SEASONAL ADVICE

The Healthful Pets Christmas Gift Guide for Dogs 2024

Dogs are family, and they deserve to be spoiled just like the rest of us. So, why not treat your four-legged friend to something that shows how much they mean to you this Christmas? At Healthful Pets, we have a great range of Christmas gifts for your dog, there’s something to suit everyone! Read on to explore our comprehensive guide to picking the paw-fect present for your pup.

Eco Dog Toys

We sell a huge range of eco dog

Hydration is vital in a wellness routine

While a wide variety of dog food brands and treats are available, hydration is a critical aspect of a dog's overall health that often doesn't receive enough emphasis. As you may know, water is the essence of life, and proper hydration is crucial for the overall well-being of our dogs.

Approximately 70% of a dog's body is made up of water, and it is essential for numerous bodily functions, such as digestion, circulation, temperature regulation, nutrient absorption, and waste elimination. What pet parents often overlook is the risk of dehydration and its impact. Dehydration in dogs isn't just about thirst—it can spiral into a myriad of troubles, from minor issues like a dull and dry coat, leading to undesirable shedding, to lethargy and more serious issues such as constipation, aggravating joint problems, urinary tract issues and in very severe cases, can

A quick internet search for ‘can my dog eat garlic?’ can send you down a rabbit hole of conflicting information. There seems to be a general consensus that garlic is toxic to dogs and shouldn’t be consumed under any circumstances. But is that really the case?

Garlic, or Allium sativum, is a vegetable that has been used to both flavour food and cure ailments (human and animal) across various cultures for centuries. As part of the Allium family, garlic is related to onions, chives leeks and shallots – this is where much of the confusion regarding its toxicity stems from. Garlic is high in inulin, amino acids, sulphur, zinc, potassium and phosphorus. It also contains vitamins A, C and B-complex, calcium, magnesium, manganese, selenium and germanium. Perhaps most importantly, garlic also contains bioactive Allicin and Ajoene.

As those chilly nights draw in, we know autumn is here. Autumn is a wonderful season to get outside and spend time with your dog. But there are a few potential risks dog owners should bear in mind. The health and happiness of our pups should always be a priority. So consider these safety precautions when caring for your dog this autumn.

Take care of your dog’s paws

When piles of leaves litter the streets, potentially harmful debris can lurk underneath. Broken glass and sharp objects hidden under the leaves could cut your dog’s paw pads, so it’s always a good idea to check your dog’s paws regularly.

Fireworks can be a source of fear for many animals with their loud bangs and flashes.  Here are some tips to help your pets stay calm this Bonfire Night.

It's estimated that 45% of dogs in the UK show signs of fear when they hear fireworks. It doesn’t have to be that way though - so don’t ignore the problem. There are many  things you can do to help your pet deal with fireworks and by preparing in advance, your pet will be better able to cope with those noises. 

• Keep your cats and dogs indoors. If your cat is normally out during the day and doesn’t return until dusk, consider whether you

Taking the dog for a walk through the glorious summer days is something we all adore. But when autumn comes along with its lashings of rain, it’s not always fun and games. Here are a few tips to help you embrace and even enjoy those soggy walks with your pooch.

For some people, walking in wet weather is the main downside of owning a dog and often becomes a dreaded chore. And while you could be lucky with a dog that prefers to stay indoors until the rain stops, others love a good romp around in puddles. Meaning you’re dragged outside in the cold, wind and rain whether you like it or not!

But your rainy dog walks don’t have to be a nightmare. Preparing yourself both mentally and physically will have a huge impact on how you view those rainy strolls. Here are a few tips to help you embrace

Summer is finally upon us and with a heatwave this week, here are some helpful tips on how you can help your dog keep cool and safe in the coming months.

Dogs cool themselves through their tongues (panting) and the pads of their feet, so heat can build up quickly. Dogs don't sweat like we do and as a result they can overheat much more quickly. So if your dog is panting, their tongue is hanging out, drooling excessively or looking lethargic then these are signs of an overheated dog and signs of dehydration. Don’t forget, if the ground is warm, then dogs cannot cool down through their feet and dogs with darker coats will also absorb more heat than lighter coats. Hairy dogs, short nosed dogs and young and old dogs are more vulnerable to heat.

Dogs can

With summer here and holidays planned with their pets, all too often motion sickness can make, even a short trip, stressful for both your pet and you. Find out what you can do to help.

What are the typical signs of travel sickness?

Some typical signs of dog travel sickness include; restlessness, panting, whining, excessive drooling, yawning, vomiting and listlessness. Generally dogs will outgrow motion sickness but some dogs won’t and may need assistance to make their journey less distressing.

Have you considered Natural Flea Repellents for Dogs and Cats? Sourcing an effective and safe deterrent for your family pet is important for their overall comfort and for your peace-of-mind. Consider a natural and non-toxic option for cats and dogs...  

One of the key factors in flea prevention is the overall health and immune system of your dog or cat to ensure fleas are kept to a minimum. However on occasions, even healthy dogs and cats may become hosts to fleas.

Fleas are highly productive and one female flea can lay up to 50 eggs a day, mostly in the environment; with a few laid on your pet which can fall off in your home. Their life cycle can be as long as several months and they can survive the

Summer is prime time for walking trips and exploring the great outdoors. Since our dogs are members of the family, we’re always looking for ways we can include them too. But when it comes to walking trips with your pooch, there are some special considerations you have to bear in mind, it's not quite as simple as just 'pack up and leave.'Here are 8 backpacking essentials to ensure you and your dog have a fun and safe walking trip this summer.

Water

Be sure to pack plenty of water for both you and your dog. Hydration is the number one priority here. While exercising in the heat you’ll both be thirstier than normal, so you may need to pack more than you’d expect. Dogs need to drink up to 50% more in hotter climates and you certainly don’t want to run out when you are miles