We've all seen the adorable twitch of paws and heard the odd woof whilst our dogs are sleeping, but do dogs really dream? Find out more and learn about what dogs dream about with Purina.
If you have a dog that's constantly digging up your flower beds it can be incredibly frustrating. Find out why your dog digs and how to stop them doing it with our helpful guide.
Dogs are super intelligent animals, they can learn a huge amount of human language and can even understand your moods! But did you know that some dog breeds are smarter than others? Keep reading to find out what the top 5 smartest dog breeds are.
If you or a loved one suffers from dog allergies it can be really frustrating. But did you know that there are hypoallergenic dog breeds that might not provoke your allergies? Keep reading to find out more.
Have you ever wondered what breed you'd be if you were a dog? Well now you can find out! Take our quiz to discover which dog breed matches your personality here.
Our dogs have always been our most loyal companions, so it's only natural that we want to know as much as we can about them. Keep reading for our top 15 dog facts that you won't believe!
As a dog owner you can sometimes find yourself obsessing over dog poop. From the colour of it, to the shape and consistency, you may be wondering what's normal. Our guide to dog poop aims to answer all of your questions and more.
Sports and activities can be a great way to strengthen your bond with your puppy, whilst also building fitness for both you and your dog! Find out what dog games and sports you can try in this article.
Exercising isn't just about daily walks, it's about stimulating your puppy's brain as well. Keep reading to find out what games you can play with your puppy to improve their concentration and engage their brain.
When your puppy reaches 6 months of age they'll turn into a teenager! This can be a challenging time for pet owners, which is why here at Purina, we've created this handy guide to help you through it.
When your little puppy grows up their requirements change, which means that you need to think about what kind of equipment your dog needs as they become a teenager! Read our guide for our top tips and advice to make the teenage years a breeze.
Your dog's sense of smell is one of their most powerful senses, so it only makes sense to start nose training when they're puppies! Learn more about how to scent train your dog with our helpful guide and advice.
Now that your puppy's become a teenager you can start to work toward some more serious training. Read our article for our advanced puppy training top tips!
Some think that dogs whiskers have no purpose and they have them snipped off at the groomers, but whiskers are actually essential in helping your dog navigate the world! Keep reading to find out more.
Hernias can be quite common in dogs, especially in puppies. Our guide tells you the most common types of hernias and the likely treatments used to fix the them.
Dogs sneezing can be a common occurrence, but sometimes you may notice your dog sneezing during unusual times or more than usual. In this article we investigate the causes of sneezing in dogs and what it could mean for your dog.
If you have a new puppy, it’s common to have questions about how to stop puppy play-biting, mouthing and jumping up. Find out more with Purina.
When a dog dies it can be an incredibly sad time for owners, and it can be difficult to know what to do. Make sure you're prepared during this upsetting time with our essential guide.
Dogs can get hay fever just like humans can! Find out what the symptoms and causes are of hay fever in dogs and the current treatment options available to help your dog get back to normal.
If you're a dog owner, when the sun comes out it's only natural that you'll want to head down to the beach with your furry friend. But what should you know before going? Read these tips to have a great day out.
Many people believe that dogs growl due to aggression, however there's so many different reasons why your dog may be growling. Read our guide to find out the different types and what they mean.
When you get a new puppy figuring out their sleeping arrangements can be difficult. Find out what the best options for puppy beds are and if you really should let them sleep in your bed with you.
Many dogs suffer from kennel cough at least once in their lives. Read our guide to find out about possible symptoms and how to treat it.
Supporting a disabled dog on wheels isn't an easy job. Here's our top tips on how to train a dog to use a wheelchair and how to choose the right one.
We often marvel at how human our dogs can seem. They appear to mirror our behaviour and exhibit then same facial expressions and emotions that we feel, whether it’s happy or sad.
Getting a new cat or dog can be the start of a lifelong friendship for children. Here's how to get everything off to a flying start!
Dogs in the Guarding Dog breed group are loyal, energetic, and always looking out for you. These special canine companions love patrolling your house and garden – but what’s the best way to look after their particular needs?
If you’re thinking of breeding dogs, there are a few things to consider first. Find out more about making the decision here.
Cleaning up after your dog is one of the most important things you can do for your pet. Find out more here.
It’s that festive time of year, and Christmas is right around the corner. If you are wondering what gifts to get your dog this Christmas, we have you covered.
As the New Year rolls around, it is common for us to make resolutions for the year ahead.
Have you found a stray dog, and are wondering what to do next? Find out what steps to follow when you find a dog without an owner here.
While some dogs bound in and out of cars without a care in the world, others find car travel a little nerve-wracking. Thankfully, there are many things you can do to make your four-legged friend feel more comfortable.
Taking your dog abroad can be fun for everyone - after all, things wouldn’t be the same without the whole family there!
There’s no need for your dog to stay at home if you’re going on holiday – in fact, your dog can make a great travel companion and as there are many dog friendly hotels and holidays throughout the UK, we're sure you'll have a great time together!
Bringing home a new puppy is such an exciting moment and one you’ll never forget! Although there’s a lot to learn, one thing you’ll want to teach them as soon as they step paws into your home is house training.
Teaching and training your dog basic commands and cues is a fun and rewarding experience for both of you. It’s important to begin training your dog at an early age to get the foundations right before your puppy grows into an adult dog. Puppy training and teaching your dog is a great way to spend time together and can also be lots of fun!
‘Walking the dog’ is a fun activity that lets you and your pet bond and explore the world together! However, it is common for dogs to pull on a lead when walking, teaching your dog to walk on a lead properly can be a challenging task so it’s important to start training your dog from an early age.
Making a running partner out of your pet can be great. If you learn how to train your dog correctly, you’ll be improving your health, happiness, and your special bond… for both of you!
It’s not just puppies that love the excitement of training, or the emotional bonding you enjoy when they learn new skills. Adult and senior dogs can also enjoy and benefit from ongoing training, especially if life changes a bit.
Anyone who’s ever spent time in the company of a dog knows that, just like people, dogs have personalities that are unique to them, and they experience many feelings in exactly the same way as humans and all other mammals.
Your dog has a personality completely unique to them – and like all dogs, they have different moods ranging from joyful to scared. However, if your dog is aggressive, you should address it as soon as possible.
It’s every dog owner’s worst nightmare; one minute your dog’s there, the next they’re not. Of course it’s upsetting and stressful for you when your dog is missing, but there’s also the added worry that your pet may be scared or hurt.
Dogs don’t rely on vocal communication in the same way humans do, but it still forms a major part of the way they express themselves and their emotions to other dogs – and to their human family.
At Purina we believe that #WeAreBetterWithPets. Read on to find out about showing your cat or dog affection, and how to strengthen your special bond.
If your dog does develop a skin condition, there’s no need to worry. They are often common and very treatable with the right care. Here’s a guide to what to look for.
Although dogs have a reputation for eating anything and everything, some are quite fussy and others can suddenly go off their food. Discover what you can do about your picky dog below.
Ear infections in dogs aren’t uncommon, but with the right care and treatment you can keep your dog’s ears nice and clean, and prevent further earache for both of you!
No one likes to admit that their dog eats faeces, but many do and as a dog owner you may want to understand why they do it, and what you can do about it.
We understand that you always want the absolute best for your dog, and this all starts by keeping them as healthy and happy as possible. To keep your four-legged friend in tip-top shape, give them a regular once-over with using our ‘dog symptom checker’ guide.
While it’s not common, sometimes dogs can suffer seizures. There are many potential causes, from ingesting something toxic to having dog epilepsy. This guide will help you understand more about seizures in dogs, and what to do if your dog has a seizure.
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.
Nobody likes to think of their dog having worms, but there’s nothing unusual about it – in fact, your puppy or dog has probably had them at some point in their lives!
Your dog’s digestive system can normally look after itself, as long as it is getting the right food and nutrition. But even with your care it can sometimes encounter unexpected problems.
It can be quite worrying if you notice that your dog seems to be losing some of their lovely coat. Hair loss in dogs can be the result of skin infections such as ringworm (a fungal infection), a bacterial infection or parasites such as mites, and is often the result of the dog scratching or licking an itchy or sore area.
Kidneys are very busy organs that have lots of responsibilities to keep your dog healthy, from removing toxins to maintaining their blood pressure and helping to create new red blood cells. With so many jobs to do, it’s perhaps not surprising that kidneys can start to wear out as dogs get older.
Just like us, dogs can also feel a little under the weather. The only difference is that your pet can’t tell you when they’re feeling poorly, so it’s important that you can recognise common dog illness symptoms so you can help your furry friend feel like themselves again. Pay attention to subtle signs, as dogs can be good at hiding any aches or pains.
A dog’s soft and warm fur is one of the reasons why we love cuddling them so much – it’s also why ticks, fleas, lice and mites find your pet hard to resist! Dogs have quite a high probability of coming into contact with these parasites at some point, as well as others such as worms, but with a bit of know-how you can easily control and treat them.
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.
Even though some dogs will make more noise than others, all dogs bark. Whether you have a tiny Chihuahua or a fully-grown Alsatian, you’ve probably heard them barking in a wide variety of situations.
Your dog is a delightful companion all year round, and they love to spend time with you whenever they can. Some dogs, though, aren’t as comfortable with unfamiliar sounds and groups of people as you are, so if your dog is scared of fireworks and loud noises, they might need some extra care during celebrations.
Attention-seeking dog behaviour is common – and normal – in puppies. After all, they’ll want their mother to dote on them, will love playing with their littermates and will still be learning their rights from wrongs!
If your dog keeps eating grass, there’s no need to worry - this isn’t uncommon behaviour by any means, even though it might seem quite strange.
Just like us, it’s not hard for dogs to put on a few extra pounds, especially as they get older and exercise less.
Dog exercises help your dog control their weight and reach their ideal body condition, build energy, and maintain a strong cardiovascular and immune system. And if you join in, you’ll get all those health benefits too!
Every vet will tell you that prevention is better than cure. So in addition to a nutritious, balanced diet, you can make sure your puppy thrives by providing regular exercise and veterinary check-ups and effective dental care.
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!
Even if you walk different routes with your dog every day, or you both love visiting the park and playing games, you might sometimes feel like you need to add some variety to your routine.
You know your dog is unique, but did you know this extends to the way they process the nutrients and energy in their food?
Playing with your energetic dog is an invaluable part of your relationship with them and what’s more, playing together on a daily basis helps both of you stay physically and emotionally healthy – what more excuse do you need?
At Purina, we asked for two people to share their pets’ weight management journeys with us. Read their diaries and find out how their dogs’ health changed – and get inspired to put your pet on the road to fitness!
Take a look at our tips all about caring for your dog during winter to make sure you both are able to have plenty of fun through the colder months.
With all the enjoyment you and your pet give each other, it’s easy to forget that as well as being valued family members, there are many ways in which your cat or dog can affect your health too.
It’s not uncommon for a dog to have ticks. These pesky parasites are very adept at attaching themselves to your dog’s coat, even if you do your best to avoid them. Luckily there are simple ways to help prevent, and treat, ticks on dogs.
Many owners are concerned about mites in dogs, how they can be prevented, and how affected dogs can be treated. We’ve put together a guide on dog mites to help you out.
A dog’s soft and warm fur is one of the reasons why we love cuddling them so much – it’s also why fleas find your pet hard to resist! Dogs have quite a high probability of coming into contact with these parasites at some point, but with a bit of know-how you can easily control and treat them.
Whether your dog is an energetic puppy or a fully grown adult they will rarely, if ever, need their nails trimmed. But it’s still a good idea to keep an eye on your dog’s nails – and know how to clip them, just in case!
Whether you’ve got a pampered Pomeranian or a scruffy Terrier, you’ll need to give them a helping hand to keep their coat in top condition.
Did you know that dental problems are the most commonly diagnosed health condition in all dogs over the age of three? Because your dog's teeth and gums are as vulnerable to disease as yours, make sure you give the same care and attention to your dog's dental health as you do to your own.
Read more about dog care and looking after your dog all year round to get ready for a whole year of fun and adventure.
The majority of us can’t wait for summer to come around. We all love to go outside and enjoy the warm weather, our pets included. However, with the heat comes added dangers. Here are some hazards that you should be aware of to make sure your dog stays safe and healthy.
Many owners know that dogs shouldn’t eat chocolate, but do you know why? An accidental chocolate button dropped on the floor can be gone in instant—so be sure that you know what do if your dog eats chocolate.
Your bitch is about to become a proud mum, and soon she’ll have some adorable new pups to care for – how exciting! The great news is that most canine pregnancies are problem-free and dogs generally make excellent mothers.
We can’t think of anything more exciting than finding out your dog is expecting! As dog pregnancy only last for around 2 months, you can look forward to bundles of fur filling your home very soon!
Having puppies is both exciting and exhausting for you and your pet. Whilst it’s wonderful to welcome adorable bundles of fur into your home, it’s hard work for a new mum to grow, deliver and look after a mischievous litter!
Even if you keep a close eye on your dog's health it’s important you book an annual appointment with your vet for a thorough check-up. This will give your vet the chance to spot any potential dog health problems and, hopefully, nip them in the bud before they become serious.
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.
All dogs are different, so it’s good to know there’s a wide range of specialised dog food formulas that cater for each unique need – from weight management to medical conditions.
To keep them healthy, happy and active for as long as possible, your dog's diet needs the right balance of six major nutrient groups: protein, fats/oils, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates and water.
Many owners know that dogs shouldn’t eat chocolate, but do you know why? An accidental chocolate button dropped on the floor can be gone in instant—so be sure that you know what do if your dog eats chocolate.
There are many common foods that dogs can’t eat and non-food substances, including plants, which are potentially poisonous. Some of these you’ll know, while others might come as a surprise.
When your dog is happy, you’re happy – and when she’s pregnant, making sure she’s as healthy and comfortable as possible is even more important, both for her and for her new arrivals!
Even if your dog is blind, nothing can dampen their adventurous, fun-loving spirit! Dogs cope well with the loss of their sight, and all it takes is certain changes to the way they are looked after to get them back on their paws. In fact, if allowances are made for the loss of their eyesight, your dog’s life should be every inch as good as it was before.
If your dog has an injury or disease that results in paralysis, there are sometimes things you can do to help them live a happy, energetic life. We’ve put together a guide to coping with paralysis in dogs to tell you more.
Diabetes is a complex disease that most often develops in older dogs. Just like in humans, diabetes in dogs can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms. However, with careful management, this condition doesn’t need to affect their quality of life.
Deafness in dogs may be present from birth, or it may develop as the result of injury, disease, or simply old age. Whatever the cause, there’s plenty you can do to help.
Many of us have probably seen a three-legged dog before – and chances are, they were happy. Whether it’s the result of accident or disease, limb amputation in dogs is common, and dogs are great at coping with it.
If your four-legged friend has to have surgery, it can be helpful to know what to expect post-dog operation so that you can make your pet as comfortable as possible. Your vet will give you specific advice relating to your particular pet’s ongoing treatment and recovery, to help them get back their usual selves.
Most of us don’t even question the benefit of having a cat or a dog (or both!) in our lives. Our pets are brilliant companions, and they help make our homes feel complete. But did you know that your pet can improve your life in other ways, too?
Dogs really do deserve their title of ‘man’s best friend’. They’re loyal, intelligent, devoted and affectionate – and are known to improve our physical and mental health.
We’re a nation of pet lovers, and rightly so! Cats and dogs offer unconditional love, affection and friendship, as well as a host of therapeutic benefits, such as improved general health and wellbeing – after all, who doesn’t like a cuddle from a furry friend at the end of a long day?
Getting a dog is one of the most exciting decisions you will ever make – and one of the biggest! Like all important decisions, doing your homework before taking on a new pup will make sure that you’re choosing the right dog for you and your lifestyle.
Giving any animal a second chance at a loving home is a great thing to do, but when you’re adopting an adult dog the benefits can be huge
Bringing a mischievous bundle of fur home is so much fun. When you’re teaching your puppy to sit and tickling their tummy, it’s unlikely that the thought of them having their own litter will even cross your mind.
Dogs bring a lot of joy into our lives, but when they fall ill it’s all too easy to worry about the cost of treatment. That’s where dog insurance comes in! We’re here to help you find the right policy for you and your pet.
Your dog will always do their best to love and protect you, and you can do the same by having them microchipped. Microchipping dogs means that should they ever go missing, you are giving them the best chance of being found and safely returned to you as soon as possible – even if it is with a guilty look on their face and their tail between their legs!
Your dog loves spending time with you just as much as you like having them around, but there may be occasions when your best friend can’t join you.
As a loving dog owner you’ll want to do everything you can to keep your beloved pet protected from potentially life-threatening diseases. That’s why it’s so important you keep your dog’s vaccinations up-to-date. Not only will you protect your own dog, but you’ll stop them passing on illnesses to other dogs.
Puppies are naturally curious and love mischievous play with their littermates. With so much to learn in their first weeks and months it’s not surprising that they will need a little guidance.
In all the excitement of bringing your new puppy home, it’s important to remember to start their training right away. The sooner you introduce good habits, the better it will be for both of you as your puppy beings to understand basic commands and gets to grips with your house rules.
It’s wonderful that you’re bringing a puppy into your happy, loving home! Once you’ve chosen your perfect breed, the next step is to find a responsible rescue centre or breeder where you can find a puppy to add to your family.
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.
New puppies are full of mischievous energy, and their endless curiosity means they get their little noses into everything. That’s how they learn but it’s also how they get into trouble!
You may have noticed some grey hairs on your dog, or sensed that they’ve started to slow down a little – this is all perfectly normal as they approach their senior years.
When your dog reaches the age of about seven – a little younger in large breeds (five to six) and older in small breeds (around nine) – they’re generally considered to be ‘senior’.
Sometimes older dogs might undergo behavioural changes that seem unusual or a little more noticeable than just ‘slowing down’. Until recently, experts had attributed these things to the aging process, about which little can be done. More recently, however, unusual changes in older dogs have been attributed to a disorder called Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS).
When we’re working out how old a dog is in human years, the popular opinion is to multiply their age by seven. While it’s true that one year for human development is quite different to one year for a dog’s development, the actual number of dog years to human years depends on several factors, such as breed and size.
As with any of our loved ones, we don’t like to think of our dogs getting on in years. Aside from a few grey hairs, your pet might not show signs of ageing on the outside.
No dog owner wants to think about putting a dog to sleep, but it’s a decision that you may find yourself making towards the end of your dog’s life.
When our cherished pet is no longer in our lives it can be devastating, whether you are coping with the loss of a cat, the loss of a dog, or indeed any other pet. However, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone.
Welcoming the pitter-patter of tiny paws into your home is an exciting time for you and your dog. Find out how to spot the signs of a pregnant dog here.
Sighthounds are playful, high speed sprinters who love to chase and, as their name suggests, hunt by sight rather than through their noses! If you have a sighthound, allowing them to exercise their natural instincts is an important part of their unique care.
Herding dogs are full of energy and love to be out and about, no matter what the weather. They enjoy being trained by you and playing fun games – but how can you make sure this special breed is happy and fulfilled?
Terriers and Dachshunds are unique pets that love to run around, explore, give chase and dig holes – they may be small, but they have a lot of affection and a terrific tackle-anything attitude!
Livestock Protection dogs - also known as livestock guardian dogs - are independent, laid-back and full of stamina. They love all kinds of weather and like to keep an eye out for you and your family, no matter where you are.
Toy dogs are very small, but they make wonderful companions. Toy dogs love spending time with their owner, often forming close bonds with one person and rewarding them with loyalty, friendship, and quite a lot of fun on the way!
Gun dogs are bright, happy and responsive dogs that can usually be easily-trained and make fantastic family pets.
Spitz dogs come in all shapes and sizes, but they can be characterised by a fluffy coat, confident nature and a love of lots of cuddles.
Just as feeding your dog the right diet is vital to helping them to stay healthy and energetic, giving them the emotional nourishment they need is vital to helping them to stay happy!
Scent Hounds, as their name suggests, love to follow scent trails even over long distances. They love searching for things as part of their playtime, and with their impressive stamina they’re the perfect companion for long walks.
Dogs usually make firm friends easily, and your pup will almost certainly love being around other canine companions.
So you’re just days away from bringing your new dog or puppy home, and we bet you can hardly wait for your four legged friend to join the family!
Most breeders will ask that you wait until your new puppy is eight weeks old before they’ll let you pick them up – which might feel like an eternity! This is a great opportunity to start dog proofing your home and preparing for your new arrival, so that when you bring your puppy or new dog home, your house will be a safe and welcoming environment.