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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

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

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

Candles, wax melts, and plug-in air fresheners promise cozy ambiance, relaxation, and that "just-cleaned" scent. Television commercials ensure us that it is a simple way to create the perfect home and judging by the common presence of them in many homes, we have believed the marketing pitch. But what do we really know about what's floating in the air when we light a candle or plug in an air freshener? Concerns about indoor air quality from fragranced products aren't new. Many of us have long suspected that what makes our homes smell good might not actually be good for us.

I saw a social media post that said a new study from Purdue University claimed scented wax melts can release nanoparticles at levels comparable to diesel exhaust and gas stoves. My first thought was: Wow! That sounds rather dramatic. Is it true? And, if it is, what does it really mean for our health - and for the pets and kids who share our homes?

Let's dig into the science, cut through the hype, and look at safer choices

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

As those chilly nights draw in, we know autumn is here. Autumn is a wonderful season to get outside and spend time with your dog. But there are a few potential risks dog owners should bear in mind. The health and happiness of our pups should always be a priority, so consider these safety precautions when caring for your dog this autumn.

Take care of your dog’s paws

When piles of leaves litter the streets, potentially harmful debris can lurk underneath. Broken glass and sharp objects hidden under the leaves could cut your dog’s paw pads, so it’s always a good idea to check your dog’s paws regularly.

Later in the season, salt used to de-ice the roads can irritate your dog’s paws. If you’ve been walking over road salt, be sure to wash your dog down afterwards.

Wetter autumn weather often means damp paws, which are the perfect breeding ground for yeast and bacteria. If you notice your dog’s paws have a yeasty smell or they seem red and irritated, be sure to see a vet.

View our range of paw

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

Welcome to the Healthful Pets Loyalty Scheme!

Here at Healthful Pets we want to say thankyou to our many loyal customers and your continued support. Every time you shop with us, you can earn points, which can be redeemed against a future purchase - making shopping with us for your all-natural pet products even better value for money.

Please be aware that you can only obtain a discount through the Healthful Pets website.

It is NOT possible to obtain a valid discount code through any third party sites. They will not work and are scam!

So here is a bit of information about our Loyalty Reward Scheme :

For every £1 spent (excluding postage costs) with Healthful Pets you will earn 5 points. So, if you spend £50 you will be awarded 250 points. Once you have collected 1,000 points you can redeem £5 off your next purchase, should you wish to do so.

How does the Scheme work? 

To start earning points you will need to ensure that you have created an account with us to enable you to keep track

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

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