Blog Posts by Eukanuba

walk on the beach with your dog for good exercise.

All dogs need physical activity to be happy and healthy. A tired dog is also less likely to have behavior problems such as chewing, digging, or excessive barking. Dog obesity is a rising epidemic, and exercise has a huge impact on keeping your pooch trim. But how do pet owners decide the best amount of exercise for a healthy, happy dog?

How much exercise does my dog need?

In general, all dogs need at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. But your individual dog may need more or less, depending on age, breed, and overall health.

Age

Puppies have a lot of energy, but also need a ton of rest for their growing bodies. Keep play sessions frequent but short, to allow for down-time between activities. The same is true as our dogs age; they need shorter exercise sessions with less intense activities.

Breed

Different dog breeds have different physical needs. Brachycephalic dogs such as pugs or bulldogs are not built for aerobic activities and can easily overheat even on

Some dog breeds are especially suited for active families.

Families come in all shapes, sizes and personalities, and so do dogs. So when it's time to think about adding a dog to your family, you need to consider more than just size. Active families that routinely jog, ride bikes or go hiking need to find a dog that can keep up with their physical lifestyle. Certain breeds are an ideal fit. Check out these breed profiles to help find the perfect dog for your active family.

Australian Shepherd - Aussies are herding dogs that are loving and loyal. They are very energetic and require mental stimulation as well as physical. They're known for their agility and ability to settle down quickly when the fun is over.

Miniature Schnauzer - In addition to being energetic and loyal, Mini Schnauzers are hypoallergenic. Originally bred to hunt vermin, they are tenacious and protective. Their small size makes them a good apartment dog, but be aware that they require frequent grooming and daily brushing.

Boxer - Boxers are great family dogs, but

Follow a few simple tips for a healthy lifestyle for you and your dog.

What can you do to help your beloved companion live a healthy, happy life? Just like people, dogs need to maintain a healthy weight. Follow these five simple, yet important, steps to ensure your pup doesn't pack on the pounds and you'll be able to enjoy many years together.

1. Feed high quality foods

The foundation of your dog's weight control revolves around a high quality food with a good protein in the base. Purchase the best you can afford and read the labels. Avoid products with fillers and opt for healthy proteins like chicken that helps build and maintain lean muscle mass. Just as in humans, the more muscle, the faster fat burns and the easier it is to maintain a healthy weight in your dog.

2. Offer limited weight control treats

Dogs love their treats and owners just love to dole them out. The key is to select a treat that is specially formulated for weight control and offer them on a limited basis. Yes, your dog may look adorable when they beg and bop for a

Your dog's diet plays an essential role in his dental health.

My dentist has a cute little sign hanging on his reception room wall. It says, "You don't have to floss all your teeth - just the ones you want to keep!" It makes me smile every time I see it, but it's also a good reminder that for our dogs, dental care isn't quite as simple. Keeping your dog's teeth healthy and strong is important to his overall well-being. And just like other aspects of his health, diet plays an essential role.

Dry Food vs. Canned Food

The simplest consideration for a healthy dental diet is the consistency of your dog's food. Dry food is preferred over canned food for a few reasons. Due to the consistency of canned food, it can easily adhere to the teeth in places where a dog is not able to remove it. Just like with our own teeth, if it's not brushed or otherwise cleared away quickly, it will begin to breakdown, providing an optimal environment for bacteria. It is this bacteria that causes dental decay and gum disease.

Dry food is designed so that as a

Beautiful Irish Setter

A dog's coat is defined as "an animal's covering of fur or hair" and is the first thing most of us notice when greeting one of our canine companions. Your dog's coat is not just a fashion statement however. It fulfills a very important role in maintaining the health and well-being of your pet and is a good indicator of overall health.

The ability to maintain a healthy coat is directly dependent on the quality of food your dog consumes. Choosing a dog food with superior ingredients is critical to the health and quality of your dog's coat.

Omega Fatty Acids:

Omega fatty acids have multiple beneficial effects for your dog's coat. In a paper published in the journal Veterinary Dermatology , researchers reported that omega fatty acids increase the skin barrier function and decrease water loss from the skin.

Fish, fish oils and chicken fat are excellent sources of fatty acids and are common ingredients in high quality dog foods. Some plant oils such as corn oil and flax seed

Happy family with their healthy dog












Keeping a dog healthy throughout his lifetime is one of the most urgent jobs a dog owner faces. Dog health myths sometimes mislead even the most experienced dog owners. What are 10 of the most common dog health myths to avoid?

1. Dog wounds heal best with dog saliva. There are long-standing myths that a dog's mouth is cleaner than a human's - and that he should lick his wounds to promote healing. In reality, allowing a dog to lick even a minor cut or wound can lead to a serious infection.

2. Table scraps are the healthiest diet for dogs. The belief that dogs stay healthiest on a diet of human meal leftovers is quite dangerous for dogs. Dogs require a regular balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fat in order for proper health and weight maintenance. Random table scraps rarely offer such a consistent balance and may also contain toxic ingredients for dogs.

3. A dog's nose indicates illness. While a dog's warm, dry nose may be cause for concern, as many dog owners believe,

Happy dog














You should start to introduce your pet to a toothbrush very early. Months before you intend to brush your dog's teeth, you should make them comfortable with the idea of the equipment and process. Let them see, smell, and taste the toothbrush and toothpaste. Frequently check their teeth by pulling their lips up gently and opening their mouths slowly. They will accept this as part of your routine eventually.

Once your dog is comfortable, you can start brushing their teeth on a routine basis by following these easy steps.

Step One: Make your dog comfortable. I put my dog on the couch so that he's comfortable and I can see him well. Have the toothbrush and toothpaste with you so that you will not have to leave your pet.

Step Two: Gently lift your dog's lips to see their teeth. This will let you see areas where tarter or food buildup may be concentrated.

Step Three: Put a small dollop of toothpaste on the toothbrush. Let the dog sniff, and even lick, the toothpaste if he

Is your dog eating the right dog food?
















Of all the things I have purchased for my dog throughout her life, the most important has to be the food she eats three times a day, every day. Over the last six years I have changed her food four times for various reasons, including dental care and weight loss. Along the way I've learned a lot about what I should consider when choosing a food to keep my lovable canine healthy. Here's what I believe is important when choosing the right dog food.

Ingredients

After hearing warnings about feeding my dog foods with fillers and by-products, I immediately check the ingredients of her food, and I was shocked to see some of the things the warning told me to avoid. Naturally, I contacted her veterinarian right away to ensure the food I was feeding her was safe, and the doctor reassured me our brand of food was safe.

I now have a checklist I follow when I consider changing food brands. For example, I make sure the food contains actual meat like chicken. It also must have no more than three