Many pet owners are unsure how to determine if their dog is indeed overweight. We’re here to make this simple. We (vets) use a body condition score system to assess your dogs weight as this more accurately indicates their size over numbers. Your dog is given a score of 1-9 and basically we want them […]
Giving your dog a bath will cleanse their skin of dirt, debris and pollens. It can also be used as a great way to deliver medication to the skin when needed. It can also remove natural oils from the coat, and even cause irritation of the skin. So how often should I bath my dog? […]
Chocolate and sultanas are two example of toxic foods for dogs, and are both commonly associated with Easter. Here are some easy ways to make sure your dog is not exposed to them. 1. Easter baskets in high places Dogs love chocolate. Chocolate doesn’t love dogs. The two don’t mix, so it’s best to keep […]
Did you know that two of our favourite Easter foods are highly toxic for dogs? Hot cross buns and chocolate stashes are notoriously sought after by pups, however this is no time to play family vacuum cleaner. 1. Hot Cross Buns Sultanas and raisins (and all grapes) are toxic to dogs. The toxin they contain […]
ASK DR CLAIRE Is there the chance of our dog being poisoned by licking a surface that has been treated with a household insect spray? It depends on the spray but most of the regular over the counter insect sprays (the kind you buy at the supermarket) are pyrethrin based and have a very low […]
Here’s the top 6 doggie dangers at Christmas as polled by the Vets at Vetchat. 1. Human food that’s toxic to dogs Chocolate, plum pudding, Christmas cake, stuffing for meats, fruit platters just to name a few. These common foods have ingredients in them that are toxic to dogs and must not be eaten. These […]
Mushrooms can make your dog really sick when they are eaten, and even cause the loss of your beloved pet. There are many species of mushrooms, and many of these are toxic (many are not), but the problem is that there is actually no proven way to easily work out from home if the mushroom […]
Fertilisers are toxic to both cats and dogs. However, it’s mainly dogs that are affected specifically owing to their scavenging nature. There are so many types of fertiliser, they generally contain salts of nitrogen and potassium. As well as phosphorus. They vary in the additives, which can include agents to kill plants, insects and fungi, […]
Many dogs and cats like to eat grass. There’s a lot of speculation as to why, but actually little evidence. Popular theories include that they have a dietary deficiency (ie. fibre), that they are sick or feel nauseous and so they choose to eat grass to make themselves vomit. Others believe that they are bored, […]