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Articles, questions and guides on pet care.
False pregnancy in dogs
A false pregnancy usually occurs in an unneutered bitch around 6 to 10 weeks after her last season, or heat, has finished. The signs of a false pregnancy are associated with a hormone called…
Pyometra in dogs
Female dogs that have not been spayed (neutered) are at risk of getting a life threatening infection of their uterus (womb), called a pyometra. This infection requires urgent veterinary attention.
I’ve found a lump on my dog, what should I do next?
Most dogs develop a lump or two during their lifetime. There can be lots of different reasons for this. It is always worrying to find a lump on your pet. Lumps can be something simple, however, some…
Ticks and your horse
Ticks are small, blood sucking parasites of mammals. This can include horses, dogs, cats and humans. They are increasingly common in the UK. The three most common species of tick are: Ixodes ricinus…
How to put together a first aid kit for your dog or cat
You probably have a medicine cabinet at home with medication and stuff for all sorts of mishaps. If you have pets, it’s a good idea to have one for them as well. Check our article on what to put in…
Help! My cat has bad breath
Have you noticed that your cat is suffering from bad breath (halitosis) or dental problems? Dental disease is often picked up at their annual health check by your vet. Dental problems are easy to…
Help! My dog has bad breath
Have you noticed that your dog is suffering from bad breath (halitosis) or dental disease (bad teeth or gums)? Dental disease is often picked up at their annual health check by your vet. Dental…
My dog has broken its nail. What should I do?
Dogs may sometimes break a nail when they are out and about on a walk. The dew claw, above the paw, is more loosely attached and is therefore most prone to damage. Although some dogs have naturally…
Is saffron dangerous for dogs and cats?
There are many delicious treats during Christmas that tempt both our dogs and cats. But what really happens if our animals happen to ingest saffron, one of Christmas' most popular spices? Is saffron…
Can dogs and cats eat gingerbread?
There are many delicious treats during Christmas that tempt both our dogs and cats. But what really happens if our animals happen to ingest one or more gingerbread cookies? Are gingerbread cookies…
How not to spend Christmas with your vet: Christmas dangers for pets and how to avoid them
Vets love their patients, it’s not a secret. But sometimes we really don’t want to see them. For Christmas, for example. Keep reading for what you need to know to spend Christmas with your pets…
Constipation in dogs
Dogs normally pass faeces several times a day. If your dog is constipated, then the frequency with which they pass faeces will decrease or stop altogether. Constipation has many causes and,…
Why you shouldn’t give chocolate to dogs and cats
Some cats and many dogs would gobble up chocolate if given half a chance. But why is this a problem? Read our article for everything you need to know about it.
Preparing veteran horses for winter: teeth, toes, tums and tetanus
Veteran horses are generally categorised as those aged over 15 or 20 years old. Approximately 40% of the UK horse population is currently in this age bracket. As a consequence of ageing, certain…
Can dogs drink milk or eat dairy products?
When considering whether dogs can drink milk, or eat products containing milk such as cheese, it comes down to whether your individual dog tolerates it in their diet. Milk isn’t bad for dogs as…
What a dog's nose can tell us
My dog has a dry, warm nose, does this mean that my dog is sick? Owners often ask our vets this question. The simple answer is that it is not a sign of ill health and can be normal. The main reason…
Can I feed my cat milk?
Kittens usually drink the queen’s (mother’s) milk until the mother gradually weans them at around 4 to 6 weeks of age. Most kittens are eating solid cat food by the time they are 8 to 10 weeks of…
How to celebrate a safe Halloween with your pet
During Halloween there is a high risk of dogs and cats ingesting toxic food or dangerous objects. Here we share our best tips and advice on how to celebrate a safe Halloween with your pet!
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