The healthy microbes in your dog’s digestive system have many important jobs to do, including absorbing and making nutrients and preventing illness by supporting the immune system. Stress, dietary changes or antibiotic use can disrupt that important microbial balance and lead to health problems including digestive upsets. This is where probiotics come in to help. Keep reading to find out more about probiotics, discover when they’re usually used and learn what are some of the best probiotics for dogs. What are probiotics for dogs? There are billions of ‘healthy’ microbes in your dog’s gut and these have important functions in food digestion, vitamin production and keeping the immune system strong. But sometimes the balance of microbes gets disrupted, and harmful bacteria proliferate at the expense of these good microorganisms. Probiotics for dogs are live microorganisms that can restore a healthy balance of gut microflora. When to give your dog probiotics? The signs of microbial imbalance in dogs include digestive problems such as loose stools (diarrhoea) or flatulence. Microbial imbalance can be caused by many different factors: • Sudden changes in diet. • Separation anxiety. • Long-term antibiotic use. • Stressful experiences such as moving into a new home. These are some of the most common reasons why pet owners may start considering a course of probiotics for dogs. However, it’s important to consult your vet before adding a supplement of probiotics to your dog’s diet. There are a lot of probiotic preparations out there and not all of them are high-quality and backed up with evidence, but your vet will be able to advise on a good option for your dog. What are the best probiotics for dogs? If your vet believes probiotics will be beneficial to your dog’s health, there are different options available. Probiotics for dogs come in various formulations: • Tablets • Chews • Food spray • Powder (such as Purina PRO PLANFORTIFLORA) It’s important to follow the product instructions as well as your vet’s recommendations when it comes to quantities and how frequently to offer probiotics to your pet. Purina PRO PLANCanine FORTIFLORA Probiotics for Dogs If you’re looking for a convenient way to offer your dog probiotics, Purina PRO PLAN Canine FORTIFLORA comes in sachets of powder that can be easily sprinkled onto your dog’s food once a day. This food supplement has been designed for both adult dogs and puppies and it contains the lactic acid bacteria Enterococcus faecium to help support intestinal health and microflora balance. You can find out more about our probiotic for dogs, here. As with any probiotic, make sure you ask your vet before adding it to your dog’s diet. Can puppies take probiotics? Yes, vets will sometimes recommend puppies take specially-formulated probiotics for dogs. These can be incredibly useful for young pups. The life of a puppy is full of new experiences and changes in diet and puppy anxiety can result in loose stools or other digestive problems. It’s important to make diet changes gradually, but sometimes even with the best will in the world digestive problems can result. This is where probiotics can come in handy. Again, make sure you check with your vet before introducing probiotics, as there are many possible reasons for tummy upsets in puppies and it’s important to rule serious issues out if your pup is unwell. Is yoghurt a good probiotic for dogs? Yoghurt is well-known for giving us humans the good gut bacteria we need. When it comes to dogs, yoghurt is a bit more controversial as an option for probiotic benefits, as dogs have different digestive systems to humans. Yoghurt is not toxic to dogs and as long as you offer it in moderation and avoid the sweetened versions, most dogs should be able to enjoy it every once in a while. However, yoghurt contains lactose which may cause digestive problems in some dogs, so it is important only to offer a small amount to start with and stop if there are any problems. Lastly, it’s always a good idea to read the label and look out for ingredients that may be toxic to dogs, such as xylitol, and avoid these products entirely for your pet. Find out more about the most common digestive problems in dogs with our easy guide, next.

Have you noticed your dog limping for a few steps or holding one of their back legs raised from the ground? This might be a sign of kneecap dislocation, also known as a luxating patella. This condition is actually quite common in dogs, especially when it comes to diminutive breeds. Here is what you need to know about luxating patellas in dogs and how to decide when it’s time to take your pooch to the vet for a check-up. What is a luxating patella in dogs? A ‘luxating patella’ means that the kneecap (or patella) is slipping out of its normal position in the groove of the thigh bone. Don’t worry, you won’t need X-ray vision to notice that your dog’s kneecap is out of place. Instead, what you’ll usually see is your dog limping or walking with the affected leg in an abnormal position for a few seconds, and then going back to their normal stride once the kneecap has popped back into place.

Glaucoma in dogs is a painful condition which can lead to blindness. Early detection is key to ensuring the best outcome for your pet, which is why we’ve created this guide to tell you all about the signs to look out for and the treatment options currently available. What is glaucoma in dogs? Glaucoma is a condition in which pressure builds up inside the eye, causing pain and vision loss. Basically, the reason why this happens is that there’s too much fluid in the front part of the eye. In a healthy eye, this fluid is produced at the same rate that it’s drained away. In glaucoma, the drainage system gets obstructed in some way, meaning that pressure builds up. This excessive pressure damages the optic nerve – which is responsible for relaying visual information from the eye to the brain – as well as the retina. All of this means that glaucoma in dogs can lead to poor eyesight and pain. The condition is more common in older dogs. What causes glaucoma in dogs? There are two different types of glaucoma in dogs: primary and secondary. Primary glaucoma is generally inherited and is most common in certain breeds such as Basset Hounds, Cocker Spaniels, Shiba Inus, Huskies, Chow Chows and Shar Peis. With primary glaucoma, it’s important to understand that if one eye is affected, it’s highly likely the other one will be too.

The image of a dog chewing a bone is such a familiar sight. Whether in cartoons, films or TV shows, it’s something we see time and time again – so often that many of us don’t think twice before shovelling leftover bones into our dog’s bowl. But could you be doing more harm than good feeding bones to your dogs? Can dogs eat bones and if not, why not? Find out if bones are good for dogs in this article. Can dogs eat bones? If you’re looking for information about feeding bones to your dog, you’ve probably discovered that there’s lots of conflicting advice out there! This is because bones provide some benefits for dogs, but they also carry risks too. Since some of the risks are very serious, we don’t advise feeding bones to your dog. One of the biggest risks is that sharp splinters of bone might damage your dog’s digestive tract. This can lead to a range of problems, including: • Tongue or mouth injuries. • Damage to the throat or oesophagus. • Rectal bleeding. • Peritonitis (a bacterial infection of the abdomen caused by stomach or intestinal punctures). Sometimes these problems can be very obvious, but in other cases the signs can be quite subtle. If you notice that your dog is unwell or uncomfortable after they’ve got hold of a bone, it’s best to contact your vet as soon as possible. If your dog swallows a larger piece of bone, there’s also a risk that it may cause a blockage of the digestive tract. In this case your dog may be uncomfortable and off colour, and might develop vomiting or diarrhoea. Again, it’s important to contact your vet if any of these signs show up. As if digestive problems aren’t enough to worry about with bones, there’s also the risk of choking! If your dog chews off a piece of bone and it goes the wrong way, it could be a serious choking hazard. What’s more, some dogs can break their teeth by chewing on bones. And finally, since bones can’t be completely digested, your dog can develop constipation if they chew on bones too much. In light of all these risks, we don’t recommend feeding bones to your dog at all. So if you’ve been asking yourself ‘can dogs eat chicken bones?’, ‘can dogs eat lamb bones?’, or ‘can dogs eat pork bones?’, you now know the answer to your question! How about cooked versus raw bones for dogs? Cooked bones are particularly dangerous for dogs as they have been weakened by heating, so they can more easily break and splinter. So if your dog manages to get their paws on a cooked bone, it’s really important to watch them carefully afterwards for signs of illness. Raw bones are stronger, but they can still splinter so it’s not recommended to feed them to your canine companion. Plus, they come with their own risks as well! As the bones are raw, they’re more likely to be contaminated with bacteria such as Salmonella. This can lead to diarrhoea or vomiting for your pet, and it also means that your dog’s poo might contain higher levels of harmful bacteria that could potentially pass to humans. This means that it’s important to avoid feeding a raw bone to your dog as well. Aren’t bones good for dogs? It’s true that raw meaty bones do contain some nutrients, particularly in the soft tissues attached to the bone – the meat, cartilage and fat. However, if you feed your dog a complete and balanced dog food, they shouldn’t need any extra nutrients from bones. Another reason why people give bones to their canine companions is to support dental health. Having a good chew can be great for your dog’s teeth as it can crack off tartar and prevent plaque build-up. Chewing also stimulates saliva flow, releasing some antibacterial agents that can help improve oral hygiene. Luckily, there’s a whole range of chews you can give to your dog to keep their teeth nice and healthy, without having to deal with the risks that come with bones! For example, some dental chews have great cleaning action. So, now you know all about whether dogs can eat bones! Looking for more nutritional advice for your dog? Find out if dogs can eat cheese, next.

Bananas are a wonderfully healthy snack for us humans. They’re great to grab quickly on the go, add into a smoothie or serve as a fantastic dessert topping – and to top it off, they contain a great variety of healthy nutrients and they’re a good source of fibre. Knowing the nutritional value bananas bring to our diets, many pet parents have paused to ask the question “can dogs eat bananas?” We’ve created this guide to tell you everything you need to know about bananas for dogs so you can help your four-legged friend to snack responsibly. Can dogs eat bananas? Yes, dogs can eat bananas! Unlike other fruits, no part of the banana is toxic. However, dogs can find the peel hard to digest, so it’s best to avoid feeding this. Also, if your dog’s currently on a special diet or has certain health issues such as gastroenteritis or diabetes, bananas might not be the best idea. In these situations, it’s worth checking in with your vet prior to feeding to get custom advice about what’s best for your dog. Are bananas good for dogs? Just because bananas are fine for your dog to eat, this doesn’t mean that they’re the best food for dogs. Although bananas contain nutrients such as potassium, vitamin B6 and vitamin C, we only recommend giving banana in small servings, so these nutrients won’t make much difference overall. Additionally, your dog will get everything they need to thrive from their complete and balanced diet, so there’s no need to add banana as a supplement. Another thing to bear in mind is that bananas contain natural sugars and too much of these can cause weight gain which could lead to health issues such as obesity. Always follow the rule of 10% when offering treats to your dog and ensure that treats don’t make up more than 10% of their daily calorie intake. How should I feed my dog bananas? When giving your dog bananas, you should always peel them first. As mentioned previously, the peel isn’t actually toxic but it contains a very high amount of fibre which could cause diarrhoea. It’s also very hard for your dog to digest and it could even cause a blockage in their digestive system. The best way to feed your dog bananas is to cut the peeled fruit up into appropriate bite-sized chunks, and offer a small piece to try. You can also try mashing it up and stuffing it in a Kong dog toy as it makes a fun and tasty filling. Alternatively, if your dog’s not a fan of the texture of bananas, you can freeze the fruit in small cubes. This makes a wonderfully refreshing treat on warm summer days! Before introducing any new foods to your dog it’s always best to check with your vet as they will be able to recommend serving sizes and also give advice on whether or not it’s a good idea to feed the food in question to begin with. Now you know that dogs can have bananas! Want to find out more dog feeding tips and guides? Check out our article on can dogs have strawberries, next!

Avocado has taken the world by storm in the last few years. This versatile fruit is a hit that’s often added to salads, served straight on toast or combined with other ingredients to create a hearty guacamole. With avocado becoming more and more commonplace in our households, the question “can dogs eat avocado?” has cropped up more than once! If you’re wondering if your dog can join you in snacking on the nation’s favourite superfood, keep reading. Find out if avocado is good for dogs and more in our guide. Can dogs eat avocado? This is a bit of a tricky question, but the answer is that it’s best not to feed your dog avocado. We suggest erring on the side of caution because avocados contain Persin, a fungicidal toxin. It’s known to result in serious health issues and, in extreme cases, death in larger animals such as cows and horses. Dogs are more resistant to Persin than other animals, but it can still cause health issues when given in large amounts. Persin is mostly located in the leaves and bark of the avocado plant and in the pits and skin of the fruit, but it is also found in the flesh of the avocado in a less concentrated amount. With this in mind, all parts of an avocado can potentially be hazardous. The Persin content is also higher in un-ripened fruit. While Persin toxicity is unlikely in dogs, it’s still best to avoid the risk. And since avocado can also cause other issues such as stomach upsets, we suggest avoiding avocados entirely and offering your dog safer fruits that don’t come with these health risks. What happens if my dog eats avocado? Small amounts of avocado flesh are unlikely to cause problems. As regards toxicity, the flesh is the part that contains the lowest levels of Persin. However, larger amounts of avocado are riskier, and there is one published report of two dogs developing heart failure after eating a lot of avocados over a long period. If your dog does eat a large amount of avocado at once, it is more likely that they will develop vomiting or diarrhoea, as avocados are high in fat which can potentially cause a stomach upset. High-fat foods can also lead to pancreatitis in dogs, a very serious condition. Another concern is that the pit or stone of an avocado can be a choking hazard or potentially cause an obstruction in the gut, so ensure your dog can’t get their paws on this. If you grow avocado plants in your home or garden, make sure they’re out of paws’ reach. If your dog has eaten some avocado, keep an eye on them for any symptoms or changes. If you spot anything concerning, take your dog to the vet. What about dog foods that contain avocado? The only occasion where avocado is good for dogs is when it’s in a complete and balanced commercial dog food. These products will usually contain avocado oil or avocado meal, which is where the flesh is dried and ground. Neither of these ingredients contain a significant amount of Persin, and they are completely safe for your dog to eat at the levels used in the dog food. In fact, these avocado products can actually be a good source of vitamins A, B6, C and E, as well as fibre, which is excellent for digestive health, and fatty acids, which are important for coat and skin condition. Now you know the answer to “can dogs have avocado?”, and although your dog can’t enjoy a dip of guacamole or a slice of your avocado on toast, there are still loads of safe human foods your pup can enjoy! Check out our useful daily feeding guides for more information. Why not find out if your dog can eat cheese, next?

Human foods are not always dog-friendly. A few bites of the wrong ingredient and our dear canine friends might soon be in a world of trouble. Whether it’s an upset stomach or a more severe toxic reaction, dogs can suffer serious consequences from eating food that’s best left to their owners. So it’s natural for owners to think twice before sharing their favourite treat with their pets. Apples are so often found in our households, whether in the shape of a pie or just lying loose under the apple tree in the garden, so it’s easy to see how a dog might manage to sneak plenty of mouthfuls of this fruit before their owner realises what has happened. But can dogs eat apples? And are they good for dogs? In this article we’ll look at some of the best ways to share this beloved fruit with your pet. Can dogs eat apples? Yes, dogs can eat apples in moderation. As long as you keep the seeds and apple core away from canine teeth, your pet should be able to enjoy this fruit as an occasional treat. However, due to the sugar content in apples (and other fruits as well), it’s best to ask your vet’s advice if your dog is on a special diet, overweight or suffering from diabetes. It’s also important to note that pieces of apple can be a choking hazard if they’re too big. When you’re feeding apple to your dog, make sure to cut it into small bite-sized pieces. And don’t forget to keep an eye on your pup when they’re trying their very first slice of apple. This way you’ll be able to notice any unusual reactions and, if they do happen, you’ll know to keep the fruit bowl out of their paws’ reach the next time. Are apples good for dogs? ‘An apple a day keeps the doctor away’... but does this famous saying apply to the vet as well? Well, apples do contain various nutrients that are beneficial not just for us, but for our dogs too. These include antioxidants, vitamins A and C, fibre and potassium. However, if you feed your dog a complete and balanced diet, they should gain all the nutrients they need from that and they shouldn’t require any extra top-up from fruit. Apples can be good for dogs for another reason as well though: since they have a crunchy texture, they may help to clean dogs’ teeth and freshen up their breath.

For centuries, dogs have been considered our best friends and most loyal companions, so it’s only natural that there are numerous pups that have risen to fame. At Purina, we’ve put together this list of our favourite famous dogs in history which includes everyone from movie stars to decorated military dogs, keep reading to find out more! 1. Toto, The Wizard of Oz You may not have considered this, but without Toto, none of the events in The Wizard of Oz would have transpired to begin with. Dorothy runs away from home with Toto to save him from the horrible Miss Gulch who wants to have him euthanised for biting her. This is why Dorothy is outside the storm shelter when the tornado hits, transporting her and her tiny companion to Oz. What’s more, it’s also because of Toto that the company discover that the Wizard is a fraud too! Fun fact: The role of Toto in the 1939 film was played by a Cairn Terrier called Terry and it’s reported that she was paid $125 each week, which was more than some of the human actors! 2. Lassie, The Famous Rough Collie When it comes to famous dogs in movies and TV shows, they don’t get much more well-known than Lassie. This lovable Rough Collie that’s always getting into adventures and saving the day first appeared in a short story in 1939, but since then she’s appeared in novels, movies, TV shows and even video games! However, she’s perhaps most known for the 19-season long TV show ‘Lassie’ which aired from 1954 – 1973. Six different canine actors played the part, but the longest reigning was a dog called Baby who starred from 1960 – 1966. 3. Scooby Doo Despite not being a real-life dog, Scooby Doo is probably one of the most famous canines in the entire world. This famous dog has been around since the 60s and since then there’s been a wealth of movies, TV shows and games – not to mention huge amounts of merchandise – made starring the cowardly Great Dane. It’s no secret that Scooby Doo has made a huge cultural impact on us all too, in fact, many of the sayings from the show have found themselves woven into our vocabulary. 4. Rin Tin Tin Rin Tin Tin was a German Shepherd, discovered amidst battle-torn France during WW1, where he was adopted by American solider, Lee Duncan. After the war, Rin Tin Tin moved home to Los Angeles with Duncan, where he was soon scouted by a filmmaker who saw him jump an impressive 12-feet high at a dog show. After he landed his first role, he starred in almost 30 films, some of which were created with just him in mind, resulting in him becoming one of the most famous dogs in movies known today. It’s also been said that Rin Tin Tin was the unofficial mascot of Warner Bros Studios and he saved them from bankruptcy when they were just a small studio! Fun fact: Rin Tin Tin’s fame helped to increase the popularity of German Shepherds as family pets in America! 5. Balto

If you’re a dog owner, it’s likely you’re well versed in the sudden bursts of energy that have our dogs (and especially puppies) spinning like tornados and doing laps around the coffee table like it’s an Olympic track. But have you ever paused to wonder, what are they doing exactly? This behaviour is known as ‘dog zoomies’ and we’ve put together this guide to tell you everything you need to know about it. What is dog zoomies? The proper name for dog and puppy zoomies is ‘Frenetic Random Activity Periods’ or FRAPs. These periods usually display as sudden bursts of energy where your dog may run around in circles, usually with their backend tucked in, chase their tail and do laps of the house and/or garden. Typically, dog zoomies won’t last very long and will be over almost as soon as they began, and your dog will plonk themselves down for a much-needed rest. What causes dog and puppy zoomies? Zoomies is generally caused by a build-up of excess energy which is then released in one short burst. Don’t worry though, it’s a completely natural behaviour. It’s most common in and generally occurs less and less as they get older. But that’s not to say it’ll stop entirely – many older dogs will still have FRAPs! When do dog zoomies commonly occur? Although it’s caused by excess energy build-up, there are a few occasions that are likely to cause a FRAP, including: • Just before bed: your dog may be trying to blow off steam before a longer period of rest • After a bath: dogs may experience an adrenaline rush after bathing and may either feel relief that they’re out of the bath or are trying to dry off (or perhaps both) • After eating: this is particularly common with very food orientated dogs • During a training session: sometimes when we’re trying to teach our dogs something and they’re not quite getting it, it can lead to a build-up of nervous energy Are dog zoomies harmful? The behaviour itself isn’t harmful, but sometimes the area in which they do it can be dangerous, particularly if they’re constantly skidding on laminate or hardwood floors or running into furniture. If you think your dog will harm themselves in the house, instead of trying to stop the behaviour, just direct the behaviour outside instead or if not possible, a carpeted area.