In recent years a new disease has been affecting dogs in the UK and US. Called Alabama Rot, this serious illness causes skin lesions and can be fatal. Knowing the signs is the first step to protecting your pet.
Spaying or neutering is a common procedure that many of our pets will go through. However, not everyone realises the post-surgery care a dog will need after undergoing the procedure. In this article, you will learn how to help your dog heal and the signs of something being wrong.
Kennel Cough is a common canine illness that can affect any dog at any age. Most cases of Kennel Cough are simple to treat at home, but some dogs can become extremely ill with the condition, and it can even prove fatal.
Did you know that while aggression is a common behavioural problem among dogs, it is also often poorly understood? Learn more about dog-to-dog aggression, the many causes for the behaviour, and how it can be a complicated issue to resolve.
Meningitis is a life-threatening but fortunately rare condition in dogs. It can affect any breed, though some breeds such as beagles and German Pointers are more likely to be affected. Its consequences can be serious, which is why all owners should know the symptoms of this condition.
Toxoplasmosis is rare in dogs, but when it does occur it can be very serious and requires prompt veterinary attention. Learn the symptoms and the ways toxoplasmosis infects dogs to be able to protect your pet.
Many dogs love to swim, especially in hot weather. It is a great way to cool down and exercise. Yet, there are dangers associated with swimming, in particular the excessive consumption of water which can lead to 'water intoxication' a potentially fatal condition for your dog.
Having your dog spayed or neutered is probably one of the biggest decisions you will ever have to make for them. The procedure has many advantages, including reducing the number of unwanted puppies, but it can have disadvantages too. Understanding the pros and cons will help with the decision.
Female dogs go through a season or heat cycle approximately every six months. It is a natural part of life if they have not been spayed, and it is the time when they can become pregnant. Knowing when your dog is coming into season is very important to prevent unplanned pregnancies.
Spotting blood in your dog's urine can be scary. It is not something that normally happens without a cause and often requires a vet visit. This article explores the varied conditions that can cause your dog to pass blood when they urinate.
Hip dysplasia is, unfortunately, a common condition found in dogs that can be life-limiting. Dogs with hip dysplasia suffer chronic pain and in severe cases, they may need an operation. Understanding what hip dysplasia is will help you to find the right treatment plan for your pet.
You may have heard how the Indian spice turmeric has health benefits which could aid your dog, but is this true and is turmeric safe to feed to our pets? This article reveals the benefits and also the potential side-effects of turmeric and includes easy recipes for making tasty turmeric treats.
You may have noticed that your dog's front paws are turning out and wonder whether this is something to be concerned about. Standing 'toe-out' can indicate a range of potential problems, but many can be easily treated, and most dogs will live a healthy life even if their feet are wonky.
Arthritis is a common problem for older dogs. It can be a crippling condition that detracts from a dog's quality of life and may even shorten it, but there are several things owners can do to manage arthritis and keep their pets happy and active.
Every year, dog owners are presented with the challenge of helping pets cope with the loud noises and flashes of light that accompany fireworks. Many dogs are terrified of fireworks, but there are ways to help minimise their distress.
Has your dog had a stroke? The medical term 'stroke' conjures up all sorts of negative thoughts. Truth be told, our dog has suffered a stroke, and it was both shocking and frightening. Fortunately, with appropriate care, many dogs recover from a stroke without long-term consequences.
Doggy gummies are low-fat, healthy treats that are simple to make and great for your dog. Use them as bedtime treats, to hide medicines, as healthy additions to a meal or as training treats. Everything you need to know about making doggy gummies is right here.
Dog theft is a growing concern for many pet owners. Dogs are stolen to sell, breed, or be used in illegal dog fights. Losing a pet to theft is a heart-breaking experience, but there are a number of simple ways to prevent thieves from targeting your pets.
When the heat goes up, dog owners look for ways to keep their canines cool. Those with long-haired or thick-coated dogs may consider shaving that coat off in an effort to keep them cooler. However, shaving a dog may not always help them to cope with heat. In some breeds, it can make matters worse.
Does your dog have a fifth claw or toe on its hind foot? This fifth claw, partly up the leg, is a rear dewclaw, an unusual and mysterious feature that some dogs are born with. While they occasionally cause problems, most dogs suffer no complication from having an extra toe or even two.
Puppy buyers are often told to only buy a puppy from health tested parents, but what does that actually mean? This article explores the many forms of health testing, why they are important and will explain everything you need to know as a prospective puppy buyer.
Paw licking is a very common behaviour in dogs. Often it is just the dog cleaning its paws, but when the behaviour becomes obsessive or causes damage, then it is a sign that something is wrong.
The holidays can be a stressful time for both man and dog. Find out what can stress your dogs out during the festive season so you can better manage their behaviour.
Picking a perfect name for your new dog can be pretty tough. Pick the wrong name and you could spend the next 10 to 15 years regretting it. Before you come to a decision, here are some of the worst dog names and why you should avoid them.
We all like our homes to smell fresh and clean, and for that reason, many people use plug-in or spray air fresheners to help their house smell nice. Unfortunately, air fresheners can have a downside – they can make dogs very unwell and can even lead to death.
Alcohol is highly toxic to dogs, and it is important to know the symptoms to ensure your pet is swiftly and effectively treated.
Did you know that your dog can face hidden dangers from playing fetch? Learn how you can safely play fetch with your dog.
Whether it is clipping claws, trimming fur, or treating a cut, at some point, we all have to look at our dog's paws. Many dogs are sensitive about their paws being touched, and this can make grooming them very difficult. Luckily, there are several easy and gentle ways to overcome this problem.
We all catch colds or the flu from time to time, but what about our pets? Dogs, like any animal, can suffer from viruses and infections similar to humans. They can also suffer complications from illnesses, so knowing how to spot when they have a cold is important to keep them healthy.
Obesity in pets is on the rise, but sometimes it is easy to overlook when a pet is just a bit overweight. In fact, many people are unsure of what a dog at a healthy weight looks like. Even slight excess weight puts pressure on a dog's heart and joints, so knowing when they need a diet is vital.
Christmas is a joyous time. We want to share this fun with our dogs, but every year, dogs end up at emergency vets due to holiday-related accidents. Learn about the season's dangers to dogs and how to avoid an unhappy Christmas.
There are thousands of dog treats on the market. Many are inexpensive and designed to be attractive to dog owners, but beneath the surface, some of these treats contain dangerous components that could harm your dog.
Reverse sneezing is when a dog appears to snort backwards repeatedly. It is considered a common issue and is usually nothing to be worried about, but sometimes it can be a symptom of a more serious problem.
Did you know you can check a dog's immunity to certain diseases via titre testing (or titer testing)? Learn how the procedure works and how it complements standard vaccinations.
Due to the Cockapoo's popularity, some unscrupulous breeders produce 'rare' blue or red merle cockapoos—a colour that does not exist in either Poodles or Cocker Spaniels. Buyer beware.
As the nights draw in and the weather worsens, many people begin to suffer from winter blues, also called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Research suggests dogs may also suffer from depression in winter, so how can we make the colder months a happier time for our pets?
Did you know that Seasonal Canine Illness (aka Seasonal Canine Disease) is a potentially fatal condition originally found in UK dogs? Here are the facts about the sickness, how to prevent your pet from contracting it, and how to identify it and help them if the worst happens.
As the temperature rises, keeping our pet dogs cool and comfortable is essential to maintain their health and well-being. These ten ideas will help you keep your dog safe and chilled during the hot months of summer.
There is only one venomous snake in the UK: the European adder. Adder bites are extremely rare, but every once in a while, a dog gets bitten by a snake. Learn how to minimise the risk of this happening and what to do if a bite occurs to keep your dog safe.
Many people are opting to home-cook for their dog. This easy chicken casserole is low in fat and can be made as part of a special diet or as a treat for your canine companion.
Leptospirosis is a serious disease that dogs can pick up from the water. Lepto4 is a vaccination by Nobivac designed to prevent the disease, but there are growing concerns about the safety of this vaccine and whether it could be harmful to some dogs.
Xylitol is a type of sweetener found in food products, but over the last few years, growing concerns have emerged about the toxic effects of xylitol in dogs. With an increasing number of products using this sweetener, you must know the risks and what to do if the worst happens.
Many dogs suffer from patellar luxations, a condition also known as "trick knee", where the kneecap slips out of place and can cause discomfort and pain. Fortunately, if caught early, the condition is treatable. That's why it's important to know the signs of a slipping knee and what to do about it.
Homemade liver cake is the perfect training treat - low fat and guaranteed to have your dog's mouth watering, it is a popular favourite for those who like to cook for their pets. And this recipe is not only gluten-free, but extremely easy to make.
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, but the odd few have some unusual and very distinctive characteristics. Check out this article for ten dog breeds with unique attributes!
Ever noticed your dog sitting with his legs kicked to one side or his knees flopping outwards? Maybe he rolls onto one hip like he is about to lay down. That is the 'lazy', 'sloppy' or puppy sit, and it is something every dog owner should be aware of because it could mean your dog is in pain.
Have you ever wondered what dewclaws are and why some puppy advertisements emphasize their removal? Here is an explanation of their purpose and whether or not they should be removed from dogs.
Getting into shape could not be easier when you have a canine fitness companion at your side. Here are some great ideas to get you and your dog fit and healthy over the coming year.
A double merle dog is created when two dogs with the merle coat pattern are bred together. Also known as 'lethal whites,' double merles are prone to health issues. This article will delve into possible health concerns related to merle-to-merle breeding.
Intussusception is a serious medical condition where a portion of the bowel folds in on itself. This article is a guide to symptoms, treatment and prevention in dogs and puppies.