Feeding & Nutrition

Whether you’ve got a sniffle or something more serious, you may be worried about the potential risks for your four-legged friend. We’ve put together this guide to tell you everything you need to know about dog colds and flu to help you better understand your pet. When the trees start to lose their leaves and we have to defrost the car each morning, we know one thing for certain – cold and flu season is on the way. This has just become a natural fact for humans and we’re no stranger to stock piling tissues and tablets, but what about our four-legged friends? Can dogs get colds? No, dogs don’t get colds in the same way that humans do and they cannot catch the cold virus that causes symptoms in humans. However, dogs can get infections that create symptoms like a cold, such as sneezing and congestion. In general, these ‘dog colds’ are specific to that species, so you won’t be able to catch the same cold as your dog either. Can dogs catch a cold from humans? If you have a sniffle or cough, you may be worried that you may pass the illness onto your companion, but you’ll be glad to know that this isn’t possible. Dogs are not affected by the common cold virus that infects humans. Can dogs get the flu? Dogs also can’t get the same type of flu as humans, but they can get canine flu. The symptoms are relatively similar to flu in humans but have a different cause. Your dog may experience the following: sneezing, runny nose, coughing, lethargy, lack of appetite and fever. Dog flu is easily spread between other canines once they’ve been exposed to the illness and, if your dog is exposed to an infected dog, the chances of them getting it are very high. And while humans can’t get ill from dog flu, if you’ve been in contact with an infected dog, there is a possibility that you could pass it onto your dog too. Dog flu can live for a few minutes on your skin, but up to a day on your clothes. If you’re around an infected dog, make sure you change and wash your clothes before you see any other dogs. Other dog specific illnesses: Just like in humans, there’s a variety of conditions that might seem like dog colds and flu, a few of the most common are as follows: • Kennel cough: a respiratory infection characterised by a dry cough which will sound like a honking. If you think your dog has kennel cough, contact your vet right away. • Dog allergies: your four-legged friend can suffer from seasonal and environmental allergies, similar to how humans get hay-fever. • Canine distemper: Your dog should be vaccinated against this with their initial puppy vaccinations. Canine distemper can be life threatening, which is one of the many reasons it’s incredibly important for your dog to be vaccinated.

Your puppy’s nutritional needs are greater now than at any other time in its life, apart from reproduction. Understanding what your puppy needs will help you make the right dietary choices.

When it comes to choosing the right food for canine companion, the debate between wet and dry dog food has been ongoing. Both options have their advantages and considerations, and it's important to make an informed decision based on your dog's specific needs.

The transition from mother's milk to solid food, known as weaning, is a crucial milestone in a puppy's development. It's a gradual process that introduces your puppy to a new way of eating, allowing their tiny tummies to adapt.

The transition from mother's milk to solid food, known as weaning, is a crucial milestone in a puppy's development. This process involves gradually introducing your puppy to a suitable diet, preparing them for a lifetime of healthy eating habits.

To help you understand your dog’s needs and ensure they thrive, take a closer look at PURINA ONE dog's visible signs of health.

You love your dog just the way they are, so you probably won’t worry too much if they seem to put on just a few extra pounds. But from a health point of view, size really does matter! Although weighing your dog and monitoring their weight regularly is a good idea, this can be tricky as there is a lot of variation between breeds and it’s not always easy to know what is right for your pet. That’s where dog body condition scoring can make things easier.

Switching your dog’s food may be necessary at some point in their life, whether due to health reasons, nutritional needs, or simply because they’ve lost interest in their usual diet. However, sudden changes can cause digestive discomfort. To ensure a smooth transition, it’s essential to introduce the new food gradually over time.

As dog owners, we often find ourselves wondering what treats and chews are safe and beneficial for our furry friends. One common question that arises is whether it is safe to give dogs bones. While bones may seem like a natural and enjoyable treat for dogs, there are important considerations to keep in mind.

As pet owners, we want the best for our furry companions, including their health and well-being. One common concern is whether to put our dogs on a diet. Just like humans, dogs can also struggle with weight issues, which can lead to various health problems. In this article, we will explore the factors to consider when deciding if your dog needs a diet and how to approach it in a healthy and responsible manner.

At 9 weeks, your puppy needs food that supports rapid growth and development. Specially formulated puppy foods, such as Purina PRO PLAN Puppy, SUPERCOAT Puppy, or Purina ONE Healthy Puppy, are ideal because they are higher in calories, rich in protein, and packed with essential nutrients like DHA for brain development. These products also come in smaller kibble sizes, making them easier for tiny mouths to chew and digest. Avoid feeding scraps of human food, as they can be harmful and lead to poor eating habits. Sticking to a trusted puppy formula ensures your furry friend gets the best start in life.

Welcoming an 8-week-old puppy into your home is an amazing and exciting experience filled with joy and responsibility. To ensure your new companion grows into a healthy and well-adjusted adult dog, it is essential to focus on four key areas this week: nutrition, training, socialisation, and grooming.