Articles
Articles, questions and guides on pet care.
What to do if your dog has fleas
Every dog might get fleas at some point in their life. They can be a temporary nuisance or a real problem. Read the following article to learn what you need to know to keep your dog free of fleas.
Bloat or GDV (Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus) in dogs
A dog with bloat or GDV is a true emergency. GDV is a sudden and potentially fatal condition in dogs that develops when the stomach becomes distended (dilates) and rotates within the abdomen…
Why is chewing gum poisonous to dogs?
Chewing gum is one of the lesser-known everyday poisoning dangers to dogs. Read our article to learn what exactly is toxic in it and what to do if your dog ate some.
Why is my dog eating grass and vomiting?
Many dogs eat grass from time to time, and some will also vomit as a result. For a dog owner, it can be confusing to understand why your dog eats grass, especially as it appears to make him or her…
What are aural haematomas of dogs and cats?
Although its name sounds very complicated, an aural haematoma is in fact a fairly simple and not that rare condition seen both in dogs and cats. Read on for more about why it happens, how to spot it…
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…
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?…
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…
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.…
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…
Common infectious causes of diarrhoea in dogs and puppies
There are many infectious causes of diarrhoea in dogs and puppies, and this is sometimes associated with other symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy and loss of appetite. A common step in the…
Help! My pet has eaten….? Foreign bodies in dogs and cats
It is very common for dogs to eat things they shouldn’t, and sometimes this can get them into trouble. It is less common but still possible in cats, who tend to be more careful about what they…
EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency) in dogs and cats
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) is a condition which can affect both dogs and cats, but is more commonly seen in dogs. An insufficient amount of digestive enzymes are made in the gut. These…
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…
Haemorrhagic gastro-enteritis (HGE) in dogs and cats
Haemorrhagic gastro-enteritis (HGE) is a syndrome where a dog or cat passes diarrhoea and/or vomit containing fresh red blood. Sometimes they can have profuse watery bright red diarrhoea and it can…
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…
Heat stroke in dogs - what signs should you look out for?
Did you know that dogs barely sweat? Their main way of cooling down is panting, where heat is lost in the air they breathe out. During hot or humid weather this process isn’t very effective, and…
Alabama Rot in dogs - Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy (CRGV)
Alabama Rot is a very rare disease that causes damage to the blood vessels in the skin and kidneys. It causes tiny blood clots which block the blood vessels and can ultimately damage the affected…