Kennel Club publishes a list of dangerous plants.  Some you might be surprised to see are Aloe vera Daffodil  and tulip bulbs Hyacinth Laburnum Lupins Rhubarb leaves Rhododendron Sweet pea Day lilies Asparagus fern Azalea Cyclamen Hydrangea Aconitum Delphiniums Wisteria Yew As ever, if you have found this useful, please share. Also please like our page so that we can make sure you receive other blogs we produce. With thanks form the team at www.doghealth.co.uk. And please add your comment especially where this will help other dog owners and reflects your own experiences.

Ear infections in dogs is one of the top 3 reasons for visiting a vet today