Dogs that are licking their paws are itchy. An itchy paw is most commonly due to allergies, most notably atopy, and less commonly food allergies. Atopy is an allergic reaction to one or more allergens in the environment such as pollen, grass, mould, dust mites and more which results in inflamed, itchy skin. Food allergies […]
Your dog has anal sacs, and yes you need to pay attention to them! Dogs have two anal sacs which are placed either side of their anus. Sorry for the analogy, but if you consider the anus as a clock face, they drain into it at 4 and 8 o’clock. The sac is constantly making […]
Dogs and cats can have eyes that are each a different colour. Specifically, it’s the coloured part of the eye called the iris. The term for different coloured irises in one individual, as well as different colours within the one iris, is heterochromia iridis. A dog or cat born with heterochromia does not have a […]
Aloe vera has been used for thousands of years to treat wounds, scrapes and bumps. It has antioxidant and antibacterial properties, and helps to increase speed of skin healing. However, the plant is considered toxic to dogs and cats. Well, part of it anyway. When you break open the leaf you see two things, the […]
This question has been coming up a bit recently due to news that some peanut butter brands are adding xylitol to their peanut butter making it a dangerous food for dogs. Xylitol is a sugar substitute that is extremely toxic to dogs. It’s popping up in more and more foods. You may recognise it as […]
The risk factors for heart disease in cats include family history. Like dogs, genetics can also come into play. It is also the reason that we see certain conditions recur in certain breeds. Risk does increase with age, although some cats are born with a congenital condition, much like their doggo friends. Unlike humans, obesity […]
Heart disease is very different in dogs than it is in humans. Dogs are rarely reported to have the same type of heart attacks that humans do. The main risk factors for heart disease in dogs, are family history. Especially genetics and the reason that we see certain conditions reoccur in certain breeds and age. […]
Ball play is great for many dogs. It can help with training, reduce behavioural issues and boredom. It can also improve happiness and fitness. But did you know that the type of ball and play surface you choose can negatively affect your pets health? Tennis balls are a bad choice of toy for your fur […]
Although dogs are not as susceptible to sunburn as us; they can and do get sunburnt. They are however, naturally protected by the pigment in their skin and their furry coat. The nose is a common spot to get burnt, and with continued exposure to the sun, these dogs are at risk of formation of […]