Health

The term ‘dog dandruff’ might come as a surprise to many, but just like people, our four-legged friends can also develop this condition. While this isn’t usually something to worry about, the presence of dandruff in dogs can be a sign of other underlying health issues. It’s also unsightly for us, but more importantly, often uncomfortable for them. At the end of the day, skin irritation is quite distressing, regardless of the species in question. So, if you’ve recently noticed those pesky white flakes showing up on your dog’s coat, we have some tips on how to deal with the problem while also significantly improving your pet’s well-being.

Just like us, our dogs sometimes need a little help to fight an illness, and that may mean a course of antibiotics. Antibiotics are what are known as prescription only medicines (POMs), in other words they must be prescribed by a vet. You could be wondering ‘are antibiotics safe for dogs?’ Well, we’ve put together a handy guide. So, read on the find out what types of antibiotics for dogs are out there and why you should always follow your vet’s instructions when giving your pet a course of antibiotics!

Like us humans, our furry friends also need eye care from time to time. This can include using eye drops for a variety of different reasons. You might even be wondering ‘why are my dog’s eyes red?’ and if your pup needs eye drops. Read on to find out why your dog might need eye drops and the different types of eye drops for dogs.

Springtime is all about new outdoor adventures as the gloomy winter weather gives way to longer days and glorious sunshine. But while our pooches have fun exploring every green patch they can find in gardens and parks, owners might be wondering how safe is it for their pets to make acquaintance with every plant under the sun. Colourful spring flowers are wonderful, but are they just harmless beauties, or might they pose a danger for overly curious dogs? In this article, we’re answering the question ‘are bluebells poisonous to dogs’, so you can make sure your pet doesn’t get into too much trouble while admiring these beautiful spring flowers.

Spring certainly knows how to make an entrance. Blue skies, green gardens, colourful flowers and longer days entice all of us, owners and dogs, out of the house. But all this fun outdoor exploration might make owners nervous about the potential risks that spring plants pose to dogs. In this article, we’re exploring the springtime favourites: the breathtaking daffodils.

Our dogs love to eat but sometimes, they’ll have a munch on things they’re not supposed to. As some of you know, lilies, although pretty, can be dangerous for cats but is it the same for dogs?

Dog miscarriage is a difficult experience for many pets and their owners. Even though we try our best to keep our furry friends healthy and happy, unforeseen complications can occur, and miscarriage is one of them. So if you’ve ever wondered: “can dogs have miscarriages?”, the answer is yes, they can and it’s important to know about them so that we can help. Understanding the possible causes, signs, and treatments of dog miscarriage is key for prompt and effective vet care. Whether your dog has experienced a miscarriage in the past, or you want to be prepared if it happens, this article is for you. Read on to learn how you can support your dog through this challenging situation.

As pretty as plants can be, some plants are toxic to dogs. To keep your dog safe, It’s best not to keep these plants in your house, just in case curiosity gets the better of them and they decide to have a nibble. See our list of plants poisonous to dogs so you can note which ones to stay away from.

As a dog parent, it may not ever cross your mind to think about whether or not they lose their teeth. However, dogs can lose their teeth, and sometimes this can be a cause for concern. Carry on reading to find out everything you need to know about dog teeth, what to do when they fall out and more.

You should contact the vet as soon as you notice something is wrong with your dog. In some cases, however, urgent care is needed while waiting for professional help. This is when owners can step in. Knowing what to do in those moments and how to administer dog first aid can save your pet’s life. Our guide is designed to help you understand how to do dog first aid in different scenarios and when to do it. Take a read below. We recommend speaking to your vet for advice before performing any of the first aid below. With any first aid, there is a risk of injury or harm to your pet if it is performed incorrectly, so you should always seek veterinary guidance.

Have you noticed an unusual swelling on your dog’s body? Wondering if it could be an abscess? Dogs can develop them just like humans and cats. Although they may not be as immediately noticeable in dogs due to all their luscious fur, they can nevertheless cause pain and discomfort. Keep reading to find out more about dog abscesses, how to tell when your best friend is affected and what to expect when you take them to the vet to be treated.

Whether you’ve got a sniffle or something more serious, you may be worried about the potential risks for your four-legged friend. We’ve put together this guide to tell you everything you need to know about dog colds and flu to help you better understand your pet. When the trees start to lose their leaves and we have to defrost the car each morning, we know one thing for certain – cold and flu season is on the way. This has just become a natural fact for humans and we’re no stranger to stock piling tissues and tablets, but what about our four-legged friends? Can dogs get colds? No, dogs don’t get colds in the same way that humans do and they cannot catch the cold virus that causes symptoms in humans. However, dogs can get infections that create symptoms like a cold, such as sneezing and congestion. In general, these ‘dog colds’ are specific to that species, so you won’t be able to catch the same cold as your dog either. Can dogs catch a cold from humans? If you have a sniffle or cough, you may be worried that you may pass the illness onto your companion, but you’ll be glad to know that this isn’t possible. Dogs are not affected by the common cold virus that infects humans. Can dogs get the flu? Dogs also can't get the same type of flu as humans. Outside of America, where a type of dog-specific flu virus sometimes appears, dogs who seem to have flu-like symptoms are not suffering from flu, but from one of a variety of other infections which could also be contagious and serious. A few are listed below. Other dog specific illnesses: Just like in humans, there’s a variety of conditions that might seem like dog colds and flu, a few of the most common are as follows: • Kennel cough: a respiratory infection characterised by a dry cough which will sound like a honking. If you think your dog has kennel cough, contact your vet right away. • Dog allergies: your four-legged friend can suffer from seasonal and environmental allergies, similar to how humans get hay-fever. • Canine distemper: Your dog should be vaccinated against this with their initial puppy vaccinations. Canine distemper can be life threatening, which is one of the many reasons it’s incredibly important for your dog to be vaccinated.