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Expert Dog Health & Wellbeing
Expert Dog Health & Wellbeing
Skin problems in dogs: helping dog with skin allergies
by Nicolas Bartholomeeusen
on Jul 08 2026
Atopic dermatitis affects roughly 10% of dogs. Food proteins, pollen, mould and flea bites are among the most common triggers.
Key signs include persistent scratching around the face and paws, recurring ear infections, and changes in coat or skin texture.
Diagnosis requires identifying the specific cause. Elimination diets take 8 to 12 weeks and are the most reliable method for food allergies.
Dietary changes, medication and allergen immunotherapy each offer lasting relief when the correct trigger is identified.
Expert Dog Health & Wellbeing
The importance of probiotics for dogs
by Nicolas Bartholomeeusen
on Jul 08 2026
Probiotics are live microorganisms that help maintain gut flora balance, supporting digestion, immune function, and skin health in dogs.
Key probiotic strains for dogs include Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Saccharomyces boulardii, and Enterococcus faecium, each with specific gut benefits.
Probiotics are available as capsules, powders, chews, and liquids, making it easy to find a format your dog accepts.
Side effects are generally mild and temporary; always follow recommended dosages and consult your vet if your dog is on other medication.
Expert Dog Health & Wellbeing
When do dogs need nutritional supplements?
by Nicolas Bartholomeeusen
on Jul 08 2026
Dog supplements can support a range of health goals, from joint comfort and digestion to coat quality and stress management.
Human supplements are not suitable for dogs: formulation, dosage, and ingredients differ in ways that can be harmful.
Probiotics and prebiotics help restore gut flora; joint supplements with glucosamine and chondroitin support mobility; omega-3s support skin and coat.
Always read the package leaflet and consult your vet before adding supplements to your dog's routine.
Expert Dog Health & Wellbeing
The importance of good dog food in managing skin conditions caused by allergies
by Nicolas Bartholomeeusen
on Jul 08 2026
Skin conditions in dogs are often triggered by food allergens, most commonly beef, chicken, dairy, and wheat.
Switching to a hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diet, guided by a vet, is the primary treatment approach.
Key nutrients for skin health include omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, biotin, zinc, and vitamins A and E.
Insect and plant-based proteins offer lower allergy risk than conventional meat proteins for dogs with skin sensitivities.
Expert Dog Health & Wellbeing
by Nicolas Bartholomeeusen
on Jul 08 2026
Dogs can eat peanut butter, but always check the label first. Xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in some brands, is highly toxic to dogs and must be avoided.
Natural, unsweetened peanut butter is safe in small amounts (1–2 teaspoons). Watch for added sugar, salt, and preservatives in commercial brands.
Peanut butter is useful for mental enrichment, in puzzle toys or lick mats, and for hiding medication. High in calories, so portion control matters.
If it's your dog's first time, start with a small amount and watch for signs of allergic reaction: itching, vomiting, swelling, or breathing difficulty.
Expert Dog Health & Wellbeing
Guide to walking multiple dogs safely
by Nicolas Bartholomeeusen
on Jul 08 2026
Start by walking well-matched dogs individually before combining them. Introduce them gradually in low-stimulus environments.
Use sturdy leads of different lengths to prevent tangling. Harnesses give extra control for dogs that pull.
Basic commands, sit, stay, come, are essential when managing multiple dogs. Reward calm, well-behaved walking with treats and positive reinforcement.
Give each dog individual attention during walks to prevent frustration. Vary the route to keep things stimulating for all.
Expert Dog Health & Wellbeing
by Nicolas Bartholomeeusen
on Jul 08 2026
A bland, highly digestible diet is the recommended approach during recovery from acute diarrhoea in dogs.
White rice, plain chicken, sweet potato, pumpkin, oatmeal, and carrots are the best recovery foods.
Never feed raw potatoes — they contain solanine, a glycoalkaloid that is toxic to dogs.
If diarrhoea persists beyond a day or is accompanied by vomiting, consult a veterinarian.
Expert Dog Health & Wellbeing
Vegan dog food and dog allergies
by Nicolas Bartholomeeusen
on Jul 08 2026
Beef, dairy, and chicken are the most commonly identified food allergens in dogs.
Vegan dog food avoids the most common animal protein allergens, which is useful for dogs with food sensitivities.
Flaxseed oil and curcumin have both shown anti-inflammatory effects in dog studies; benefits at kibble-level doses are not fully established.
Read every ingredient label carefully as individual plant ingredients can also trigger reactions in sensitive dogs.
Expert Dog Health & Wellbeing
Tips for switching to vegan dog food
by Nicolas Bartholomeeusen
on Jul 08 2026
Switch gradually over two weeks. Start with 25% vegan food mixed with 75% of the current diet and adjust from there. A sudden switch risks diarrhoea, vomiting, or constipation.
Watch your dog's weight, coat condition, and energy levels during the transition. Changes in any of these may signal a need to slow down or try a different brand.
If your dog refuses the new food, try mixing with warm water or switching to a different flavour. Some dogs take longer than others to accept new textures.
Consult your vet before switching if your dog has a medical condition or known food sensitivities.
Expert Dog Health & Wellbeing
What to look for in vegan dog food
by Nicolas Bartholomeeusen
on Jul 08 2026
Dogs are omnivores. A well-formulated plant-based diet with complete proteins and the right vitamins can meet all their nutritional needs.
Look for recipes that meet FEDIAF or AAFCO guidelines. Key additions to check for: taurine, L-carnitine, and supplemented vitamins.
The IMBY Plant-Based Dog Food is fortified with taurine, L-carnitine, and vitamins to support heart health, energy, and overall wellbeing.
Expert Dog Health & Wellbeing
Is vegan dog food suitable for all dog breeds?
by Nicolas Bartholomeeusen
on Jul 08 2026
Vegan dog food can work for most adult dog breeds — protein completeness and breed-specific needs matter.
Dogs need 10 dietary essential amino acids from food; plant-based formulas can cover all 10 with a varied ingredient mix.
FEDIAF sets a minimum of 18% crude protein (DM) for adult dogs; quality vegan kibble typically exceeds this.
Switch gradually over 1–2 weeks to reduce the risk of digestive upset.
Expert Dog Health & Wellbeing
The best pet shops in Amsterdam
by Nicolas Bartholomeeusen
on Jul 08 2026
Imby Pet Food is the best online option for Amsterdam. Sustainable, hypoallergenic dog and cat food delivered quickly across the Netherlands.
Diervoordeelshop in Amsterdam-Noord offers a wide range at competitive prices. Discus is a reliable Dutch pet store chain with a broad product selection.
For independent shops, Cats & Things focuses on feline products and Ranzijn Tuin & Dier combines a garden centre with a full pet department and dog grooming.
Expert Dog Health & Wellbeing
Gluten intolerance in dogs - A detailed guide
by Nicolas Bartholomeeusen
on Jul 06 2026
Gluten intolerance in dogs causes digestive and skin symptoms similar to those in humans. Irish Setters are among the breeds most commonly affected.
Gluten-free and grain-free are not the same thing. Grain-free removes all grains; gluten-free only removes gluten-containing ones like wheat, rye, and barley.
There is no cure. The only reliable treatment is removing gluten from the diet. Most dogs recover fully once the allergen is gone.
Before switching your dog's food, consult a vet. Other conditions can produce similar symptoms and are worth ruling out first.
Expert Dog Health & Wellbeing
Food allergy in dogs: causes, symptoms and treatments
by Nicolas Bartholomeeusen
on Jul 06 2026
Food allergies in dogs cause an immune overreaction to proteins in food. Skin itching and gastrointestinal problems are the most common signs.
Common allergens include beef, chicken, dairy, soya, maize, and eggs. Novel protein sources such as insect or fish are less likely to trigger a reaction.
An elimination diet is the only reliable way to identify which foods are causing the problem.
Early diagnosis prevents complications. A hypoallergenic diet tailored by a vet is the most effective long-term management strategy.
Expert Dog Health & Wellbeing
Why is my puppy vomiting undigested food?
by Nicolas Bartholomeeusen
on Jul 06 2026
Puppies vomit undigested food most often from overeating, eating too quickly, or a sudden diet change. Usually not serious.
When vomiting is frequent, lasts more than a day, or comes with lethargy or diarrhoea, see a vet promptly.
Regurgitation (passive, right after eating) is different from vomiting (active, with abdominal effort). Knowing the difference helps the vet too.
If your puppy may have swallowed a foreign object, get to a vet immediately. Intestinal blockages need swift treatment.
Expert Dog Health & Wellbeing
Changing puppy food too soon | Symptoms & tips
by Nicolas Bartholomeeusen
on Jul 06 2026
Switching puppy food too quickly can cause diarrhoea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. A gradual transition of 7 to 10 days is the safer standard.
Gut bacteria are disrupted by sudden diet changes. Adding a vet-approved probiotic during the transition can reduce digestive upset.
Puppies and older dogs need more care than healthy adults. Persistent symptoms lasting more than three days are a sign to call the vet.
Follow the day-by-day blend schedule: start 25% new food, reach 100% by day 10, and adjust based on your dog's reaction.
Expert Dog Health & Wellbeing
What does normal dog poop look like?
by Nicolas Bartholomeeusen
on Jul 06 2026
Healthy dog poop should be chocolate brown, firm but crushable, and free of mucus or unusual contents.
The 4 C's (Consistency, Colour, Contents, and Coating) give you a quick daily picture of your dog's gut health.
Colour changes (yellow, green, black, grey) and persistent mucus are warning signs worth raising with your vet.
Diet, hydration, and stress all affect stool quality. A probiotic supplement can help regulate things.
Expert Dog Health & Wellbeing
Probiotics dog side effects: Everything you need to know
by Nicolas Bartholomeeusen
on Jul 06 2026
Most dogs tolerate probiotics well. Temporary gas, loose stools, or mild bloating in the first few days are normal as the gut adjusts.
Introducing probiotics gradually reduces the risk of digestive upset significantly.
Allergic reactions to probiotics are rare. Signs like itching or facial swelling warrant stopping immediately and contacting a vet.
Dogs on antibiotics or with serious GI conditions should have a vet's input before starting probiotics.
Expert Dog Health & Wellbeing
Dietary supplements for a healthy digestive system in dogs
by Nicolas Bartholomeeusen
on Jul 02 2026
What probiotics actually do in a dog's gut, and why a 2019 systematic review found the evidence modest but real
The difference between soluble and insoluble fibre, and which one helped 90% of dogs in a clinical trial form consistent stools
When digestive enzyme supplements are worth it (EPI diagnosis) and when they probably aren't
Why antibiotics disrupt the microbiome long after the course ends, and what the science says about recovery
Expert Dog Health & Wellbeing
Supplements for weight management in dogs
by Nicolas Bartholomeeusen
on Jul 02 2026
How the Body Condition Score works and why 40–65% of dogs in clinical studies score above the healthy range
What L-carnitine actually does inside the cell, and what a 7-week dog study found when it was added to a calorie-restricted diet
Which probiotic strains reduced body weight and triglycerides in obese dogs in a 2024 peer-reviewed trial
Why underweight dogs need a vet check before any supplement, and how to approach weight gain safely