Pets & Health Archives - Scamps and Champs

5 Secrets To A Healthy Dog

When it comes to your furry friend, you want to make sure they live a long and happy life. This is why it’s essential to know the secrets to keep your dog healthy. This blog post will discuss five of these secrets, from feeding them the right food to exercising them regularly, and also cover everything you need to know in order to give your dog the best chance at a long and happy life!

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Feed them a nutritious diet

The first secret to a healthy dog is feeding them a nutritious diet. Just like humans, dogs need a balanced diet that includes all the essential nutrients their bodies need in order to function properly. This means giving them food that is high in protein, fat, and fibre and avoiding processed foods that are high in sugar and unhealthy fats.

There are plenty of great commercial dog foods on the market that meet these criteria. Still, you can also talk to your veterinarian about making your own homemade dog food if you want to be extra sure of what’s going into your puppy’s belly. Either way, just make sure you’re doing your research, so you know your furry friend is getting everything they need!

Give them regular exercise

Another important secret to a healthy dog is providing them with exercise regularly. Just like humans, dogs need to get their bodies moving in order to stay fit and strong. This means taking them for walks or runs on a daily basis, playing fetch with them in the backyard, or enrolling them in doggy daycare, where they can run and play with other pups all day long! Whatever you do, just make sure your dog is getting at least 30 minutes of exercise each day so they can stay happy and healthy.

In addition to providing your dog with plenty of physical exercises, it’s also important to give them mental stimulation as well. This can be in the form of puzzle toys that they have to figure out in order to get a treat or even just teaching them new tricks to keep their minds active and engaged.

Keep them up-to-date on vaccinations

Another secret to a healthy dog is keeping them up-to-date on their vaccinations. Vaccinations help protect your dog from dangerous diseases and illnesses, so it’s important to make sure they’re current on all of their shots. Your veterinarian will be able to tell you which vaccinations your dog needs based on their age, health, and lifestyle, so be sure to schedule an appointment for them at least once a year.

In addition to vaccinations, it’s also important to keep your dog on a regular deworming and flea/tick prevention schedule. This will help protect them from parasites that can cause serious health problems and also make sure they’re not bringing any unwanted critters into your home!

Groom them regularly

Another secret to a healthy dog is grooming them regularly. This means brushing their fur with a comb from https://youngwoofians.com/ regularly to help reduce shedding, trimming their nails so they don’t get too long, and giving them regular baths using a mild dog shampoo. Grooming not only helps keep your dog looking its best, but it also allows you to bond with them and check for any unusual bumps or lumps that might be a sign of a health problem.

If you’re not sure how to groom your dog properly, you can always take them to a professional groomer or ask your veterinarian for advice. Either way, just make sure you’re taking care of your furry friend’s coat so they can always look and feel their best!

Take them to the vet for regular check-ups

The final secret to a healthy dog is taking them to the vet for regular check-ups. Just like humans, dogs need to see their doctor for routine physical exams and vaccinations. But dogs also need to visit the vet if they’re having any health problems so they can be diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible.

If you’re not sure when your dog’s last visit to the vet was, or if you have any concerns about their health, just give your veterinarian a call, and they’ll be happy to help you out. Regular check-ups are an important part of keeping your dog healthy, so don’t forget to schedule one for them!

In conclusion, by following these five secrets to a healthy dog, you can help your furry friend live a long and happy life. Just remember to do your research, exercise them regularly, keep them up-to-date on vaccinations and parasite prevention, groom them regularly, and take them to the vet for regular check-ups. By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your dog is always happy and healthy!

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Get the most out of playtime!

If you have got a lil’ fluffy kitten jumping around your house, you sure know how difficult it is to contain that much energy.

Cats may seem inactive but they are not, especially when they’re kittens. They require regular play sessions. These work to engage them mentally, as well as provide much-needed exercise to their body. By creating the right outlet for your pet, you will be able to engage with your cat and learn more about them and their fancies. Playing with them will also enable the development of trust and the strengthening of the beautiful bond that you two share.

Additionally, in the event where you might have to be out of town for a couple of days, keeping your cat-sitter updated on your pet’s favorite games can help them while away the time. That is until you are back to resume the activities of engaging with your pet.

Why is Play Important

Research conducted revealed that at least one hour of play on a regular basis can increase the healthy lifespan of a cat by as much as four hours! Spending time stimulating and interacting with your pet can also improve their mental health and lessen anxiety significantly, even in cats with Down Syndrome.

Cats need to play just as kids do. It allows them to deal considerably with boredom and build trust with any other people in the family, or even with other cats at home. Did you know that a whopping 59% of all adopted cats in the US are placed in the “overweight” category?

Engaging in regular playtime can create a habit of exercise which is crucial to your cat’s livelihood and can help them cut back on the additional fat gains. Another fact that needs to be kept in mind is that play is a part of a kitten’s natural biology. Regular play stimulates the prey-stalking instincts that a cat has, which helps them remain fit as well as stimulated.

How to Play with Your Cat

Discovering how your cat prefers spending its playtime can be an exciting experience for you as well! It is often the part that most cat owners enjoy after a long day at work – watching their pet play with their favorite toys or interacting with them for stimulation.

There is nothing that could be more stress-busting than spending some time with someone who wants nothing more than for you to relax and have fun. Playtime can also be a good time to learn more about your cat, and for them to learn more about you.

Remember, however, to play in moderation. Excessive activity can cause your pet to get stressed, angry, or agitated. Over-stimulation can cause them to simply walk away. Shorter play sessions, on the other hand, are more suited to them. Consider four sessions of 10-minute duration every day. Keep in mind, however, that every cat is unique and they have their own requirements for stimulation.

What Can You Play?

Read on to discover what games you can play with your pet. Try a combination of these different activities, spread out across the day to figure out what suits your feline friend best.

Hide and Seek

A classic favorite of all felines! Choose one of your pet’s toys, probably the one that they mostly play with, and hide it under a blanket. Maybe consider attaching a string to it so you can wiggle the toy, causing the kitten to lay a laser-sharp focus on the movement before jumping over it and claiming it.

Fetch

A game that has been attributed mostly to a cat’s canine counterpart, not many know that felines actually enjoy playing fetch. Or if not fetch, they definitely do enjoy chasing after and catching a ball that you may have thrown for them. Ball toys are among the most preferred toys for cats because they stimulate the unexpected and quick movements of prey.

Adding a bell to the toy can work to catch your kitten’s attention, arousing their natural instincts to chase after the object causing the noise.

Walking

Another often unrecognized activity is that cats can actually be trained to walk on leashes. Many enjoy the activity of exploring the outdoors and putting it on a leash can help keep it safe from any other animals, cars, or from the potential of getting lost. Walking together can also be a great exercise that you both can engage in together, starting the day the right way or ending it on a good note.

Scratching

If there’s one thing your feline loves – it is putting their claws to good use and keeping them in shape! You can help them with this by installing a scratching post in your house (the taller it is, the more your cat will enjoy it).

Train It!

Cats are curious creatures, and more than willing to learn but only if they are interested. You can begin the training by having some treats reading and let it sniff it. Issue a command and wait to see if your cat responds. If it does respond, regard it with a treat and repeat the command around 5-10 times. Giving it a treat every time it responds will reinforce the behavior and voila! Your kitten has learned a new trick!

Sing with your Cat

Cats are very vocal animals and have no problems engaging in actual conversation with you. So the next time it meows at you responds in the same pitch and tone. We can bet it will give you a retort. As long as you keep echoing its noises, it will keep being vocally engaged with you.

Laser Pointers

Use a laser pointer to grab your kitten’s attention and have it running around the room, chasing the target it has fixated upon. This can make for a pretty entertaining activity for you as well.

Remember that your cat is going to have its own preferences for location, time of the day, movement, noise, scent, and size of the toys you use. Regularly playing with it can allow you to understand what it most prefers, allowing you to make the most of your playtime together!

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How Much Exercise Does My Dog Need?

All dogs need regular exercises to stay happy and healthy. It’s just as important as regular veterinary care, quality food and loving care in that it affects their health and behavior. If you’re like most dog lovers, you want the best for your dog but the question that’s often hard to answer is “How much exercise does a dog really need every day?”

What happen’s if my dog doesn’t get enough exercise?

Many dog owners see to it that their canine companions exercise regularly but what if your dog has not been getting enough exercise? The goal isn’t just to get your pooch out and about; rather it is to ensure that they get the amount of physical activity needed to tone their muscles, stimulate their brain, promote good behavior, increase socialization and encourage their body and metabolism to function well.

If a dog doesn’t get enough physical activity, the following problems can occur:

Destructive behaviors like chewing, eliminating in the house, increased aggression etc.
Disinterest in human company, which could be a sign of depression
Hyperactivity when they’re on a walk
Excessive barking
Weight gain and joint issues

How much exercise does a dog need daily?

The amount of exercise a dog needs varies as there are a few factors to consider such as age, breed and health. Dogs have different exercise needs but experts generally recommend that dogs should get between 30 minutes and 2 hours of exercises each day. So how do you figure out the amount of physical activity your dog needs? Here are a few standard guidelines you can follow.

Exercising a puppy

Generally, puppies have a lot of energy that needs to be discharged, which explains why they tend to get injured easily. You probably have seen your puppy race madly around the house a few times only to collapse into a puppy pile, preferably in your laps.

Because they are very energetic, it is recommended to exercise your puppy both mentally and physically however, the exercises should be broken into different short bursts that include walks and play sessions as they are too young to take a really long walk.

Since puppies are quite young, you might want to keep the exercises short until your puppy gets used to them. For instance, you can start with 10 minutes three times a day and increase the amount of time as your pup gets used to it. A rule of thumb for puppies is 5 minutes of exercise for each month of age twice a day.

Exercising an adult dog

An adult dog can also be energetic but the amount of exercise required varies based on breeds. Some dog breeds require more exercises than others. For instance, larger and giant breeds are typically strong and have good stamina if they’re in good health. However, some larger breeds like Greyhounds aren’t as active as others and, therefore, require a little less amount of physical activity.

For medium breeds, they are also energetic and require lots of physical exercises. If your dog is a medium sized terrier such as Staffies, you may need to devote extra time to exercising them.

Some smaller breeds don’t require as much exercise compared to the larger ones and can do well with one hour of exercise per day. Some breeds like poodles and terriers can take on extra time of physical activity.

Exercising a senior dog

Your senior dog may not be as active like before due to age and possible health issues that may limit how active they can be. They tend to slow down or rest often during exercises, so it’s important to keep this in mind so you don’t push your aging dog too much.

However, you still need to exercise your senior dog as it can help keep their joints, ligaments, and muscles strong and supple. It can be hard to figure out how much exercise your dog needs but as the owner, you know your dog best, meaning you should be able to determine how much exercises your dog can handle or if in doubt, check with your dogs usual veterinarian.

Wrap-up

There are plenty of outdoor and indoor exercises that can help your dog stay healthy and fit but it’s essential to keep in mind their age, breed and health when deciding how much time to devote to exercising them. Mental stimulation is equally important so also spend time on training and enrichment activities.

If you need any help with walking your dog then don’t hesitate to contact us on 0333 200 5827 or email info@scampsandchamps.co.uk

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How Do I Clean My Dogs Teeth?

Your dog’s teeth are used for more than just eating, they also use their teeth during play and to learn about their surroundings.

And just like us, dogs can get dental problems If their teeth are not cared for. Your dog can suffer serious health issues including gingivitis that can lead to gum disease and tooth loss. Bad teeth can also affect dogs that have heart problems by allowing infections to travel through the bloodstream.

If your dog has bad breath (thats not caused by any underlying illness) and a yellow/brown hard coating of plaque building up over their teeth, it’s time to do something about it.

It’s always best to start from an early age – but you can still get them comfortable with teeth cleaning, whatever their age.

Use a time when your dog is relaxed and keep the training sessions short, don’t force the issue or your dog will never want you near their mouth.

Start by getting them used to having your hand near their mouth – this can be done by gently stroking your dog’s face and cheek very gently – stop if your dog gets upset – do this over a period of several days so that your dog knows you are not going to hurt them.

The next stage is to put dog toothpaste (never use human toothpaste) onto your finger and allow them to lick it off – again do this for a few days.

Once your dog is happy with this, you can start with the tricky stuff

– using the toothpaste, run your finger along the inside of their mouth very gently. After a few days you can move on to the next stage.

Buy a suitable dog toothbrush and introduce this with the toothpaste on and just let them lick it off the brush.

Do this over a few days until your dog is happy with it and then slowly introduce the toothbrush inside their mouth, using gentle round motions, just do the front teeth first always let them lick the brush in between. Do this for a few days.

Slowly but surely move to the back teeth – do it ever so gently, stop if they get distressed and always praise them and let them have the toothbrush to lick so this becomes the reward.

After several weeks you should be able to clean their teeth without too many problems – always try to clean where the teeth meet the gum margin but always be gentle.

You can use vet approved dental chews and treatments that can be added to their water bowl that will help to maintain their oral hygiene between brushing.

If your dog’s teeth are very bad or have a large build up of tartar then speak to your vet who will arrange for the teeth to be specially cleaned.

Don’t worry if it takes longer for your dog to get used to having their teeth cleaned, just keep praising them and take it very gently one step at a time.

Take A Look At Scamps And Champs Very Own Range Of natural And Specialised Foods, And Chews. To Discuss Our Range Call Us On : Tel 0333 200 5827. 10% discount for new customers using code SCAMPSNEW at checkout.

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Autumn Hazards For Dogs

Keeping your pet safe – Hazards to look out for during Autumn

The leaves are starting to change colour and fall, conkers and acorns can be found aplenty on the ground, bushes and trees are full of luscious berries, It’s a sure sign that autumn is finally here.

However, the autumn also brings some hazards for your pet that you need to be aware of.

Seasonal Canine Illness

Seasonal Canine Illness (SCI) has been under investigation since September 2010. It’s a mystery illness generally seen between the months of August and November which can affect dogs of any size, shape or sex, it can cause dogs to become very ill. The condition appears very quickly after the dog has been walked in woodland.

The most common clinical signs are :

Sickness
Diarrhoea
Lethargy

These signs are typically experienced within 72 hours of walking in woodland.

If you suspect your dog is showing signs of SCI then contact your vet immediately.

Leaves and leaf mould

Piles of leaves can develop bacteria and mould. If your dog ingests these it can lead to gastrointestinal upsets.

Contact your vet if you think your pet has ingested leaf mould.

Conkers

It can be rare for a dog to be poisoned by the Conker, however, ingestion can cause gastrointestinal problems, signs to look out for

are:

Drooling
Retching
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Abdominal pain

The conker can also cause intestinal blockages, and though dogs normally vomit any ingested conkers quite quickly, you should always seek help from your vet.

Acorns

Exposure to acorns is common in the autumn and winter. Acorns have a toxic ingredient thought to be tannic acid, which can cause damage to the liver and kidneys.

Signs of ingestion include:

Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Abdominal pain and lethargy
Ingested acorns can also cause an intestinal blockage

Berries

Both elderberries and holly berries can cause stomach upsets in dogs.

But the most dangerous berry-bearing plants are deadly nightshade with its shiny black berries; cuckoo pint, aka lords-and-ladies (which produces spikes of orange-red berries), and mistletoe. All are typically found in woodland.

Many popular ivy plants, including English ivy and Devil’s ivy/Golden Pothos, have moderate toxicity to pets.

Signs of ingestion include:

Mouth and stomach irritation
Excessive drooling
Foaming at the mouth
Swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips
Vomiting
Diarrhoea

If your pet has eaten berries, take them to the vet for treatment – always try to take a sample of the berry for the vet to identify.

Glow sticks

If you or your children like to use/play with glow sticks around the bonfire, please ensure that your pet can’t get hold of them

The chemical mixture inside of both luminous jewellery and glow sticks can cause irritation to your pets gums, it can also cause:

Dribbling
Frothing and foaming at the mouth
Vomiting and stomach pain

Thankfully, although the signs can look dramatic, ingestion is unlikely to cause significant problems – however, you should always seek professional help and advice from your vet.

For Something Nutritious And Delicious That Your Dog/Cat Can Eat All Year Round, Take A Look At Our pet food webpage and See Our Excellent Range Of Pet Food, Tooth Chews And Treats. All of our recipes are made here in the UK with ethically sourced ingredients.

To Discuss Our Pet Food Please Call Us On 0333 200 5827.

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Pets & Anxiety

Separation Anxiety In Dogs - Scamps & Champs

by Victoria Brierley

Dogs are very much susceptible to some of the emotional struggles that humans can have. Anxiety is very much one of these struggles.

There are a few types of anxieties that a dog can suffer from. Separation anxiety is the most common form and can occur with examples such as when the dog owner leaves the house, leading to the dog feeling stressed. Other common anxieties consist of noise phobia, which triggers dogs to be stressed by loud noises, as well as social anxiety which causes a dog to feel uncomfortable in social situations.

Food for thought

Pets suffering from separation anxiety may tend to display unwanted behaviours which can include:

Excessive vocalisation
Excessive panting
Destructive behaviour such as chewing and tearing objects in their surroundings
Urination/defecating in the home

There may be a number of reasons why some dogs feel this way but not all of these behaviours are a direct result of separation anxiety, so owners need to determine if these behaviours only occur when the pet is left alone.

Food = Fun

Mental stimulation is a very useful and effective method of helping to manage pets suffering from anxiety.

Interactive feeding is an excellent way to keep their mind at rest and their mouths occupied when pets find themselves on their own.

Puzzle feeders and treat balls are a great way to help keep pets stimulated. These toys should only be given when the owner is not present, this way the pet can learn to associate the experience of receiving this ‘special toy’ and being alone, much more positively.

Here at Scamps & Champs, our Grain Free, Superfood and Treat recipes can all be used in conjunction with puzzle feeders, kongs, truffle mats and treat balls. Our 80% fish treats are small and ideal to hide in truffle mats and puzzle feeders.

Scamps & Champs - Pet Food — https://scampsandchampspetfood.com/

Always make sure to take into account any additional treats from the portion of your pets normal daily ration to prevent overfeeding.

Exercise and Training

There is strong evidence that clinical signs of anxiety can often be a result of failure to provide a pet with sufficient regular daily exercise. Exercising your pet before you are due to leave them alone provides them with the opportunity to go to the toilet and tire them out so they’re much more inclined to relax. You can also hire a pet sitter/dog walker to provide pop in visits or dog walks to break up your dogs day.

Find your local branch here:- https://scampsandchamps.co.uk/branches/

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Are Mixed Breed Dogs (Mutts) Healthier Than Purebreed Dogs

Are mixed mutts healthier than pure breeds

When it comes to choosing the right pup for you and your family, there are many things to think about. One consideration is what type of dog is the right fit for your lifestyle as a family. Are you the outdoorsy types or do you like a more laid back lifestyle? You will want a dog that fits in and doesn’t have the type of behavioural problems that will upset the status quo. Another consideration may be whether to get a mixed breed (mutt) or a purebred dog.

There are pros and cons as well as some misconceptions and inaccuracies about both, so it’s important to always do your research long before you go out to find your forever companion and not just go along with what happens to be the fashion of the moment.

Scamps and Champs Cardiff, have provided some information to help you get a better idea of which may be the right choice for you.

MUTTS

The general consensus among many veterinary professionals is that mixed breeds dogs, in general, tend to be hardier and more resilient to genetic disease, they also are known to have greater longevity than purebred dogs.

Vets will also tell you that many mutts have a lower rate of

problematic health conditions throughout their lives, such as hip dysplasia, spinal diseases, and knee problems, they also develop less cancers and heart problems than their purebred counterparts. This results in less specialised care and lower veterinary costs throughout their lifetime.

Due to their mixed genes, mutts are less likely to have received a high dose of any particular breed’s genes. Because of this, Mutts are generally sturdier than their purebred counterparts., and these mixed genetics often create an increase in the effectiveness of their immune system, making them better able to overcome various infectious diseases. Mutts also tend to be very laid back in temperament, they can be much easier to train, and of course they are much more adaptable to their owners lifestyle and activity levels.

PUREBREDS

The drawback to inbreeding related animals in order to select and reproduce certain desired aspects, such as specific colour, physical or behavioural traits ,or breeding for certain tasks such as hunting, herding or guarding, is that there is a risk of reproducing genetically linked unwanted effects as well. Although there are no hard and fast statistics on the subject, it goes without saying that breeding animals that share similar genetics is going to increase the likelihood of passing on diseases or other conditions.

Minor mutations can exist through generations and can cluster in some breeds without too many problems, but continual inbreeding to improve certain traits in the dog may be sufficient to cause these mutations to become prolific, and can lead to the inherited and unwanted traits spreading through the breed and becoming more dominant.

Hence, medical problems such as inherited blindness, brain disorders, and certain cancers can create a cluster effect in certain breeds.

Inbreeding can also affect behavioural characteristics of dogs if taken too far, creating neurotic or maladjusted dogs, as can be seen in the Jekyll & Hyde Syndrome which can affect certain breeds.

So unless you have a specific requirement for the assets of a particular breed you need to be aware that some of these traits can become problematic over time and can cost a small fortune in vets bills.

When it comes to considering inherited health issues, it’s important to remember that all dogs carry the risk of susceptibility to disease, both genetic and infectious. That said, research is showing that good breeding practices and early disease screening could reduce the number of overall health issues.

So once you have decided that you want a purebred pet it is of paramount importance that you find a good, reliable breeder.

Unfortunately, there are some bad, “backyard” breeders out there that you need to be aware of; but the good news is that there are many great breeders out there as well, and there are great online resources available so it’s easy to do some research on particular breeders and check credentials.

Always ask the breeder as many questions as you can and always insist on seeing the parents with the pups, and see them as many times as you can before you take them home.

A good breeder will have screened the dam and sire for specific conditions and should also have included a puppy package as part of the deal – this means that your pup should have had at least its first injections before you get it. As a result, you can expect to pay more for a pure bred dog than a mutt.

Whatever dog you have or decide to have in your life, Scamps and Champs Cardiff provides a range of services to help when you can’t be there or when you’re taking a much needed break. From a one off pet visit to holiday boarding and doggie day care and dog walks. We also cover care for puppies/kittens onto adult and elderly dogs/cats, Rabbits and all creatures furry, fishy or feathered, we have a service tailored just for you.

WE ARE ALSO PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THAT WE ARE NOW STOCKING A FABULOUS RANGE OF ORGANIC AND SPECIALISED PET FOODS.

Call us to discuss how we can help you and your best friend either with services or pet foods.

Tel: 0333 200 5827

email : cardiff@scampsandchamps.co.uk

Scamps & Champs Covid Policy

Following the updates from the government and the latest guidelines from CFSG, Scamps & Champs can continue to offer all of our services in a safe and responsible manner. We are taking all of the necessary precautions and will continue to follow the advice from the CFSG.

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What does your dog’s poo colour mean?

Does your dog’s poop look funky? Here’s the scoop on doggie-doo of every color and how to tell normal dog poop from problem poop:

Normal Dog Poop

It varies from dog to dog, breed to breed and can change depending on the type of dog food being eaten. In general, color should be medium brown and neither too soft and liquidy (diarrhea) or too hard to pass comfortably (constipation). Pay attention to your dog’s “healthy”

poops (color, consistency and frequency) so you can recognize when there’s a problem.

Black Dog Poop Or Very Dark Dog Poop

Black stool in dogs may have a “tarry” or “sticky” consistency, which may be a sign of a gastrointestinal ulcer or a stomach ulcer. Many human medications can cause stomach ulcers in dogs, especially aspirin. Never give human meds without consulting your vet.

Red Dog Poop Or Streaks Of Blood In Stool

This can indicate bleeding in the GI tract. Streaks of blood in your dog’s poop may be colitis (inflammation of the colon), a rectal injury, an anal gland infection or possibly a tumor.

Pink Or Purple Dog Poop

Anything that resembles raspberry jam (sorry to ruin your toast) could indicate hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE). A large number of dogs die each year from HGE but most will recover with prompt treatment. Seek emergency medical attention.

Grey Or Greasy-Looking Poop

Doggy-doo that appears fatty, glistens or comes out in large, soft amounts could indicate Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI).

Commonly referred to as maldigestion, EPI is a disease in which the pancreas does not produce the necessary enzymes to digest fat. EPI is treatable, so see your vet.

Green Dog Poop

Dog green poop can be common if your dog eats large amounts of grass.

However, it can also be a parasite, rat bait poisoning or other internal issues. If your dog has green poop, see your vet to be safe.

Orange Dog Poop

It could indicate a liver issue or biliary disease, or it could just mean that your dog’s food moved too quickly through the GI tract to pick up the bile. Bile is what changes poop to the normal brown color we expect. If your dog has orange diarrhea, contact your vet.

Yellow Dog Poop

Yellow mucus usually indicates a food intolerance, especially if you’ve recently changed your dog’s diet. Take a look at what your pet’s been eating and try to rule out any new ingredients that could be causing stomach upset and mustard-yellow dog poop.

White Specks In Poop

Worms often look like white grains of rice in your pup’s stool. This is treatable, so see your vet.

WHAT IS COPROPHAGIA?

Coprophagia is the scientific name given to poop eating (sorry if you’ve just eaten); although coprophagia is upsetting and revolting to us; it is a common problem in dogs and puppies and there can be any number of causes:

If your dog is eating poop, it is always a good idea to have him/her seen by a veterinarian. Your vet will help determine if there are any medical conditions or behavioural issues causing your dog to be excessively hungry. A Complete Blood Count can also help determine if the dog is anaemic or has a bacterial infection.

The vet may also recommend a urinalysis, or faecal fat test (measures fat in the stool sample), and a faecal exam (checks for parasites).

These diagnostic tests can help narrow down the cause and may reveal underlying health issues.

Dogs that are anemic may need B-12 injections.

Intestinal parasites – The parasites are feeding on the dog’s nutrients causing him/her to be super hungry. Parasites should be treated with a de-wormer and your dog’s bedding, toys, and bowls will need to be washed in hot water. Flooring should be cleaned and disinfected to help eliminate any remaining eggs. Dogs should be regularly wormed.

Endocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) – this Is a disorder where the pancreas is not producing digestive enzymes; the food being ingested is not broken down nor are the nutrients being absorbed (the dog is starving) – Treatment of Coprophagia in Dogs with Endocrine pancreatic insufficiency is usually treated by replacing digestive enzymes using freeze dried pancreas extracts from pigs and cattle. The extracts are sprinkled on the dog’s food usually 30 minutes before feeding. The dog will also be placed on dietary supplements and vitamins.

Underfed – Not feeding the dog the right amount of food or giving a poor quality diet – Dogs diagnosed with deficient diets will need to be fed a better quality commercial food. It is recommended that you read the ingredient label; the first ingredient should be a protein not a “by-product”. Dietary supplements and vitamins may also be prescribed if the food source does not contain them.

Malnourished Taste – Cat faeces may actually taste good to a dog

If you have a new mum and pups in your home you may notice that the Dam (mother) will often eat their puppies poop – this is done to clean the den; this is a normal behavior in dogs and should stop once the pups are weaned and more self sufficient.

Prescription medications can also make a dog very hungry – this needs to be discussed with your vet.

Behavioural reasons for coprophagia in dogs: include abused dog that was not being fed – these dogs may get used to eating their own poop in order to obtain some form of nourishment – Puppy mill puppies that were neglected and overcrowded causing anxiety issues will often eat their own poop and this then becomes a habit that is hard to break.

Seeking owner’s attention or just boredom (no activities or playtime) this is often seen in Kennelled/isolated dogs where isolation is extended for a long time. Your vet may suggest more playtime and walks, and less alone time. Dogs that are exercised and played with tend to be more content. If your dog persists in eating faeces the veterinarian may recommend a dog behaviourist to help stop the behaviour.

Recovery of Coprophagia in Dogs that were diagnosed with a medical condition will need follow-up visits to monitor their progress. Dogs that were diagnosed with a behavioural problem will need their owner to have patience and breaking the habit will require consistency.

Dogs are pack animals and do not do well being isolated or confined.

They require love, activities and attention.

In addition, it is important to ensure that you pick up faeces from the yard as soon as you can and regularly clean your cats the litter box if this is a source of poop eating. Providing toys as well as teaching your dog the command “leave it” may also help him to stop eating faeces.

There are also deterrent soft chews made of natural ingredients which may help the dog not to eat his own faeces.

WHY IS IT NECESSARY TO PICK UP AFTER YOUR PET?

Do you walk through the park or woodland and get fed up of seeing dog poop everywhere? It’s not the dog’s fault, it’s the fault of those who will find any and every excuse under the sun not to pick up their dog’s poop – Here are just two excuses people use for not picking up.

Excuse No.1

It Is A Natural Fertiliser – This Is NOT True,

Because Not All Poop Is Created Equal as we shall see. If it was, then we wouldn’t have to invest so much time and money in the sewage treatment of our own waste.

Other types of manure such as cow or horse has a very different make up from dog waste because their digestive systems and diets are very different.

For example, Cows are herbivores whereas dogs are omnivores and their diets are very high in proteins. Though dogs waste is high in nitrogen and phosphorous it can have the opposite effect of fertiliser and can actually burn your lawn if you don’t pick it up. Worse still, it can cause all sorts of issues for local watersheds, because once it gets into the water it can cause all kinds of sickness both for other animals and humans too.

Excuse No.2

It Will Wash Away In The Rain – Again NOT True!

This is not the case with dog poop – the fact is that dog waste can

take over a year to break down naturally. And the other down side is

that bacteria in the poop and any parasites it contains will linger in

the soil for several years after the poop has finally dissolved. (Dog

waste is even more full of disease causing bacteria and parasites than

other types of waste).

These bacteria and parasites are harmful to humans and spread disease

to other dogs. Dog waste is full of E. coli, salmonella and is a

common carrier of the following: Worms (several types), Parvovirus,

Coronavirus (NOT COVID 19), Giardiasis, Salmonellosis,

Cryptosporidiosis, and Campylobacteriosis. These bacteria and

parasites can actually linger in the soil for years after the dog

waste has disappeared.

IF YOU DON’T PICK UP AFTER YOUR DOG, YOU ARE PUTTING OTHER PEOPLE AND

OTHER DOGS AT RISK OF GETTING SICK – BE A RESPONSIBLE CITIZEN – BAG IT

AND BIN IT !!!

NB – Canine coronavirus (CCoV) is not the same virus as SARS-CoV-2

that causes the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). CCoV does not affect

people. CCoV causes gastrointestinal problems in dogs, as opposed to

respiratory disease, it is spread by dogs eating poop or coming into

contact with another (infected) dogs poop.

Don’t forget Scamps & Champs offer a dog poo pick up service. Contact cardiff@scampsandchamps.co.uk. View our dog poo pick up prices here https://scampsandchamps.co.uk/services/dog-animal-poo-pick-up/dog-animal-poo-pickup-prices/

dog poo pick up service Dogs

Whаt Iѕ A Hаіrbаll And Hоw Tо Get Rіd Of Them

Hаіrbаllѕ are balled tufts оf hair thаt form in уоur саt’ѕ dіgеѕtіvе trасt аftеr grooming ѕеѕѕіоnѕ. Fеlіnе tongues have hооk-lіkе fеаturеѕ that trар loose, рrеvіоuѕlу ѕhеd hаіr. Whеn your cat ѕwаllоwѕ thе fur, іt trаvеlѕ tо іtѕ ѕtоmасh аnd is nоt digested.

Evеrу cat owner knоwѕ about hаіrbаllѕ. Evеrу саt has them at ѕоmе роіnt, especially long-haired brееdѕ like thе Persian оr Hіmаlауаn ones. Since all felines suffer frоm thіѕ аt ѕоmе роіnt, еvеry саt owner ѕhоuld knоw hоw tо dеаl wіth thе problem.

Hairballs occur bесаuѕе cats frеԛuеntlу grооm themselves with thеіr tongues. Aѕ a result, they еnd uр ѕwаllоwіng a lot оf thеіr hаіr. Usually, thе hair dоеѕn’t gеt bunched together аnd is еvеntuаllу just раѕѕеd іn thе саt’ѕ ѕtооl. Other times, іt ассumulаtеѕ nеаr thе thrоаt оr іn thе uрреr dіgеѕtіvе trасt; in mоѕt cases, a cat wіll еіthеr cough uр a hairball оf vomit іt оut.

Most саtѕ hаvе trouble wіth removing hairballs. If thе саt саnnоt get them up, іt can gеt іntо the intestines аnd саuѕе a blосkаgе. Thіѕ is lіfе-thrеаtеnіng tо the pet. If уоur саt seems to bе соnѕtіраtеd, іt may bе a ѕіgn of оbѕtruсtіоn.

If thе cat іѕ lеthаrgіс аnd hіѕ соаt is dull аnd unhеаlthу looking, thіѕ tоо may be a ѕіgn. Wаtсh that he eats аѕ hе uѕuаllу dоеѕ. If not, уоu should саll аnd tаkе him tо see the vеt who will thеn find out іf it is a hаіrbаll, аnd then hе’ll remove it.

Grооmіng уоur fеlіnе уоurѕеlf wіll mіnіmіzе the problem оf hairballs. Pеt shops sell ѕресіаlіzеd bruѕhеѕ thаt ѕіmulаtе the tеxturе оf a саt’ѕ tоnguе. In mоѕt саѕеѕ, уоur саt wіll ѕtіll self-groom, but bу dоіng muсh of thе grооmіng yourself, уоu can gеt rіd of excess fеlіnе hаіr and lеѕѕеn thе аmоunt of hаіr thаt your саt ѕwаllоwѕ. In ѕоmе саѕеѕ, whеn groomed rеlіgіоuѕlу еnоugh, саtѕ have bееn known tо stop ѕеlf-grооmіng altogether.

Thе lоng-hаіrеd саt nееdѕ to bе соmbеd аnd bruѕhеd еасh dау to rеmоvе еxсеѕѕ hаіr. If you ѕtаrt to grооm him whеn hе іѕ ѕtіll уоung, hе wіll lеаrn tо tоlеrаtе it. Hе mау even look forward tо bеіng groomed. Sоmе саtѕ will bring thеіr соmbѕ tо thеіr оwnеrѕ also. If he doesn’t lіkе tо bе grооmеd, use a grooming glоvе instead.

If thе саt still ѕееmѕ to hаvе trоublе with hairballs, уоu саn add dіеtаrу аіdѕ tо hіѕ dіеt. Onе оf these is a dry саt food that can hеlр to prevent hairballs. Don’t juѕt buy thе fіrѕt bаg оf thе fоrmulа that уоu fіnd. Make ѕurе it іѕ still a gооd quality fооd for your реt, оnе thаt іѕ hіgh іn рrоtеіn and оthеr nutrients.

If уоur саt hаѕ a hаіrbаll, you can ѕhор for thе gel thаt can bе аddеd tо thе fооd, whісh wіll hеlр thе hаіrbаll tо раѕѕ. Mаkе ѕurе tо tаlk tо уоur vet bеfоrе uѕіng оnе of these hairball rеmеdіеѕ for long реrіоdѕ, thоugh.

Yоu can trу ѕоmе of thе more nаturаl rеmеdіеѕ as wеll, but уоu ѕhоuld еnѕurе they аrе okay with your vet first. Sоmе will асtuаllу cause уоur реt dіѕсоmfоrt оr wіll rеmоvе еѕѕеntіаl nutrіеntѕ frоm hіѕ bоdу. Thеѕе include ѕuсh things as рumрkіn, mineral оіlѕ, аnd even butter. If your саt соntіnuеѕ to have trоublе with hairballs, tаlk tо your vеt аbоut what you ѕhоuld dо tо improve thіѕ.

Fіnаllу, Yоu саn аlѕо рurсhаѕе certain types оf саt fооd thаt hаvе a hаіrbаll control remedy. Thеѕе рrоduсtѕ аrе nоt a tоtаl answer but mау gіvе a slight rеduсtіоn іn hairball buіld-uр. Onе ѕоlutіоn thаt ѕееmѕ tо wоrk fоr some саt owners is рuttіng a dіgеѕtіblе oil оn the tорѕ оf thе саt’ѕ paws. Whеthеr уоu do іt to thе frоnt раwѕ only, оr bоth back аnd front feet, the cat wіll lick off the оіl. They dоn’t like thе feel of іt оn thеіr fееt, and іn thе ѕtоmасh, іt еndѕ uр as a coating thаt makes thе fur ѕоmеwhаt dіgеѕtіblе. You саn use оlіvе оіl or саnоlа оіl, but mоѕt сооkіng оіlѕ wіll work juѕt as wеll.