Health

Dog surgery is a stressful time for the entire family. It’s not just worrying about the operation itself, it’s also what happens once your dog has undergone the procedure. Trying to make them as comfortable as possible as they’re recovering can be a bit daunting. From the anaesthetic effects to keeping your dog’s bandages dry and in place, here is what you can do to help your dog through a speedy recovery.

Many owners often wonder how do you clean a dog's ears? We've put together this handy guide to tell you everything you need to know about cleaning your dog's ears at home. Many dog owners often wonder: should I be cleaning my dog’s ears? The short answer is, usually, yes. It’s often an overlooked part of your dog’s grooming regime, but for many dogs it is extremely important as it allows you to regularly check for problems or ear infections. Cleaning your dog’s ears is incredibly easy to do and can be done at home (provided you and your dog are comfortable with it). If you’ve never done it before you may be wondering where to start, which is why we’ve put together this handy guide to tell you how to clean a dog’s ears.

Hypothermia in dogs can occur during the winter months and is usually due to prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. Read our guide to find out about the possible symptoms and what you should do if you suspect your dog has hypothermia. Hypothermia in dogs can be fatal as it may cause problems with the heart and blood flow, breathing and the immune system and in more extreme cases, dogs may develop impaired consciousness that could result in a coma. We’ve created this useful guide to tell you everything you need to know about hypothermia in dogs – keep reading to find out more.

Just like us, it’s not hard for dogs to put on a few extra pounds, especially as they get older and exercise less. As excess weight and rates of obesity in dogs increases, so do the risk of developing related health problems. A staggering 35%* of all dogs in the UK are overweight – and most owners don't even realise it until they take their pets to the vet for a related illness. Obese and overweight dogs are much more likely to develop health problems such as diabetes, respiratory conditions, arthritis and even behavioural problems, so it's easy to see why monitoring your dog's weight and body condition carefully is important.*Source: PDSA 2009

Dog owners often believe that a healthy dog’s nose should always be wet and cold. Here is why dogs usually have wet noses and what it means if your dog has a dry nose instead. Whether it’s when they sniff your face in the morning or your hand as you give them a treat, the sensation dog owners expect to feel on their skin when the dog’s nose makes contact is a very particular one – that the nose should feel cold and wet. But what does it mean if your dog’s nose is dry instead? Keep reading to find out what makes a dog’s nose wet in the first place and how should an owner react if they discover that their pet’s nose is warm and dry.

Pancreatitis in dogs can be acute or chronic and ranges in severity. Discover how to tell if your pet is suffering from this condition and what to do next. Pancreatitis is defined as inflammation of the pancreas. In this article we explain what causes pancreatitis in dogs, how it manifests and what treatment is recommended.

Phantom pregnancies in dogs are very common, with symptoms from mothering behaviour and lactation, to lethargy and vomiting. Find out more about signs, causes and possible treatment. Has your dog started acting like they are pregnant, mothering their toys and creating a nesting space? Have you noticed mammary development and even milk from their nipples? Some female dogs may display signs equivalent to morning sickness; with lethargy and dog vomiting. If your dog has not been mated, this may leave you scratching your head as to why they appear pregnant. If they have been mated, before you get too excited about visions of cute puppies, you need to make sure it’s not a false or phantom pregnancy. Read on to discover what the signs of phantom dog pregnancy are, how a false pregnancy gets diagnosed and when medical treatment is necessary.

All puppies go through a teething phase. Puppy teething is when they outgrow their puppy teeth, which are replaced by more permanent, adult teeth. This happens at a different age depending on their breed and size. But the effects of teething are the same: an irritable puppy and damage to your house! In this article, we explore why puppy teething can be a destructive phase and talk you through five steps that can make the whole process easier on both you and your pup.

Discovering mites on your dog can be concerning. These parasites cause discomfort, leading to itching, scratching, and in some cases, hair loss. This guide provides information on dog mite types, prevention, and treatment options to help you keep your dog mite-free.

It’s not uncommon for a dog to have ticks. These pesky parasites are very adept at attaching themselves to your dog’s coat, even if you do your best to avoid them. Luckily there are simple ways to help prevent, and treat, ticks on dogs.

Making a running partner out of your pet can be great. If you learn how to train your dog correctly, you’ll be improving your health, happiness, and your special bond… for both of you! Build up slowly to your ideal run. Just like humans, dogs need to acclimatise to levels of exercise. You could also research your dog’s breed to discover exactly what kind of running they might enjoy: you never know, they might just inspire you to achieve a marathon with time!

Even if you keep a close eye on your dog's health it’s important you book an annual appointment with your vet for a thorough check-up. This will give your vet the chance to spot any potential dog health problems and, hopefully, nip them in the bud before they become serious. Regular health assessments will also help you keep your dog's vaccinations up-to-date, provide an opportunity for you to accurately weigh your dog and help put your mind at ease about any issues.