From understanding the dangers of feeding certain types of bones to managing skin allergies and maintaining a healthy diet, Dr Doug covers essential aspects of canine care. Learn how to keep your furry friend happy, healthy, and thriving with insights on nail care, dietary considerations, and optimal exercise routines.

1. Stay away from certain types of bones

When considering bone treats for your dog, it's essential to avoid split marrow bones, cooked bones, and splintery bones like chicken bones. These types of bones can lead to various dental and digestive issues, including broken teeth (especially molars), gum damage, intestinal blockages, and injuries to the intestines. Addressing such issues often requires surgical intervention for your dog.

For a safer option, opt for brisket and whole round bones rather than split varieties when selecting bones for your pet's enjoyment.

2. Keep your dog’s nails trimmed

When a dog's nails grow too long, their toes gain excessive leverage from the ground, potentially leading to toe dislocation. Proper ground contact is crucial for their comfort, especially as they age. Regularly filing their nails can aid in maintaining healthy toes and paws. Utilise rough sandpaper weekly to trim down each nail, ensuring they maintain function and your furry friend stays comfortable during walks.

3. Manage skin ‘allergies’ and atopic dermatitis in dogs

Managing skin allergies and atopic dermatitis in dogs requires a comprehensive approach.

Firstly, eliminate the possibility of systemic diseases such as diabetes, pemphigus, hypothyroid, and cancers which are more of a consideration in older dogs.

While skin issues are often attributed to allergies from grass, food, or environmental factors, current research suggests they stem from a compromised skin barrier. This barrier affords allergens and microorganisms closer contact with the body. Factors contributing to a weakened skin barrier include genetics, diet, age, and environment.

Skin and blood tests may reveal reactions to various allergens, but addressing the root cause is paramount. To effectively manage skin allergies, it's crucial to maintain a balanced diet and regularly wash allergens off the skin. Utilising products like Malaseb shampoo can aid in this process. Additionally, enhancing the skin barrier post-bath with oils, such as coconut oil, or a vinegar rinse (using ½ cup vinegar diluted in half of a bucket of water) can further support skin health.

I recommend the Pet Skin Care Bundle. This includes Malaseb medicated dog shampoo (see me use this on Facebook here - don't forget to like the video!), PAWSKIN topical gel, and Turmeric Dog Bites as a holistic approach to reducing skin irritation and inflammation.

Shop The Pet Skincare Bundle & Save

4. Maintain a healthy diet

• Do not feed any foods containing preservatives such as sulphites, for example, bacon, ham, sausages, wurst, raisins, or baked goods.
• Do not feed foods containing added sugar, such as honey, agave, sugar, and foods containing flour.
• Avoid chocolate as it contains theobromine which can affect the heart’s function. Dogs, compared to humans, do not metabolise this compound very well which could build to concerning levels depending on how much is in the chocolate. If you have concerns, use this calculator.
• Steer clear of grapes. Cooked, peeled, dried or fresh, grapes can cause kidney failure in dogs. Signs your dog may have eaten grapes include vomiting and diarrhoea.
• Add our Golden Paste to your dog’s diet to maintain optimal health and help combat any inflammation, assist their immunity, defend the body against disease and reduce itchiness. Our Golden Paste recipe is also a main component of our Turmeric Dog Bites Snack Packs, for a simple and transportable solution. 

5. Make sure your dog gets regular exercise

Walking on a leash is a good start, but optimal exercise for your dog involves more freedom and space to move. Allowing your dog to roam in a spacious paddock or park provides a more fulfilling and natural form of exercise.

Consistency in exercise routines is key to strengthening cruciate ligaments in the knee. Regular activity helps these ligaments adapt to the increased tension from running and playing, keeping them strong and healthy.

Swimming has emerged as an ideal exercise option for dogs, especially those advancing in age or struggling with weight. It offers a low-impact workout that minimises stress on the legs. Following a swim, it's advisable to use an ear cleaner to prevent any potential issues.