Has your dog been diagnosed with hip dysplasia? Don’t worry as we have put together a quick guide that explains in plain English what the condition is, what is causing it and what you can do to help your dog. What is hip dysplasia in dogs? Hip dysplasia in dogs is a genetic condition in which the hip joints develop abnormally. Puppies are born with structurally normal ball-and-socket hip joints, but within the first few weeks of life the ligaments that support the hip joints become lax. The joints then become less stable and can make slight movements that would not occur in a healthy individual. This instability leads to the development of further structural changes, such as flattening of the ‘ball’ part of the joint. This means the ball and socket do not fit together how they should. Therefore, the two can move out of correct alignment and even lead to slight dislocation. Most pets will be affected by dysplasia in both hip joints and all dogs will develop a degree of osteoarthritis at some point in their lives. Although hip dysplasia is genetic, there are several genes that can lead to this condition and not all pets with these genes develop the disease. Environmental factors can make the problem worse, but they cannot cause the disease unless a predisposing gene was present. Symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs Hip dysplasia is more common in larger breed dogs, although it can occur in any breed. The condition will usually be diagnosed at 6 to 12 months of age and symptoms will start to appear at different stages, depending on the individual. Watch out for signs such as your dog being a bit unsteady on their feet or having difficulties getting up. Affected dogs will often have more difficulty going up stairs than down them, due to the weight distribution being greater through the back legs as they ascend. Depending on the severity of the condition, these are some of the most common symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs:

Your dog is full of curiosity and fun, but they might be frightened of things too – after all, every dog has a different personality. Some dogs are fearful by nature, and some scared dogs are more predisposed to it than others. Dogs are naturally curious and inquisitive so they generally interact enthusiastically with the world around them but they may be times or situations where they become wary or frightened. Every dog has a different personality depending on their breed, type, past experiences and their individual nature. Each dog is different – just like us – and while there are some real canine extroverts out there, there can also be dogs who are more worried about things around them or that they may encounter. The more we take time to understand our dog’s unique personality, the better we can predict when they may behave fearfully, and know how to support them. Most behaviour problems have their roots in fear – even aggression. It’s not the only cause but it is a major one and if you think of the common canine issues, often you will find that the original cause is the dog feeling worried, scared or frightened.

Your dog loves spending the summer with you – there’s so much opportunity to go outside, explore and play. However, should the weather be particularly warm, it’s sensible to consider heat stroke in dogs and the effect the sun might have on your friend. Heat stroke in dogs can occur if they are without shade, ventilation or water, and as with humans, it can be dangerous for their health. It can also occur when they’re out and about with you, for example after vigorous exercise in warm weather, or following stress or overexcitement. What is heat stroke in dogs? Heat stroke or heat exhaustion in dogs refers to a high body temperature that is not caused by underlying illnesses but rather by excessive exposure to environmental factors, mainly hot temperatures. Heat stroke occurs because the dog’s body is unable to bring the temperature down to normal levels through panting alone. Factors that increase heat stroke in dogs Of course you want to avoid any risk of heat stroke, but what should you look out for to keep your dog healthy and happy during the summer months? Factors that can increase the risk of developing heat stroke in dogs include: • Lack of water. • Enclosed space. • Excessive humidity. • Obesity. • Intense exercise. • Old age. • Cardiovascular disease or respiratory disease. • Lack of acclimatisation. What dog breeds have a higher risk of developing heat stroke? Short-faced dog breeds, such as Boxers, Bulldogs, Pugs and Pekingese, and dogs with heavy coats (such as Huskies or Newfoundlands), are at particular risk of heat stroke. But the all types of dogs can suffer from heat exhaustion if the conditions are right. Signs of heat stroke in dogs No matter how carefully you care for your dog, it’s always possible that something unexpected can happen. Here are some signs of heat stroke in dogs to look out for just in case: • Severe panting. • Difficulty breathing (particularly if your dog already has any respiratory problems). • Severe salivating. • Vomiting. • Diarrhoea. • Raised temperature (40.5° C or above). • Blood in his urine. • Nose bleeds (and other bleeding problems). • Ultimately, collapse and coma.

Your cat’s sense of exploration is one of the things that makes them so precious to you, but it sometimes means you have to keep an eye out for things that can harm them, too. There are many harmful substances and poisonous foods for cats that your feline friend might come across in their lifetime, so it’s important that you know which to keep out of their reach in the home. Your cat’s natural curiosity leads them to explore non-stop; whether they’re roaming the great outdoors or climbing into all the nooks and crannies of your house, there’s no knowing what they’ll find on their next adventure. Around the home and in the garden there are poisonous foods for cats and non-food substances, including plants, which could be potentially dangerous to your feline friend. Some of these are obvious, but others look completely innocent. For example, your cat might like the look of the snack you just ate or the medicine you take, but these things – while causing no harm to us – might be poisonous foods for cats, and in some case they could be life-threatening. Many chemicals that are routinely used around the house, such as bathroom cleaners, can also be harmful if your curious cat gets their paws on a bottle.

Gum disease in dogs can cause discomfort, dental health problems and, if left untreated, it can lead to deeper issues. Knowing how to spot the signs of gum disease in dogs will help keep the issues at bay and prevent potential long-term health problems. Cause of gum disease in dogs Bacteria is the main cause of gum disease in dogs, also known as periodontal disease or gingivitis. Periodontal disease in dogs, much like in humans, is where bacteria - along with food, saliva, and other particles - forms a sticky film called plaque over the teeth. Your dog's immune system tries to clean up the plaque by releasing enzymes that can break down gum tissue. Periodontal disease in dogs can lead to inflamed gums and destroyed tissue, and if left untreated, further gum disease. Because dogs can’t brush their teeth, they tend to have more plaque, meaning there's more potential for disease. Sometimes it’s easy to miss the early signs of gum disease in dogs, mainly because your dog can’t tell you what’s wrong or may try to hide any pain they have. However, there are signs you can look out for to help keep them in good health. Symptoms of gum disease in dogs You should examine your dog’s gums and mouth regularly for signs of gum disease. Bad breath is the most obvious sign, but look out for reddened, bleeding or swollen gums, crusted yellow-brown tartar or plaque build-up on the teeth and drooling. Other signs can be obvious from your dog's behaviour. Depending on how long you’ve had your dog or how familiar you are with their habits you may notice them having problems picking up food or making noises when they eat. You may also find that they’re leaving blood in their water bowl or on chew toys, or producing more nasal discharge or ropey saliva. Complications of periodontal disease in dogs Although the initial signs might be subtle, there is potential for the symptoms to get worse over time. The bacteria can enter your dog’s bloodstream causing complications and a higher risk of heart, kidney or liver disease. This is why it’s important to not ignore the early signs and discuss with your vet any unusual symptoms you notice. Regular check-ups can also help detect milder symptoms, allowing your vet to intervene before the disease progresses.

Cats are known for their independent natures, which is just one of the qualities that makes them such great pets! Most cats will be perfectly happy being left alone during the day, but if you need to leave them for longer, you may need to look into boarding catteries or cat sitting services. As cats snooze for around two thirds of their day (and even more in their senior years), they should be fine left to their own devices for shorter periods of time, as long as you give them plenty of love and quality playtime when they’re awake! However, if you’re going to be away for longer than a day, you’ll need to make sure that your cat is properly cared for. If you can’t find a willing friend, try a cattery or use a cat sitting service. Leaving cats at home Cats are home-loving, territorial creatures, so it can be easiest to find a way for your cat to be looked after at home when you go away. They’re unlikely to feel stressed if they’re in their usual environment with its familiar scents, sights and sounds.

From around the age of seven you’ll notice that your older cat starts taking life a bit easier - and who can blame them! A senior cat may start to become less active, spend more time indoors and have a slower metabolism. These can all add up to them putting on weight. Equally, as they reach their geriatric years, illness and a reduction in their sense of taste and smell can affect their appetites, which will have an impact on their body condition. As felines get older, their nutritional requirements start to change. And as your cat will spend roughly 40% of their life as a senior, it's important that you give them the right food to stay in good shape. In their senior years, more than ever, your cat should eat a high quality, tasty diet with easy-to-digest protein and a careful balance of key nutrients. A good senior cat diet provides concentrated high quality protein, controlled levels of fat, and easy-to-digest carbohydrates for energy. Key minerals support ageing joints, and vitamins, along with proteins, help support the ageing immune system.

Everything you need to know about setting up your puppy with healthy eating habits to last them well into the adulthood. Feeding your puppy Your puppy seems small now, but they have a lot of growing up to do in a short space of time! In just 12 months (up to 24 months for larger breeds) they'll become fully-fledged adults. In the meantime their bodies and brains have to develop incredibly quickly, and plenty of high quality puppy food helps them to get there. They definitely need it, as a healthy, energetic puppy can burn through up to twice as many calories as an adult dog! Feeding your puppy is also an important part of taking care of their health and happiness. Once they are old enough to eat solid food – usually when they are six to eight weeks old – it’s time to introduce a diet specially formulated to meet their needs. What to feed your puppy Specially-formulated puppy foods are the ideal diet for the newest member of your family. This is because they are complete and balanced, which means they contain everything your puppy needs to help them grow up healthily. There’s no need for extra supplements or pieces of human food – in fact, these might do more harm than good, no matter how insistently they show you their puppy-dog eyes! Here is what to look for in the best puppy food:

Pregnancy is both wonderful and wonderfully tiring, for you and your pet. One important thing you can do to help your mum-to-be is to give her the nutritional support she needs. Choosing the right feeding plan during pregnancy will ensure that she grows fit kittens, and has the strength to handle birth and nursing her newborns. The adult food you normally give your cat is great for her everyday diet, but it won’t provide the extra boost she’ll need when expecting. For a happy mum and healthy kittens, pick a formula that will meet her new requirements. A high-quality kitten food will provide all the necessary nutrients when feeding your pregnant cat. Start weaning her onto it from mating until a few weeks after giving birth, to keep her strong and give her the energy she needs to support her new kittens. Pregnant cats need higher amounts of calories and protein, both of which can be found in a high quality kitten food. Switching mum onto a kitten food will also help her litter, as they’ll be able to copy her and try some of her solid food as they wean off her milk. We have a selection of products to suit a variety of diets that you can try.

With your tiny puppy now all grown up, it’s time to say “goodbye” to puppy formula and “hello” to adult dog food. This usually happens at about 12 months old for small breeds, and around 24 months for giant breeds. Just like people, every dog will have a different requirement when it comes to food intake. Factors such as life-stage, activity levels, breed, size and age can all affect the ideal portion size, and your dog’s needs will change during the course of their life. If you’re not sure how much food to feed your dog and what diet to pick, here are some handy tips from our Pet Care Team. What should you feed your dog? Dogs are omnivorous and need a wide range of nutrients to support optimum health. This includes the correct balance of proteins, fats and oils, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. In the UK, pet food is governed by over 50 pieces of legislation, and a complete, commercial pet food must meet minimum quantities of specific nutrients to comply with these. This means that a high quality, complete pet food will contain the right balance of everything that your pet needs from their diet. How often to feed a dog? Our Pet Care team is often asked: “how often should I feed my dog?” Many adult dogs are fed twice a day – equivalently breakfast and dinner. However, a puppy should be fed more frequently throughout the day, with three to four (or more frequently when they are very young) meals recommended until at least six months of age. Some smaller breed dogs will also benefit from three smaller meals. Owners of larger breed dogs sometimes opt to feed one meal a day, however if your pet has a tendency to bolt their food, they may be better off with two smaller meals, rather than one big one. Bolting a lot of food at once can lead to gastrointestinal problems. If you’re not sure how often to feed your dog, speak to your veterinary practice.