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Daily Record
5 days ago
- General
- Daily Record
Warning to small dog owners as health issues common in certain breeds- see list
Certain small pooches are more susceptible to health issues and require extra care. Small dogs have been in fashion in recent years, with little breeds such as the Cavapoo (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle) and the iconic Dachshund spiking in popularity. But a dog or puppy is more than a cute face or a fashion statement, and small dog owners are often unaware of the health issues associated with littler pups. Dog nutrition experts at Green Pantry have partnered with vet Dr. Suzanne Moyes to warn existing or aspiring small dog owners of the health problems they often face, so that all pet parents will be well-educated on how to look after their furry friends. Dr Moyes said: 'Smaller dogs are popular for many reasons. They require less space, typically need less rigorous exercise compared to larger breeds, and are more affordable to feed (though other expenses remain comparable). Plus, their undeniable cuteness makes them even more appealing." But we should remain aware that many small dog breeds are vulnerable to health problems, and pet parents should do their research before taking one home. With this in mind, the pet pros have made a list of the most popular small dogs, and offer some tips on how to meet their specific health needs. Here is their advice. The most popular small dog breeds and how to care for them Cockapoo Dr Moyes explains: 'One of the main health issues Cockapoos suffer from is obesity. This is easily remedied with a healthy and balanced diet and ensuring everybody is aligned on what the dog should and should not be fed. "As tempting as it can be to slip your pet some food from your plate, this is one of the leading causes of obesity in dogs, and it can, in turn, lead to other health issues such as joint issues and diabetes." The expert explains that hip dysplasia is also a common problem with Cockapoos, which is an issue that can be exacerbated by obesity. To ease joint issues, make sure your pooch gets regular exercise, and you could also consider complementary therapeutic regimes such as hydrotherapy or laser therapy, shared the vet. Cavapoo Dr. Moyes continues: 'Like hip dysplasia, patellar luxation is a common health issue amongst smaller dogs. It can often affect Cavapoos, causing their kneecaps to slip and cause discomfort, sometimes leading to osteoarthritis. "A key giveaway sign can be your dog giving a little skip on one of their hind legs when walking or running. If you notice this, it is best to get them rechecked by your vet." Keeping your Cavapoo at a healthy weight, with the correct nutrition, is one way to help this issue. This breed of small dog also often have dental issues, which can include problems such as bad breath, tooth decay, gingivitis, cavities, and even tooth loss. To maintain your dog's oral hygiene, focus on a balanced diet, and regular brushing, or give them natural dental supplements like mint, seaweed, or parsley. Chihuahua 'Chihuahuas are one of the smallest dog breeds, which is why they often suffer from Periodontal Disease", explains Dr Moyes. This condition occurs when the dog's teeth become overcrowded in their small mouths, so it's vital to look after their dental hygiene. Dachshund Dr Moyes adds: 'Dachshunds are adored for their distinctive, sausage-like shape and have rapidly increased in popularity. However, there are some things you should be aware of with their unique physique. "Dachshunds are particularly susceptible to Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)." IVDD is a spinal condition caused by degeneration of the intervertebral discs, often associated with ageing. While this condition cannot always be prevented, its symptoms can be significantly reduced and managed by taking proactive steps. Anti-inflammatory supplements, making sure they're a healthy weight and even getting in touch with a doggy physiotherapist can help. Obesity is another issue for dachshunds, due to their unique build, so again, it's vital to maintain their weight. Dr Moyes concludes: 'While it is good to be aware of these conditions, they are by no means guaranteed. "As with humans, all dogs are unique, and though some may suffer from these conditions, with the correct care and management, these dogs will go on to lead happy lives." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Daily Record
13-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
The 3 barbecue foods never to feed your dog as weather hots up
Dogs don't need to miss out on the BBQ fun this summer but it is important to make the occasion pet-friendly As the weather gets warmer, barbecue plans are in full swing. Scots will be dusting down the grill and heading outdoors to cook for all the family - and with dogs being a huge part of the household for many across the country, they won't be left out. However, with many garden gatherings on the horizon, owners must make sure their furry friends can get safely involved in the family fun. We want our pets to be a part of all areas of our lives and summer BBQs are no exception. However, Scots may not know that there are numerous barbecue foods we must never feed our canines. BBQs must also be pet-friendly to avoid health scares as dodgy snacks or leftovers can lead to internal damage. "This year, when planning your al fresco dining experience, be sure to consider your furry friends with everything from the environment to the menu you're serving up," Simon Booth, Director and dog expert at Green Pantry, urged. Luckily, Simon has stepped in to explain the things to keep in mind this summer when bringing your dog to a BBQ - and the foods your pooch should sidestep. The top 3 BBQ foods to avoid feeding your dog Ketchup It's often not something we consider to be toxic to dogs, as tomatoes are a safe food for them in moderation. Simon said: "Ketchup is the nation's favourite condiment, so it's no surprise it's a BBQ essential. However, due to the salt, sugar and often xylitol content, it can be dangerous to your pet." Onions "Onions can be toxic to dogs even in small amounts," Simon explained. "They can cause gastrointestinal issues and even lead to further damage to your dog's health." Chicken legs "Chicken on the bone, like legs or thighs, should be avoided," Simon went on. "Though dogs can safely be given certain uncooked bones (like beef, lamb or venison) to chew on, giving them cooked bones, or any type of chicken bones, can be dangerous as they are more likely to break into smaller pieces and cause damage internally. "Instead of these, involve your dog in the BBQ food by putting aside designated food for your dog that you know is safe for them to eat and hasn't been contaminated with anything they cannot eat." How to plan a dog-friendly BBQ this summer, according to experts Prepare your pet "Your dog is used to your home environment, and will be familiar with the garden setting," Simon said. "However, when multiple new people enter this space, it can then become overwhelming for them. "To ensure this isn't the case, try to introduce guests to your dog one by one, allowing them to get used to the new scents and having new people in their home and garden. Encourage guests not to overexcite the dog and remain calm as they approach them." Introduce dogs to each other ahead of time "If other guests are bringing their dog to the BBQ, try and get them to meet beforehand. If this isn't possible, consider letting them meet on neutral ground," Simon advised. "A quick walk together can be a good way for them to meet and adjust before entering the house. "Make sure each dog has their own space to relax away from each other, too. Consider setting up a space in the house for each dog to retreat to if needed." Create a safe environment "Your dog may not be used to avoiding certain areas such as the BBQ itself," Simon shared. "If your BBQ isn't a permanent garden fixture, it may be in a space your pet is used to exploring and can be a risk to their safety when cooking hot food. "Try to create a barrier between your pet and the hot BBQ. Setting up an out-of-bounds area for pets to restrict how close they can get to the barbeque grill itself is a must to ensure the safety of your dog." Consider their diet "Having multiple new people in their space can cause anxiety in dogs. Don't overlook the importance of diet when it comes to reducing your anxiety levels. "If your dog gets stressed or anxious when having guests over, consider opting for an anxiety-reducing meal to help them... natural relaxants can aid canine calm. Alternatively, consider a natural calming supplement containing hemp and valerian properties to sprinkle over their regular food to help support relaxation and manage stress." Set boundaries for feeding "It can be tempting for guests to drop food for your furry friend, but not all BBQ foods are dog-friendly," Simon warned. "Ensure that when guests arrive that you let them know not to feed your dog. "If this boundary isn't in place beforehand, it can lead to overfeeding and even cause your pet to be fed foods they shouldn't and lead to distress." Don't forget the stealth steal "Dogs are artists when it comes to quickly nabbing a sausage or burger when no one is looking, whilst this can be amusing at the time, this type of behaviour should be avoided," Simon added. "In particular, be mindful of those larger dogs, whose noses can reach table height, and certain breeds like Lurchers and Greyhounds who are stealth artists when it comes to procuring a quick snack." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
