The page referenced above contains most answers but there were a few we didn't have space for - see below
My dog eats quickly and a friend once commented that I should buy him a 'puzzle' bowl to make him slow down. Is it a problem that he gobbles his food? He doesn't seem to be in any discomfort afterwards. babster
Dogs have evolved to be opportunistic eaters – most dogs eat food whenever and wherever it is offered! In some dogs, this scoffing can lead to them wolfing down their ration at top speed. The canine anatomy is mostly well placed to cope with this, as they have large, expandable stomachs - but there are a few watch-outs. Some dogs are at risk of the stomach become dilated and even twisted (Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus or GDV for short). Deep chested breeds such as Great Danes, Weimaraners, St. Bernards, Irish setters, and Gordon setters are most likely to be affected although it can happen to any dog. This is a real health emergency, and the syndrome is not well understood. Older dogs and those related to other dogs who have had the condition appear to be at higher risk. Current advice is to avoid exercising your dog or letting them run about after eating. Other advice such as raising the food bowl seems to be less effective and may even make the problem more likely to occur. If your dog seems to be showing signs of abdominal pain, retching without vomiting or salivating more than usual seek immediate veterinary attention. If your dog eats very quickly, splitting the daily ration into two meals is a good move. Regarding a puzzle feeder, this gives your dog something to occupy his mind and carry out natural behaviours such as sniffing and seeking out food. As long as the feeder is dog-safe, it’s a great idea!
What temperature food is best for my dog, is he allowed ice in warm weather or should his food be lukewarm/ room temperature? mirage937
Unlike cats, most dogs aren’t fussy about the temperature of their food, and there’s no harm in feeding cold food to dogs. Large pieces of ice can present a choking hazard so do take care in using ice as a cooling treat, however a large bowl of cold water can be very refreshing on summer days so make sure your pet always has access to drinking water. Crunching on hard ice can also cause damage to your dog’s teeth as, contrary to what you might think, their enamel is much thinner than that on human teeth meaning that their teeth are more easily damaged. Older pets or those who have a poor appetite following illness or surgery may find warm food more appealing, as the odours released are stronger. Most dogs won’t stop to check the temperature of their food though, so do be careful if warming food not to make it too hot.
I don't think my dog drinks enough water. There is always plenty available but it will sometimes remain untouched for most of the day. He will then have a big drink, like he has just remembered it's there. Is that normal? If not, how can I encourage him to drink more? Theimpossiblegirl
Water is the most essential nutrient of all, and it’s important that your dog has access to an adequate amount of fresh water at all times. Dogs can be quite intermittent drinkers, often seeming to ignore the water bowl for a while and then getting stuck in for a great big drink. This is usually ok, as dogs’ stomachs have a huge capacity but try not to exercise your dog shortly after a large drink. Most dogs are good at regulating their water intake, and will drink just what they need as long as they have access to fresh water. However, if your dog seems to be drinking more or less than normal it can be a sign of ill health, so seek veterinary advice. If you are concerned that your dog doesn’t drink enough, feeding some or all of their diet as wet food (canned or pouch) will increase their water intake, as it is naturally high in water from the ingredients used. If you do add or increase wet food into your dog’s diet, please remember to do it gradually over the course of a week in order to minimise the risk of an upset stomach.
Bath for your dog - good or not so good and how often? There is a lot of different opinions on the net from how often as you want to never... I have a lab and a Newfie and they both love water but I still have no idea how often they should have a bath. hunhun007
You’ve certainly picked two water-loving breeds to join your family! Most dogs don’t require baths for a healthy skin and coat unless they are particularly grubby after a muddy walk or have a specific skin condition which benefits from regular baths. However, if you do want or need to bath them make sure you use a canine shampoo designed for the specific needs of dogs - their skin is thinner than human skin and more prone to damage and skin conditions. Both Newfoundlands and Labradors have fantastic waterproof coats so you’ll need plenty of warm water and shampoo to get through the layers. Of course, don’t forget to rinse them really well to avoid a scurfy residue which makes even the glossiest coats look a bit dull, and could result in skin irritation.
How long does kibble stay fresh and can it go off? Should it be storing it in a lidded container? BombadierFritz
Providing you keep your dry food in an air-tight bag or container, the kibbles should stay fresh and edible right up until the ‘best before’ date stated on the pack. The trick is really to ensure that wherever you're storing the food really is air tight. We know this can be difficult which is why we include zip lock strips on all small and medium bags of Pedigree Dry food, so you can easily re-seal the bag, ensure minimal contact with the air and keep your dog's food fresher for longer.