Puppy

What is enrichment for dogs?

Enrichment can be defined as the 'act of improving or enhancing the quality or value of something'. For your dog, enrichment often means thinking outside of the box to provide them with stimulating activities that engage their mind, body and senses. 

Most enrichment activities challenge dogs to think and problem-solve at varying levels of difficulty, depending on your individual dog. Super-smart dog breeds can be sometimes be harder to satisfy with standard enrichment activities, but luckily there are plenty of options out there for your intelligent pooch! 

Equally, not every enrichment activity is going to suit every dog. While some dogs are

As the happy pet parent of a new puppy, you may be pondering over a seemingly simple question: Is there a real difference between puppy shampoo and adult dog shampoo? The answer may surprise you and hopefully it will make you question some of the products marketed as puppy shampoo.  By the end of this article you will be able to recognise what to look for in a natural dog shampoo that is safe for puppies.

WHAT MAKES PUPPY SHAMPOO DIFFERENT FROM ADULT DOG SHAMPOO?

The general idea behind puppy shampoo is that it would use more mild ingredients than shampoo made for adult dogs because a puppy's skin is more delicate, thin, and sensitive compared to an adult dog's skin (the same is true of humans too)! A puppy's skin is also less resistant to chemicals and harsh ingredients so it should never contain artificial fragrance, artificial colors, or harsh preservatives.

WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR IN A PUPPY SHAMPOO?

Finding a puppy shampoo isn't as easy as looking at the bottle, trusting the

Getting a puppy? Not quite sure what to buy or where to start? Then don't worry, we have your back! Here at Healthful Pets we have plenty of suggestions to help with the arrival of your new puppy...

Preparing for a puppy can be stressful, but we have a range of products ideal for your puppy to make buying easier. So have a read before your new family member arrives...

FEEDING

It is really important to get the right food for your puppy, this may mean trying out various options available to find the right one. Try to make sure you feed them species appropriate food as this will help their immune system and overall long-term health. Ideally feed raw food but if this isn't an option then try and feed the best food you can.

You can find out more about which dog food to buy here: All About Dog Food

DOG BOWLS

Puppies can gobble down their food, especially in the presence of other dogs, which could lead to health issues; so a good choice would be a Slow Feed Dog Bowl to promote natural eating

Proflax are a number 1 award winning, vet approved, UK herbal supplement brand. Their two oil based ranges consist of salmon oil or flaxseed oil, both of which are human food grade and expertly formulated with active herbal blends to provide optimal support for the individual needs of dogs and cats. Lets look into these oils in more detail. 

Understanding Oils and Essential Fatty Acids

Proflax's innovative approach lies in the unique formulation of their supplements - so using oils and herbs mixed together - with the main focus being on essential fatty acids (EFAs) from the oils. The primary difference between the fish oil and flaxseed oil lies in the types of EFAs they contain.

The fish oil used in Proflax's Omega range is rich in two EFA’s: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in supporting cardiovascular and brain health, promoting a shiny coat, and boosting the immune system. Fish oils are suitable for both dogs and

Three Things To Consider Before Your First Pet Purchase

So, you have decided to add a pet to your family. It’s surely an exciting time. But your new addition will bring a multitude of changes in your life, and if you haven’t given the process careful thought and consideration, your joyful homecoming could turn into an unfortunate experience for both you and your pet. You owe it to yourself, your family and the animal to be vigilant in making the right choice.

Here are three important things to consider.

What Pet Is Right For You?

Each year tens of thousands of dog are abandoned or unwanted in the UK. Owners become overburdened with the expenses, poor behaviour, space issues, or grow too old to care for their pets. With this in mind, it’s important to ask yourself some tough questions.

Do I have enough space? If you’re living in a small flat, chances are that a large-breed dog wouldn’t have enough room.

What pet would be best for my children? If you have young children who aren’t ready

Does your dog wolf down their food like there’s no tomorrow? Maybe they act as if they haven’t seen food in days and perhaps never will again! We have some solutions..

Most dogs are instinctively motivated by food, but sometimes a dog’s desire to consume their food as quickly as possible is something they learn from puppyhood...

In a litter there is an element of competition, and puppies sometimes learn you must eat quickly to avoid being left hungry. But when this behaviour carries through to adulthood, fast eaters can experience problems such as gagging, vomiting, gas or bloat.

If your dog devours their food in a few seconds and frequently vomits or experiences other side effects, you’re likely feeling a little concerned. But there are ways you can slow down your dog’s eating. Read our top tips to put the brakes on your speedy eater.

Make a towel roll

Place a towel flat on the floor and cover the area with your dog’s regular food. Then start rolling the towel up from the shortest end