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The Pet Health Hub by YuMOVE
Keep your pet active and happy with expert advice from the UK's no.1 vet-recommended joint supplement brand* - your go-to source for mobility, health and wellbeing tips.
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4 min read
How to keep your dog safe at Christmas
Explore our comprehensive guide to keeping your dog safe and happy during the Christmas season, covering everything from decoration dangers to festive food precautions.
8 min read
A dog’s Christmas dinner
Treat your pup to a safe festive feast. Find out what your dog can and can't eat on Christmas Day.
5 min read
Christmas Day and your dog
Discover the whimsical world of Christmas as experienced by your dog, filled with festive fun and canine insights.
8 min read
BBQ foods for dogs: what's safe for them to eat?
That moment we’ve all been waiting for is finally here! BBQ season has arrived, and humans and animals alike are gazing at their grills with yearning in their eyes. A BBQ can be the perfect occasion to celebrate the summer season, indulge in a delicious treat, and relax with friends, family, and furry pals alike. But while you personally might enjoy a full BBQ spread for lunch, how many of those morsels are actually suitable for your dog? Picking out BBQ foods for dogs that are safe, tasty, and perfect for a dog-friendly BBQ takes a little planning, but it doesn’t need to be overly complicated. Let’s take a look at what you need to know about BBQ foods for dogs, general canine BBQ safety, and more… First things first, be very careful with your dog around the barbecue itself BBQ gatherings are often pretty boisterous and fun, with people moving around, laughing, and loving life – and this upbeat energy is likely to rub off on your dog. Unfortunately, an energetic, curious dog and a hot grill can be a dangerous combination – especially if your pup is inexperienced or untrained in how to act around hot surfaces and other potential hazards. So, the first point in hosting a dog-friendly BBQ is to keep a close eye on your canine companion and to not let them get too close to the barbecue itself. You don’t want any accidents around fire and heat. Here are a few steps you can take to keep your dog safe around the barbecue… Keep a covered container nearby to collect bones and debris – you don’t want your dog eating these Secure your dog with a leash Keep the barbecue cover on as much as possible – to prevent your curious pup from jumping up and burning themselves on the grill Keep harmful materials well out of reach – including matches, charcoal, lighter fluid, and sharp BBQ utensils and tools Keep food well out of reach What BBQ food can dogs eat? This is the question that’s most likely to trip up well-meaning humans when they want to spoil their canine companions. Can you give dogs BBQ meat? How about grilled veg? Is marinade ok? And just what does a BBQ for dogs actually look like, in terms of sides and dessert? Let’s investigate. Do not feed your dog… Cooked bones So, you’ve just finished enjoying a succulent T-bone steak, and then you notice your best canine buddy looking up at you wistfully. Should you give them the bone off your plate to enjoy? Definitely not. Although it’s a well-known fact that dogs like to gnaw on bones, cooked bones are actually a major safety hazard. They’re brittle, splinter easily, and can cause severe internal injury to your dog. Grilled portobello mushroom A grilled portobello mushroom is a great plant-based BBQ treat, and can serve as an excellent burger patty alternative, or addition. Unfortunately, you should refrain from sharing these with your dog. While it’s actually safe for your dog to eat plain grilled portobello mushrooms, it’s still not advised – because of the risk that this will encourage them seek out poisonous wild mushrooms to eat during walks. Fatty cuts of meat Fatty cuts of meat may be a guilty pleasure for many people, but they shouldn’t find any place in your dog’s diet – even during barbecue season. Dogs don’t deal well with fatty foods, and can experience complications ranging from digestive upset, to weight gain, all the way to potentially life-threatening pancreatitis, if they indulge. Burnt food If some of your food is lightly burnt from the grill, you might feel like giving it to your dog would be a decent way of getting rid of it while making them happy, too. Unfortunately, burnt food is unhealthy and cause your dog digestive distress – so it’s firmly on the ‘no’ list. Onions and garlic For humans, onions and garlic are very healthy foods that can add a lot of excellent flavour to a BBQ meal. For dogs, though, they’re outright harmful and should be avoided along with other members of the ‘allium’ family (such as leeks and scallions). All these foods contain thiosulphate, which can damage your dog’s red blood cells and contribute to anaemia, weakness, fatigue, rapid breathing, and more. Fortunately, research suggests you’d need to give your dog a huge dose of garlic for them to be in serious danger (more than 5g of whole garlic per kg of bodyweight) – but it should still be avoided altogether. Raw, boiling, or salty potatoes Barbecued baked potatoes are a classic for a reason… because they’re delicious! If you want to share these little parcels of joy with your dog, though, be sure they’re fully cooked through, haven’t been cooked with added salt, and are cool to the touch. Raw potatoes contain solanine which is toxic to dogs, hot potatoes can obviously hurt your dog, and anything with added salt is a no-go, as it can contribute to salt poisoning (hypernatremia) and dehydration. Raw meat If you were thinking of skipping the grilling process for your dog’s cut of meat altogether, and just serving it to them uncooked, think again. Raw or undercooked meat shouldn’t be fed to dogs, as there’s always the risk of contamination with bacteria such as salmonella and listeria. Corn on the cob Corn on the cob is a standard BBQ staple, and may seem innocent enough on the surface, but you should never feed it to your dog. While corn itself isn’t toxic to dogs, the cob presents a real risk. It can create an obstruction in your dog’s digestive system, and may even lead to a severe injury such as a ruptured intestine. Kebab skewers We hope it goes without saying – but you should never give your dog a kebab skewer to eat, under any circumstances. Even if what you put on the skewer is safe for your dog to enjoy, the skewer itself can cause your pup very serious injuries if accidentally eaten – and even splinters from the skewer are enough to do harm. Do feed your dog… Bell peppers (raw or cooked) Bell peppers often find their way onto the grill in-between the more traditional staples, and they’re a great snack for your dog to dig into as well! These colourful vegetables are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and can be fed to your dog either cooked or raw – although some dogs may struggle to chew raw bell peppers. Just be sure that you don’t mix these up with hot peppers (which you should never feed your dog), and that – as with all BBQ foods for dogs – you serve them unseasoned. Unseasoned lean cuts of cooked meat Lean cuts of meat – ranging from grilled chicken breast to lean cuts of steak – can all be tasty treats for your dog to indulge in during a BBQ get-together. Just be sure to avoid giving them meat that’s been spiced or marinated, as this may cause complications – and remember to never feed your dog cooked bones! Setting aside a few cuts of meat for your dog in advance, and cooking them plain, is the best course of action here. Cooked, unsalted potatoes When properly cooked (without salt) and allowed to cool, baked potatoes can be a delicious delicacy for your dog. They’re rich in essential nutrients, they digest well, and they pack an energy-rich punch to nourish your pup, too. As mentioned before, however, make sure to cook any potatoes all the way through and allow them to cool before feeding them to your dog – and only if they were prepared without salt or other seasonings. It’s important to also cut them into small enough pieces, appropriate for your dog's size. Grilled (boneless) salmon Grilled, boneless salmon is delicious, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, and it’s a good source of protein for your dog – so feel free to give them a helping! (Unseasoned, of course). Just be sure to select fresh boneless fillets to prevent potential injury. Hot dogs Well-cooked, low-fat, and unseasoned hotdogs can be a tasty BBQ treat for your dog – and they’re easy to prepare, too! We recommend cutting the hotdogs up into small pieces after cooking, to allow them to cool, and then feeding them to your dog one as a time, as a treat. Courgette (cooked or raw) Sliced up courgette can be a tasty and healthy treat for your dog, both raw and cooked. It’s rich in nutrients, it’s light and easy to chew, and it tastes great! Of course, your dog’s likely to be especially grateful for their serving of courgette if it’s been grilled to perfection first. Just remember – as always – no seasoning. Watermelon (with seeds and rind removed) Watermelon can be a delicious hydrating dessert for your dog, following all the exciting grilled gourmet treats they’ve been eating. If you’re giving your dog a slice of watermelon, though, be sure to remove all the seeds and rind in advance – as these can cause digestive issues. Also, feed in moderation, otherwise it can easily cause an upset stomach. Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries You’ll be glad to know that these summer berries are superfoods, not just for us humans, but also for our dogs! Packed to the brim with powerful antioxidants, vitamins, and beneficial fibre among other things, these berries are low in calories and taste stunning. If you’ve got a bowl of them at hand and see your dog looking at you wistfully, feel free to give them a portion. Everyone loves a BBQ, and our furry best friends are no exception! But if your dog could use a bit of extra digestive support to savour their favourite morsels, why not consider giving them digestive care for dogs to help support their digestive health, top up good bacteria, and block bad bacteria?
6 min read
A-Z Of What Dogs Can & Can't Eat: Summer Edition
Our handy A-Z dog food guide lists the top seasonal foods your dog can and can’t eat. We recommend speaking to your vet before introducing new foods to your dog, especially if they have special dietary requirements or digestive health concerns. If you’re ever worried about something your dog has eaten, please speak to your vet. A: Can dogs eat apples and almonds? Apple: Yes. Your dog can snack on a tasty treat of apple. High in Vitamins A and C along with dietary fibre, apples are a refreshing snack for your dog in the summer months. Please remember to remove the pips.Almonds: No. Dogs can’t eat almonds. Almonds aren't as toxic as some other nuts for your dog, but they can cause digestive issues. It's safest not to give them to your dog. B: Can dogs eat blueberries and bones? Blueberries: Yes. Your dog can eat blueberries. Blueberries are a low-calorie treat full of fibre and Vitamins C and K. Most berries contain antioxidants and phytochemicals, which are great for dogs. However, be careful which berries. To be safe stick to blueberries, raspberries and strawberries as a seasonal fruity treat for your dog, but feed in moderation. Bones: Yes and no. Bones from pet shops, play items, and uncooked bones bought from reputable retailers can be a good way to entertain your dog but we recommend always supervising your dog when feeding any of them. Be sure to check the bone isn’t too firm too, as this can put strain on your dog’s teeth. Cooked bones, however, are harmful to dogs and should be avoided. Due to their fragility, they can splinter into pieces and cause injury to your dog. C: Can dogs eat cucumbers and chocolate? Cucumbers: Yes. Your dog can eat cucumber, not only is this a refreshing bite made up mostly of water, but this crunchy snack is also great for your dog.Chocolate: No. Dogs can become ill when they eat chocolate. Although it's yummy to us, chocolate contains theobromine which is toxic to dogs. If you suspect or know your dog has eaten chocolate, you should call or take them to the vet immediately. E: Can dogs eat eggs? Eggs: Yes. Your dog can have cooked eggs which are a good source of fatty acids. They can also sometimes help to settle upset stomachs. However, it’s not advisable to give your pup raw eggs because, although not toxic, there’s a risk of Salmonella. F: Can dogs eat fish? Fish: Yes. Your dog can eat fish. However, this is another food you must be careful with when feeding your dog. Avoid fish cooked in oils or seasonings and make sure all bones are removed from the flesh to keep your dog safe. G: Can dogs eat green beans and grapes? Green Beans: Yes. Your dog can have green beans added to their dinner or as a snack. They’re high in Vitamin K and Vitamin C so are a great low-calorie snack for any dog looking to lose weight.Grapes: No. Dogs can’t eat grapes. Although we might love them, grapes can be toxic to dogs and can cause kidney damage. H: Can dogs eat honey? Honey: Yes. Honey is a great summertime treat for your pup and is filled with antioxidants. Honey has lots of important vitamins and minerals, although should only be given in small amounts. I: Can dogs eat ice cream and ice? Ice Cream: Yes – occasionally. Your pup can have a lick or two of vanilla ice cream. However, as dogs can’t digest dairy, it is suggested a lick or two is the max. Too much ice cream can lead to indigestion and diarrhoea, and no one wants that on a hot day! Be careful with flavourings too, as these might not be safe for your dog. It’s best to avoid them if you’re not sure.Ice: Yes – under supervision. Ice is ok for dogs, it can be a fun game for your pup and can cool them down in the hot weather, however, due to the fragility of ice, it is better to watch over them if you ever give them an ice cube. For more info on whether ice cubes are bad for dogs. K: Can dogs eat kiwi? Kiwi: Yes. Your dog can have kiwi fruit. A great summer treat, this tropical fruit can be enjoyed by your dog as long as you remove the skin and the pit first. Feed in small amounts, never as a whole fruit as this could be dangerous. M: Can dogs eat mango and mushrooms? Mango: Yes. Like us, most dogs love mango and they can enjoy this summertime favourite. As it’s high in sugar, it’s recommended only in small amounts.Mushroom: No. Your dog can’t eat mushrooms. Although some mushrooms from the supermarket can be safe when cooked with no other seasonings and extras, it’s best to avoid mushrooms altogether, to stop your pup from seeking out dangerous wild mushrooms on walks as these can be highly toxic. O: Can dogs eat oranges and onions? Oranges: Yes. A segment or two of orange can be a great summer snack for your pup, full of vitamins to keep them healthy. Although, like most fruits, orange is best given in moderation. Onions: No. Dogs can’t eat onions. Although a tasty part of our human diet, onions contain a compound called N-propyl disulphide which is toxic for dogs. P: Can dogs have potatoes? Cooked potato: Yes - in moderation. Your dog can enjoy a small taste of plain boiled potatoes. However, don’t feed them to your dog if they’ve been cooked in salt.Raw potato: No. Do not give your pup raw potato as it contains solanine which is toxic to dogs. Q: Can dogs eat quinoa? Quinoa: Yes! Your dog can eat quinoa. R: Can dogs eat rice and raisins? Rice: Yes. Dogs can have rice. This can be a great addition to your dog’s dinner if they have an upset stomach, along with some plain cooked chicken.Raisins: No. Like grapes, raisins can be toxic to dogs. It’s best to keep them out of your dog’s reach. S: Can dogs eat spinach and salty foods? Spinach: Yes. Spinach is high in iron and great for your dog’s diet. Add to their dinner for an additional hit of vitamins.Salty food: No. It’s best not to give dogs the salty snacks humans love, such as crisps and other fast foods. Although they’re usually not toxic, it’s advised not to include them in their regular diet. T: Can dogs eat tomatoes? Tomatoes: No. It’s best not to give your dog tomatoes as they contain substances that can be harmful to them. Although not always toxic, they’re a food that can be an issue for dogs. W: Can dogs eat watermelon and walnuts? Watermelon: Yes. Watermelon is full of water and provides a crunchy yet satisfying snack for your dog. It’s best to remove the seed and definitely remove the rind.Walnuts: No. Walnuts can be a choking hazard for dogs and contain a fair bit of fat. Some types of walnuts can be more toxic to our dogs than others so it safest to avoid them. Y: Can dogs eat yoghurt? Yoghurt: Yes. Your dog can eat yoghurt, although dogs aren't naturally able to digest dairy in large quantities so a few licks here and there is the maximum advised for your pup. Be careful of any flavourings though as these might not be safe for your dog. It’s best to avoid if you’re not sure. Z: Can dogs eat courgette? Courgette: Whether you call it zucchini or courgette, no matter, this is a great snack for your dog! One of the best veggies they can consume cooked or raw and great for their digestive health. Could your canine companion use a bit of extra digestive support during their next summer feast? If so, we recommend giving them YuMOVE Digestive Care. It's ideal for dogs with sensitive tummies, supports digestive health, and tops up good bacteria while blocking bad bacteria.
3 min read
Heat Stroke In Dogs
In this guide, we explain what heat stroke is, signs of heat stroke in dogs and what to do if you think your pet is suffering from heat stroke.
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