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Where to start with your new puppy? You need a plan
If you're a new or soon-to-be puppy owner and are currently feeling a little overwhelmed, you need a plan! A step-by-step guide to keep you on the right path, at least one paw ahead of your puppy.…
7 ways to give your dog a very happy Christmas – and most of them won’t cost you a penny!
Christmas is an exciting time for humans and is also a time when we can do something special for the dogs in our lives. Christmas is a time that we can show our dogs how loved and appreciated they…
Retained testicle (Cryptorchidism) in pets
When an animal has an undescended or retained testicle, we call this condition cryptorchidism. Cryptorchidism is seen in both cats and dogs, as well as other animals. Although cryptorchidism rarely…
Disease surveillance in pets
I work as a clinical pathologist and veterinary investigations officer when I am not on shift with FirstVet. My job involves all aspects of disease surveillance such as; identification of disease,…
Conker poisoning in dogs
Conkers are the seed of the horse chestnut nut tree, a very common species in the UK, which are found lying on the ground in the autumn time. Similar to acorns, curious dogs may pick up conkers to…
Are acorns dangerous for dogs?
Nice warm weather during autumn encourages us to go for a walk with our dog. The autumn feeling is very familiar: fallen leaves in a riot of colours, shiny conkers and a flood of acorns. Curious…
Pet bereavement advice: preparing to say goodbye and grieving for our beloved ones
Sadly, our pets have much shorter lives than us and taking responsibility for a pain-free, peaceful death is a decision that many eventually have to face. During even the most challenging times, our…
Is my dog too fat or too skinny? A guide to body condition scoring in dogs
Have you ever wondered if your pet needs feeding up, or if you need to cut out the treats? When vets assess your dog’s weight they are not just looking at the number on the scales but also assessing…
How to give your dog or cat a happy New Year
New Year's Eve, with its promise of celebration and new beginnings, is just around the corner. How about you include your pet too in this opportunity for joy and renewal? Read on for our best tips…
Help! My dog is eating poo
Coprophagia is the medical term for eating poo. Although an unpleasant behaviour, eating faeces is a problem behaviour we see in both puppies and adult dogs. It mostly occurs in puppies and young…
What are digestive support diets for dogs and cats and when to use them
If your pet has tummy trouble, changing their food can help their stomach get better. But what should you feed? Read our article to understand what digestive support foods are and how to use them.
Feeding your dog or cat a raw food diet - What do you need to consider?
Are you thinking of feeding your dog a raw diet? Read our article to find out all you need to know about raw feeding your dog a raw meat-based diet to help you make an informed decision. Similar…
Can my dog eat a vegan or vegetarian diet?
Technically yes, dogs can survive on both a vegan or vegetarian diet. However, there are some important things to understand to ensure that your dog gets the right nutrition for their age, size and…
Nail clipping - how to cut your dog's claws
It is important to cut your dog's claws regularly because long claws can increase the risk of injury. What should you keep in mind when cutting your dog's claws and how often should you cut them?…
How to prepare your dog for fireworks with training
Many dogs are afraid of fireworks – and why wouldn’t they be! Unfortunately, firework displays aren’t limited to 5th November, so it’s best to be prepared at any time from October through New Year’s…
7 things that are dangerous for your pet in the Autumn
Autumn is a wonderful season, both for humans and animals. Many people want to be out in the fresh air, but the bright days get shorter and it gets darker outside faster. Remember that unlit…
Which mushrooms are dangerous to dogs?
Read our article to know more about how to recognise dangerous mushrooms, which signs they can cause if eaten by dogs and how to act in case of suspected poisoning.
Obesity in Dogs
It is becoming more and more common for dogs to be overweight. You may not worry if your dog is a little round, but even being slightly overweight can affect a dog's health, and even shorten its…
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