Cherry eye in dogs can appear very alarming, as a red, angry looking lump develops in the corner of your dog’s eye – many say that this looks a bit like a cherry. The condition usually requires surgery, but the good news is that it’s usually very treatable and with speedy veterinary help, your four-legged friend will be on the road to recovery in no time. Keep reading to find out what cherry eye is and the treatment options available. What is cherry eye in dogs? Dogs have a third eyelid – also known as the nictitating membrane – which is located inside the lower eyelid. The function of this third eyelid is to slide across the front of the eye when needed, providing an extra layer of protection. The third eyelid also contains a tear gland, and cherry eye occurs when this gland ‘pops out’ or prolapses. The prolapsed gland can appear red and swollen. Sometimes, it pops in and out of its own accord, meaning that you may only notice the cherry eye periodically. However, even if the signs are intermittent, it’s still important to get your dog checked out by your vet. What causes cherry eye? It is not fully understood why some dogs are more likely than others to develop cherry eye. However, as VCA Hospitals explain, it is thought that the fibrous tissue that attaches the gland of the third eyelid to the lower inner rim of the eye is relatively weak in some breeds. The breeds that most commonly develop cherry eye include: • Bullmastiffs • Shar Peis • Cocker Spaniels • Great Danes • Beagles • French Bulldogs • English Bulldogs Cherry eye is most likely to occur in dogs aged between six months and two years old. However, it can happen to any dog of any breed, at any life stage. Symptoms of cherry eye Luckily the symptoms of cherry eye in dogs are quite easy to spot – be on the lookout for the following signs:

Abscesses can affect any cat at any point in their life. So, if you’ve got a feline in the family, the chances are that one day you might have a cat abscess on your hands and your pet will rely on your help to get them back to their normal, happy self. Keep reading to find out what you need to know about cat abscesses, what to do when they burst, and how to know when it’s time to contact the vet for help. What are cat abscesses? A cat abscess appears when the body is fighting off a localised bacterial infection. It forms as a pocket of pus, which consists of bacteria and white blood cells. Most often, abscesses are associated with an infected wound or scratch, and they appear as a lump under the skin. Other types are cat tooth abscesses and internal abscesses, which are less often seen. What are the signs of a cat abscess? Swelling is the most obvious sign of a cat abscess, but it’s not usually the first symptom to appear. Initially your cat might be lethargic, have a fever or not eat as much as usual. As the abscess develops over the next few days, other symptoms might become apparent, including:

Rice is a fantastic filler food for us humans. Whether we’re serving it with a hearty helping of curry or filling out a burrito, it’s a great way to bulk up our meals and it’s also relatively good for us. But is this the case for our feline friends? A lot of commercial pet foods will add in grains like rice, but is it actually good for our cats? Can cats eat rice by itself? Can cats eat white rice or brown? Read on to find out all you need to know. Cat cats eat rice? Yes, cats can eat rice in small amounts. It’s non-toxic, so it won’t harm them to have a bit in their food, but you shouldn’t give too much as it’s not an essential part of their diet. If you’re feeding your cat a complete and balanced cat food, they won’t gain additional nutritional benefits from eating rice alongside. Plus, too much of this filler may actually stop them eating enough of the healthy diet they need! Is rice good for cats? Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they’re meant to eat mostly meat and aren’t well-equipped to digest grains. Unlike us humans, cats have no need for carbohydrates in their diet. Some commercial cat foods will contain grains such as rice but only in small, carefully considered amounts to bulk out the food. So, how about the different types of rice? In general, brown rice is nutritionally better than white as it’s higher in fibre. Vets will sometimes recommend this for cats with diarrhoea or constipation. However, rather than using brown rice as a home remedy for your cat’s digestive troubles, it’s always best to get advice from your vet on the best course of action to take. Cats can eat white rice too – it doesn’t have as much nutritional value, but if rice is only given in very small quantities alongside other food, this won’t matter too much. It’s important to note that too much carbohydrate in the diet can lead to obesity in cats. Obese cats are more likely to develop a range of health problems including diabetes, a condition which may require regular insulin injections. It’s therefore important to avoid feeding your cat too much carbohydrate – you don’t want to harm them with kindness! How to feed rice to your cat As rice offers no nutritional benefit to cats, we suggest that you just avoid giving your cat rice entirely, and stick to a quality diet and treats specially intended for feline consumption. If you do feed rice to your cat, only offer them a tiny bit. Make sure it’s thoroughly cooked without any seasonings, spices or sauces. Never give your cat uncooked rice, as this is extremely difficult to digest and may also contain a natural pesticide called lectin which can cause diarrhoea and vomiting if ingested in large quantities. If you notice bloating and your cat seems to be in pain more than 24 hours after eating uncooked rice, be sure to take them to the vet as soon as possible. Now you know the answer to the question ‘can cats eat rice’! Want more nutritional advice for your cat? Next, read our full guide on what human foods cats can eat.

Watermelon is a wonderfully refreshing treat for us humans, it’s the perfect snack for chopping into wedges, chilling in the fridge and enjoying throughout warmer summer days, but are our dogs allowed to enjoy the juicy, colourful fruit too? Read this guide to find out all about whether dogs can eat watermelon and if there are any nutritional benefits! Can dogs eat watermelon? Yes, dogs can eat watermelon! There are a few precautions you’ll need to take though, such as removing the large seeds as these can cause an intestinal blockage if too many are consumed, particularly if your dog is a smaller breed. Another thing to be aware of with watermelon is the rind, as this can cause gastrointestinal upset. Watermelon is also high in sugar, like many fruits, which means it should not be fed too regularly or it can contribute to the risk of obesity and diabetes. If you’re in doubt about your dog chomping on watermelon, always ask for your vet’s advice. Is watermelon good for dogs? If you’re wondering if watermelon is good for dogs, the answer isn’t simple! These deliciously juicy fruits are 92% water, so they’re great for a hydrating snack, particularly on warmer summer days. It’s much better than giving your dog an ice cream, which can cause stomach upsets from the milk.

Juicy, sweet, full of nutrients and easy to eat, grapes may just be the perfect fruit snack. But unfortunately, not everything that’s good for us humans works just as well for our pets. You probably already know that grapes are dangerous for dogs – but should cat owners also worry if they catch their pet eyeing up the bowl of grapes on the kitchen countertop? Keep reading to find out if grapes are good or bad for cats. Can cats eat grapes? It is not recommended to feed grapes to your cat. Although the dangers of grapes are much better understood for our canine companions, there have been reports of cats becoming very ill after eating grapes. Scientists are still trying to understand which particular substance in this fruit poses a risk to our furry friends, but even though we don’t know exactly how the toxicity works, it’s best to assume that grapes are poisonous to cats and rule the fruit out from your cat’s diet. Why are grapes bad for cats? Firstly, there are a couple of reasons why it isn’t a good idea to feed our feline friends sweet fruit in general. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means their diet should mostly consist of meat protein. Also, cats lack sweet taste receptors, which means they won’t appreciate the fruit in the way we do! This means that grapes would be an odd addition to a cat’s meal – and also an unnecessary risk, given how dangerous we know this bite-sized fruit is for dogs. There’s some evidence to show that grapes can be toxic to cats, too. Some cats have suffered a gastrointestinal upset after ingesting this sweet fruit, and more serious problems such as kidney failure have also been reported. Kidney failure is the reason why grapes are so dangerous to dogs, and this condition can potentially be life-threatening. This is why it’s so important to completely avoid feeding grapes to your pet.

Tuna is better known as the ultimate cat treat, but dogs can also be attracted to the powerful smell of this popular pantry staple. So, if your dog is begging for a bite, here are a few things you should know before caving in to those puppy eyes. Can dogs eat tuna? Opinions differ when it comes to the question ‘can dogs eat tuna’. Tuna is safely used as an ingredient in many balanced dog foods, but when it comes to feeding extra tuna as a treat, there’s some conflicting advice out there. Some experts don’t hesitate to recommend this fish, while others advise against adding extra tuna to your dog’s menu. There are definitely reasons to be cautious with tuna, but when fed very occasionally in moderation, tuna is unlikely to cause health issues for your dog. Every dog is different, so if you want to feed a dog tuna it’s important to offer very small quantities at first, to see how your dog reacts. Is tuna good for dogs? Tuna is rich in protein, minerals and vitamins – all important nutrients for a dog’s health and wellbeing. It also contains Omega 3 fatty acids which are good for the health of the skin, coat and cardiovascular system. This means that tuna is useful in some dog foods as a source of various nutrients. When it comes to feeding extra tuna as a treat, there’s no need to give it for nutritional value. If you feed your dog a complete and balanced dog food, they should get all the nutrients they need from that. Why is tuna sometimes considered harmful to dogs?

Tomatoes are a staple for many of us. On a daily basis, this versatile ingredient forms the base of several meals from a pasta sauce to a healthy salad. You might also have noticed tomatoes listed as an ingredient in some dog foods, but can dogs eat tomatoes when they’re fresh? Are canned varieties good for them? At Purina, we care about giving your dog the best possible nutrition, so our pet experts have created this guide all about dogs and tomatoes. Keep reading to find out if tomatoes are good for dogs and when to avoid them entirely. Can dogs eat tomatoes? Yes and no. Dogs can absolutely eat ripe, red tomatoes, in moderation. However, tomatoes are in the nightshade family and natural chemicals called solanine and tomatine are found in young, green tomatoes, particularly in the stems and leaves of the plant. Both of these can be harmful in large quantities, and it is best to avoid feeding your pet anything other than the ripe fruits. If you grow tomatoes in the garden, your dog may try to nibble on green tomatoes or leaves, stems and vines, so it’s always a good idea to keep these fenced off or inside a greenhouse that they can’t access. Are tomatoes good for dogs? Tomatoes can make a good occasional, relatively healthy treat, but too much can cause stomach upsets. It’s important to note that tomatoes shouldn’t be added to your dog’s diet on a regular basis as your dog will already be getting all the nutrients they need from a complete and balanced diet. It’s fine to offer some pieces of tomato as a snack on occasion. If your dog has gastrointestinal issues like gastroenteritis, it’s better to avoid tomatoes altogether as they may aggravate a sensitive stomach. When are tomatoes bad for dogs? In some cases, when too much of the green parts of the tomato have been consumed, dogs may get tomatine poisoning, but this is very rare. Some of the symptoms your dog will display if they have this will include:

Eggs are nutritious, they taste great no matter how we prepare them, and they bind many of our favourite recipes together. It’s unbelievable how many things we can do with just a humble little egg, but is it a good idea to feed this tasty food to our cats too? If you are one of the many owners about to give in to their cat’s pleading eyes and offer them a bite of egg for breakfast, but you’re still pondering the question ‘can cats actually eat eggs?’, here are all the answers you need to know about cats and eggs. Can cats eat eggs? The short answer is yes, cats can eat eggs, but only in moderation and always cooked. However, keep in mind that even though eggs come packed with nutrients, their high fat content can be detrimental if you’re trying to help your cat lose weight. If you’re considering introducing eggs to your cat’s diet, make sure to check with your vet first to make sure you’ll still keep your feline friend healthy. In general, it’s best not to feed too much egg to your cat, as this may make them eat less of their complete and balanced diet that contains the beneficial nutrients they need. It’s therefore always best to offer eggs in moderation, as an occasional treat. Rather than feeding a whole egg at once, just feed a small piece of egg alongside their normal food. Egg allergy in cats: is it real?

We know it as the versatile ingredient in our cupboard and we can always trust rice to taste good no matter what flavours it sits next to. What’s more, rice also serves as an important source of vitamins and a good source of energy. With all these benefits packed in such tiny grains, who would blame our furry friends for taking an interest in this particular starchy food? But can dogs eat rice? And with so many varieties available, which type of rice is most suitable for canine needs? Keep reading to find out all about dogs, rice and whether the two should meet at dinner time or not. Can dogs eat rice? Yes, dogs can eat rice. In fact, you may have noticed rice featured as an ingredient in commercial dog foods. However, a rice meal on its own should not be a daily affair – rice should only be part of a varied diet that offers all the nutrients your dog needs. Dogs can eat rice in moderation as long as it’s simply cooked, without any seasoning or flavours, and as long as it’s included as part of your dog’s balanced diet. Can dogs eat white rice? Yes, dogs can eat white rice. Although lower in nutritional value than brown rice, white varieties of rice can be included in a dog’s diet. Since it’s fairly bland, vets often recommend white rice for dogs with an upset stomach. White rice has a bigger effect on blood sugar than brown rice though, which means that some people advise caution with white rice for dogs suffering from diabetes. If your dog is diabetic then it’s best to consult your vet as to the best diet to give. Can dogs eat brown rice? Yes, dogs can eat brown rice. What’s more, this type of rice packs a bigger nutritional punch than the white version because it retains the outer layer of the seed which contains many important nutrients. On the downside, brown rice may be harder for your dog to digest for the same reason. This means that many vets recommend white rice over brown for pups suffering from gastro-intestinal problems. Can dogs eat basmati rice? Yes, dogs can eat basmati rice. Just as for other types of rice, as long as you offer portions in moderation, cooked as simply as possible without any salt, dogs should be able to enjoy some basmati rice. Basmati rice comes in white and brown varieties, and vets sometimes recommend white basmati rice as a bland meal to take care of an upset stomach. Is rice good for dogs? Rice is packed with many essential nutrients, but there are a few differences between the different types of this grain. The whole grain version known as brown rice tends to win on nutritional value as it’s higher in vitamins and fibre than white rice. However, your dog should get all the nutrients they need from their complete and balanced dog food, so if you’re only feeding a small amount of rice alongside this food then you don’t need to worry about adding extra nutritional value.

From sizzling bacon in the morning to lunch-time sausages and aromatic pork ribs for dinner, there are so many opportunities for dogs to get excited when pork is on the family menu. But should pork be added to your dog’s menu too? Here is what you need to know before you give in to those pleading eyes and hand over a piece of your pork chop dinner to your canine companion. Can dogs eat pork? Unfortunately, there is no straight answer to this question. Pork comes in a variety of forms – cooked or raw, bones or no bones – so there’s no simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer. It depends on the type of pork and how it’s cooked and served. Pork can take many different guises. It’s not just bacon and ham that dogs might be begging for, there’s also the pepperoni on a pizza slice or the smell coming from a hot dog van that can get tails wagging straight away.