Tails.com, the experts in tailored dog nutrition, is providing dog lovers with a simple way to check their pet’s health this summer via popular park peeing spots.
On Tuesday 24th and Wednesday 25th of June the brand will be fitting lampposts in London’s Victoria Park with pH tests designed to flag abnormal levels of acid or alkaline in dog urine, both of which can be early indicators of health issues.
Tails.com’s Head Vet and their Behaviourist will be on hand to help dog owners decode the tests, and advise on what to do if your pet’s wee isn’t as it should be, as well as interpret behavioural signs that may be playing a role. The activation is live from 8am to midday and 3pm to 7pm on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The campaign launches as Dr Sofia Izquierdo Sanchez, Senior Lecturer in Economics at Manchester University, reveals workers taking time off to care for sick pets costs the UK economy £13.8 billion a year in lost wages*. Research from Tails.com reveals 72% of pet owners have pulled a sickie to look after their pet with the average dog owner needing to take 8 days off a year.
A third of Brits (36%) say they’d never trust anyone other than themselves to look after their sick pup, with 16% of dog lovers admitting to lying to their boss in order to care for their pet. Meanwhile, 30% have bailed on a date to nurse their dog back to health and a fifth (19%) have missed an important event. 16% have even reported cancelling a holiday to ensure they’re not leaving their poorly pet behind.
Research also shows the emotional impact it can have when our beloved pets are sick. 39% confess losing sleep worrying about their pet’s health, and over half (56%) report increased feelings of anxiety when their pets are ill. A huge 52% even admit to caring more about their pet’s health than their partners!
Dr. Sean McCormack, Head Vet at Tails.com, explains: “A dog’s urine can tell us a lot about what’s going on inside their body. By making these tests quick and easy for owners, we’re helping to catch potential issues early – before they become more serious or harder to treat.
Apart from the economic impact, sick days are really stressful and tough to deal with for dogs and their owners. Anything we can do together to help limit sick days is hugely beneficial. Whilst some illnesses can’t be prevented, ensuring your dog is eating a complete, balanced and nutritious diet, getting the right amount of exercise and having regular health check ups can help to limit the need to take too much time off and your pets living healthier lives.”
New research from Tails.com shows 99% of dog owners are aware of the significant impact diet has on their pet’s health, yet nearly 37% admit they aren’t always sure how to give their dog the best nutrition possible.
Dr Sean McCormack, Head Vet at Tails.com, provides his top tips for spotting when your dog might need a vet check:
- Keep an Eye on Their Eating Habits: If your dog suddenly goes off their food or becomes ravenously hungry, it might be a red flag. Changes in appetite can indicate anything from dental issues to digestive upsets or more serious internal conditions. Remember, sudden weight loss or gain is always worth investigating.
- Check Their Coat and Skin: Your dog’s coat is a great barometer of their overall health. Look out for excessive scratching, bald patches, redness, lumps, or a dull, greasy coat. These can indicate allergies, infections, parasites, or hormonal imbalances. A quick daily brush can help you spot issues early.
- Watch for Changes in Drinking and Urination: If your dog is suddenly drinking more water than usual or asking to go out to pee more frequently, this could be a sign of underlying health issues like diabetes, kidney disease, or a urinary tract infection. On the flip side, straining to urinate or accidents in the house that are abnormal, can also indicate problems.
- Don’t Ignore Bad Breath or Drooling: While doggy breath isn’t always pleasant, a sudden increase in bad breath, drooling, or difficulty chewing can indicate dental disease, which if left untreated can affect the heart and kidneys. Regular dental checks and brushing can help keep your dog’s mouth healthy.
But that’s not all, behaviour can also provide tell-tale signs of a dog’s health. Carolyn Menteith, Behaviourist at Tails.com says: “Your dog’s behaviour can tell you if they’re feeling a bit under the weather or are even in pain or discomfort. Trust your instincts and for any unexpected changes, however subtle, it’s time to go and talk to the vet.”
Tails.com offers a customised meal plan that is 100% tailored to your dog’s age, breed, lifestyle, health conditions and more. To find out more, visit Tails.com.
