Signs of A Healthy Dog

Your dog’s health and happiness are the most important factors, but do you know the signs of a healthy dog? One of the keys to a fit, healthy and happy dog is a nutritionally balanced meal. This is providing the right level of vitamins and nutrients your dog needs, daily exercise and lots of cuddles!

You know your dog better than anyone else. The more you get to know your four-legged friend the quicker you’ll be able to work out if something is different to normal. Below are a few top-tips you can look out for when spending time with your dog. Get to know them and assess whether their food is right for their needs. If you’re not sure of anything when checking your four-legged friend, we advise you speak directly to your vet.

A great way to keep your dog’s skin and coat in tip-top condition is to book a session with a dog groomer. Dependent on your dog’s breed this can vary from every 6 weeks to a few times year. If unsure speak to your vet and/or groomer for guidance. Omega 3 and 6 are key ingredients for your dog to maintain a healthy skin and coat and avoid flaky dry skin, dullness and even hair loss. A great source of Omega 3 & 6 is salmon oil which our Joints & Coat food for dogs range contains.

More than 90% of dogs over 5 years of age can be affected by painful joints. This can be down to old age or other factors such as over-use or putting too much weight onto the joints. Ingredients such as Chondroitin and Glucosamine help to support joint health and mobility in dogs. Our Joints & Coat range of food and treats contain both of these ingredients

A dog’s immune system fights off all invading bacteria. The digestion system consists of good and bad bacteria to break down the food your dog eats. This is hard to check-over yourself, but if you at all worried your dog isn’t feeling fit and healthy, please visit your vet. Our Simply Gentle range of food and treats contains Chicory, a natural prebiotic, which helps to supports gut health in dogs with sensitive stomachs.

To keep that sparkle in your four-legged friend’s eyes, ensure there is a source of Vitamin A in your dogs diet. Keep a check on your dog’s ears to ensure they are squeaky clean, to avoid a build-up of wax.

Dental disease affects up to 80% of dogs over the age of three. Plaque and tartar build up can lead to partial or whole tooth decay and/or inflamed gums. This can cause dogs discomfort when easting and playing with toys. There are many products on the market to help with oral health and hygiene for dogs. However one of the most effective ways to reduce dental issues is to clean your dog’s teeth on a regular basis. We recommend asking your vet to show you how to do this. If you start when your dog is young they get used to it quickly. You’ll need a special dog toothbrush which fits over your finger. We love this page on the RSPC website explaining more.

Some dogs can be affected by the food they eat if they have a food intolerance. It could give them a reaction, this could be something minor or it could become something more serious. Again, if you think your dog has a food intolerance we recommend you speak to your vet.

This can be tricky to assess, we have a handy visual will help you to be aware of what to look for. Be sure to feed a nutritionally balanced meal, keep to the feeding guidelines and adjust accordingly depending on amount of exercise. With 20% less fat, our Lean & Tasty dog food recipes are perfect for when you’re watching your dog’s weight.