What is balance? Is it equilibrium? Stability? Harmony? Should it be perfect? In regard to well-being, most cultures believe balance is the general concept of good health. When you feel good and you’re full of energy. Not just physically, but also mentally. The same is true for your dog. EQUALS has created balanced recipes for your dog’s physical and mental well-being. Helping them to manage stress and anxiety. Providing them with more energy and making them feel good. While also nourishing their body, strengthening their immune system and helping them live longer.

The home is our planet, the elephant is our carelessness and stubbornness. According to Google, there are about 900 million dogs and 600 million cats. Now, compare that to the average CO2 footprint of a human and the CO2 pawprint of the average medium to large breed dog. It’s the same! In the USA carbon dioxide emissions per person amount to 20 metric tons per year. Five tonnes of CO2 are roughly the same as the emissions produced by one car every year. It’s not just you that can do something about global warming. If you and your best pal can lower your carbon footprint and pawprint by 50% you can become carbon neutral. Through a combination of reducing and offsetting carbon emissions, your net contribution to greenhouse gases in the atmosphere can be zero. How? How about home cooking. It’s one of the oldest and most nature-friendly ways to prepare the food. Also, to shop locally and buy local ingredients. That’s how we can really improve the balance and reverse the vicious cycle that the pet food industry imposes on us. Avoiding global supply chains, where tins and dry food literally travel several thousands of kilometres. Sometimes it feels that we can’t personally make a difference. That your contribution is just too small to change anything. It’s just not true. The effect of you doing the right thing will inevitably be felt by you as well as those around you. Most importantly, by sometimes cooking for your dog they will feel much better both physically and mentally. Join the mission, share your story, we will be delighted to share it with the world. Please email us at team@equals.world

Bladder control issues: Four ways to ensure that it’s no issue It’s normal for puppies to make little mistakes. But when your conscientious canine has suddenly stopped making it to the backyard in time, there could be something physically wrong that needs to be looked into. 1. Keep a minimum amount of water to drink at night (but not too much). 2. Head for the great outdoors. Take your buddy out the moment they wake up. Reward your dog every time they go out and “do” something. 3. Watch for warning signs. If your pooch is looking restless, walking in circles, or nosing the ground, you can bet that they’re not looking for a lost ring. Try to get them outside as soon as possible. 4. Keep a regular meal schedule. Some dogs need to go outside immediately after eating. Controlling their mealtimes will help you keep tabs on their other needs as well. Call your vet immediately, if any changes in your dog’s usual habits persist for more than two days. Also, if the urine is discoloured or they are finding it difficult to relieve themselves.

It seems like only yesterday, when your dog was a small bundle of fur chasing their tail. In fact, relatively speaking, it was only a short time ago. Most dogs live no more than 15 or 16 years, and for some larger breeds, 10 years is the usual life span. And though there are plenty of 20-year-old dogs basking in their senior years, their two decades of life still put them in the “ancient” category. While you can’t reverse the hands of time, there’s a lot you can do to keep an old friend comfortable and by your side for a longer time. – Regular check-ups. Visit your vet at least once a year. – Keep those paws moving. Daily exercise, ideally walking at least 20 minutes twice a day. – Watch their weight. Healthy dogs stay fairly sleek throughout their lives. For more information, download the free EQUALS diary template. – Add fresh food to their regular diet. Proper food leads to proper digestion and proper functioning of the immune system. EQUALS can help, by providing tailor-made balanced recipes for your dog, that you can make at home. – Switch to healthy treats. Fruit, or baked vegetables, like pumpkin, are great snacks. – Include natural supplements, as a once-in-a-while reward in a snack. – Keep the water bowl full. Always, always provide fresh and clean water. – Add some antioxidants to their food. Multivitamins in powder form are best, allowing you to mix easily and evenly. – Keep your dog close. Hearing and vision lose their sharpness with age, you need to become their ears and take more precautions on their behalf. – Help your children understand. Like people, many elderly dogs get a bit cranky and intolerant of interruption. You may need to ask the kids to be extra considerate of an elderly dog.

Many of us eat fast food. We know it’s not good for our body, but now and again it won’t do too much harm. However, most of us feed our best buddy with the dog equivalent of fast food twice a day. That’s because most pet foods include fillers, artificial colours, flavours and additives. Imagine what this is doing to their bodies. These days more and more dogs are suffering from obesity, chronic degenerative diseases, allergies, and kidney and liver issues. And sadly, live shorter lives. How can we ensure that our dogs get the highest quality protein and fresh ingredients that they need? It’s simpler than you think. The answer is to buy the same healthy local products that you eat yourself. For example, boiled chicken breast meat and carrots is better than almost any pet food you can buy. Of course, you need to learn which ingredients to buy to make sure they get all the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants they need. We like to think of that as a labour of love. For more inspiration about recipes and cooking for your furry friend, go to www.equals.dog or ask me personally, by sending a email or whatsapp message.

Cataracts often cause problems for people, but in dogs (and cats) they usually aren’t serious enough to raise an eyebrow. After all, a dog’s normal vision isn’t much better than that of the cartoon character, Mr. Magoo. The difference in sight caused by cataracts is usually minimal, however, if your buddy needs help getting around – or if you’re concerned about preventing cataracts in the future – here are some tips. – Beware! Rearranging furniture at home is not a fun game for your four-legged friend, and a and a little bumpy. – Give your dog a tour. If you do move things around, or if your dog has just begun having vision problems, gently lead them around the house, so they learn where everything is. – Keep your dog within reach. Unless the garden or yard is securely fenced, keep them on a leash whenever you go outside. – Keep up with check-ups. Apart from being a heredity condition, the leading cause of cataracts in dogs is diabetes. (Golden Retrievers, Labradors and Poodles are particularly susceptible). When the condition is caught early, cataracts can be delayed or even prevented altogether. – Adjust your dog’s diet. Switching to a freshly made food is the best, because you can choose the best ingredients and adjust the fibre content. There’s scientific evidence showing that fibre can help control blood sugar levels and perhaps lower the risk of developing cataracts. EQUALS can provide a tailor-made recipe you can cook for your pooch at home. Natural Eye Care supplements is another way to help your buddy alleviate the condition or even prevent it to happen.

It’s best to feed your dog after the walk, but not immediately after. Vets recommend a wait of 45 minutes or longer, because feeding your dog while they are still warm and panting from the walk can cause serious digestive problems.

Silence. Nobody to greet you at the door. The rattle of the leash goes unnoticed. Even a steak bone fails to generate any excitement. It’s not uncommon for dogs (and cats) to get the blues. Causes include illness, loneliness, lack of exercise or even winter darkness.Depression can make dogs lethargic, mopey and sad. To raise your dog’s spirits, here’s our bucket list of things to do. – Make every day a play day. Throwing yourself into some wholehearted playing with your dog is perhaps the best way to take their mind off their troubles. – Reflect some fun. Putting up a mirror, where your dog can see their own reflection will give them a sense that they are not alone. – Walk away your dog’s problems. Exercise stimulates the release of endorphins, chemicals in the body that heighten good feelings. – Prepare a dog for your baby. Don’t drop the “bomb” on them suddenly. If you’re pregnant, start using baby powder and baby lotion, so that your buddy gets used to the smells. You can also play the sound of a baby crying, so that your dog gets used to this“strange” noise. – Include your dog in the fun. Once you have a baby, most likely you will spend most of the time taking care of them. Put a lattice-type gate across the door of the nursery. This will keep your dog outside, while still allowing them to keep tabs on what’s going on. – Hide surprises. For dogs, home is where the good smells (and tastes) are. You can place toys or tasty homemade treats, which they can discover. Instead of being depressing, a moving day will become an adventure day. – Cook with your dog. Nothing strengthens the bond more than preparing and eating food together. EQUALS can provide tailor-made balanced recipes you can cook for your pooch at home (www.equals.dog). – Call home, leaving your voice on the answering machine. Hearing your voice can do wonders. – Music to a dog’s ears. Rather than playing human music for your dog, why not play some dog music? Music tracks which feature dog sounds… – Give your dog a new friend. Many dogs will feel better when they have another furry companion to play with.

One of the most asked questions. And one that generates much heated discussion, even amongst vets. The most important thing, whether it’s wet or dry, is the quality of the ingredients. Also, personal preference. The primary difference is water content. The moisture content of dry food is 3-12%, while it can be as much as 85% in wet food. Which means that your dog needs to eat twice or three times more wet food for the same calorific value.

Many dogs are allergic to beef, chicken, fish, lamb and pork. Why? It can be many things, it can just be in their genetics. The tell-tale signs are excessive licking or itching, skin infections and bald patches. Knowing exactly what your dog is allergic too is often complicated, also for your vet. Some will recommend an allergy test, others may choose for an elimination diet. By means of a food trial: feeding your dog a novel (i.e. one) source of protein and carbohydrate for 12 weeks.

Perhaps that’s the reason they have so many nicknames, especially wiener or sausage dog! The name Dachshund is German, meaning “badger dog,” because they were originally bred to hunt badgers in the 15th century. They are eager and cute and affectionate. Who can resist that long body and funny short legs? These days they are one of the world’s most loved dog breeds. You certainly can’t ignore them, with their extremely loud bark. The Dachshund is so widely associated with Germany that it has become an official symbol of this country. Germans are very proud of this association, even having a Dachshund named Waldi as the first official mascot for the 1972 Olympics in Munich. As a breed there has been much argument about how to classify them. Most dog organizations fit them in to the hound category, because they were originally bred for hunting. While others argue that proper place for them is in the terrier or earth dog group, due to their digging and burrowing skills. However, countries belonging to the World Canine Federation put them in their very own category. Dachshunds are surprisingly fast. Perhaps that’s why they have Dachshund races in some countries. Or the Wiener Nationals, as they call them in the US. The Dachshund Club of America is opposed to this because of concerns that such races could injure Dachshunds’ backs. Something they are prone to in later life.

Do you love cooking? Do you love your dog? If the answer to both these questions is yes, why not try cooking for your pal? It’s not difficult, in fact, many recipes are easier than making food for a child. The secret is making sure that the recipe is balanced and from a trusted source. What’s also very attractive about cooking: you can make food that is tailor-made to your dog’s health and tastes.

Dogs can eat some kinds of fish, especially because they are a rich source of protein. However, they must be cooked beforehand. Raw fish will not necessarily harm your pooch, but you do run the risk of exposing your dog to fish-borne parasites that are highly dangerous.

Most people think that a dog is a carnivore, but actually they are omnivores. Which means their body can get everything it needs without eating meat. A dog on a vegetarian diet can thrive. Did you know that eggs have the highest biological value of all the protein sources commonly used in dog foods? Of course, eggs aren’t appropriate if you want a strict vegan diet for your dog. That’s still possible, but a little more tricky. Talk to your vet if you would like to find out more.

Humphrey Bogart was married to his third wife, Mayo Methot, and living in West Hollywood when this photograph of him resting his head on Cappy the newfoundland was taken. He and Methot were dubbed the “Battling Bogaerts”: drunken fights and shouting matches marked what was a largely unhappy marriage. The couple kept four dogs, numerous cats and cage birds at their home and, when they separated, Bogart took the dogs. After his marriage to Lauren Bacall in 1945, the couple acquired two boxers – Harvey and Babe – who with the pop George accompanied the Bogarts to the super-smart LA suburb of Holmby hills. There, the boxer so disturbed the neighbors with their barking that a group of them lodged a complaint with the City Council, and suggested the dogs have there vocal cords removed. “What son of a bitch doesn’t like dogs?” Raged Bogie. “What kind of monster is he? He ought to be glad he can hear the wonderful sound of dogs barking.”

A happy, content dog is usually a good eater. And science proves that dogs do like certain music. Perhaps unsurprisingly, not Metallica! Heavy metal music can lead to barking and agitation. Classical music seems to have a calming effect. Try different music at meal time, find out if your dog prefers a bit of Bach. Or has a real taste for Tchaikovsky…

Many vets recommend well-known brand names, but are these really the best food for a dog? In many cases, the answer is simply no. This is especially true when it concerns kibbles. Honestly, how do kibbles fit in with anything that a dog would naturally eat? Whether you look at this from a historical or biological point of view. Their digestive system is just not made for swallowing dry food. On top of that, think about the process of how kibbles are made. Kibbles are cooked at very high temperatures (250-300 degrees centigrade) which destroys all the natural nutrition value of the food. Then artificial flavouring and colouring, synthetic nutrition and preservatives are added, for a long shelf life. There is even growing scientific evidence, supported by many vets, that kibbles are responsible for the continuing rise in cancer, allergies and other disorders in dogs. If that wasn’t enough, there’s the sustainability angle. Tinned and bagged pet foods generally travel many thousands of kilometres to reach a dog’s dish. That could be solved at a stroke, by people buying local ingredients from local producers. Which is also beneficial to the local community, rather than giant multinational pet food makers and their shareholders. Cooking and making fresh food is the most sustainable way to feed a dog, but it’s so much more than that. Recipes can be perfectly balanced and tailored to each dog’s nutritional needs. Adding vitamins, joint or kidney supplements as necessary, depending on the dog’s condition. As well as special ingredients that are particularly good for senior dogs. There are those that have raised concerns that home-made recipes can’t give a dog everything they need. However, there are literally thousands of websites with fresh home-made recipes which prove this to be obviously untrue. This article is written by EQUALS. We offer a platform to help dog owners cook tailor-made recipes at home. As well as multivitamins and supplements to ensure that every dog gets the ingredients they need to live a longer and more fulfilling life.

Have you ever noticed that smelling food, hearing cooking noises, or just looking at food makes you feel hungry? What’s happening is what happened to Pavlov’s dogs. Pavlov showed that dogs would salivate when they heard or saw something that they had previously associated with food. You’re no different! Salivation isn’t your body’s only response. Even without touching food your pancreas secretes insulin. This insulin lowers your blood sugar level, which makes you feel hungry. I hope that by learning about the factors that contribute to eating habits, you will appreciate how amazing our bodies are. Eating the right amount of food is essential to survival. So it’s not surprising that our bodies ensure that the correct amount of food is consumed. Your central nervous system plays a key role in controlling hunger and feeling full. Also, the chemical substances in your brain. Let’s not forget the influence of our surroundings on our eating behaviour. The presence or absence of food and things associated with food cause the bodily reactions that we have been discussing. The act of eating involves interaction with the world around us. Not only current surroundings, but experiences in the past. Even reminders of the previous meal: how much and what was eaten, influence the next meal. Scientists see great potential in deeper research, to create new drugs that can help with anorexia or compulsive overeating. Of course, it’s big industry sponsoring this research. I seriously question if this is the right solution. The abundance of food and high levels of stress today make people eat more and more often. Why do we need drugs? Why don’t we just see our anxieties, desires and the thought process itself? Inward observation, without judgement or conclusions. Why we take a burger, soft drink or another candy. The same applies when we feed our dog. Can a processed food made in millions of tons (especially dry kibbles) really be healthy? Questioning and doubting leads to freedom. Maybe you will start eating properly for yourself. Maybe you will also cook once in a while for your dog. That’s the start of a great transformation.

Chicken liver is so good for your dog, it’s almost a wonder. It’s like nature’s multivitamin. High in protein, fat and full of vitamins A, B and D. The high fat content makes it particularly good for young, growing dogs. Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant, supporting digestion and the reproductive organs. Vitamin D is vital for the immune system, protecting against cancers and infectious diseases. Also iron to regulate body temperature and a dog’s endurance and strength.

For the cover of the “Diamond dogs” album, Belgian artist Guy Pellaert depicted David Bowie sphinxlike, half-man, half-dog, basing the lower body on a Great Dane who modeled for him. The photographer Terry O’Neill decided to record the process and do a studio shoot of Bowie and the huge dog. As he started taking pictures, the dog leapt towards him: “It was an awesome sight because the dog was bloody massive. But David just sat there, cool as a cucumber. He didn’t react to the dog at all. I guess he was posing immaculately. Most rock stars would jump a mile if that happened.” This memorable image was runner-up in Q magazine’s list of 100 greatest rock’n’roll photographs in 2002.

Some problems you can deal with yourself and some you need to consult your vet. If your dog is bitten by another dog, the wound can often become infected. Especially if it breaks the skin. It’s not necessarily an immediate emergency, unless your dog has multiple serious looking injuries. However, your dog will need to visit the vet within 24 hours, to assess whether antibiotics are necessary. Prior to your visit, it’s advisable to clean the wound with antiseptic lotion.

If you ever happen to be examining Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, see if you can spot anything that looks like an Afghan Hound. That’s how far back this breed goes, according to many experts. That’s not the only astounding thing about this amazing dog. Did you know that they can run as fast as a racehorse? Well over 60 km/h. This speed was useful when they lived with hunters in the deserts and mountains of Afghanistan. These hounds would chase down animals (even leopards) and corner them till the hunters caught up. This cleverness sets Afghan Hounds apart, being able to hunt and think independently. However, it’s this smartness and independent streak that makes this dog complicated and very difficult to train. Dramatic, stubborn, aloof and moody are all words easily associated with this regal breed. Of course, something must be said about the magnificent long and lustrous fur. To look this great requires a serious amount of grooming time. Daily grooming and weekly washing with shampoo, conditioner and even blow drying are a necessity to keep your Afghan Hound looking their best. While looking absolutely perfect lying on a très chic designer sofa, this is actually a breed that needs a lot of exercise. Though you have to be careful when they’re outside and off the lead. That lightning speed means they can be gone in the blink of an eye and miles away before you know it. The Afghan Hound’s looks made it a favourite for some of the world’s most famous artists, actors and singers. Including Picasso, Salvador Dali, Mae West, Gary Cooper, Marianne Faithfull and Stevie Nicks (Fleetwood Mac), to name but a few.

It is often thought that one year of a dogs life equals seven in a human life. In reality, however, by the time a dog is a year old she has surpassed a 7 year old child’s development. Once the dog reaches adulthood and middle age, her aging over one year equals the aging that takes place in a human over five years. The aging process is even more difficult to pinpoint because different breeds age at the different rates. Large dogs, for example, age quickly. Toy breeds, on the other hand, age slowly. Therefore, the lifespan of a large dog such as Saint Bernard is fairly short. A Saint Bernard may be considered elderly by the age of six. A Golden Retriever, meanwhile, starts to hit her golden age years at the age of eight. The smaller Yorkshire terrier may not be considered a senior citizen until she has reached her thirteenth year. Older dogs have special dietary needs that must be met in order to keep up with the rapid changes taking place in the dogs maturing body. As a general rule, gradually change the amount of food and the number of times that you feed your dog. Giving your dog smaller amounts of food at more frequent intervals during the day can help to stimulate poor appetite and ease digestion. Changes in exercise and in appetite may cause your dog to either gain or lose weight during old age. Be certain to monitor your dogs weight weekly. If you notice any excessive weight fluctuations, be sure to adjust your dogs diet.

When it comes to smell dogs are vastly superior to humans. In many cases, their sense of smell is 100,000 times better than yours! Worse news, to your best friend you really stink! Soaps, perfumes, deodorant. And forget dog breath, can you imagine what human breath smells like for your dog? Poor thing!

1. Boston terriers 2. Boxers 3. Brussels Griffons 4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels 5. Chinese Shar-peis 6. English and French bulldongs 7. Japanese chins 8. Lhasa apsos 9. Pekingese 10. Pugs 11. Shih Tzus 12. Staffordshire Bull Terriers

Your best friend, even when it’s raining cats and dogs! Loyal, trustworthy and unconditionally loving. These are the traits we most admire in our canine chums. Logical then, that we should show them the same respect, treat them as would expect to be treated ourselves. This especially applies to food. Dogs need high quality protein, natural immune-boosting antioxidants, as well as real vitamins and minerals. That’s the only way to guarantee a happier, healthier and longer life. Unfortunately most tinned and bagged pet foods are full of fillers and use artificial colours, flavours and additives. And will in many cases lead to sickness and a shorter life. The only way to guarantee the quality of your dog’s food is to use natural and local ingredients that you have selected yourself. Even buying and boiling chicken breast with carrots is better for your pal than almost any pet food you can buy. Would you like to know more about preparing fresh food for your dog? Go to www.equals.dog or send me a mail: kirill@equals.dog.

How serious is the situation? Is your dog bleeding heavily? Many skin wounds may only need cleaning and a little antiseptic cream. Most wounds stop bleeding by themselves after a short time. However, as you can imagine, if the wound is bleeding profusely, you must immediately visit your vet. In the meantime, you should take steps to stem the blood flow, like putting pressure on the wound with a clean towel. Or, better still, with a pressure bandage from your first aid kit. These measures can be lifesaving on the way to the vet’s surgery. You can make a pressure bandage with cotton wool and bandages: place a large wad of cotton wool directly over the wound, then bandage it firmly. If the wound is on the leg, apply bandage to the whole leg. Then take the dog to surgery.

Some dogs just can’t help themselves; they just have to pick up sticks or even stones. Other can endlessly chase after balls. However, all carry a certain risk of an object getting stuck in the mouth or throat. A half-swallowed ball can lead to a very serious situation where your dog’s air passage is blocked. This requires immediate action; first aid is in this case a two-person job and you may even get bitten. When your dog is choking you need to open and look into their mouth with care. Find a small block of wood to keep your dog’s mouth open while you take a good look inside, while the other person holds the head still. If a ball is stuck in your dog’s throat, don’t try to take it out with your hands, it’s much better to lever it out with a fine rod. A frequent occurrence is a piece of wood getting wedged across or between the back teeth. Again, use extreme caution, avoid putting your hand in your dog’s mouth. An injury to both of you doesn’t benefit anyone. This is also best removed by levering with a fine rod. In these situations, it’s often the case that you will need to visit the vet and have sedation to remove the object.

A slow gentle walk with plenty of “sniffs” on the way home is ideal to cool down your dog. You will notice that he will naturally stretch himself as he moves and stop to rest or reduce his activity after a long session. Most dogs love a little massage which can help to reduce muscle tensions and prevent the buildup of waste products in the muscles. Pull his legs gently as you massage – a few minutes is plenty – and as you bend over you will be stretching yourself too. Always offer your dog cold drink or if it’s very hard a splash in the local water hole or sprinkler to bring his body temperature down to safe levels.

Enzymes are an important addition to the diet especially if you suspect your dog is not digesting her food thoroughly, check her stool for color and consistency. If abnormal, contact your holistic veterinarian or vet nutritionist. Also, freezing and refrigeration, even of the fresh food diet, may cost us some enzymes loss. Since enzymes are destroyed by cooking, commercial pet foods are missing these vital substances, yet another reason to switch to the freshly made food. Dr. Tatang Cahyono, MSTCVM, reports that the routine use of food enzymes is beneficial to dogs suffering from asthma, allergies, diarrhea, constipation, gastritis, colities, obesity, poor weight gain (especially senior dogs), arthritis, liver and bladder problems, excessive shedding, an oily or dry coats, to name but a few ailments. Before going for commercially prepared enzymes, as a preventive measure for above mentioned issues, you can consider adding from time to time kefir or plain yogurt in moderate amounts, which is probably the most generous source of enzymes both for dogs and humans.

For agility we would like to remind you for some basic safety tips to avoid injuries: • Choose a place that provides a safe landing and also offers a non-slip surface. A lawn is ideal. • Select materials that will not injure your dog – light plastic tubing, wood, PVC bars and fittings are all good bets. • Anything over which your dog is expected to jump, such as a bar or a hurdle, should be unfixed, but supported so that it displodges on contact. The bases, however, should be stable and unlikely to tip over on contact. • Make sure you’ve got enough space between obstacles. Jumps require some running space for takeoff and landing – about five strides in advance and four afterward. • Your dog will need to know the basic commands before being taught to negotiate an agility course. During training, reward your dog with toys or a healthy snack when he completes a task successfully. • Make sure you don’t push your dog too hard, or force him to do something that he is afraid or reluctant to try. Be patient and work on one activity at a time. Remember, always start with a simple exercise and increase difficulty as soon as you see your pal is ready for something more ambitious. Our top 3 outdoor exercises: 1. Fetch and carry. Fetching and retrieving stimulates your dog and allows him to use most of his senses, as well as his muscles. 2. Cone slalom. Set up a series of cones and teach your dog to dribble around them with a “Weave” command. Begin by encouraging him to push the ball upon the command and start the game with his left shoulder nearest to the first obstacle in a short course of cones. 3. Agility games. Jumping, moving on to hurdles, walking in circles, hula hoops, weaving, seesaw, “pause box”, tunnels, time trials.

It can happen. There are many dogs that have an allergy to meat. it doesn’t have to be a problem. Greek yoghurt is an excellent replacement for protein, high in calcium and with probiotics that boost immunity and help aid digestion.

Some dogs are more prone to heat exhaustion than others. Breeds like Chow Chows and bulldogs are good examples, and many other short-nosed dogs may also be affected. However, the most common cause for heat exhaustion are humans. Dogs left inside cars with too little ventilation. A sudden change in weather during a longer than expected shopping trip, can be fatal for a dog. The signs of heat stress are mostly obvious: heavy panting, difficulty breathing, a swollen and blue tongue. This is an emergency which requires immediate action. If this ever happens to your dog, try to resuscitate them immediately, even before you bring them to the vet. Otherwise, it might be too late. The best first aid treatment is plenty of cold water. Ideally, emerge your dog in the bath, or in a cattle trough, if that is nearer by. Especially pay attention to drenching the head and keep doing this till you see signs of easier breathing. Then, you still need to bring your dog to the vet. The vet may give your dog oxygen and will probably administer an injection to reduce the swelling in the throat. These life-saving measures may take place before the dog gets to the surgery, especially at a dog show, where a vet is always at hand.

Does your dog have bad breath? It’s a common enough problem, but it can be tamed. Simple things, like adding chopped parsley or dill to your dog’s food can be very effective. Chomping on carrots and apples can also help because this prevents plaque build-up. It’s very important to think about why your dog has bad breath, if you’re concerned, contact your vet.

It’s not always easy to spot if your dog has health issues. A dog’s health changes with age and unfortunately they age far faster than we do. Some signals to look out for include not eating during a 24 hour period, excessive thirst, diarrhoea, repeated sneezing or coughing and difficulty urinating. It can also be a feeling you have. You know your dog best, when in doubt, always contact your vet immediately.

Finding and maintaining your dog’s ideal weight can significantly increase their lifespan. In fact, often as much as two years longer. Who doesn’t want that? The best way to determine the ideal weight for your dog is to consult your vet.

Did you know that a dog tastes food through its scent? Warm food between 93 and 103 degrees Fahrenheit increases the scent and therefore makes the eating experience even tastier for your dog. It’s also closer to nature for dogs, when they would catch and eat their prey while it was still warm.

It seems such a simple question. Just like humans, all dogs are different. However, on average, a dog should drink about 50 ml water per kilo per day. So, for example, a 10 kg dog needs a half a litre of water every day. Best is always to have enough clean water by their food. If you notice they don’t seem to be drinking or quickly needed more refills, it’s a good idea to contact your vet.

The Irish setter is known for its flamboyant personality and flame-coloured coat. Joyful, boisterous and loves being the centre of attention. And what’s not to love? This beautiful, elegant and athletic dog is even used as a mascot by several brands. In Ireland Bus Eireann uses the image of an Irish Setter to represent friendly, reliable and fast. How the company aims to serve its customers. This wild rover needs a lot of training to keep in check. However, they remain the perfect family dog. In the US, the White House has seen more than its fair share of Irish Setters as first dogs. Harry Truman, Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan were all big fans. When considering food for an Irish setter, there should be nothing mad or colourful about their diet. They tend to pile on the pounds, so a sensible food regime is vital. Their diet should consist of biologically appropriate proteins, healthy fats, ground bones and vegetables. These are packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Learn more about dogs and good eating habits at www.equals.dog

Of course it is! Beef provides a high source of protein to give your dog energy. Also, fatty acids which help tone muscles, are good for their joints, developing healthy skin and hair. And omega-6 for shiny hair. If you’re sharing left-overs please do avoid seasoned meat, as this may be toxic for your dog.

Cooking for your dog helps builds the bond between you. It also allows you to create perfectly balanced recipes and prepare meals to satisfy even the most picky eater. It’s not something you need to do every day, but it certainly is a real treat once a week! In fact, you try cooking tailor-made recipe for your dog in 24h!

For a dog, an itch needs to be scratched. Continuous scratching can lead to rashes and sores. Worse, they can also lick and bite themselves resulting in very nasty wounds. A dog may get a rash from insect bites, like fleas, but also from nettles, or as an allergic response. It can often be difficult to tell whether the sore area is the result of an irritant or self-inflicted. Whether you visit the vet or take care of the issue yourself, the most important thing is to eliminate the cause before attempting the cure. For example, if your dog is scratching itself more than usual, the most common reason is fleas. And when you see one flea, you can be sure that there’s a whole lot more! The answer is to get a treatment from your local pet store or online. If this doesn’t work, then try a soothing cream, like Rescue cream, this should do the trick. Perhaps, you will be surprised to learn, scientific trials and tests prove that many skin problems are the result of an imbalanced diet. So, many of the problems we’ve described may be the result of what your dog is eating and will therefore need to be adjusted. If itches, scratches or sores persist, this is something you should definitely discuss with your vet. You may also consider EQUALS, our food nutritionists can create recipes tailor-made especially for your dog. Perfectly balanced, matching the health and nutritional needs of your best friend, with easy step-by-step cooking instructions.

Otherwise known as the Shiba Inu, it’s believed that its ancestors were first brought to the island of Japan around 9,000 years ago. Perhaps that’s one of the reasons that they are treated as a national treasure. Or maybe it’s because of the adorable fox-like face. Whatever the reason, it’s one of the most popular dogs in Japan. Originally it was kept as a hunting dog, because of its keen sense of smell and hearing. Seeking out small animals, like birds and rabbits, but also to help hunt down boars and bears. These days, they don’t have to work for their living. Relying on their loveable cute and cuddly appearance. Though they are known for being faithful and loyal to owners, they are also independent, aloof and stubborn. More like a cat! Despite some cat-like tendences, their dietary requirements are purely canine. A protein-rich diet with fresh whole foods, like chicken, turkey or beef. But also with rice, green vegetables and carrots, to ensure they have all the vitamins and minerals they need. Learn more about dogs and good eating habits at www.equals.dog

Sir Alfred Hitchcock, the director of such cult films as Dial M for Murder and Psycho, always kept dogs and, as an English émigré in Los Angeles in 1939, used them to demonstrate his Britishness, along with imported bacon, Dover sole and chintz loose covers. There Hitchcock’s arrived in Hollywood with Edward IX the spaniel and Mr Jenkins the Sealyham, a particularly popular breed in the terrier-loving 1930s. Two new Sealyhams, Jeffrey and Stanley, followed, and appeared with him in The Birds (1963). Hitchcock may have terrified actors and audiences, but dogs loved him. “My poodle Petunia adored him”, said Anne Baxter, who remembers Hitchcock sitting quietly on the sofa, stroking the dog after dinner. He knew that no one, least of all Petunia, would answer back.

It is not known who this little dog is on stage with Frank Sinatra. Perhaps it was just for the photo opportunity; nevertheless, ‘Ol’ blue eyes’ was quite a dog man, keeping a cocker spaniel called Miss Wiggles and a Labrador called Leroy brown, among others. And among his wives and girlfriends were notable dog women, including Eva Gardner, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Elizabeth Taylor, Lauren Bacall, Jackie Kennedy and Mia Farrow. Dating Marilyn Monroe, he gave her a white poodle which she called ‘Maf’, and allusion to Sinatra’s alleged mafia connections. Sinatra’s last wife, Barbara Marx, kept many rescued dogs at their home and recalled that one little King Charles spaniel would bark an accompaniment whenever he sang.

Sigmund Freud is pictured here in his Vienna consulting room with his beloved chow, Jo Fi. She joined the Freud household in 1929, soon after the death of Lun Yug, his first chow, whom he had been given as a present two years before. Freud and the dog were inseparable for the seven years of her life, and he allowed the dog to remain during his therapy sessions, as he found her presence a calming influence on patients. ‘One can love an animal like my Jo Fi so deeply’, he wrote; ‘affection without ambivalence.. a feeling of close relationship, of undeniably belonging together.’ Chows are famously ‘one-man dogs’ and their calm, single minded, loyalty touched Freud: ‘They love their friends and bite their enemies, unlike people who are incapable of pure love; they always have to mix love and hate in their object relations.”

Well, did you ever? Starbucks is serving coffee for dogs on its secret menu. Before dog lovers start protesting at their local Starbucks, don’t worry, it’s only a small amount of whipped cream in a cup. Nothing wrong with that for a once in a while treat.

There are many household items which are deadly for your dog. Human tablets and medicines, bleach and detergent, garden chemicals. These are all especially dangerous for a puppy, who will try anything. You should always ensure that anything potentially hazardous to your dog is not in a place that they can get at. Accidents can happen. If you think your dog has eaten or drunk something poisonous, there are two things you can do immediately. Firstly, make your dog sick before the poisonous substance can be absorbed in the stomach. This is so important that you must do it before contacting your vet. However, if your vet is immediately available on the phone, and you know what your dog has swallowed, you can speak to them before making your dog vomit. The most effective way of making your dog sick is hydrogen peroxide, something you should always have at home. One teaspoon for every two and a half kilos of your dog’s bodyweight. Vomiting will take place very quickly, so be sure to have old newspapers or towels you can use to clean the mess. The second thing to do is contact your vet and email a photo of the poisonous substance. There may be no ill effect or further treatment necessary. That of course would be the most perfect outcome.

Whatever you think you know about poodles, think again. For example, most people think poodles originated in France. Wrong! Poodles are a German breed, the “pudel” – meaning to splash in water. Which makes sense, with the next surprising fact. These cute fluffy dogs were first bred for hunting. Their true calling was to bring ducks and other birds back, through the water, to their masters. And some hunters still use poodles to this day. If you’re not a poodle owner, you probably think that their outspoken haircuts are a fashion statement. You’d be wrong again, it’s a pure function statement. The haircut was first used to help poodles swim more efficiently, while keeping their joints and vital organs warm and protected. However, when poodles are competing in dog shows, that’s a different matter. They are allowed three haircuts: the Continental Clip, the Modified Continental Clip and the English Saddle. When you think of poodles, you think of a small dog, but actually they come in three distinct sizes. There’s the ever so tiny Toy Poodle, the mid-sized Miniature Poodle and the larger Standard Poodle, which can be over 80 cm high. Not small by any stretch of the imagination. Not only are poodles highly active, they’re also highly intelligent. They have even been employed as guide dogs and assistance dogs for people with other physical disabilities. This much-loved dog breed has had many famous owners worldwide, including Marilyn Monroe, Jackie Kennedy and Walt Disney. More recently, Rihanna, Katy Perry and Patrick Swayze.

Some dogs seem to be permanently hungry. Resist the urge to free-feed them all day long. What’s best for an adult dog’s stomach is twice a day. Creating a routine allows your dog’s body to prepare for the food it will receive. Teaching your dog good habits is an important part of your responsibility. And also one of the great pleasures.

Is your dog loved like a family member? Do you think about your dog’s physical and mental well-being? Do you believe that it’s important that your dog eats as well as you do? If the answer is yes to all these questions, then you seriously need to consider what your dog is eating right now. For example, just because a certain pet food is well-known and has a large shelf-space it doesn’t mean that it’s good for your dog. In fact, the opposite. Most pet foods are not good for your dog. Most big brands choose fillers and artificial colours, flavours and additives to increase their profits. While, at the same time increasing the chances of obesity, chronic degenerative diseases, allergies, and kidney and liver issues. Leading to shorter, unhappier lives. What can you do? A lot! It all starts with making conscious and sustainable choices. Choosing local natural ingredients, with high quality protein and all the natural vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants they need. It’s not as complicated as it sounds. Just boiling a piece of chicken breast with carrots is already better than almost all pet food brands. Of course your dog needs a more varied diet than that and we can help. For more recipe inspiration go to www.equals.dog. If you have any specific questions just ask me: kirill@equals.dog.

It is said of Ian Fleming that he didn’t like dogs after he was bitten by one of his fathers basset hounds at the age of six. But this picture tells another story. It shows the author clearly at ease with a couple of mongrels, using the Remington typewriter on which he created the James Bond novels. The photo was taken at Goldeneye, the home he built in 1947 on Jamaica’s North Coast. Noel Coward, who was his tenant there for three months, called it ‘Golden eye, Nose and Throat’ because it reminded him of a hospital.

It is no surprise that Ernest ‘Papa’ Hemingway, America’s archetypal man-of-action writer, kept gundogs. The novelist loved hunting with his buddies and this is one of a series of pictures taken by Lloyd Arnold when Hemingway was shooting with film star Gary Cooper in Sun Valley, Idaho. The photos show both men accompanied by black Labradors. Hemingway also famously had a spaniel called Black Dog, and liked to tell a story, presumably apocryphal, about how he himself had fought with a Great Dane who had attacked the dog, tearing open his mouth, gouging out his eyes and killing him with his bare hands. Hemingway was a little more cautious in Cuba in 1958, keeping out of the way when Batista’s soldiers invaded the grounds of his home, the Finca Vigia, looking for rebel, and shot and killed his dog, Machakos, who was defending the property.

Is the French Bulldog the ultimate fashion accessory? They are certainly making waves in the fashion industry, with their own clothing range, designed by Marc Jacobs. They also have a serious A-List of celebrity owners, including Lady Gaga, Hugh Jackman and The Rock. Whisper it quietly, French Bulldogs aren’t French. To the pain of all of France, their origin is English, Nottingham to be precise. Their breeding later switched to France. They are a rather temperamental breed (like many of their celebrity owners) and don’t take kindly to being scolded, often sulking for hours. For an easy life, always go for positive reinforcement with this over-sensitive canine. One other thing to avoid: water. Frenchies cannot swim, their heavy bones and thick muscles are just not up to the task. Another reason for their aquatic issues is their squashed facial features, called brachycephaly. Their short snouts mean they have to tilt their faces higher to keep it above water. The conclusion: lounging by the swimming pool with this pooch is a very bad idea indeed. Unless of course you have a proper Marc Jacobs designed dog life jacket!

The Golden Retriever really is a star all-rounder. Able to turn their talents to almost anything. From guide dogs for the blind to an expert detector of drugs or explosives, to an enthusiastic hunting companion. And, more often than not, a heart stealer, the most loved member of any household. This is definitely a dog whose bark is worse than his bite. As a guard dog, they will bark at intruders. However, if any intruder manages to break in, their only worry is being licked into submission. Yes, gentle is this dog’s middle name. Known for their placid nature and very soft bite, able to pick up a newspaper without leaving a mark. Golden Retrievers come in three golden colours: light golden, golden and dark golden. However, some breeders have started selling “white” Golden Retrievers, but these are not recognized by the official kennel clubs in most countries. A weird fact about Golden Retrievers: their feet, which are webbed, that’s what make them such good swimmers and hunting dogs. It’s also a dog with a lot of energy, needing around two hours exercise every day. So, if you’re not fond of walking the dog, this is not the breed for you. They also shed a lot of hair in spring and autumn in preparation of warmer and cooler weather, which means a lot of vacuuming. Famous Golden Retriever owners include Oprah Winfrey, Jackie Chan, David Hasselhoff and Jennifer Aston. But let’s be honest, the Golden Retriever is the real star in any home.

The Miniature Schnauzer, with their characteristic wise bearded face are as intelligent as they look. In fact, one of the most intelligent dog breeds. Add to that, fearless, spirited and friendly, then you have the ideal hairy best friend. Usually terriers are from the British Isles, not this one. The Miniature Schnauzer, as you might have guessed from the name, is German, first appearing the 1800s. Bred for farmers, to catch rats and other small vermin. They have a thick, wiry double coat, which was ideal for digging into the ground, keeping the debris off. As an added bonus, they don’t shed much hair, which is ideal for owners with allergies. They are also well known for being very “vocal”. They bark when they’re happy, sad or just plain bored. So, it’s wise to train your Miniature Schnauzer, for a bit of peace and quiet. This is a dog with bundles of energy, who just loves to play. That means they must have a diet containing fibre, protein and carbohydrates to provide for their daily energy needs. A high-quality complete and balanced food, containing all the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants they require to thrive. Learn more about dogs and good eating habits at our website. Have a specific question about your dog’s nutrition? We are happy to help! Don’t hesitate and drop us a email at support@equals.dog

Unfortunately, it’s not a coincidence. And there are more diet-related health visuals because of kibbles. Of course, you will read other articles online telling you the opposite. However, here are some unarguable facts. Firstly, kibbles are cooked at very high temperatures (250-350 degrees) which destroys the natural nutritional value of the food. Flavour enhancers, synthetic nutrients and artificial colouring are then added to the kibbles. Secondly, all kibbles contain preservatives to give them a long shelf life. Thirdly, there are several potential carcinogens in each kibble, including heterocyclic amines. They occur in the cooking process we’ve already mentioned. They are linked to mutations in animal cells, which can ultimately lead to cancer. The last point, which is an obvious one. Kibbles are not something a dog would naturally eat. Their body is not made to digest this kind of synthetic dry food. They need a diet that is closer to that of their ancestors, with more fresh, moist and natural ingredients. If you’d like to know more about fresh food and cooking for your best friend, consult our holistic nutritionist or simply order a tailor-made recipe for your dog and see what difference it makes.

There are some things you really must have in house, for all those situations you hope will never happen, but sometimes do. 1. Your vet’s name and phone number. Even if it’s in your phone, make a copy in writing. 2. Absorbent cotton wool. 3. Adhesive and gauze bandages, 5 cm and 10 cm. 4. Gauze swabs, sterile wraps. 5. Cottonwool buds. 6. Sharp-pointed scissors. 7. Thermometer. 8. Forceps: medium-sized, blunt points. 9. 20 ml plastic syringe. 10. Eye drops. 11. Cleansing ear drops. 12. Antiseptic or antibiotic ointment. 13. Antiseptic powder and wash. 14. Rescue cream. 15. Medicinal liquid paraffin. 16. Hydrogen peroxide.

“The doctor of the future will not give medicine, but will draw the patient’s attention to the body, diet, finding causes and how to treat them.” Thomas Edison What it takes to be a veterinarian? People choose this profession out of thousands of others. Is a person who has been trained in the science of animal medicine, whose job is to treat animals who are sick or injured. Basically it’s a doctor whose patients don’t talk or don’t express themselves in a ‘human’ ways, afraid of them and at the end never say thank you. Sounds not very welcoming, but most of veterinarians can confirm the fact that it’s a absolutely rewarding experience of being helped to save animals life, or improve the pets condition, and see a happy face of the owner. Vets are mostly women and it takes 6-10 years in total to become a veterinarian depends on the country. Though the pet industry shows phenomenal growth strike, vets as professionals are on decline with roughly 5% a year (newcomers versus those who leave the job). Some of the fact that baby boomers are leaving, but it also has to do a lot with compassion fatigue and burnout. Another sad truth a few people can even image, but vets are in extremely high risk group of suicides (roughly 10% of those who leave the job end up suicides in USA only). More and more groups emerging to help people overcome difficult moments, such as Not One More Vet and Veterinary Confessional Project. Among the health issue with pets, vets try to influence the pet owners in different ways. Its obvious they want to see more responsible pet owners and more happy pets, which is in fact not so hard to do, but they cannot make it alone and that’s why Equals is on a mission to help them deliver the message. So starting from your new puppy or kitten, embrace the fact that it’s a living creature that needs to be educated and raised in very similar way as human kids raised, with dignity and mutual respect. Buying insurance or starting a savings account for your animal is a smart thing to do. Because that little animal will grow up, will get older, get sick from time to time, and there will be discussions around him or her what is medically possible to do about and what you can financially afford and what your lifestyle actually allows you to do in terms of management of chronic disease in your pet. The best thing you can do from the beginning is of course offer the appropriate nutrition. Vets are doctors and most of the time the nutrition background they have is from those sales agents from the pet food companies who supply functional diets. So stay alert and judgemental about their choice, especially when they recommend straight away commercial pet food or a limited functional diet, because every limitation cause a shortage of nutrients and most importantly pet get mentally tired of eating same food every day (no matter how balanced it is). Another good idea is not to give pets as gifts (even to your children). Because dogs and cats are not only our financial commitment, but one of time. Pets need love, they need socialization, they need training, they need exercise and mental stimulation on a daily basis. And in vet practice its more and more frequent case when people bringing their pets and asking for sedation or tranquilisers or anti-anxiety medication because their young animal bouncing off the walls and they just cant handle it at home, when really this animal needs a training class and more exercise. But the biggest thing you can do is to partner with your vet to be a proactive member in the health of your pet. No matter how healthy is your pet, its highly suggested to show him or her to your vet once a year for examination. The prevention of disease is both financially and health wise more beneficial. Diseases not only way more treatable but sometimes even reversible, and far more options available to vets when they got it in the early stage.

Swimming increases flexibility and stamina and is excellent for people with joint problems. It’s a gentle way for those who are overweight to begin being more active. Swimming is a great exercise for dogs too, particularly those with joint or bone problems and those that are aging. The water with support your dogs body and enable him to play and become fit with a minimum of stress on creaking joints.

Welsh terriers, as you might have guessed, originally came from Wales. In fact, they are one of the oldest breeds from the United Kingdom, having been around for over 500 years. First bred as a hunting dog for rodents, foxes, and badgers, but these days they are more of a show dog. They have plenty going for them: smart, loyal and very playful. Playful means very active indeed, they’re certainly not for the owner who doesn’t like lots of “walkies”. Perhaps, this dog is also not for keen gardeners, because this terrier just loves to dig holes. Their positive attitude, attentiveness and playfulness also make them a firm favourite with children. Especially with their extremely cute whiskers and furry bodies, which make them super cuddly. Surprisingly, Welsh Terriers are on the UK Kennel Club’s list of endangered breeds of dogs, with just 300 puppies registered last year. And to think a “Welshie,” Charlie, was once First Dog during the presidency of John F. Kennedy.

Despite being a carnivore, there are many healthy fruits and veg that your dog will love. So, go bananas! Or go apples! Or go melon! Only one thing to watch, some fruits are high in sugar. So, not the ideal treat if your dog is a little on the weighty side…

You want what’s best for your dog, but what is actually best for your dog? Research shows that most people say that ingredients are the most important factor in selecting their dog’s food. Unfortunately as your vet will tell you, the ingredients list is the most useless aspect of pet food labelling. Though there are some regulations, the ingredients list doesn’t tell you anything about the quality of the ingredients or if they’re in the right proportions. So, back to the original question. To ask the right questions you need to talk to someone who has the right answers. Your vet is the best person to guide you in selecting the best food for your particular dog.

1. Alcohol 2. Avocado 3. Cat food 4. Chocolate 5. Garlic 6. Milk and dairy products 7. Onions and chives 8. Raw meat and fish 9. Salt 10. Sugar

As a treat, yes. As a regular meal, absolutely not. Most dogs love cheese, but it’s best to give low-fat cheeses like mozzarella, cottage cheese or even a soft goat cheese. Moderation is key, because cheese is as fattening as it is tasty. You also have to be careful, make sure your dog isn’t lactose intolerant before you start giving cheesy treats.

It’s so difficult to choose. Enter any supermarket or pet store and you’re confronted by so many different brands. Smart packaging, images of happy and healthy dogs and what seems like the “perfect” ingredients. But are they? There’s a lot of dishonesty in the pet food business. Too many companies, especially the big brands, put profits before the health and well-being of your dog. Including cheap ingredients that are actually bad for their health and will shorten their lives. We think you’ll agree, it’s totally unacceptable. That’s why we’ve created FOOD WATCH, a small guide to help you make the best choice for your dog. It includes what you should look for in tins, bags or packets of food. And what you should 100% avoid. If you have any specific questions that aren’t answered by our booklet, please don’t hesitate to contact me: kirill@equals.dog

Treating cuts and scratches depends on how large and deep the wound is. It’s actually quite difficult to tell, because your dog’s fur covers the wound and because dogs don’t bleed profusely. It’s best to always check your dog for signs of blood or injury. If you locate an injury, carefully clip away the hair around the wound. If the cut is longer than a centimetre, the best thing is to immediately contact your vet. It’s not necessarily very serious, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry and let the vet put in a couple of stitches. When you decide to take your dog to the vet, it’s advisable to do nothing with the wound, leave that to the experts. However, if the wound is bleeding profusely, then you should apply pressure to the wound with a clean towel, this should stop the bleeding in a matter of minutes. If, as in most cases, it’s a minor scratch or wound, it won’t need too much treatment, just a soothing cream should suffice. Though be careful, sometimes that can prolong the problem, because it brings your dog’s attention to the wound. It’s generally a good idea to cut the hair away and use a very mild antiseptic solution and keep an eye open for any swelling. This may indicate that an infection has set in. For very mild injuries you can also consider applying an ice pack or even something else frozen that is readily at hand in the freezer. Applying this for a few minutes will bring relief and comfort to your pal. A snack or your dog’s favourite food is also a good way to distract them from the situation.

There are a number of reasons for this. It may be that they don’t like a particular texture or taste. It can also be due to “bad” household habits, like feeding scraps from the table. Or even, that they have some anxiety issues. There are some well-known techniques to get them eating properly again. For example, only putting food down at meal times and then taking it away. Training your dog to eat at a certain time.

Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries are all very healthy and tasty treats for your dog. Full of antioxidants, fibre and phytochemicals. There is even respected research which links blueberries to better health and longer lives in dogs.

The seasons affect your dog’s appetite. Not so strange, when you think how their ancestors lived in the wild. Eating more in the warmer months, finding food scarcer in the winter time. This is a particular problem with pet parents: overfeeding in the winter, which leads inevitably to obesity. Find out more online about seasonal diets for your dog and also discuss this with your vet.

Many dogs are naturals when it comes to accompanying you on your wheels, but it’s important that you take precautions to prevent injury or overexertion. What’s more, some breeds are simply not designed to keep up with a steady quick pace. Cycling Cycling is excellent effective, exercise for you burning some 800 calories an hour. However, always start your program slowly building up both distance and speed overtime. Don’t even consider it if your dog is not energetic and extremely fit and always check with your vet first. Inline skating Inline skating is a fantastic exercise for you. Not only is it fun, it is an easy way to trim away the pounds and improve your circulation, heart and lungs. Your leg muscles will also get a full workout. What’s more, a fit dog can accompany you and achieve the same benefits.

Walking the dog isn’t just something for your dog’s benefit. While you’re giving them the exercise they need, you’re getting the exercise you need. So, what’s the ideal way to go about this? If it’s new for you, it’s important that you take it nice and easy. If a daily session of 30 minutes feels like too much, start with 10 minute walks in the first week. Then 15-20 minutes the week after, until you feel comfortable exercising longer. Every week try to go 25% further. So, for example, when you’re walking 4,000 steps a day, try 5,000 the next week and 6,250 the next. The goal is 10,000 steps a day, which is recognised as the ideal distance to keep you fit, healthy and lose weight. And just think how happy your dog will be with all this walking! Photo: courtesy of Humphrey Muleba

Running is an excellent way to keep in condition, and it’s always more fun with two. Who better as your running partner than your dog? Your bestest pal will be delighted with the extra exercise and spending time with you. However, before your enthusiasm runs away with you, there are some things to consider. Firstly, check with your vet, if it’s a good idea for your dog. Obviously, small breed dogs with short legs won’t thank you for running. Less obviously, breeds with short noses may have trouble breathing, when exercised too vigorously. It’s also worth knowing that all puppies and large breeds of any age shouldn’t be overexerted. It’s too rough and tough on their joints. Your dog is eager to please, but it’s best to take it slow in the beginning. Run at your dog’s pace, take catch a breath time, by combining with intervals of walking. Too much too soon can increase the risk of injury, just like for us humans. Start with a warm-up, it’s good for your muscles and your dog’s. Ideally, run off-road, asphalt is not good for a dog’s paws and joints. And of course, your dog will enjoy the natural sights, smells and sounds when you’re in a park, or the woods. Don’t forget to bring water, it’s important that you hydrate your body too. When you’re finished, always check their paws, to make sure they haven’t suffered any cuts or injuries. The last thing we must mention: have fun! This exercise will make you both healthier and happier and increase the magical bond between you.

Of course, we all know that a big dog has different dietary needs than a small dog. And many different breeds have special nutritional requirements. However, it’s much more complicated than that. You can have exactly the same breed, exactly the same size, but not exactly the same food. In fact, not even close to exactly. Your dog will have its own particular tastes and needs, just like humans!