Health

Parvovirus can be an extremely dangerous viral condition, but it can also be prevented. In this article we will be discussing this virus, covering diagnostics, treatments and how owners can help to prevent their dogs from catching this awful disease. Plus, get a better understanding of what parvo actually is, and how to protect your pup.

Bringing puppies into the world is an incredibly exciting time for owners and it’s easy to get lost focusing on these cute little creatures. However, it’s also an important time for you to be regularly checking on mum’s health too. Birth can be a traumatic time for your dog and, as such, there are a number of health issues that can arise including mastitis in dogs. Keep reading to find out more about mastitis in dogs, including possible causes and the signs to look out for, so you can help to keep your nursing dog and her puppies healthy and happy.

The thyroid is an important gland located in your dog’s neck, close to the windpipe. Although its dimensions are quite small, it has a big role to play. The thyroid produces hormones that are used in many processes throughout the body, meaning that its ability to work properly is key to the health and wellbeing of our pets. However, this important gland can sometimes stop functioning as it should, leading to thyroid problems in dogs and prompting owners to seek their vet’s help. One of the most common issues is called hypothyroidism and it can be quite concerning when owners start to notice the first symptoms in their pooches. Here is what you need to know about hypothyroidism in dogs and how you can support your pet if they’ve been diagnosed with this problem.

The sight of blood is frightening for any pet owner. Blood in dog urine is called haematuria, and if you’ve ever noticed this symptom in your pup, you’ll know how worrying it can be – it can send your mind into a tailspin with visions of a heart-breaking diagnosis and expensive veterinary bills. While a dog peeing blood is not always a story of doom and gloom, this can still be a serious symptom, so calling your vet should be your top priority. But there are many possible explanations for this problem, and a lot of them are treatable health conditions. If blood in dog urine has set off alarm bells for you, here is what you need to know about this symptom.

If you’ve found yourself with a litter of puppies on the way (especially if you are a first-time breeder or find yourself rearing puppies in rescue) it can be both an exciting and nerve-wracking time! To take some of the stress out of looking after your new bundles of joy, we’ve put together this guide on new-born puppy care to tell you what to expect at each stage and what you can do to help them on their way to growing into healthy and happy adult dogs.

Known for their stunning coats, long ears, and constant tail wagging, gorgeous Cocker Spaniels are one of the most cheerful dogs you’ll ever meet. Whether you already have this long-haired pup lying next to you on the couch or you’re getting ready to welcome one to the family, there are a few common health problems in Cocker Spaniels that owners should be aware of. Just like any other dog breed, the cheerful nature of these pups can be diminished by certain conditions. We break down the symptoms below to make the job of recognising them easier.

Are you looking for a German Shepherd to join the family and wondering what the most important health concerns are in relation to this stunning dog breed? German Shepherds are a relatively healthy breed, so the chances are that you’re going to spend many years together from now on. However, there are a few conditions owners should be aware of. Here are some of the more common health problems in German Shepherds and the symptoms that should prompt you to call your vet.

Chihuahuas may be small, but their big personality, comic nature, and fierce loyalty are part of their charm, as you’ll soon discover when you welcome one of these tiny companions into your life. Although you’ll see their bubbly attitude on full display as you get to know each other better, when it comes to health and wellbeing, there are a few health problems in Chihuahuas that owners should be aware of from day one. Chihuahuas are a relatively healthy breed, but if you want to make sure potential signs of trouble don’t go undetected, here are some of the common health issues in Chihuahuas to keep an eye out for.

Puppies are born very helpless. When they first come into the world, they’re deaf and blind. They have their eyes closed and their vision develops later on. However, the good news is that puppies don’t really have any need for vision or hearing at first because they are able to compensate with other senses such as smell, touch and pheromone detection. If you want to learn about how old puppies are when they open their eyes and what their first glimpse of the world looks like, keep reading and find out all you need to know.

Knowing that your dog is in pain is a horrible feeling, and for many owners the first instinct is to go straight to the medicine cabinet to look for some sort of pain relief for their pet. However, we would always strongly advise against doing this and, if you think your dog is hurting, stay calm and call the vet. They will be able to offer you help and advice on what to do next. We would always advise against giving any medications to your pet and, if you think there is something wrong, you should get in touch with your vet – even if it’s an emergency your vet practice should have a phone number that you can call 24/7. One of the most common medications that owners consider giving to their dog at home is ibuprofen. Here is all you need to know about why you should never give your pet this pain medication.

Discovering that your dog is leaving behind wet patches in their bedding or on the couch can be upsetting for pet owners. While in some cases, this might be an isolated incident, it is also possible that your dog is suffering from a medical condition causing urinary incontinence, where they are unable to control their bladder and might not even be aware of the leakage. Incontinence in dogs can affect all breeds, genders, and ages but is most common in older dogs. So, if your dog has started having accidents around the house, and is usually well toilet trained, make an appointment with your vet for a diagnosis and to discuss possible treatment options. Meanwhile, here are a few things to know about incontinence and what to do if your dog is leaking urine.

Your dog’s eyes can be as sensitive as they are precious. There are a range of causes that can make a dog’s eyes red which we will explore below. Some of these causes the skin or conjunctiva around the eye to appear inflamed and red, while others seem to affect the eyeball itself. As always, the best way to figure out the answer to the question ‘why are my dog’s eyes red’ is to talk to your vet as eye irritation can lead to more permanent damage if left untreated. But here are a few possible explanations you might hear mentioned during your appointment.