GWF Nutrition Blog

As the saying goes, a healthy dog is a happy dog and as owners we all want to do the best for our four-legged friends. But how do you know whether your dog is really happy? It’s not always straightforward to know exactly how they are feeling, so being able to understand non-verbal cues is useful.

During the lockdown many of our usual day to day activities, including travel (even to and from work) and socialising are no longer possible, so making sure we keep ourselves and our pets active and stimulated is going to be more of a challenge. Here are some ways you can make sure that your pets are well provided for and that you keep your cat or dog happy while you are stuck indoors.

Christmas is a wonderful time of year and particularly in 2020 it's a long awaited chance to spend precious time with loved ones. Wrapping paper, tinsel and turkey scraps are all great opportunities for some festive fun – but make sure you are aware of the potential hazards too so you can enjoy a safe and happy Christmas with your pets.

Stiff joints and other aches and pains can feel worse during the colder months and even a warm home can have cold floors and draughts that you may not have noticed – but your dog more than likely has. Here are a few simple ways to help make sure your dog is comfortable at home during the winter months and keep those stiff joints at bay.

As dogs age they inevitably slow down and their needs and habits may change. Whether your dog is a Labrador or a Dachshund, there are some things you can do to keep your older dog happy and healthy and enjoying their twilight years as much as possible.

The sunny weather at this time of year can be glorious, but extreme temperatures can also pose a danger to us and to our animals. We share some simple tips to help you make sure your cats, dogs and horses stay safe in when the temperatures are soaring outside.

Arthritis in dogs is surprisingly common, with as many as one in five dogs reportedly suffering from the condition. And although arthritis is one of the most common ailments seen in middle-aged and older dogs, it can also affect younger animals too. Arthritis can be painful and debilitating and if left untreated it can significantly affect your pet's quality of life.

Diarrhea in dogs is a very common complaint and is one of those unfortunate things that most dogs (and their owners) will have had to deal with at some point. Many cases tend to clear up by themselves, but other dogs can become seriously ill very quickly and may need hospital treatment to recover. The severity often depends on the age and general health of the dog. Diarrhea (or diarrhoea) in dogs can be acute (sudden) in a usually healthy dog, or chronic (long term) weight loss. 

If your dog has stiff joints, you’ve probably come across glucosamine for dogs in one way or another. Joint supplements are amongst the most widely used nutritional supplements today, and most of these are built primarily around glucosamine and chondroitin. Your vet may even recommend trying a supplement with glucosamine for dogs to support your pet's joints before considering medical treatments.

Joint problems and stiffness are common in dogs and can range from minor discomfort from stiff joints to severe pain and arthritis. Problems in your dog's joints can be so serious that they hinder exercising or even walking short distances and prevent your pet from leading a full life. With the most severe painful joint pain even getting up or standing can become difficult for your dog. Hips and elbows are amongst the most commonly affected areas thanks to conditions like hip and elbow dysplasia.