Just as human medical care might be divided into neonatal, paediatric, young adult, adult, and geriatric, so canine health care and nutrition is often split into ‘life-stages’. Neonate covers the time from birth to the start of weaning at 3 to 4 weeks. During this period the puppy is totally dependent on its mother. In the first two weeks puppies …
Hyperactivity – Does It Really Exist?
Coping with a high energy dog can be a challenge but labelling a dog as being hyperactive may not be a true evaluation of a dog’s behaviour. Hyperactivity or hyperkinesis is a medical condition with certain associated physiological symptoms and is relatively uncommon. A dog which is reactive, unable to settle in familiar environments, has lack of focus, an inability …
Are bones really safe for your dog?
One of the most divisive issues among dog owners and, to be fair, veterinary surgeons is that of whether dogs fare better on raw diets or on foods specifically manufactured to a reproducible formula and quality. Many argue that, as omnivores, dogs were originally designed to bring down prey and to eat it raw, including the vegetable contents of the …
What Makes a Good Dog Diet?
What makes a good dog diet? A simple question that opens a whole can of worms! The short answer is that a good dog diet is one which keeps the dog in good physical and mental condition, is enjoyed by the dog, is safe for the dog and the people around it, and which fits the owner’s budget. If you …
Things We Do That Our Dogs Hate
Isn’t it strange that we think some of the things that our pets do are funny? I doubt we’d laugh at our children or friends if they did something embarrassing or unexpected because we’d be cautious about causing them a degree of social discomfort, but, somehow, we think it’s different if a cat or dog looks stupid wearing a Matelot …
Lead Reactivity
Living with a reactive dog can be challenging, but don’t despair. Understanding more about the motivation and emotions involved will make it easier to begin the process of re-training. There are lots of techniques used with reactive dogs, all with different titles, but the key to them all is management and controlled exposures. ‘How can I control exposures when I …
Reducing behavioural problem in youngsters.
As a vet in general practice, I believe that prevention is better than cure; and that the same applies to behavioural problems. If you take on a puppy or young dog, prevention starts before you even bring him home. Find out as much as possible about the parents of your dog and how the litter has been raised. By the …
Thunder Phobia in dogs
Living with a thunder phobic dog can be very difficult. One of our family dogs was desperately afraid of thunder and after a thunderstorm we would find her either amongst my shoes in the wardrobe or more often in the bathroom, curled up between the bath and the toilet. Thankfully, she never destroyed anything, nor did she try to escape. …
We’re all going on a Summer Holiday
he days are getting longer, the sun is shining, and the weather is becoming warmer. It’s time to start planning holidays; new places to visit, different people to meet and a break from routine. Our dogs are very important members of the family and must be included in our holiday plans. But should they really be joining you on your trip? …
Emotional Well Being During the Festive Season
As the festive season approaches, most of us look forward to Christmas and spending time with family and friends. However, spare a thought for our pets. Christmas time is well known for being stressful for humans, but what about our pets? For them, the house has been turned upside down and seems to be invaded by strange objects. Furniture is …