Health

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 (providing 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. How often should I clean my dog’s ears? This often depends on your dog. Droopy-eared breeds such as Cocker Spaniels and Basset Hounds will require more regular ear cleaning as the can be more prone to ear infections. This is because longer droopy ears allow less air flow, and debris and moisture may easily become trapped in the ear canal, which can result in a yeast infection. Dogs that like to swim will also require regular ear cleaning as the extra moisture can predispose them to ear infections. Additionally, you should always be on the lookout for ear mites on your dog as they are also a potential cause of ear infections and can also be transmitted to other pets. In short, it’s important to clean your dog’s ears regularly enough to avoid infections, but not too often as this can damage the canal or cause irritation that can result in further problems. If you’re unsure, it’s best to ask your vet as they’ll be able to recommend a cleaning schedule that suits your dog’s unique needs. How to clean a dog’s ears When considering the best way to clean a dog’s ears, the most important thing is to ensure that your dog is comfortable with the entire process first.

If your four-legged friend has to have surgery, it can be helpful to know what to expect post-dog operation so that you can make your pet as comfortable as possible. Your vet will give you specific advice relating to your particular pet’s ongoing treatment and recovery, to help them get back their usual selves. 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. Collecting your dog after surgery When you go to collect your dog after surgery, expect them to be a little sleepy if they’ve had a general anaesthetic. The vet will have given them something small to eat and some painkillers, so they may be a bit wobbly on their feet. You’re likely to be given some dog medication to take home with you such as anti-inflammatories, antibiotics and pain relief. Speak to your vet if you have any questions about how to give them their medicine. When you get them home it’s likely that your dog will just want to head straight to bed to sleep off the effects of the anaesthetic, so make sure they get some peace and quiet without being disturbed. Soon afterwards, they should be pain free, comfortable and happy to eat again. Occasionally the disorientation can cause some dogs to show aggressive behaviour after their operation. This should only be temporary but if it lasts for more than a few hours, it could suggest they’re in pain. If you have any concerns about the dog operation, your pet’s after-care, their aggressive behaviour or their recovery – or if your pet’s not back to normal after 12 hours or so – do get back in touch with your vet. Feeding after dog surgery Feeding your dog after operation will likely be different to the normal routine. Dogs, like humans, can feel nauseous after waking up from an anaesthetic so, after their operation, give your dog a small evening meal of something light, such as cooked chicken or fish. If that's not possible, then feed them just a quarter of their regular food portion. Your vet may give you a specific type of food, developed specially for dogs after surgery. Give them this food for their first few meals, or for as long as your vet recommends but, as soon as possible, get them back onto their normal, high quality food as this will help speed up their recovery. As always, make sure your pet has easy access to clean, fresh water at all times after their dog operation. Exercise as part of your dog’s surgery recovery The usual dog exercise routine will likely have to change as well. Your vet will tell you what sort of exercise your dog can return to, and how soon, depending on the type of dog surgery they’ve had. For example, if your dog had stitches post dog operation, they will need to be kept on a lead and only allowed the very minimum amount of exercise - ideally just a walk in the garden to go to the toilet - until a few days after the stitches have been removed. They will also need to be discouraged from jumping onto furniture and going up and down stairs. Always follow your vet’s instructions on exercise.

While some dogs don’t mind a warm, soapy bath, there are others dogs who’ll try anything to avoid being in the tub. Whichever category your dog falls into, it’s always good to know how to bathe a dog to avoid creating a big mess in the bathroom. Whether it’s a muddy walk or natural odour, dog bathing is sometimes a necessity so it’s important that you know how to do it properly. How often should you bathe a dog? Unlike people, dogs don’t need daily baths. That said, bathing your dog regularly is a good idea. How often you should bathe your dog depends on the type of dog you have. The good news is that long-haired dogs rarely need more than two to three baths a year, as too much bathing actually removes the natural oils from his coat. A quick paw wash will do most of the time but if your dog has a medical condition, has rolled in something unpleasant, or just smells a bit ‘off’, then a bath is probably on the cards. Most short-haired dogs can also go without being bathed for a long time, unless they get particularly dirty or smelly! For the majority of short-haired dog breeds, bathing once a month is often enough.

Hernias can be quite common in dogs, especially in puppies. Our guide tells you the most common types of hernias and the likely treatments used to fix them. Hernias in dogs are relatively common, especially with puppies. Much like in people, a hernia is a condition where the contents of a dog’s abdomen pushes through a tear or hole in the muscle wall or fatty tissue. Over 90% of hernia cases are due to genetics, as puppies are most commonly born with them. However, hernias can also develop as a result of trauma, such as being hit by a car. The severity of hernia in dogs varies depending on where your dog has developed a hernia. This also determines if they are complicated or uncomplicated. Keep reading to find out what the most common types are, the possible symptoms and the methods of treating them.

Along with a wagging tail and muddy paws, many of us may assume that bad breath in dogs is just another everyday dog trait. However, bad breath in dogs can actually be an early sign of some dental health issues. Just like us, dogs can have dental problems. However, as they can’t go for a check-up with the dentist, it’s our responsibility as owners to make sure that they’re healthy. Health issues associated with bad breath in dogs As dogs can’t tell you themselves, it can be tough to tell if they’re having problems with their dental health. That’s why it’s important to know what signs to look out for. Bad breath in dogs is one of the first signs that something could be wrong. Bad breath in dogs does not always mean that there is a health problem, but it’s important to rule it out. If you notice your dog has bad breath, it’s worth giving them a dental check-up and looking for the other symptoms below. Dogs may have temporary bad breath from something they ate, but it shouldn’t be a long-lasting problem. There are two common dental health issues associated with bad breath in dogs: gingivitis and periodontal disease. Gingivitis in dogs A dental health issue that affects dogs and humans alike, gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums as they react to plaque that builds up on the teeth. Gingivitis can often be a cause of bad breath in dogs. Other symptoms of gingivitis in dogs include redness, swelling and even bleeding of the gums. Gingivitis in dogs is quite common – more than 80% of pets over three years of age will experience the problem. It can affect toy breeds (such as Chihuahuas) earlier on. Read more about the symptoms and treatment of canine gingivitis here.

Whether you’re the owner of a prize-winning breed with a high-maintenance coat or a regular bundle of fluff, dog grooming is an essential activity. Beyond them looking their best and most beautiful selves, there’s a whole range of other benefits to grooming your dog. Read on for more information and advice on how to groom a dog. The benefits of dog grooming Grooming your dog will help to keep their coat in the best possible condition. Dog grooming can remove dead hairs, help to distribute natural oils, and keep skin healthy. Brushing your dog’s hair has even been proven to reduce stress in your pet. Once used to the process, they’ll find it really relaxing! That doesn’t just go for your dog, it has also been scientifically shown that dog grooming can reduce stress and lower blood pressure in owners as well. Feeling anxious? Pick up a brush!

Are you getting ready to bathe your puppy for the first time? Here is everything you need to know. What you will need for your puppy’s first bath Let’s start easy with a shopping list. Here are the must-haves of puppy bathing time. • Table • Towel • Suitable puppy brush • Hair dryer • Dog bath or other suitable container • Puppy shampoo • A treat Steps for bathing a puppy When your puppy arrives home for the first time, it is beneficial to give them a bath in order to let them start their new experience fresh and clean. Here is a step-by-step guide for bathing your puppy without any unnecessary complications: 1. Place the puppy on a table The table has to be specifically designated for the job. In placing the puppy in this elevated, unfamiliar spot, you will help them understand that you are not playing. This will help you handle bathtime safely and comfortably. Put a towel on the table to ensure your puppy doesn’t slip off. It will also absorb excess water.

Dog puberty usually occurs when your pup is between 7 months and 2 years old and as with humans, it can bring a whole load of behavioural and physical changes. Find out everything you need to know about the signs of puberty in puppies and what you can expect in this handy guide. There is one thing that all puppy owners can rely on – and that is that their lovely cute, biddable puppy will one day grow up to be a canine adolescent, which brings with it both behavioural and physical changes. When does dog puberty occur? Dog puberty is the period between sexual maturity and social maturity and can happen between around seven months to almost two years, depending on the breed (larger breeds take longer to develop). Another way of looking at it is as a time when their hormones are running ahead of their brains – pretty much like with human teenagers! Behavioural changes during dog puberty During this stage of dog puberty, one of the first things you may notice is that your puppy’s behaviour starts to change. Things that you have taught them may seem to be inadvertently forgotten and they appear to ‘forget’ the simplest things, whether this is toilet training, recall or walking nicely on the lead. There may be changes in their interactions with you as they become clingier or, at other times, the puppy who used to hang on your every word seems not to notice you even exist! This is a time when your puppy is starting to look at the world through the eyes of an independent adult and reassessing their behaviour strategies. You may see your puppy behaving fearfully or reacting to things they have apparently taken in their stride in the past. Other dogs start to treat them differently, as they no longer have the ‘puppy privileges’ they used to enjoy. They have to rethink their social skills at a time when their hormones are raging as according to Pet Medical Center, an adolescent male dog has much higher testosterone levels than adult male dogs! This can lead to competitiveness and even aggression.

Hot spots in dogs are a common skin condition. Find out what they are and how to treat them once they show up, so you can get your dog back to their usual happy self. If you’ve noticed your dog itching more than usual and discovered a moist red spot on their skin under their fur, your beloved canine friend might be dealing with a skin condition known as dog hot spots. In this article we will look at what they are and how they can be treated effectively so your dog can get back to their normal happy self. What are dog hot spots? Dog hot spots are areas of infected skin that look red, wet and sometimes raised. Officially known as Moist Dermatitis, hot spots can be found anywhere on the body and can increase in size very quickly. Your dog will experience them as itchy and sometimes painful patches and will often try to soothe hot spots with scratching, licking or biting.

Ear infections in dogs aren’t uncommon, but with the right care and treatment you can keep your dog’s ears nice and clean, and prevent further earache for both of you! Symptoms of dog ear problems Your dog’s ears really benefit from a regular check-up, which is something you can share with them as part of an enjoyable grooming routine. Look out for any changes in your dog’s ear health; you know them best. Your dog's ears should always be clean and without any thick brown or green waxy discharge. There should also be no redness, itchiness or unusual smells coming from them. Unusual behaviour in your canine companion might also indicate a problem. If they start to scratch their ears frequently, shake their head more than normal, hold their head to one side, or rub one side of their face along the carpet or grass, it’s best to take them to your vet for a thorough ear examination. Severe ear problems and ear infections in dogs can have a more serious effect, such as loss of balance, which can be distressing for you both. (Bear in mind that balance loss may also be due to other causes, so always visit your vet for advice in such instances – that way you’ll know if something else is wrong.)

It may surprise you to learn that dogs can get acne just like humans! Find out all about the causes and symptoms of acne in dogs and what you can do about it here. Much like with humans, dogs can get acne when they start to go through puberty. In dogs, puberty occurs between five to eight months old which is when dog acne will be likely to appear, and in most cases it will disappear on its own by the time they reach one year old. Dog acne is more common than you might think and generally affects the facial area including lips, chins and muzzles. Cases can range from mild to severe and it’s important for dog owners to recognise the signs and know when to seek help from a vet. Keep reading to find out the possible causes and symptoms of dog acne and the currently available treatment options for your dog. Causes of dog acne Acne in dogs is caused by the same things that cause human acne, a combination of excess oily sebum and dead skin cells mixing together which causes the hair follicles to get clogged, resulting in raised and red lumps, blackheads or whiteheads. There can be numerous reasons why this may occur including genetic factors, hormonal changes, food and environmental allergies and in some cases, trauma. Additionally, sometimes dog acne can just be a normal part of adolescence which will occur no matter what preventative measures you may take.

Diabetes is a complex disease that most often develops in older dogs. Just like in humans, diabetes in dogs can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms. However, with careful management, this condition doesn’t need to affect their quality of life. What is diabetes in dogs? Dog diabetes, or ‘canine diabetes’, is caused by either a lack of insulin in your dog’s body or, in some cases, an ‘inadequate’ biological response to it. When your dog eats, the food is broken down. One of the components of their food, glucose, is carried to their cells by insulin. If your dog can’t produce enough insulin themselves, or the insulin they have isn’t used properly, the glucose cannot be used properly either. This means your dog’s blood sugar levels will rise, which can lead to adverse side effects. What causes diabetes in dogs? Just like in humans, it isn’t completely certain why some dogs develop diabetes. Some dogs may be more genetically prone to developing the condition. It is known, however, that being overweight can increase the risk of your dog developing diabetes. This may be because obesity causes cells in your dog’s body to become more resistant to insulin. If your dog develops diabetes, it is most likely to happen when they start to reach their senior years. Female dogs and neutered dogs may also be more at risk.