HEALTH CONDITIONS

Ear infections are one of the most common health problems seen in dogs and rank among the top reasons for veterinary visits. From itchy, uncomfortable ears and unpleasant odours to recurring infections that seem impossible to resolve, ear problems can be frustrating for both dogs and their owners. While conventional treatments can be effective in managing symptoms, many dogs experience repeated flare-ups because the underlying causes are never fully addressed. In this article, we'll explore why ear infections occur, the often-overlooked connection between gut health, allergies and yeasty ears, and how natural approaches can help support long-term ear health. We'll also look at safe ear-cleaning practices and why maintaining the delicate microbiome within the ear is just as important as keeping ears clean.

What are the Signs your dog has an ear infection 

It’s important you’re able to spot the signs of an ear infection so you know if it’s time to see a vet. This is when it’s likely gone

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 quickly 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

Upset tummies can be a common problem in dogs and puppies. In puppies this can be as a result of their immature immune and digestive systems making them sensitive to stress, dietary changes, parasites (such as worms or giardia) and infections. Antibiotics, vaccinations, dewormers, illness, excess play, dietary indiscretion (puppies often explore with their mouths swallowing plants and things that they shouldn't!) can knock your dog's gut out of balance causing loose stools or constipation, sickness, gas &  bloating, lethary and loss of appetite. Some breeds of dogs can be more prone to tummy problems. 

Most upset stomachs will typically clear up after a day or so. You want to make sure that your puppy doesn't become dehydrated, so here are some simple ways to help at home. However there may also be more serious health issues at play, so it may be necessary to see a vet, which will be touched upon at end.

Adjust the Diet

When a puppy has diarrhea, switching to a bland, easy-to-digest

Many dog owners know all too well the problem of endless fur around the house — on the floors, on the sofa, in the car and on your clothes. If you have, it sounds like your dog is starting to shed. 

This blog looks beyond regular brushing to understand more about why your dog moults and what steps you can take to reduce excessive shedding. Read on for tips on diet, grooming and tailored supplementation during peak shedding season.  

What is 'shedding' or 'moulting' and when does it take place?

Dog shedding, also known as moulting, is a normal and healthy process that occurs as dogs renew their coats. It is largely influenced by seasonal changes such as daylight and temperature and it describes the hair growth cycle, whereby older, dead fur falls out to allow new coat growth.  What is important to understand is that you cannot stop shedding, it is a completely natural process. Despite that, there are natural ways to reduce excessive shedding, shorten the shedding period itself, and

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

Dental hygiene for dogs and cats is essential for their overall health and well-being. Studies have found that an estimated 80% of dogs over the age of three have gum disease

The mouth is very important to animals as they spend their days not only eating and chewing but also …. grooming, removing insects from their coat and manipulating things. Each tooth has its function, like a piece of machinery, that is a reflection on its heritage as hunters and opportunistic feeders. The mouth has a good blood supply and contains many nerves making dental issues a potential problem. If your pet has a sore mouth you may be unaware as they are unable to tell you about it!

Sometimes there are no signs at all that your pet is suffering from dental problems, but typical signs can include:

• Plaque (a biofilm which contains bacteria) and tartar/calculus (yellow-brown hard mineralised plaque) build-up on teeth
• Reddened tender inflamed gums resulting from tartar build-up which irritates and puts pressure

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

Many of us love creating nutritious, wholesome food at home — and our dogs can enjoy the same care and attention through homemade treats. Calming recipes made with natural, herbal ingredients not only provide something delicious and nourishing, but can also help support anxious dogs who struggle to relax, especially during busy or noisy times like firework season. We’re delighted to share this recipe from Hedgerow Hounds for homemade calming treats using their Tranquil Blend — perfect for offering your dog a little extra comfort, naturally.

Make your own calming treats for when your dog needs a little more emotional support, perfect for a bedtime nibble.

You will need:

• 2 Level tablespoons of Hedgerow Hounds Tranquil blend or 2 chamomile teabags
• 250g Flour of choice and a little extra for dusting
• 125g Gluten free porridge oats
• 1 cup of Oat, Coconut or Goats milk
• 1 beaten egg (free range)
• 1 level teaspoon of Chia seeds
• Optional 1 level teaspoon of Almond nut butter (must be xylitol and palm

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.

Digestive enzymes are a natural, effective way to support gut health, and can make all the difference for some pets.

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 as a digestive enzyme — this is just the combination of lipase, amylase and protease. 

Pets

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 smooth,