Category Dogs

Dr Lizzie Youens BSc(Hons) BVSc

Dogs have evolved a long way from their wild ancestors, and are now a truly diverse species, coming in a huge variety of sizes, body shapes, coat types, features and personalities. Both humans and dogs have benefitted from canine domestication (they are man’s best friend, after all!), but the rigorous selection of certain genetic traits has its downsides.  Many of our most popular breeds today have certain physical features that bring some associated health issues. 

If you’re on the hunt for your next perfect pooch, you may be wondering which breed of dog has the least health problems. Well, there certainly are some breeds that seem to have more than their fair share of inherited medical conditions, but truth be told it is hard now to find a purebred dog breed with no health issues!

It’s always best to be informed about your choices when it comes to dog breed health problems, so we’ve put together a handy guide to dog health issues by breed type so that you can make an educated choice when researching your pet’s needs. 

Brachycephalics (flat-faced dog breeds)

Brachycephalic animals have short, wide skulls and an undershot jaw. This gives their faces a flatter, ‘squashed’ appearance, a look which has now become very popular. Flat-faced dog breeds include French and English Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, Shih Tzus, Bull Mastiffs, Boston Terriers, and Lhasa Apso, etc. 

The breeds are very popular and can have great characters and charm, but sadly their exaggerated features can lead to multiple health problems. In fact, brachycephalic dogs generally have low life expectancies. 

Here are some of the health problems that these dogs may face:

Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)

One of the most common health issues found in flat-faced dogs is breathing difficulties caused by their flat-faced conformation. The combination of small nostrils, elongated palate, small trachea and excess soft tissue obstructing the airway leads to noisy breathing, snoring and coughing as common findings. BOAS causes respiratory problems that are ongoing and often progressive throughout life and can interfere with these dogs’ everyday pleasures such as playing, sleeping and eating. Some people find a bulldog breed snoring away to be cute, but it’s actually a sign that they cannot breathe properly and should not be glorified. 

Brachycephalic ocular syndrome

More health problems French bulldogs, Pugs and other brachycephalic dogs face include multiple concerns regarding their eyes. These breeds’ shallow eye sockets lead to protruding eyes, which can cause issues with inadequate tear coating of the eye. Ulceration of the cornea (the surface of the eye) is therefore common and these dogs often require multiple bouts of medication. Some may require surgery to correct eyelid abnormalities. Tear duct abnormalities and tear overflow are also common French Bulldog health issues, alongside other flat-faced breeds. 

Difficult births

Many brachycephalic breeds struggle to birth naturally, often requiring veterinary intervention. This is usually due to the puppy’s head and shoulders being so large compared to the mother’s pelvis. Dystocia (difficult labour) is a risk factor for survival for both the mother and pups.

Skin disease

Dogs with flatter faces often have excessive folds of skin around the face, due to the shortening of the skull. These folds can easily become infected by yeasts and bacteria, as the dark and moist environment inside the folded skin encourages microorganisms to flourish. These repeated infections are painful and can cause serious skin damage. Corrective surgery may be needed in more severe cases.

Dental disease

Another tick on the list of health issues French Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Boxers, Boston Terriers and other flat-faced breeds face is dental issues. Fitting the same number of teeth into a squashed and flattened face leads to dental overcrowding. This predisposes to dental plaque, gingivitis and potential tooth loss, and these breeds may need higher levels of costly and uncomfortable dental intervention at the vets. 

Ability to perform normal behaviours

Brachycephalic breeding has become so extreme that some of these pups struggle to perform natural dog behaviour and everyday life. As well as breathing, some flat-faced breeds have difficulty grooming, eating, sleeping and communicating with other dogs. 

Spotlight on a breed: French Bulldog common health issues

The Frenchie has become a hugely popular breed in the last few years. However, they sadly suffer from many health complaints due to their extreme breeding for certain points. French Bulldog health issues are numerous, and include the following:

• BOAS respiratory syndrome
• Skin allergies
• Skin fold dermatitis
• Ear disease
• Spinal disc disease
• Eye disease: ulcers, dry eye, cherry eye and conjunctivitis
• Patella luxation
• Dental disease

Poor Conformation

Having the correct proportions when it comes to body length, limb length and weight-to-size ratio is not just aesthetic: having an unusual or extreme conformation can, cause pain and discomfort, damage nerves and predispose to musculoskeletal conditions. 

There are various extreme conformations that are present in modern dog breeds.

Short limbs with a long body

This description includes breeds such as the Dachshund, Corgi, Basset Hound, Pekingese or Skye Terrier – the world’s longest breed. The risk of spinal problems and intervertebral disc disease is one of the well-known health problems of long-bodied dogs. However, health issues with dachshunds and similar breeds often also include abnormal joints and limb deformities, which will not only reduce mobility and exercise tolerance but also predispose to arthritis. Other breeds are also affected by their stature. Corgi health problems, for example, include hip and elbow dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy as well as potential spinal issues. 

The popularity of ‘teacup’ and ‘miniature’ breeds such as the Pocket Bully are rising, but they also come with some concerning features such as limb deformities and reduced flexibility to perform normal behaviours such as grooming.

Spotlight on a breed: health problems in Dachshunds

These quirky ‘sausage dogs’ have long been a popular choice of pedigree pet, but the list of health problems with dachshunds is sobering:

• Intervertebral disc disease
• Heart disease (seen in the miniature dachshund)
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy – this condition causes gradual sight loss.
• Dry eye

Heavy build on a small frame

Bulldog breeds, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Bullies and Pugs are all ‘stocky’ – they are heavy-set dogs with proportionally small limbs. They are often described as ‘big boned’, with a heavy, dome-shaped head. This additional weight, however, puts a great deal of strain on their limbs and joints. This can cause painful splaying of the toes, nail disorders and early arthritic changes in the joints. 

Hip and elbow dysplasia

“Dysplasia” is a medical term which means abnormal development. In hip and elbow dysplasia, the joints do not form correctly, leading to reduced movement and pain. These dogs commonly proceed to suffer from early and progressive arthritis. These are usually conditions seen in large and giant breed dogs, who are putting a lot of weight onto their rapidly growing joints due to their size. Hip and elbow dysplasia are common in Labradors, Retrievers, Rottweilers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Newfoundlands and German Shepherds. 

Spotlight on a breed: German Shepherd health problems

Fancy yourself a larger pooch? Got your eye on a Shepherd? Check out this list of German Shepherd health issues:

• Hip dysplasia
• Elbow dysplasia
• Degenerative myelopathy
• Pannus – a progressive eye condition
• Gastric dilatation and volvulus
• Gracilis muscle contracture

Corkscrew tail

A subset of brachycephalic breeds has a further malformation – this time of the tail. One of the many Pug, Boston Terrier, English and French Bulldog health problems, a curly ‘pig-like’ tail is caused by a spinal genetic malformation, where the bones that make up the tail are both reduced, so the tail is short, and fused together so that it curls into a corkscrew. 

This affliction may look fairly innocuous, but actually causes a range of issues. Dogs with a corkscrew tail are more likely to have further spinal deformities, leading to nerve problems, pain and issues with incontinence. They also commonly suffer from skin infections around the coiled areas of the tail. 

Long ears

You may see those long, droopy ears as cute, but they may actually be harbouring chronic infections! Dogs also use body language and posture to communicate, and both cropped and long ears prevent this normal behaviour. One of the classic Basset Hound health issues, chronic ear infections are itchy, and painful and can cause hearing loss. 

Skin and coat disorders

You can find dogs with almost every type of coat: long-haired or short-haired, rough or smooth, all the different colours and patterns. You can even find dogs with no hair at all! But is this merely a matter of looks? Or can your dog’s skin and hair coat affect their health?

Excess skin

Dog breeds such as the Basset Hound, Shar Pei, Bloodhound and Mastiff are instantly recognisable, partly due to their characteristic wrinkles and skin folds. This excessive amount of skin in any location predisposes to chronic skin issues such as infections and wounds. Additionally, too much skin around the eyes can lead to corneal damage, infections and tear overflow. 

Spotlight on a breed: Basset Hound health problems

Love the look of these droopy-eared pooches? Have a look at their common health complaints:

• Skin fold dermatitis
• Ear disease
• Elbow dysplasia
• Intervertebral disc disease
• Eye problems, including glaucoma
• Gastric dilatation and volvulus

Hairless dog breeds

Bald breeds such as the Mexican Hairless Dog and the Chinese hairless Crested Dog have been specifically bred to be free from hair. As well as getting chilly in very mild temperatures, they can also suffer from sunburn in warmer weather. Grooming is an important trait in dogs, and lack of a coat can lead to some behavioural problems. The Chinese hairless dog, as well as other bald breeds, can suffer from both dry or oily skin, due to abnormal hair follicles and skin oil production. 

Merle colouring

The merle (or dapple) coat patterning is highly distinctive and refers to a pattern of irregular splashes of dark coat colouring marbled over a lighter-coloured background. The merle pattern can come in a range of colours, and is present in many breeds, for example, a blue merle Border Collie, or a red merle French Bulldog. The gene which carries the merle pattern is dominant (M), but is also linked to some negative health conditions such as hearing and sight impairments. These are seen in homozygous ‘M’ dogs, who have two copies of the dominant merle gene, and may then be blind and/or deaf. 

Wolf hybrids

A wolfdog is produced by the mating of a domestic dog with a wolf. Examples include the Saarloos Wolfdog, which is a mix of a German Shepherd with a European Wolf, and the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, which involves a German Shepherd with and a wolf. These crosses are not recommended as pets unless highly experienced owners, as they often retain wild wolf characteristics, and can have notable behavioural problems including aggressive tendencies and high prey drives. Their ownership and breeding are also controlled by a licence. 

Breed health problems: final thoughts

What to take from all of this? There are plenty of dogs in this world who are living their best lives: healthy, happy, able to communicate and perform natural behaviours and free from discomfort, pain, illness and disease. Sadly, our desire for certain traits in some of the most popular breeds has led to breeding some dogs with physical characteristics that in fact have the potential to do harm. It’s always important to do your research when choosing a pup, as we all should have the best interests of ‘man’s best friend’ at heart.

Dr Lizzie Youens BSc(Hons) BVSc

Dogs have evolved a long way from their wild ancestors, and are now a truly diverse species, coming in a huge variety of sizes, body shapes, coat types, features and personalities. Both humans and dogs have benefitted from canine domestication (they are man’s best friend, after all!), but the rigorous selection of certain genetic traits has its downsides.  Many of our most popular breeds today have certain physical features that bring some associated health issues. 

If you’re on the hunt for your next perfect pooch, you may be wondering which breed of dog has the least health problems. Well, there certainly are some breeds that seem to have more than their fair share of inherited medical conditions, but truth be told it is hard now to find a purebred dog breed with no health issues!

It’s always best to be informed about your choices when it comes to dog breed health problems, so we’ve put together a handy guide to dog health issues by breed type so that you can make an educated choice when researching your pet’s needs. 

Brachycephalics (flat-faced dog breeds)

Brachycephalic animals have short, wide skulls and an undershot jaw. This gives their faces a flatter, ‘squashed’ appearance, a look which has now become very popular. Flat-faced dog breeds include French and English Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, Shih Tzus, Bull Mastiffs, Boston Terriers, and Lhasa Apso, etc. 

The breeds are very popular and can have great characters and charm, but sadly their exaggerated features can lead to multiple health problems. In fact, brachycephalic dogs generally have low life expectancies. 

Here are some of the health problems that these dogs may face:

Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)

One of the most common health issues found in flat-faced dogs is breathing difficulties caused by their flat-faced conformation. The combination of small nostrils, elongated palate, small trachea and excess soft tissue obstructing the airway leads to noisy breathing, snoring and coughing as common findings. BOAS causes respiratory problems that are ongoing and often progressive throughout life and can interfere with these dogs’ everyday pleasures such as playing, sleeping and eating. Some people find a bulldog breed snoring away to be cute, but it’s actually a sign that they cannot breathe properly and should not be glorified. 

Brachycephalic ocular syndrome

More health problems French bulldogs, Pugs and other brachycephalic dogs face include multiple concerns regarding their eyes. These breeds’ shallow eye sockets lead to protruding eyes, which can cause issues with inadequate tear coating of the eye. Ulceration of the cornea (the surface of the eye) is therefore common and these dogs often require multiple bouts of medication. Some may require surgery to correct eyelid abnormalities. Tear duct abnormalities and tear overflow are also common French Bulldog health issues, alongside other flat-faced breeds. 

Difficult births

Many brachycephalic breeds struggle to birth naturally, often requiring veterinary intervention. This is usually due to the puppy’s head and shoulders being so large compared to the mother’s pelvis. Dystocia (difficult labour) is a risk factor for survival for both the mother and pups.

Skin disease

Dogs with flatter faces often have excessive folds of skin around the face, due to the shortening of the skull. These folds can easily become infected by yeasts and bacteria, as the dark and moist environment inside the folded skin encourages microorganisms to flourish. These repeated infections are painful and can cause serious skin damage. Corrective surgery may be needed in more severe cases.

Dental disease

Another tick on the list of health issues French Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Boxers, Boston Terriers and other flat-faced breeds face is dental issues. Fitting the same number of teeth into a squashed and flattened face leads to dental overcrowding. This predisposes to dental plaque, gingivitis and potential tooth loss, and these breeds may need higher levels of costly and uncomfortable dental intervention at the vets. 

Ability to perform normal behaviours

Brachycephalic breeding has become so extreme that some of these pups struggle to perform natural dog behaviour and everyday life. As well as breathing, some flat-faced breeds have difficulty grooming, eating, sleeping and communicating with other dogs. 

Spotlight on a breed: French Bulldog common health issues

The Frenchie has become a hugely popular breed in the last few years. However, they sadly suffer from many health complaints due to their extreme breeding for certain points. French Bulldog health issues are numerous, and include the following:

• BOAS respiratory syndrome
• Skin allergies
• Skin fold dermatitis
• Ear disease
• Spinal disc disease
• Eye disease: ulcers, dry eye, cherry eye and conjunctivitis
• Patella luxation
• Dental disease

Poor Conformation

Having the correct proportions when it comes to body length, limb length and weight-to-size ratio is not just aesthetic: having an unusual or extreme conformation can, cause pain and discomfort, damage nerves and predispose to musculoskeletal conditions. 

There are various extreme conformations that are present in modern dog breeds.

Short limbs with a long body

This description includes breeds such as the Dachshund, Corgi, Basset Hound, Pekingese or Skye Terrier – the world’s longest breed. The risk of spinal problems and intervertebral disc disease is one of the well-known health problems of long-bodied dogs. However, health issues with dachshunds and similar breeds often also include abnormal joints and limb deformities, which will not only reduce mobility and exercise tolerance but also predispose to arthritis. Other breeds are also affected by their stature. Corgi health problems, for example, include hip and elbow dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy as well as potential spinal issues. 

The popularity of ‘teacup’ and ‘miniature’ breeds such as the Pocket Bully are rising, but they also come with some concerning features such as limb deformities and reduced flexibility to perform normal behaviours such as grooming.

Spotlight on a breed: health problems in Dachshunds

These quirky ‘sausage dogs’ have long been a popular choice of pedigree pet, but the list of health problems with dachshunds is sobering:

• Intervertebral disc disease
• Heart disease (seen in the miniature dachshund)
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy – this condition causes gradual sight loss.
• Dry eye

Heavy build on a small frame

Bulldog breeds, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Bullies and Pugs are all ‘stocky’ – they are heavy-set dogs with proportionally small limbs. They are often described as ‘big boned’, with a heavy, dome-shaped head. This additional weight, however, puts a great deal of strain on their limbs and joints. This can cause painful splaying of the toes, nail disorders and early arthritic changes in the joints. 

Hip and elbow dysplasia

“Dysplasia” is a medical term which means abnormal development. In hip and elbow dysplasia, the joints do not form correctly, leading to reduced movement and pain. These dogs commonly proceed to suffer from early and progressive arthritis. These are usually conditions seen in large and giant breed dogs, who are putting a lot of weight onto their rapidly growing joints due to their size. Hip and elbow dysplasia are common in Labradors, Retrievers, Rottweilers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Newfoundlands and German Shepherds. 

Spotlight on a breed: German Shepherd health problems

Fancy yourself a larger pooch? Got your eye on a Shepherd? Check out this list of German Shepherd health issues:

• Hip dysplasia
• Elbow dysplasia
• Degenerative myelopathy
• Pannus – a progressive eye condition
• Gastric dilatation and volvulus
• Gracilis muscle contracture

Corkscrew tail

A subset of brachycephalic breeds has a further malformation – this time of the tail. One of the many Pug, Boston Terrier, English and French Bulldog health problems, a curly ‘pig-like’ tail is caused by a spinal genetic malformation, where the bones that make up the tail are both reduced, so the tail is short, and fused together so that it curls into a corkscrew. 

This affliction may look fairly innocuous, but actually causes a range of issues. Dogs with a corkscrew tail are more likely to have further spinal deformities, leading to nerve problems, pain and issues with incontinence. They also commonly suffer from skin infections around the coiled areas of the tail. 

Long ears

You may see those long, droopy ears as cute, but they may actually be harbouring chronic infections! Dogs also use body language and posture to communicate, and both cropped and long ears prevent this normal behaviour. One of the classic Basset Hound health issues, chronic ear infections are itchy, and painful and can cause hearing loss. 

Skin and coat disorders

You can find dogs with almost every type of coat: long-haired or short-haired, rough or smooth, all the different colours and patterns. You can even find dogs with no hair at all! But is this merely a matter of looks? Or can your dog’s skin and hair coat affect their health?

Excess skin

Dog breeds such as the Basset Hound, Shar Pei, Bloodhound and Mastiff are instantly recognisable, partly due to their characteristic wrinkles and skin folds. This excessive amount of skin in any location predisposes to chronic skin issues such as infections and wounds. Additionally, too much skin around the eyes can lead to corneal damage, infections and tear overflow. 

Spotlight on a breed: Basset Hound health problems

Love the look of these droopy-eared pooches? Have a look at their common health complaints:

• Skin fold dermatitis
• Ear disease
• Elbow dysplasia
• Intervertebral disc disease
• Eye problems, including glaucoma
• Gastric dilatation and volvulus

Hairless dog breeds

Bald breeds such as the Mexican Hairless Dog and the Chinese hairless Crested Dog have been specifically bred to be free from hair. As well as getting chilly in very mild temperatures, they can also suffer from sunburn in warmer weather. Grooming is an important trait in dogs, and lack of a coat can lead to some behavioural problems. The Chinese hairless dog, as well as other bald breeds, can suffer from both dry or oily skin, due to abnormal hair follicles and skin oil production. 

Merle colouring

The merle (or dapple) coat patterning is highly distinctive and refers to a pattern of irregular splashes of dark coat colouring marbled over a lighter-coloured background. The merle pattern can come in a range of colours, and is present in many breeds, for example, a blue merle Border Collie, or a red merle French Bulldog. The gene which carries the merle pattern is dominant (M), but is also linked to some negative health conditions such as hearing and sight impairments. These are seen in homozygous ‘M’ dogs, who have two copies of the dominant merle gene, and may then be blind and/or deaf. 

Wolf hybrids

A wolfdog is produced by the mating of a domestic dog with a wolf. Examples include the Saarloos Wolfdog, which is a mix of a German Shepherd with a European Wolf, and the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, which involves a German Shepherd with and a wolf. These crosses are not recommended as pets unless highly experienced owners, as they often retain wild wolf characteristics, and can have notable behavioural problems including aggressive tendencies and high prey drives. Their ownership and breeding are also controlled by a licence. 

Breed health problems: final thoughts

What to take from all of this? There are plenty of dogs in this world who are living their best lives: healthy, happy, able to communicate and perform natural behaviours and free from discomfort, pain, illness and disease. Sadly, our desire for certain traits in some of the most popular breeds has led to breeding some dogs with physical characteristics that in fact have the potential to do harm. It’s always important to do your research when choosing a pup, as we all should have the best interests of ‘man’s best friend’ at heart.

It’s important to keep an eye on the condition of your dog’s teeth, especially as they get older. It’s also essential to teach puppies that having their teeth cleaned is not a bad experience but one that ends with a tasty, albeit healthy reward. If a dog lets you clean their teeth on a regular basis, you’ll find they are far less likely to develop any dental issues or diseases. The question that many dog owners ask is whether or not feeding dry dog food is a good way of keeping their pet’s teeth in good condition. Read on to find out what the experts say.

Every dog is unique

It would be fair to say that most dogs have different nutritional needs and that many factors need to be taken into consideration when calculating how much to feed them, how often a dog needs feeding, and the type of food they should be fed to meet these needs. A “one diet fits all dogs” does not exist, and according to many canine nutritionists and vets, the same rule applies to whether dogs benefit from being fed dry dog food so their teeth stay in better condition.

Vets often recommend that obese dogs be fed a moist diet, and all too often one of the reasons they have put on so much weight is because they have always been fed dry dog food on a constant basis. The fact that these dogs only had crunchier or dry food in their bowls did not prevent them from suffering from dental disorders.

Less plaque build-up or not?

It stands to reason that feeding a dry or crunchy diet to your dog would mean there would be far less buildup of plaque on their teeth. However, studies have established that the fact a dog chews down on dry dog food does not necessarily mean less plaque forms on their teeth, with some kibble not helping to keep a dog’s teeth in good condition at all.

With this said, some of the best dry dog food produced by specific pet food manufacturers is put through rigorous tests in order to find out if feeding it to dogs does, in fact, help keep their teeth in better condition. This is one of the reasons why it’s important to buy the highest-quality dog food if possible and to always read the manufacturer’s labels and recommendations.

Dogs chew their food differently

If you share your home with a dog that gulps down their food no matter how hard you try to prevent them from doing so, the chances are that any dry dog food they eat does not get chewed as it should at all and instead it’s swallowed whole, which could cause all sorts of digestive issues, not to mention choking! If your dog does not “chew” the dry food you give them, then feeding them crunchier food will not be any help in preventing dental problems from developing, and tartar will continue to build up around their teeth and gums.

Oral health can have a direct impact on a dog’s life span

It’s been established that the condition of a dog’s teeth can seriously impact the length of their lives and that dogs with dental issues have shorter life spans. For this reason, many pet parents try their best to feed the right sort of diet to their pets and make sure their teeth are cleaned on a regular basis. Pet food companies carry out a lot of research to establish the best formulas for keeping a dog’s teeth in good condition, and the same can be said for cats.

The jury is still out

If the truth be known, both canine nutritionists and vets do not know if feeding dry dog food means that their teeth would be kept in better condition and that they would not suffer any sort of dental issue during the course of their lives because, as yet, there is no proof that feeding crunchier food will reduce any plaque or tartar buildup.

Lastly

Many dog owners feed their pets a dry food diet because they want to keep their teeth in as good a condition as possible. However, studies have established that feeding dry or crunchier food does not necessarily mean a dog is less likely to develop some sort of dental issue or disease. It is far better to teach a puppy to have their teeth cleaned on a regular basis as a way of reducing dental problems and to feed a dog a good-quality, nutritious diet to suit their age.

It’s important to keep an eye on the condition of your dog’s teeth, especially as they get older. It’s also essential to teach puppies that having their teeth cleaned is not a bad experience but one that ends with a tasty, albeit healthy reward. If a dog lets you clean their teeth on a regular basis, you’ll find they are far less likely to develop any dental issues or diseases. The question that many dog owners ask is whether or not feeding dry dog food is a good way of keeping their pet’s teeth in good condition. Read on to find out what the experts say.

Every dog is unique

It would be fair to say that most dogs have different nutritional needs and that many factors need to be taken into consideration when calculating how much to feed them, how often a dog needs feeding, and the type of food they should be fed to meet these needs. A “one diet fits all dogs” does not exist, and according to many canine nutritionists and vets, the same rule applies to whether dogs benefit from being fed dry dog food so their teeth stay in better condition.

Vets often recommend that obese dogs be fed a moist diet, and all too often one of the reasons they have put on so much weight is because they have always been fed dry dog food on a constant basis. The fact that these dogs only had crunchier or dry food in their bowls did not prevent them from suffering from dental disorders.

Less plaque build-up or not?

It stands to reason that feeding a dry or crunchy diet to your dog would mean there would be far less buildup of plaque on their teeth. However, studies have established that the fact a dog chews down on dry dog food does not necessarily mean less plaque forms on their teeth, with some kibble not helping to keep a dog’s teeth in good condition at all.

With this said, some of the best dry dog food produced by specific pet food manufacturers is put through rigorous tests in order to find out if feeding it to dogs does, in fact, help keep their teeth in better condition. This is one of the reasons why it’s important to buy the highest-quality dog food if possible and to always read the manufacturer’s labels and recommendations.

Dogs chew their food differently

If you share your home with a dog that gulps down their food no matter how hard you try to prevent them from doing so, the chances are that any dry dog food they eat does not get chewed as it should at all and instead it’s swallowed whole, which could cause all sorts of digestive issues, not to mention choking! If your dog does not “chew” the dry food you give them, then feeding them crunchier food will not be any help in preventing dental problems from developing, and tartar will continue to build up around their teeth and gums.

Oral health can have a direct impact on a dog’s life span

It’s been established that the condition of a dog’s teeth can seriously impact the length of their lives and that dogs with dental issues have shorter life spans. For this reason, many pet parents try their best to feed the right sort of diet to their pets and make sure their teeth are cleaned on a regular basis. Pet food companies carry out a lot of research to establish the best formulas for keeping a dog’s teeth in good condition, and the same can be said for cats.

The jury is still out

If the truth be known, both canine nutritionists and vets do not know if feeding dry dog food means that their teeth would be kept in better condition and that they would not suffer any sort of dental issue during the course of their lives because, as yet, there is no proof that feeding crunchier food will reduce any plaque or tartar buildup.

Lastly

Many dog owners feed their pets a dry food diet because they want to keep their teeth in as good a condition as possible. However, studies have established that feeding dry or crunchier food does not necessarily mean a dog is less likely to develop some sort of dental issue or disease. It is far better to teach a puppy to have their teeth cleaned on a regular basis as a way of reducing dental problems and to feed a dog a good-quality, nutritious diet to suit their age.

Dogs’ attitudes toward the weather vary just as ours do. However cold or wet it is, some people love to be outdoors while others prefer to curl up indoors and will only go out to the toilet with persuasion. So, depending on your own – and your dog’s – preferences, here are some fun activities to do with your dog during the winter months.

But first, do you remember the old maxim, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing”? Well, this can apply to dogs as well. In spite of their fur coats, some breeds will feel the cold more than others. If your dog has only one coat of fine hair, is very young, very old, or not very well, you may need to invest in a winter dog coat when it’s cold. If it’s snowy, boots may be a good idea too. They prevent clumps of snow turning to ice on the fur around your dog’s paws and protect against grit, salt, or other products used on road surfaces.

Getting Out and About

If your walks are shorter than usual, get in touch with your inner child (or take a child with you) so you don’t miss out on seasonal opportunities for fun and games to help tire your dog out. 

Canine parkour

Some dogs will love racing up and down a hill of leaves. Or take this further and try canine parkour – a fairly new sport that’s accessible to all. Just like human parkour, you’re making use of whatever the environment offers to give your dog the opportunity to jump, climb, balance, or crawl under things. For example, in a park or woods, use fallen trees or rocks; on city walks, try weaving in and out of street furniture; or practice in your own garden, where pots might become part of the game to sit on, climb, or weave around.

You’ll soon find yourself eyeing up every object you pass with a view to incorporating it into a game with your dog. With treats and encouragement, some form of parkour can be played with any dog. But be sure to take your dog’s age, shape, and abilities into account before you try any exercise.

Fun with snow

When there’s snow on the ground, there’s always space for a dog-friendly activity to appear. Many dogs will love simply racing around in it or chasing a snowball. (When introducing a puppy to snow for the first time, do have your phone handy so you can film that moment when they discover this strange white stuff is really rather cool.)

If you’re not fully occupied building a snowman (snow dog? ), try instead creating an obstacle course or maze for your dog to explore.

For the avid skiers amongst you, have you tried skijoring? (Yes, it’s a thing.) Think cross-country skiing crossed with dog sledding or, in this case, a dog in a harness with a rope attached towing you along on your skis. Not for everyone or every dog!

And, of course, both snow and leaves on the ground are ideal for ‘sniffing” games, where you hide a treat or toy and let your dog enjoy using their incredible sense of smell to search for it.

No, thank you, I’d rather stay in the warm

But what to do on days when it’s cold, the rain is very wet and you’re just not

going to venture out? Lucky for you, there are plenty of indoor dog activities you can try with your furry friend. 

Training games

Now may be an excellent time to do some training with your dog. You don’t need a large space to practise walking on heels. Try practising around tables and chairs or up and down a corridor. Coming when you call can be a great game to play with a few members of the family on different sides of a room, or calling your dog from room to room to receive a great treat and plenty of praise. And you need no extra space at all to practise “stay”! Or maybe learn how to teach your dog some new tricks.

A small dog can be exercised indoors with a game of fetch. Alternatively, a game of tug will keep your dog close to you – just make sure that a wagging tail isn’t going to send anything flying as their enthusiasm for the game grows. Or maybe research doggie dancing or real dog yoga.

Indoor agility

Indoor agility is another fun thing to do with your dog in the winter. Again, it will slightly depend on the size of your dog but, as with parkour outside, there’s a lot you can do with items you have lying around. Cardboard boxes make great tunnels or jumps. With the inner tubes from loo rolls or paper towels you can create a course to weave through. You’ll need to guide and encourage your dog with treats to begin with to show them what’s wanted.

Scent work

Any type of scent work is ideal for keeping your dog occupied, breaking the boredom and tiring them out – sniffing can be more tiring for a dog than the equivalent time spent on a walk. At its simplest, hide a treat in a box filled with old newspapers or hidden in a paper parcel. Teaching your dog to ‘find’ toys or treats opens up the possibility of games to keep your dog occupied for much longer. To start, let your dog watch you ‘hide’ a treat in the room for them to find. When they get the idea, put them in another room while you hide treats or toys for them to sniff out.Whatever you decide to do, make sure your dog is enjoying the game, and you’re having fun too!

Dogs’ attitudes toward the weather vary just as ours do. However cold or wet it is, some people love to be outdoors while others prefer to curl up indoors and will only go out to the toilet with persuasion. So, depending on your own – and your dog’s – preferences, here are some fun activities to do with your dog during the winter months.

But first, do you remember the old maxim, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing”? Well, this can apply to dogs as well. In spite of their fur coats, some breeds will feel the cold more than others. If your dog has only one coat of fine hair, is very young, very old, or not very well, you may need to invest in a winter dog coat when it’s cold. If it’s snowy, boots may be a good idea too. They prevent clumps of snow turning to ice on the fur around your dog’s paws and protect against grit, salt, or other products used on road surfaces.

Getting Out and About

If your walks are shorter than usual, get in touch with your inner child (or take a child with you) so you don’t miss out on seasonal opportunities for fun and games to help tire your dog out. 

Canine parkour

Some dogs will love racing up and down a hill of leaves. Or take this further and try canine parkour – a fairly new sport that’s accessible to all. Just like human parkour, you’re making use of whatever the environment offers to give your dog the opportunity to jump, climb, balance, or crawl under things. For example, in a park or woods, use fallen trees or rocks; on city walks, try weaving in and out of street furniture; or practice in your own garden, where pots might become part of the game to sit on, climb, or weave around.

You’ll soon find yourself eyeing up every object you pass with a view to incorporating it into a game with your dog. With treats and encouragement, some form of parkour can be played with any dog. But be sure to take your dog’s age, shape, and abilities into account before you try any exercise.

Fun with snow

When there’s snow on the ground, there’s always space for a dog-friendly activity to appear. Many dogs will love simply racing around in it or chasing a snowball. (When introducing a puppy to snow for the first time, do have your phone handy so you can film that moment when they discover this strange white stuff is really rather cool.)

If you’re not fully occupied building a snowman (snow dog? ), try instead creating an obstacle course or maze for your dog to explore.

For the avid skiers amongst you, have you tried skijoring? (Yes, it’s a thing.) Think cross-country skiing crossed with dog sledding or, in this case, a dog in a harness with a rope attached towing you along on your skis. Not for everyone or every dog!

And, of course, both snow and leaves on the ground are ideal for ‘sniffing” games, where you hide a treat or toy and let your dog enjoy using their incredible sense of smell to search for it.

No, thank you, I’d rather stay in the warm

But what to do on days when it’s cold, the rain is very wet and you’re just not

going to venture out? Lucky for you, there are plenty of indoor dog activities you can try with your furry friend. 

Training games

Now may be an excellent time to do some training with your dog. You don’t need a large space to practise walking on heels. Try practising around tables and chairs or up and down a corridor. Coming when you call can be a great game to play with a few members of the family on different sides of a room, or calling your dog from room to room to receive a great treat and plenty of praise. And you need no extra space at all to practise “stay”! Or maybe learn how to teach your dog some new tricks.

A small dog can be exercised indoors with a game of fetch. Alternatively, a game of tug will keep your dog close to you – just make sure that a wagging tail isn’t going to send anything flying as their enthusiasm for the game grows. Or maybe research doggie dancing or real dog yoga.

Indoor agility

Indoor agility is another fun thing to do with your dog in the winter. Again, it will slightly depend on the size of your dog but, as with parkour outside, there’s a lot you can do with items you have lying around. Cardboard boxes make great tunnels or jumps. With the inner tubes from loo rolls or paper towels you can create a course to weave through. You’ll need to guide and encourage your dog with treats to begin with to show them what’s wanted.

Scent work

Any type of scent work is ideal for keeping your dog occupied, breaking the boredom and tiring them out – sniffing can be more tiring for a dog than the equivalent time spent on a walk. At its simplest, hide a treat in a box filled with old newspapers or hidden in a paper parcel. Teaching your dog to ‘find’ toys or treats opens up the possibility of games to keep your dog occupied for much longer. To start, let your dog watch you ‘hide’ a treat in the room for them to find. When they get the idea, put them in another room while you hide treats or toys for them to sniff out.Whatever you decide to do, make sure your dog is enjoying the game, and you’re having fun too!

In partnership with ManyPets Pet Insurance.

Pet insurance helps you to pay for vet bills, medication and treatments when your pet is unwell or injured. 

Should I get pet insurance?

Pet insurance isn’t compulsory in the UK, but millions of pet owners choose it for the peace of mind of knowing they can cover expensive vet bills and get their cat or dog back to health. 

Dog illness and injuries are also notoriously expensive to treat. Gastroenteritis can cost over £670, epilepsy racks up more than £3,300, while surgery for a puppy with hip dysplasia costs more than £13,000, according to the ABI.

What does pet insurance cover? 

There are often slight differences across pet insurance policies and providers but the first thing most people consider is the vet fee limit. This limit can cover diagnosis (MRI scans, blood tests etc.), treatment for accidents and illness, and prescription medication.

It’s difficult to say exactly what level of vet fees you’ll need, it will depend on whether you have a cat or dog and factors like the breed you have. And for many people it comes down the amount that gives you most peace of mind. But if you want some guidance, you can always ask your vet. 

As well as covering vet care, pet insurance can cover things like rehab, behavioural referrals and a reward if your pet goes missing. And some companies offer a range of other features, here’s a look at what ManyPets provides:

• Their Complete policy has £15,000 of lifetime vet fee cover and covers dental illness.
• A no-excess option on their Regular policies.
• Free vet video calls, 24/7
• Their Complete policy ranks top of the Which? dog insurance December 2022 Best Buy table.
• All their policies cover conditions that ended more than two years ago.
• Customers have access to pet discounts, including on a DNA test.
• You can pay monthly at no extra cost.

Cat and dog owners voted them Pet Insurance Provider Of The Year for two years running in the 2021 and 2022 Moneyfacts Consumer Awards.

How much does pet insurance cost? 

Your quote will consider the type of policy you choose and where you live, plus your pet’s breed, age and health. It can vary greatly for different pets but here’s an example of what some people pay:

• 10% of ManyPets dog owners paid £14.88 a month in August 2022 for their Value policy, which covers £3,000 of lifetime vet fees.
• In 2021, 10% of pet parents with a five-year-old cat, paid £8.86 on average a month for a ManyPets policy, across all levels of cover.

The best way to find out how much it will cost to protect your pet, is by getting a quote. 

What kinds of pet insurance are there?

Along with cover limit amount, there are different ways in which limit works. Here are some of the most common:

• Lifetime (also called ‘annual limit’): This is the most popular kind of pet insurance. The vet fee limit on your policy will reset every year you renew, so you can keep claiming for conditions year after year as long as you don’t cancel.
• Maximum benefit: The vet fee limit in these policies is linked to each condition you claim for. So you can keep claiming for that condition year after year until you hit the limit. It won’t reset at that point so you’d then have to pay for treatment for that condition yourself. But you’ll still have that limit for other conditions you haven’t claimed for.
• Time-limited cover: These policies stop paying out for a condition after a set time period, usually 12 months are you first claim. It doesn’t matter if your pet is still poorly after that period, the treatment will become self-funded. 

Many companies won’t cover pre-existing conditions but ManyPets does have a policy that can cover more recent issues and all their policies cover conditions that haven’t needed treatment, vet advice or medication for at least two years.

In partnership with ManyPets Pet Insurance.

Pet insurance helps you to pay for vet bills, medication and treatments when your pet is unwell or injured. 

Should I get pet insurance?

Pet insurance isn’t compulsory in the UK, but millions of pet owners choose it for the peace of mind of knowing they can cover expensive vet bills and get their cat or dog back to health. 

Dog illness and injuries are also notoriously expensive to treat. Gastroenteritis can cost over £670, epilepsy racks up more than £3,300, while surgery for a puppy with hip dysplasia costs more than £13,000, according to the ABI.

What does pet insurance cover? 

There are often slight differences across pet insurance policies and providers but the first thing most people consider is the vet fee limit. This limit can cover diagnosis (MRI scans, blood tests etc.), treatment for accidents and illness, and prescription medication.

It’s difficult to say exactly what level of vet fees you’ll need, it will depend on whether you have a cat or dog and factors like the breed you have. And for many people it comes down the amount that gives you most peace of mind. But if you want some guidance, you can always ask your vet. 

As well as covering vet care, pet insurance can cover things like rehab, behavioural referrals and a reward if your pet goes missing. And some companies offer a range of other features, here’s a look at what ManyPets provides:

• Their Complete policy has £15,000 of lifetime vet fee cover and covers dental illness.
• A no-excess option on their Regular policies.
• Free vet video calls, 24/7
• Their Complete policy ranks top of the Which? dog insurance December 2022 Best Buy table.
• All their policies cover conditions that ended more than two years ago.
• Customers have access to pet discounts, including on a DNA test.
• You can pay monthly at no extra cost.

Cat and dog owners voted them Pet Insurance Provider Of The Year for two years running in the 2021 and 2022 Moneyfacts Consumer Awards.

How much does pet insurance cost? 

Your quote will consider the type of policy you choose and where you live, plus your pet’s breed, age and health. It can vary greatly for different pets but here’s an example of what some people pay:

• 10% of ManyPets dog owners paid £14.88 a month in August 2022 for their Value policy, which covers £3,000 of lifetime vet fees.
• In 2021, 10% of pet parents with a five-year-old cat, paid £8.86 on average a month for a ManyPets policy, across all levels of cover.

The best way to find out how much it will cost to protect your pet, is by getting a quote. 

What kinds of pet insurance are there?

Along with cover limit amount, there are different ways in which limit works. Here are some of the most common:

• Lifetime (also called ‘annual limit’): This is the most popular kind of pet insurance. The vet fee limit on your policy will reset every year you renew, so you can keep claiming for conditions year after year as long as you don’t cancel.
• Maximum benefit: The vet fee limit in these policies is linked to each condition you claim for. So you can keep claiming for that condition year after year until you hit the limit. It won’t reset at that point so you’d then have to pay for treatment for that condition yourself. But you’ll still have that limit for other conditions you haven’t claimed for.
• Time-limited cover: These policies stop paying out for a condition after a set time period, usually 12 months are you first claim. It doesn’t matter if your pet is still poorly after that period, the treatment will become self-funded. 

Many companies won’t cover pre-existing conditions but ManyPets does have a policy that can cover more recent issues and all their policies cover conditions that haven’t needed treatment, vet advice or medication for at least two years.

Winter can be a challenging season for dog owners, with shorter days, colder temperatures, and harsh weather making outdoor activities more difficult. But with the right planning and gear, you and your furry friend can still have a lot of fun during the winter months. Whether you prefer indoor or outdoor activities, there are plenty of options to keep your dog entertained and happy. 

Here are some ideas for winter dog activities and things to do with your dog.

Outdoor dog activities

• Winter dog beach trips: Many beaches that are off-limits to dogs during the summer may have different rules in the winter, making the wintertime an excellent time to try something new with your furry friend. Just be sure to stick to the shoreline and avoid letting your dog swim in the cold water.
• Winter sporting activities: If your dog enjoys running and playing in the snow, consider trying winter sports and activities such as dog sledding, skijoring, or snowshoeing. These very dog friendly activities are especially appropriate for breeds that were designed to thrive in very cold weather, like the Siberian husky, but any fit, healthy dog can have a go.
• Snowy walks and hikes: If your dog is up for it, take advantage of the beautiful winter scenery by going for snowy walks or hikes. Just be sure to check for any hazards such as ice or slippery conditions before setting out.

Indoor dog activities

• Indoor dog play areas: Many dog-friendly facilities offer indoor play areas for dogs, so you can exercise and play with your furry friend without worrying about the cold and wet weather. Doggie daycare centers are a great option if you’re looking for a place where your dog can socialise with other dogs while staying active.
• Scenting games: Dogs have a heightened sense of smell, and scenting games are a great way to keep them active and engaged. You can set up scavenger hunts or hide treats around the house for your dog to find. The changing weather conditions of winter provide a new challenge for your dog’s scenting ability.
• Training and trick practice: The winter months are a great time to work on training and tricks with your furry friend. Whether you want to work on basic obedience or teach your dog a new trick, there are plenty of indoor activities you can do together to keep your dog’s mind engaged and stimulated.

No matter which activities you choose, always remember to dress appropriately for the weather, bring plenty of water and treats, and keep an eye on your dog’s behavior to ensure they’re comfortable and safe. With a little creativity and planning, you and your furry friend can have a lot of fun and stay active during the winter months.

Winter can be a challenging season for dog owners, with shorter days, colder temperatures, and harsh weather making outdoor activities more difficult. But with the right planning and gear, you and your furry friend can still have a lot of fun during the winter months. Whether you prefer indoor or outdoor activities, there are plenty of options to keep your dog entertained and happy. 

Here are some ideas for winter dog activities and things to do with your dog.

Outdoor dog activities

• Winter dog beach trips: Many beaches that are off-limits to dogs during the summer may have different rules in the winter, making the wintertime an excellent time to try something new with your furry friend. Just be sure to stick to the shoreline and avoid letting your dog swim in the cold water.
• Winter sporting activities: If your dog enjoys running and playing in the snow, consider trying winter sports and activities such as dog sledding, skijoring, or snowshoeing. These very dog friendly activities are especially appropriate for breeds that were designed to thrive in very cold weather, like the Siberian husky, but any fit, healthy dog can have a go.
• Snowy walks and hikes: If your dog is up for it, take advantage of the beautiful winter scenery by going for snowy walks or hikes. Just be sure to check for any hazards such as ice or slippery conditions before setting out.

Indoor dog activities

• Indoor dog play areas: Many dog-friendly facilities offer indoor play areas for dogs, so you can exercise and play with your furry friend without worrying about the cold and wet weather. Doggie daycare centers are a great option if you’re looking for a place where your dog can socialise with other dogs while staying active.
• Scenting games: Dogs have a heightened sense of smell, and scenting games are a great way to keep them active and engaged. You can set up scavenger hunts or hide treats around the house for your dog to find. The changing weather conditions of winter provide a new challenge for your dog’s scenting ability.
• Training and trick practice: The winter months are a great time to work on training and tricks with your furry friend. Whether you want to work on basic obedience or teach your dog a new trick, there are plenty of indoor activities you can do together to keep your dog’s mind engaged and stimulated.

No matter which activities you choose, always remember to dress appropriately for the weather, bring plenty of water and treats, and keep an eye on your dog’s behavior to ensure they’re comfortable and safe. With a little creativity and planning, you and your furry friend can have a lot of fun and stay active during the winter months.