Health

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Quite a few plants in our homes and garden pose a risk to our furry friends. Ivy is a popular choice for many of us when it comes to house plants and in our gardens, but many dog owners won’t be aware of the potential risks to their furry friend. So, is ivy poisonous to dogs? Let’s find out.

What is a heart murmur in dogs? Heart murmurs refer to an unusual sound that’s detected when listening to a dog’s heartbeat through the stethoscope. Instead of the regular heart sounds, there may be a ‘whooshing’ noise indicating an abnormal blood flow through the heart. Heart murmurs in dogs vary in severity, from manageable to life-threatening. So, it’s important to talk to your vet about your dog’s symptoms to determine what type of medical help is needed. Keep reading to find out the key signs to look out for.

Knowing that your dog is unwell or in some kind of pain or discomfort can be an upsetting and uneasy situation. That is why it is incredibly important to seek advice from a vet to determine what the cause of your dog’s pain is and to do so as quickly as possible, so that they can assess and treat as needed to make sure your dog gets back to their normal selves in no time. It is natural to want to go above and beyond for our pets, especially when they aren’t feeling well, but there are some substances they can’t have. In this article we will be exploring whether steroids for dogs are safe or not.

Different size dog breeds tend to grow at different rates, so if your puppy is a toy breed, such as a Toy Poodle, you may find that they are not too far from their adult size at six months old. In contrast, if you have a giant dog breed such as a Great Dane, they will carry on growing for much longer, potentially up until the age of two years. Medium dog breeds andlarge breeds will fall somewhere between these two timelines and reach their adult height somewhere between nine and 18 months although may still fill out a little more. When dogs stop growing is a question asked by many, and there are no one-size-fits-all answers, but this article will walk you through what to expect with your pup!

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.