Articles

Articles, questions and guides on pet care.

Can our dogs communicate with us? How to give our dogs choices and enrich their lives

Can our dogs communicate with us? How to give our dogs choices and enrich their lives

As caring dog owners, we want to build a strong relationship with our pets based on mutual trust and respect. But one aspect of our dogs’ lives less often considered is the importance of choice.…

Read article
What are dog food allergies?

What are dog food allergies?

Everybody has heard of food allergies by now or knows people who have them. Dogs can also get food allergies, but they like to do them differently than people. Read on to learn how to recognise them.

Read article
Lungworm infection in dogs

Lungworm infection in dogs

Lungworm (Angiostrongylus vasorum) is a life-threatening disease of dogs. The number of cases in the UK over the last few years seems to be rising. Our vet explains what signs you should look out…

Read article
Colitis in dogs - a common cause of diarrhoea

Colitis in dogs - a common cause of diarrhoea

Colitis in dogs means that the patient is suffering from inflammation of the large intestine (colon). Many dogs will suffer from colitis at one stage in their lives and this is also a common puppy…

Read article
What is the best food for my dog?

What is the best food for my dog?

This is a particularly contentious issue as there are many very strong opinions amongst dog owners. What does make a good dog food? And, how should dogs be fed? This article looks at the different…

Read article
Pancreatitis in cats

Pancreatitis in cats

The pancreas is an organ in the body located close to the stomach. It produces enzymes that assist in the digestion of food and hormones such as insulin that regulate sugar levels. When inflammation…

Read article
Feeding a puppy

Feeding a puppy

We all know that puppies are not just small dogs and they have different dietary requirements. A puppy’s diet should be tailored to help with growth and development to help build strong bones, teeth…

Read article
I think my dog has ringworm. What should I do?

I think my dog has ringworm. What should I do?

Ringworm is a type of fungal infection in the skin. Ringworm infection is caused by microscopic fungi (dermatophytes) feed on the keratin layers of the skin. The name ‘ringworm’ comes from the fact…

Read article
Spots on the chin: cat acne and how to treat it

Spots on the chin: cat acne and how to treat it

Feline acne, also known as follicular keratinisation, is a common skin condition that usually appears on the chin area. For this reason, it is also sometimes referred to as cat chin acne. Some cats…

Read article
Canine seborrhoea: Why is my dog’s coat oily and smelly?

Canine seborrhoea: Why is my dog’s coat oily and smelly?

Canine seborrhoea or seborrhoeic dermatitis is a common skin condition that affects dogs and relates to the sebaceous glands in their skin. The sebaceous glands are associated with the hair…

Read article
Gastric ulcers and gastritis in dogs

Gastric ulcers and gastritis in dogs

There are many reasons why your dog might be sick or not eat well. Gastritis is common but usually easily treatable. The stomach contains strong gastric acid, which is important in the breakdown of…

Read article
Fox tapeworm infection in dogs

Fox tapeworm infection in dogs

The fox tapeworm is a type of tapeworm found in Europe, but not in the UK. The tapeworm is found in America, central Asia, Japan and China. Its scientific name is Echinococcus multilocularis. This…

Read article
Top five health problems in older cats

Top five health problems in older cats

As cats age, they can be more prone to certain age related disease processes. Early detection and management of these age related issues leads to a better quality of life for older cats. Read more…

Read article
Should I try to make my dog sick?

Should I try to make my dog sick?

Occasionally, your pet may eat something that could be harmful and may need to visit their vet to be made sick. It is never recommended to make your pet sick at home. There are risks associated with…

Read article
What are the most common ear problems in dogs?

What are the most common ear problems in dogs?

Noticed your dog shaking their head more, rubbing it on the floor or scratching at their ears? Red, dirty or smelly ears? Keep reading to learn what may be causing this and what to do about it!

Read article
How to spot ear mites in pets and what to do about them

How to spot ear mites in pets and what to do about them

Many things cause itchy ears in dogs and cats. One of the causes, particularly in younger animals, and especially in kittens, are ear mites. Find what you need to know about ear mites in our article!

Read article
How to deal with your cat’s ear infection (otitis externa)?

How to deal with your cat’s ear infection (otitis externa)?

Cats get ear infections much rarer than dogs, though not never. Read our article to learn how to recognise when your cat has an ear infection (otitis externa) and what to do about it.

Read article
What are dog allergies or hypersensitivities?

What are dog allergies or hypersensitivities?

Just as in people, the number of dogs suspected of or diagnosed with allergies are growing. But what are allergies and how to recognise them? Keep reading to understand your dog’s allergies better.

Read article

With FirstVet, the vet clinic and pet shop are only one tap away. Get fast advice, trusted care and the right pet supplies – every day, all year round.

FIRSTVET UK LTD

25 Horsell Road

London

N5 1XL