Winter & Cold Weather

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

Taking your dog for a walk on a glorious summer day is an absolute joy. But when rainy weather rolls around, those daily strolls can feel more like a chore. While it might be tempting to stay cozy inside, there are ways to make rainy dog walks something you can both enjoy. 

For many dog owners, wet weather is one of the biggest downsides of having a dog. Some pups are happy to wait out the rain indoors, while others can’t resist splashing through puddles and dragging you out into the cold, whether you’re ready or not!

The good news? With a few simple adjustments, you can embrace the rain and make the most of your time outdoors. Here’s how:

1. Prepare Your Home for the Aftermath

A little preparation before you head out can save time and stress when you return. Lay out towels, a bath mat, and even a dog drying coat near the door to minimize muddy paw prints and soggy fur around your home. If your dog tends to get particularly messy, consider running a bath beforehand for a quick rinse

As the days are short and the nights are cold we know that winter is well and truly here. This time of year means that you have to be especially careful with older dogs with arthritis and other joint problems. How do you keep your dog active this winter?

Making the Most of Winter Walks 

For the older dog who is gradually getting stiff or has arthritis, has other joint problems or has  suffered a slip or a fall or injured joints; then consider a joint supplement or relieve the pain of bruising or pulled muscles and ligaments with a soothing herbal lotion.

At Healthful Pets we sell a range of  Joint Supplements which have been developed and approved by vets containing a wide range of anti-inflammatory ingredients and herbs including boswellia, turmeric, willow bark and Devil’s claw to help ease the symptoms of arthritis and of muscle and joint injuries. Other popular ingredients include glucosamine and chondroitin to provide the building blocks to manufacture collagen and proteoglycans

As the weather starts to get colder, it’s important that we remain aware of the potential hazards winter can bring. In this blog, we’re going to take a detailed look at pet paw care during the colder months, as many don’t realise just how harsh the winter environment can be on our pet’s sensitive paws. 

Why is Winter So Harsh on Our Pet’s Paws?

So, what is it about winter that puts our pet’s precious paw pads at risk?

First of all, snow and debris can easily get caught in your pet’s paws, especially if they are a long-haired breed. This can cause balls of snow and ice to form in and around your pet’s paw pads, which can be incredibly painful. It can even result in trauma to the affected area.

Ice also brings plenty of hazards. Not only is there the risk of slips and falls, but the ice can also cause cracking of the paw pads. In extreme cases, even frostbite could be a possibility.

However, one of the biggest risks that winter presents isn’t from the ice or snow. Instead, it comes from

The inclement winter weather coupled with central heating can be very damaging and drying to your dog and cat’s coat which can look dull and lifeless. See how your dog can survive the wintry weather!

Here we have some tips for winter dog grooming practices to ensure your pets are kept warm, dry and comfortable which is crucial for overall general good health.

Staying Warm and Dry: 

Older dogs, puppies and short haired dogs may benefit from wearing a coat when out walking on cold days and any dog that becomes wet from rain or snow should be dried thoroughly on their return home. Dog’s skin can become dry and itchy if fur hasn’t been dried properly in combination with the dry heat from our homes. Look for a drying coat to make the job easier!

Bathing: 

Try not to bath your dog unnecessarily during the winter months. If you can, wait until the mud has dried and brush it out. When you do bathe your dog, use a gentle, moisturising shampoo and rinse in warm water ensuring your dog has been

Have You Considered Using a Paw Balm for its Soothing and Protective Effects?

Paw Balm, if used regularly, will keep your pet’s pads in the best possible condition. It will also leave them less susceptible to damage from hard as well as cold and hot surfaces.

Healthy dogs have spongy and hydrated paws. In the summer the hot pavement can be incredibly hard on dogs’ paw pads and in the winter paws come into contact with elements such as ice, grit and salt, which can result in rough, irritated and cracked pads, causing possible discomfort.

At Healthful Pets we sell a range of Paw Balms to ensure your dog’s paws are kept in the best possible condition and less susceptible to damage. The paw balms that we sell are all made with natural ingredients and are perfectly safe for those dog’s who may lick their paws.

The Natural Dog Company have released a series of Paw Balms, that will leave your dogs pads strong and stable. PawTection by The Natural Dog Company is a vegan, organic, all-natural

Summer is behind us, and we’ll soon be walking our dogs in the gloomy mornings and evenings of autumn. But those strolls can come with a few challenges....

Visibility is a major concern for many dog owners heading out in the autumn and winter darkness. It can be more difficult for drivers to see you, and let’s face it, walking at night can sometimes be frightening for both us and our dogs.

So to help keep you and your dog safe on evening and morning walks, here are our top tips as those longer nights draw in.

Wear reflective gear:

Ensure people can see you and your dog at all times. Improving your visibility will not only allow drivers to see you better, but you’ll be able to keep track of your dog if you let them off lead.  Reflective gear could also prevent your dog from becoming lost if they sometimes break free from their harness or collar.

To keep yourself visible, avoid dark colours and consider wearing a reflective vest. For your pooch, you can use a reflective collar, lead,

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Our dogs health and wellbeing is of paramount importance and one main aspect of our dogs health is their musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments. In this blog post, we'll explore how incorporating Omega-3 essential fatty acids and herbs into your dog's diet can contribute to optimal musculoskeletal health.

Understanding your dogs musculoskeletal health

The musculoskeletal system plays a vital role in our dog's ability to move, run, jump, and maintain an active lifestyle. Factors such as age, breed, genetics and lifestyle can impact the health of our dog's bones and joints. Common musculoskeletal issues in dogs include arthritis, hip dysplasia, and general joint stiffness & inflammation, which if left untreated can be painful and can lead to additional inflammatory type health issues.

Exercise and your dog

As our dogs grow and develop from puppies, their bones and ligaments are softer and as such can be subject to damage or injury. It is important for

The cold weather can be problematic for any pet suffering from arthritis, as pain and stiffness can intensify in winter which can be an excruciating burden to deal with on a daily basis. When cartilage between your dog’s joints degrades, this can cause painful swelling and stiffness. The simple act of moving often becomes an unbearable chore. Arthritis is more common in senior dogs, but it can affect dogs of all breeds and ages. So to reduce pain and help your dog feel more comfortable, here are a few steps you can take as those temperatures drop.

Keep your dog warm

Providing warmth is one of the most important things you can do for your dog inside and outside the home. Ensure your dog has a warm bed with extra blankets they can snuggle up under. It may also help to move their bed next to the radiator, but not too close that they’ll burn themselves. You can manage your dog’s joint pain on walks by providing a warm doggy jacket.

Keep your dog active

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