Who Let The Dogs Out And About?: Dr Scott's Corner

Keeping fit is something that all dogs should enjoy, and in Leeds Dr Scott gave some advice on making exercise fun.

Did you know...?

• Exercise doesn't always mean running in the park - some amazing dogs can skateboard or even surf!
• Sporty greyhounds can reach a top speed of over 40 miles an hour!
• Taking your dog for regular walks won't just benefit them - it's good for your health too.

Top tip - make sure your dog is getting enough exercise for their size, breed and age, and remember to play and have fun when you're out and about with them.

In Edinburgh, Dr Scott looked at obesity in dogs - what can cause it and how to keep your dog at a healthy weight.

Did you know...?

• Human foods may be tasty for us but they're generally not good for dogs - so avoid giving away snacks from your own dinner!
• Some signs that your dog may be overweight include panting a lot, lagging behind on walks or barking without getting up.
• Some of the naturally heaviest dog breeds are Great Danes and St Bernards.

Top tip - different dogs need different amounts of food, so make sure your pet's meals are the right size.

In Glasgow, Dr Scott gave some top tips on teeth! Dogs have more teeth than humans, and it's really important to keep them clean and healthy.

Did you know...?

• Just like humans, puppies have baby teeth which fall out as their adult dog teeth grow in.
• The word 'canine' comes from the Latin word for dog - and humans have canine teeth too!
• Some doggy toothpaste is meat-flavoured!

Top tip - watch out for signs of dental disease in your dog, like discolouration or having trouble eating. Toys, brushing and trips to the vet can all help keep their teeth clean and healthy.

In Cardiff, Dr Scott explained all about dog grooming. Every dog benefits from proper care and attention.

Did you know...?

• Some dogs have double coats, which means that there is a softer layer of fur underneath the top layer.
• Some breeds naturally have little or no hair - including the Peruvian Hairless dog and the Mexican Hairless dog!
• Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso dogs both have very long hair compared to their body sizes.

Top tip - grooming can keep your dog's skin and coat healthy, so try to make brushing enjoyable and stress-free for your pet too.

Just like people, dogs can suffer from stress, so in London Dr Scott gave some advice on keeping your hound happy.

Did you know...?

• Dogs' hearing is more sensitive than ours so loud noises like fireworks or thunder can sometimes cause stress.
• Dogs naturally like company - in the wild, they live in packs with their family members.
• Encouragement and positive experiences (like having a nice time at the vet) can help some dogs to overcome their fears.

Top tip - both dogs and people can get upset and stressed sometimes, but your vet can offer advice on ways to improve your dog's well-being.

Making sure your dog has the right things to eat, and the right amount, is really important for keeping them healthy.

Did you know...?

• Just like humans, dogs benefit from exercise and a healthy diet
• Different sized dogs need different amounts of food - but the amount of exercise they take also makes a difference
• The current record for the world's largest dog biscuit was set in 2011 in the USA - the giant snack weighed nearly 280kg! That's heavier than four fully-grown Newfoundland dogs!

Top tip - make sure your dog has a balanced diet and avoid giving them human foods!

There are lots of different types of parasites which like to live on dogs - yuck! In Bristol, Dr Scott gave some top tips on keeping your pet free of little pests.

Did you know...?

• Ticks aren't actually insects - they have eight legs, like spiders.
• Some species of tapeworm can grow up to five metres long!
• Fleas are some of the best jumpers in the animal world - they can leap up to seven inches off the ground! Compared to their tiny bodies, that's a giant jump.

Top tip - look after your dog and remember to look out for any symptoms that he or she might be suffering from parasites.

Thinking about getting a dog? In Liverpool, Dr Scott looked at some of the things you need to think about.

Did you know...?

• There are over 200 breeds of dog recognised by the British Kennel Club.
• The most popular breed in the UK is the Labrador Retriever.
• In 2012, over 118,000 stray or abandoned dogs were picked up by Local Authorities - that's about 325 a day!

Top tip - getting a dog is a big decision. Dogs need lots of time, care and attention so do your research and think carefully before making up your mind.

In Cornwall, Dr Scott gave some advice on gadgets which are designed especially for dogs - including microchips and scanners.

Did you know...?

• Every year, over half a million people get their pets microchipped.
• Pet microchipping has been helping dogs to be reunited with their owners for over 20 years.
• Some owners are said to spend up to £8000 a year on their dogs - there are some pampered pooches out there!

Top tip - your dog's health and happiness should come first when choosing gadgets and technology. But remember, what your dog really needs is your love and attention.