HEALTH CONDITIONS

Many dogs experience digestive problems — from gassiness and loose stools to itching, bad breath, or inconsistent appetite. Often, the root cause isn’t the food itself, but how well your dog is digesting it. That’s where digestive enzymes can help.

At Healthful Pets, we’re passionate about supporting pets naturally from the inside out. Digestive enzymes are a simple, powerful way to support your dog’s gut health, and can make all the difference for some dogs.

What Are Digestive Enzymes?

Digestive enzymes are proteins that help break down food so the body can absorb nutrients properly. There are several key types:

• Protease – breaks down proteins into amino acids 
  
  
• Amylase – breaks down carbohydrates into sugars
  
  
• Lipase – breaks down fats into fatty acids
  
  
• Cellulase – helps break down plant fibres
  
  
• Invertase – breaks down sugars
  
  
• Ox bile – not technically an enzyme, but aids fat digestion by emulsifying fats so lipase can work more effectively
  

Note: You may also see 'pancreatin' referred to

The musculo-skeletal system is comprised primarily of bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, cartilage and muscles. It provides structural support enabling the body to move and these are the parts of the body that can suffer most from mechanical wear and tear, injury and inflammation (Allport, 2010).

Arthritis is the most common cause of chronic pain in pets, affecting as many as 20% of adult dogs (Dodds & Laverdure, 2015).

The typical signs of arthritis include: pain and stiffness (especially after rest), limited mobility such as being hesitant or have trouble jumping up or getting up stairs, running or walking and debilitation in severe or chronic cases. 

Osteoarthritis is a slowly progressive disease with different causes that finally come together on the equivalent pathogenic pathway that is typified by characteristic changes in cartilage, subchondral bone, and synovial membrane (Jones, 2014). 

Osteoarthritis is characterised by the deterioration of joint (articular) cartilage (the

With the summer sun making an appearance and a heatwave on the cards, it’s important to take extra precautions to keep your dog cool, comfortable and safe in the warmer months.

Unlike us, dogs don’t sweat all over — they regulate their body temperature mainly through panting and through the pads of their feet. This makes them much more prone to overheating. Dogs with darker coats, short noses (like pugs and bulldogs), long or thick fur, and those who are very young, elderly, or have underlying health conditions are particularly vulnerable.

Dogs can succumb to heat stroke without shade, ventilation and water as well as after vigorous exercise or over excitement. Here are our top tips for helping your dog stay safe in the heat:

1. Never Leave Dogs in Cars or Confined Spaces

We all know it, but it bears repeating: never leave your dog in a car on a warm day — even with the windows cracked or parked in the shade. Cars can turn into ovens frighteningly fast, with temperatures soaring above

Adored Beast are all about finding synergy, and their products were formulated to help the body in a multitude of ways. And often they do that by working together!
 
Adored Best are frequently asked which of their products work best together - and while they could go on for days about that, they have chosen 2 of their favourite perfect pairs to share.

Perfect Pair #1: For Gut Health & Inflammation

The first perfect pairing are The Wolf and Potent Sea for gut health and inflammation
 
Adored Beast Potent-Sea Omega-3 is a rich source of omega-3 for dogs and cats that does not harm the oceans. Sourced from micro-algae known for its high DHA and EPA content, Potent-Sea provides omega-3 fatty acids and other beneficial compounds that support the health of the whole body. Grown on land to protect the ocean and our planet. Free from solvents, pesticides, or heavy metals.
 
Adored Beast The Wolf is a species-appropriate pre and probiotic that features 3 probiotic lupine strains derived from wolf

Spring is in the air and with the days getting longer we are able to spend that much needed time outdoors with our pets. However for some of us spring means itching and we are not alone, dogs and cats can also suffer as a result of the increased pollen in the air at this time of year.

Although itching can strike at any time of year and can be caused by a number of things including food, cleaning chemicals and dust mites, spring is a time when pet allergies can be at their worst and these allergies tend to be caused by outdoor triggers such as grasses, tree shrub, pollens, farm crops such as cereals, oil seed rape, mould spores and ragweed.

Unlike humans whose allergy symptoms are usually respiratory, symptoms to watch out for in dogs and cats are most often skin-related including itchiness and irritation. Excessive licking can also be a sign there is some skin irritation.

The area's most common for itching include paws, ears and face. Pets may also try and rub themselves against carpets

Some hints to help pets stay safe and well in Summertime

Following the miserable Winter we have had, it’s hard to remember that we do sometimes get hot summery weather in the UK, but we do and here are a few hints to help pets stay safe and well in Summertime.

• Check regularly for fleas and ticks on the skin, and look out for adders when walking in country areas.
• If you are leaving your pet at home for several hours, make sure there is a cool room or area available – leave a fan on if necessary, and also plenty of water.
• If you are leaving your pet outdoors for any length of time, ensure shade (and water) are available.
• Take a bottle of water and a drinking bowl with you if you are taking your dog out for long walks or on car journeys and offer water regularly.
• If you walk your dog regularly on pavements, check for sore pads in hot weather.
• Above all, don’t ever leave your dog in a car on a warm day, even if not in direct sunshine.

As the weather gets warmer there are several Diet’Dog

Proflax Feline Fine - The Ultimate Kidney Support for Cats 

Proflax are back to share more details on their Feline Fine, the all-in-one salmon oil based supplement that’s perfect for supporting your cat’s health - specifically their kidneys. If you have a senior cat or one who may be showing signs of kidney stress, Feline Fine is just what they need.

Why Renal Health is So Important for Cats

Kidney health is a major concern for cats owners, especially as they age. The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste from the blood, regulating fluids, and balancing important minerals and electrolytes. As cats get older, their kidneys can become less efficient, leading to conditions like chronic kidney disease (CKD), which can cause symptoms such as:

• Increased thirst and urination
• Reduced appetite or weight loss
• Lethargy and weakness
• Vomiting and dehydration

Managing kidney health in cats is essential as it's such a common ailment. Feline Fine can help support your their kidney function, potentially

The Dental Hygiene formula for dogs by Hedgerow Hounds has been created to clean tartar and plaque from the teeth and to improve the overall health and hygiene of the mouth and gums. Although this blend’s main aim is to improve oral health there are so many benefits to feeding this supplement for improving all aspects of health and optimal wellbeing. 

The blend is made up of ingredients of the highest human-grade food quality.

Seaweed: The Seaweed used is a certified Organic Fucus vesiculosus Seaweed. It is traceable to the precise location of harvest, from remote areas of the British Isles and Nordic region, so you can thoroughly trust the purity and source. 

High quality, pollution-free seaweed is highly nutritious and offers your dog the following benefits: 

• An effective prebiotic, high in antioxidants
• High levels of vitamins, minerals, trace elements, amino acids, antioxidants & omega fatty acids
• Iodine for optimum thyroid function
• Improves skin, coat, and nail health and loss of

What is enrichment for dogs?

Enrichment can be defined as the 'act of improving or enhancing the quality or value of something'. For your dog, enrichment often means thinking outside of the box to provide them with stimulating activities that engage their mind, body and senses. 

Most enrichment activities challenge dogs to think and problem-solve at varying levels of difficulty, depending on your individual dog. Super-smart dog breeds can be sometimes be harder to satisfy with standard enrichment activities, but luckily there are plenty of options out there for your intelligent pooch! 

Equally, not every enrichment activity is going to suit every dog. While some dogs are