As dog owners, we always want what's best for our loving pooches and their diet is no exception. Like humans, a healthy and balanced diet is crucial to a dog's health to promote optimum physicality and mental awareness. An enriching diet also keeps coats shiny, fights diseases, prevents obesity, keeps insides happy and ultimately sets your pal up for a long and healthy life. But let's face it, choosing dog food can be a minefield of confusion. Fortunately, it doesn't have to be... Firstly, it's important to keep in the back of your mind that dog food companies use clever marketing tools to appeal to you, a human, who is responsible for buying your dog's food - so while many labels and packages are genuine about the contents of food, others like to use clever language and imagery to appeal to you - and your hip pocket. Top tip: Rather than reading the front of your dog's food packaging, read the label to get a full breakdown of ingredients - this is a sure-fire way to make sure what you're buying is appropriate and good for your dog. While cost is an important factor for pet owners when it comes to choosing food, and of course, everyone likes to cut costs where they can, choosing the cheapest dog food going generally is going to cost your more in the long run. Cheap foods are often filled with lower quality ingredients, which means nutritionally, your pet is missing out. In the long run their health will not be as good as it could and you could face an ever-mounting bill with your local vet. Top tip: Studying what ingredients are best and worst for your dog before you go out shopping is the best way to tackle the dog food aisle. Generally, the cheaper the food the lower the quality, but that doesn't mean the most expensive option is right for your dog. Remember, it's all about the ingredients! Generally speaking, you won't find good quality dog food in the supermarket aisle. Rather, pet stores or specialty pet food shops will stock a better range and better quality products. You're also likely to come across knowledgeable staff who can also help you to decide. Overall, you're looking for a good mix of protein, carbs, fats and vitamins and minerals. Top tip: Nutritionally, dogs require different things at different stages of their life, so do plenty of research to find out what will be best for your dog. Are they a puppy or a mature dog? What size or type of dog are they? Do they have any allergies or intollerances? Dog owners sometimes get confused as to whether they should be feeding their dog dry or canned food varieties. The answer is...there is no answer. Both varieties have pros and cons and some will suit some dogs over others. The choice comes down to you weighing up what suits your dog, your budget, lifestyle and general preferences.

When out walking your dog on a sunny day the inevitable is bound to happen – poop clean up duty. It is not something anyone enjoys particularly, though is generally accepted as a necessary evil.   But is it ever okay just to…leave things lie? Can you ever walk away pretending nothing happened?   Well, not really. One gram of dog waste contains up to 23 million fecal coliform bacteria. This variety of bacteria is known to cause cramps, diarrhoea, intestinal illness and serious kidney disorders in people – not the sort of thing that should just be left lying in a park!    Image credit Similarly, dog waste can also contain worm larvae. In the case of roundworm larvae, if a child or adult ingests it, it can travel through the body spreading disease to the brain, lungs, liver, heart and eyes. Long after the waste has disintegrated, parasite eggs can remain, creating the chance of infection with anyone that comes into contact with the soil.   Very far from fertilizer – the product of herbivorous animals – dog waste is toxic to grass, destroying the plant life and the environment. The Environmental Protection Agency categorises dog waste in the same category as herbicides, insecticides, oil, grease, toxic chemicals and acid drainage from abandoned mines due to the detrimental effects it can cause on flora and fauna.    Image Credit For example, the decay of dog waste creates nutrients for organisms such as weeds and algae which can cause blooms which block light from penetrating the water’s surface. As a result of this, oxygen levels in the water decrease, asphyxiating fish, underwater plants and other creatures.   Therefore, even if the location you are in seems relatively unpopulated, it is far better to scoop and bin.    Image Credit  Dog owners who fail to pick up droppings can also influence ‘dog bans’ from parks, due to fears of contamination from other sections of the public, spoiling enjoyment for the whole of the dog owning community. In some areas leaving dog droppings in public spaces is not just subject to social censure, but is in fact illegal and subject to strict penalisation.   The verdict is in: always pick up your dog’s leavings, for your sake, the community’s, and the planet’s!  

Vegetarians can sometimes be unhappy about feeding their cats meat due to their own dietary choices. Ethical concerns about the slaughter of animals for consumption may prompt them to ask: can my cat go meat free too?   The question is not a simple one to answer. Much controversy exists over whether or not cats can be safely fed a veggie diet. Their have been numerous concerns raised that in worrying for the welfare of animals used for consumption that the welfare of felines might be in fact compromised by enforced vegetarianism.   Image Credit   The fact is: cats are naturally carnivorous. Humans and dogs are omnivores, meaning their diet encompasses both meat and plant matter, and gives them greater flexibility in what they can be fed with consideration to the nutritional value of different food products. Cats on the other hand have evolved to be meat eaters, with the exception of the ingestion of grass (which is to improve digestive tract conditions not provide nutrients). Nevertheless, there are vegan and vegetarian diets that are on the market for cats and are recommended by certain communities as a viable option. It may be possible, with extensive supplementation, for a cat to survive on these products – not all have been rigourously scientifically tested – however it is important to remember dangers can exist for cats who miss out on important elements that derive from meat.     Image Credit   Cats missing out on the required dose of taurine, niacin, arachidonic acid, vitamins A, B1 and B2 and protein can develop all sorts of ailments including but not limited to skin and coat issues, blood clotting disorders, immune systems failures, weight loss, interrupted growth, diarrhea and neurologic disorders.   A study by the American Veterinary Medical Association found in 2004 two vegan cat foods sold as complete diets as having significant deficiencies.  Recently in Melbourne, a kitten almost died after being fed a diet of potatoes, milk, rice, and pasta. It was nursed back to health by the hospital with a treatment of intravenous fluids and a new food regime including meat products: a warning to be very careful of what you do and do not feed your cat.    Critics of cat vegetarianism and veganism question why do owners insist on feeding their cat this type of diet, when many other vegetable loving animals can be brought home to join the family.   The subject is complex and the choice of your diet, regardless of which viewpoint you lean towards, should be carefully considered and based on extensive research and consultation with animal health professionals.    Feature Image Credit   

It's an unfortunate part of owning a pet: knowing when it's time to say goodbye. Pets sadly do not live as long as us so we stand to lose a number of our companions over the course of our own life. When your pet is coming to the end of their life, due to old age and/or chronic and terminal health conditions, it's up to us to make the incredibly tough decision to euthanise them. Knowing when that right time is can be an incredibly difficult and painful decision to make - especially since your pet can't tell you exactly how they are feeling or what their wishes are. What is euthanasia? Euthanasia is where an animal is deliberately killed. The procedure is usually performed by a veterinarian and for the reason of humanely relieving that animal of their suffering. Sometimes animals are also euthanised for other reasons like aggression, behavioural problems or population control, but they have to be extreme cases. Medication that is very similar to general anaesthesia is normally administered and it only takes a couple of seconds to a minute for a pet to pass away by entering a deep sleep and then dying. It is completely pain free and without suffering. Your vet can provide you with many options on how you'd like your pet's euthanisa to come about. You can arrange for it to be performed at home, or done in the car outside the vet practice, which is particularly helpful for large breeds. On the day, you are generally given as much time as you need and are often given plenty of privacy. You can also choose to be with your pet and even hold them while the procedure takes place. If you choose to remain present while your pet is euthanised, bear in mind that while it can look distressing, it's completely peaceful and pain-free for your pet. Some pet owners prefer to avoid euthanasia altogether, in favour of their pet dying naturally at home. While the notion is coming from a good place - owners think their pet would feel more comfortable dying in familiar surroundings, or dying peacefully in their sleep, unfortunately that is rarely the case. Terminally ill pets, may die during the night, but are rarely asleep, often dying over a period of hours, not minutes. And depending on the pet's condition, can be a painful and restless experience. For that reason, euthanasia is overall the more peaceful option for your pet. How to know when to euthanise your pet Only you and your family will know when it's the right time for your pet to be euthanised. It can be one of the hardest decisions to make, loaded with responsibility and guilt on whether you are either 'giving up' on your pet or even prolonging their suffering because you find it too hard to say goodbye. Generally speaking, if you have started to ask the question or contemplate that the end of your pets life is drawing nearer, then your are somewhat already on your way to making a choice. In saying that, there are some questions you can regularly ask yourself to help you come to a decision. Is your pet still enjoying life? Normally, what does your pet like to do? Do they love chasing a ball around the yard, playing with your children or other family pets or simply spending time curled up next to you? Are they still participating in the activities they once took great enjoyment in? If they no longer have the zest for life, then it may be time to think about what quality of life they are now maintaining. Just because your pet is alive, does not mean they are living. Speak to your vet While it's not your vet's job to tell you exactly what to do, it's good to speak with the vet that has looked after your pet most during its life to perhaps get some advice on your pet's condition, what options there are as well as to share your thoughts. It's also a good idea to seek out a second opinion and to weigh up all treatment options. Again, you know your pet the best and what they are like at home, but speaking to a professional can arm you with all the information you need to make a decision you are comfortable with. Have a family discussion If your pet is part of the family, then it's a wise decision to include them in the process. Chances are everyone will have a different take and perspective on the situation so it's a good way to hear everyone out. Particularly in situations like these, you don't always want to make a choice like this on your own-especially if your pet was taken care of by many people, rather than just yourself. It's important to remember and remind everyone that this decision is for your pet and what is best for them, rather than everyone else. It can be hard and very frightening letting go of a pet, but it's crucial to put your pet first. Your pet is spending more time at hospital than at home Some animals do spend a lot of time at hospital recovering or recuperating from surgery or receiving regular treatment, but are otherwise enjoying and participating in day-to-day life. This point is not directed at those pets. However, if your much-loved four legged friend is suffering from a chronic or terminal illness and are having to spend prolonged amounts of time in hospital - their quality of life is probably no longer very good. Likewise, if your pet is admitted to hospital due to an acute emergency or deterioration, chances are your pet is unfortunately rapidly reaching the end of their life. Keep a pet diary to help reach an objective decision Seeing your pet's quality of life deteriorate is awful to witness, especially when you've shared so many fun, happy and active times together. Many pet owners don't want to make the wrong choice for their pet's need, fearful they may euthanise them too soon, or too late, leaving them to suffer. Keeping a daily diary where you objectively note your pet's behaviour can help paint a picture of your pet's overall quality of life. Keep track of the following aspects of your pet's health:     •    Ability to walk     •    Responsiveness     •    How much are they eating and drinking     •    Frequency and volume of urination and stools     •    Weight     •    Displays of pain     •    Resting respiratory rate     •    Symptoms worsening/improving. Note all of these aspects and if it's easier rate their abilities and symptoms on a scale of 1-5. You can also note whether it was a good or bad day to see whether the bad is outweighing the good. It's never easy trying to decide when to say goodbye to a much loved pet. Remember to remain objective and always keep your pet's needs first. There is no right or wrong way to go about making the choice to euthanise, and it's a choice you should never feel pressured to make. If you have recently lost a pet, or are about to say goodbye to a much loved pet, read our article on how to cope with the loss of a pet.  

If your dog is eating grass don’t immediately assume they are feeling unwell. Many owners have watched their dog graze like miniature cows in the backyard – only to then throw up a pile of grass shortly after. Other times they will forage carefully for some time and show no ill affects afterwards at all.   Why do dogs display such a preference for grass when plants otherwise seldom capture their attention? Is it a sign of illness?   The truth is: we don’t know. However wild dogs have been shown to engage in the behavior, suggesting it is entirely natural and not necessarily a signifier for overall poor health. Dogs are after all omnivores, meaning they are adapted to survive on a diet of both meat and plant material.    Image credit   Canine experts suggest grass eating is simply the dogs way of curing stomach aches and pains. By eating grass, the dog may be able to induce vomiting, making him or her feel better afterwards much like humans feeling nauseous can feel improved after throwing up. In cases where the dog does not vomit, ingestion of fibrous vegetation may help clear blockages in the gastrointestinal tract.     Image credit   Certain dogs may simply enjoy the taste and treat it as a tasty snack. If a dog is bored, eating grass may move from snacking to compulsive chewing simply to pass the time. Watch your dog to see if their grass eating increases when you are away from home more frequently than normal or they miss out on walks.   Generally speaking, grass eating is nothing to worry about, though of course it is always best to consult your vet. However, do check that pesticides and other toxic garden treatments are not in use on grass your dog can reach as that may lead to lethal consequences.    Feature Image Credit 

Eye irritations can be a symptom of a number of serious conditions that require quick medical treatment for the sake of your pet’s continued health. Some signs of irritation are noticeable though others are less so, read on to discover the signs of eye trouble:    Squinting:   Image credit   If you dog or cat is squinting it may be a symptom of a number of different conditions. A mild irritation, caused by an irritant such as a seed blowing into the pet’s eye, may cause a squint with accompanying tear production until it is dislodged.   However squinting may also be caused by something serious such as blastomycosis or cancer. Without veterinary examination it may not be possible to tell what the squinting signifies, so a visit to a professional animal health expert is always the best option.   Discharge:    Image credit  The colour of discharge generally indicates the problem your pet might be suffering. Speaking broadly, clear discharge with no other apparent issues points to a problem with the tearing mechanism. Discharge accompanied by redness suggests conjunctivitis, and is quite common. Infection is betrayed by a thick green or yellow discharge. If your dog or cat is pawing at their face or otherwise indicating their eye is paining them with the appearance of any variety of discharge, inner eye or corneal problems are likely.    Cloudy Eye:   Image Credit    A cloudiness in the eye is often present in older dogs and is simply a sign of the formation of cataracts. However in younger dogs and other cases, it may be a symptom of keratitis, glaucoma, uveitis or corneal edema.   Puffy Eyelids:   Image credit  Puffy eyelids can be an indication of allergies as it is usually caused as a result of water passing out of circulation and into the tissues in response to irritation. Insect bites, new foods or medicines are the most common allergens.   Note, viral infections are also possible causes of eyelid swelling.     Feature Image Credit 

Conjunctivitis is an extremely common problem in cats, and it occurs when inflammation develops in the membrane behind the eyelids as well as on the eyeball's surface. It usually has an infectious cause if the symptoms are pronounced, but over the spring and summer months you may notice your cat's eyes reacting to more environmental allergens. Here's what you need to know about looking after a cat with conjunctivitis. In order to treat conjunctivitis, you first need to learn how to identify it. The most obvious signs are watery discharge and a redness of the eye (though both eyes may be red). Some cats will also squint, holding the irritated eye partially closed. If the conjunctivitis is particularly bad, you might also notice your cat pawing at the eye due to itching. However, if it seems like your cat's eye is painful as opposed to merely itchy, you should consider other eye problems (such as glaucoma). If you suspect that your pet has conjunctivitis, it should never be left untreated, as the disease can eventually cause vision loss for the cat. Mild cases of conjunctivitis typically present with a slightly pink and swollen eye, and allergens or irritants (such as pollen, plants or dust) often cause these eye irritations. If your cat has mild conjunctivitis, you can treat it with an over the counter product that is sold for human use in the first instance. Specifically, you should look for something like artificial tears, but you should make an appointment to see your vet if the eye isn't looking better within a day. If your cat has a more pronounced case of conjunctivitis involving deep redness, itching and copious discharge, it's prudent to see your vet immediately. Sometimes, conjunctivitis is related to a more serious infection like chlamydophila or to an infestation of eye worms. Your vet can perform tests to confirm any underlying disease. In addition, look out for crusty eyes or for pus around an inflamed eye. If conjunctivitis presents this way, it is almost guaranteed to be a bacterial infection behind your pet's eye troubles. While you can gently clean the eye area with warm water, your cat will also need an antibiotic ointment. You can obtain this treatment from your vet, and it should be used for at least a week (even though most cats appear to be asymptomatic before this time). Your vet may also prescribe up to a three-week course of eye drops if the underlying cause is revealed to be chlamydophila or mycoplasma, as your cat might otherwise become reinfected with conjunctivitis soon after being cured. When conjunctivitis strikes both eyes at once, the cause is more often viral. If it turns out that a viral infection has caused your cat's eye problems then your vet can offer antiviral medications. This option is especially important if your cat has herpesvirus and lives in a multi-cat household, as other animals can become infected. Feature image credit  

As a dog owner, one of the most responsible things you can do for your pet's health is to provide it with plenty of exercise. Dogs are just like people when it comes to their health needs. The human body needs good food to provide it with energy, and exercise to help maintain a healthy weight and cardiovascular fitness. Your dog's body has all of those same needs.   It is not uncommon for avid runners to consider buying a dog to become their running companion. However, it is important to realize that not all dogs are suitable running partners. If you are considering getting a new dog as a running buddy, or want to make your current pooch a partner on the trails, you'll need to research a few things first.   Breed matters Exercise is important to any dog, but that doesn't mean that running is the right type of exercise for every dog. Size isn't necessarily a determining factor in identifying which breeds can safely run along with you and which cannot. The most important factor to consider is whether or not your dog is a brachycephalic breed. Brachycephalic breeds are short-snouted breeds such as boxers, bulldogs, and pugs. All dogs cool down while exercising by panting. Breeds with shorter muzzles have a harder time cooling down and are prone to overheating. Exercise is still important, but running can easily result in overheating in brachycephalic breeds.   On the other hand, there are some breeds that make the perfect running partner. These dogs vary in size from extremely large breeds to medium-sized breeds. Many dogs from working breeds have high energy levels and a physical structure capable of sustaining long runs. Siberian Huskies, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, German Shepherds, Border Collies, Dalmatians, Weimaraners, and Jack Russell Terriers all have high energy levels and make great running partners.   Age matters Your dog's age is a very important factor in determining whether or not it can, and should, run with you. Young puppies less than 18-months-old should not go running. Exercise for these pups should be limited to playtime in the backyard because their bone structures are still growing and have not solidified to a point where it is safe for them to run for long periods of time. As odd as it sounds, you should exercise caution in taking any dog older than 6-years-old out on a long run. Remember, dogs do not age at the same rate as humans. A 6-year-old dog is not a spring chicken anymore. Their joints are starting to age by this point in life and running could result in pain.   Also, certain breeds are prone to genetic joint issues such as hip dysplasia. This can be a very serious condition that is not only painful for your dog, but also limits its mobility. If your dog is over six, consult your veterinarian before taking it on a run with you. It may be possible to continue running with your dog past this age, but you will have to start shortening the distance for them.   Use common sense You wouldn't hop up off the couch one day and decide to run 10K - your body wouldn't be ready for it. Apply that same common sense to your dog's body. Take the time to ease your dog into running, gradually increasing the distances over time as you notice its fitness level increasing. Before you head out for a run with your four-legged buddy, remember to take a look at the weather and consider your route. While you have the luxury of wearing running shoes and clothes to protect you from surfaces, debris, and the elements, your dog does not have that luxury. Keep an eye on your dog for signs of overheating, and bring along water if you are going for long runs or hikes. This is particularly important during the summer months. Feature image credit

If you are a cat owner, you might be anxious to discover that your pal has a dry nose, especially in the summertime, and you may become concerned that they are suffering from the heat and have become dehydrated. The idea that pets ought to have wet noses is commonplace. However, the cause of your favorite feline's seemingly parched nose could be harmless rather than a health problem. You might find that it's useful to know that the dryness or wetness of your cat's nose varies depending on the environment. When cats sunbathe or sit next to windows in the full sun their noses lose moisture, but this does not mean that they are sick. Once they move into the shade and drink water, their noses tend to become moist once more. They might also end up with dry noses if they spend a great deal of time in poorly ventilated rooms during the summer months. It that's the case, airflow can remedy the problem. However, some cats love sunbathing so much that they resist the urge to move into the shade before they suffer from sunburn. They are particularly prone to spending too long in the sun at the beginning of the summer since they are delighted to feel the warmth of the sunshine for a change. At such times, you can place a sunshade over them if they refuse to budge from a sunny spot. You will be able to tell that your cat's nose is too dry due to sunburn if it is unusually pink, red or blistered. Severe burns might result in paleness and an extremely dry, flaky condition. Unfortunately, sunburn can be as serious for cats as it is for humans, so it is best to provide shade for them in the summer months and keep an eye on how long they lounge in the sunshine. Much of the time, you need not worry unless dryness is accompanied by other symptoms. Nasal discharge, crustiness and cracks can be signs of ill health. In addition, problems may be present if an unpleasant smell is emanating from your cat's nose, or a change of color occurs. But remember, color changes can happen during winter while fading naturally takes place. When the summer arrives, healthy cat noses usually regain their normal coloring. Knowing that cats often naturally have dry noses can prevent you from becoming unduly worried. Nonetheless, a dry nose could indicate a problem if it is accompanied by other symptoms. In addition to blisters, color changes, nasal discharge, crustiness and flakiness, when illness is present, cats might display other symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, or decreased appetite. If you have any doubts about your cat's health, it's best to ask the advice of a veterinarian. However, a dry nose is not usually a cause for concern. Feature image credit

Too many owners lose their best friend each year because they make the sad choice to leave a dog in the car during a shopping trip or road trip. There is never a truly safe time of year to leave a dog behind in the car, but summer is by far the most dangerous time of year. If you've developed this habit or done it once in the past, the following facts might change your mind forever about leaving your dog in the car.   Many dog owners will bring their best friend along as they run errands on a Saturday afternoon. In an attempt to keep their four-legged buddy comfortable at each stop, they roll down the windows and park in the shade. The sad truth is that neither step is effective in preventing health risks or death.   Even with the windows rolled down in your car, the air inside does not circulate well enough to remove the danger. Dogs cannot sweat like humans, and only cool down by panting and sweating from their paws. It can take as little as 15 minutes of breathing hot, stuffy air for your dog to collapse and suffer brain damage, heatstroke, or even death. Parking in the shade does little to alleviate the situation, as warm temperatures outside and a lack of air conditioning inside can create miserable conditions for your pet.   The scary facts It doesn't take excessive heat outside for a car to become a deadly oven on the inside. On a day when the temperature hits 78 degrees, the temperature inside the car can exceed 90 degrees within a few minutes. If, on that same day, the car is left sitting in the sun the temperature inside can easily reach 160 degrees.   Even on a day when the temperature is a seemingly harmless 60 degrees, the temperature inside your car can reach into the danger zone if your car is left parked out in the sun for too long. All it takes is 15 minutes for your dog's internal temperature to climb from a healthy 102.5 degrees to a deadly level.   When your dog's body starts to heat up too much, it can suffer damage to its nervous system, cardiovascular system, become dehydrated, become comatose, and in the worst case scenario, die inside the vehicle.   Take precautions During the summer months it is best to simply leave your dog at home. If you are heading out on a road trip, then it is important to take precautions to ensure that your pet remains comfortable and healthy along the way. Make sure to bring plenty of water and a travel dish for your dog to drink from at stops.   Make space inside the cab of your car or truck for the dog. If you own a truck and absolutely have to put your dog in the bed, do the right thing and secure its crate in the truck bed. Never let your dog ride loose in the bed of the truck. The metal bed can burn its paws and the exposure can result in sunburn or injury from debris. If your dog is riding in the bed, take extra breaks while driving to get them out and offer them some shade and cool water.   Remember, in as little as 15 minutes your dog can die from exposure inside a hot car. The intense heat and stale air make for terrible conditions for your dog, and in some states you can be charged with animal cruelty for leaving your dog in the car for any amount of time.